A meeting of the Congress top brass, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, was held here to decide the strategy on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the 'one nation, one election' issue.

Sources said the meeting, chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi and attended by Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, discussed the strategy to be adopted by the party during the meeting called by the prime minister on Wednesday.

Modi has invited heads of all parties who have an MP either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

The meeting has been called to discuss the "one nation, one election" issue, celebration of the 75 years of Independence in 2022 and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year. It will be followed by a dinner meeting with all MPs on June 20.

However, Congress leaders said the party was yet to take a decision on the matter.

"The issue of appointment of the leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha was not discussed," said Congress leader from West Bengal Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

Along with Chowdhury, Kerala unit working president K Suresh, party spokesperson Manish Tewari and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor are in the running for the post, sources said.

They said a decision on it will be taken by Sonia Gandhi soon.&nbsp;

A meeting of the Congress top brass, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, was held here to decide the strategy on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the 'one nation, one election' issue.

A meeting of the Congress top brass, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, was held here to decide the strategy on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the 'one nation, one election' issue. Sources said the meeting, chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi and attended by Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, discussed the strategy to be adopted by the party during the meeting called by the prime minister on Wednesday. Modi has invited heads of all parties who have an MP either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. The meeting has been called to discuss the "one nation, one election" issue, celebration of the 75 years of Independence in 2022 and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year. It will be followed by a dinner meeting with all MPs on June 20. However, Congress leaders said the party was yet to take a decision on the matter. "The issue of appointment of the leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha was not discussed," said Congress leader from West Bengal Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Along with Chowdhury, Kerala unit working president K Suresh, party spokesperson Manish Tewari and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor are in the running for the post, sources said. They said a decision on it will be taken by Sonia Gandhi soon.

Ahead of PM Modi's meeting with party chiefs, Congress discusses strategy on key matters

Senior Congress leader and Member of parliament from Baharampur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was named Congress' party chief in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The decision came after Congress top brass today morning, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, held a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-meeting-with-party-chiefs-congress-discusses-strategy-on-key-matters-228215">meeting to decide party strategy</a> on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the 'one nation, one election' issue, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The meeting, chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi, saw Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh in attendance along with senior leaders like AK Antony, P Chidambaram, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Jairam Ramesh, K Suresh, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The meeting took place at Sonia Gandhi's residence 10, Janpath.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is one of the two MPs of Indian National Congress in West Bengal. He is serving as the Member of Parliament for Berhampore since 1999. He is also a former president of West Bengal Pradesh Congress.

In 2019 General Elections he defeated TMC’s Apurba Sarkar with more than 78,000 votes.

Popularly known as ‘Nawab of Murshidabad’ or ‘Robinhood of Baharampur’, Chowdhury joined the Indian National Congress party during the premiership of Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury stronghold in the area is the sole reason behind Baharampore Lok Sabha constituency is traditionally a Congress bastion since 1999.

There are seven Assembly seats of Baharampore — Naoda, Kandi, Beldanga, Burdwan, Rejinagar, Baharampur and Bharatpur. All the seven seats were won by the Congress in the 2016 state decision.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and Member of parliament from Baharampur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was named Congress' party chief in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Senior Congress leader and Member of parliament from Baharampur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was named Congress' party chief in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The decision came after Congress top brass today morning, including Sonia Gandhi and party chief Rahul Gandhi, held a meeting to decide party strategy on key matters such as Lok Sabha speaker's election and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to discuss the 'one nation, one election' issue, news agency PTI reported. The meeting, chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi, saw Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh in attendance along with senior leaders like AK Antony, P Chidambaram, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Jairam Ramesh, K Suresh, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The meeting took place at Sonia Gandhi's residence 10, Janpath. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is one of the two MPs of Indian National Congress in West Bengal. He is serving as the Member of Parliament for Berhampore since 1999. He is also a former president of West Bengal Pradesh Congress. In 2019 General Elections he defeated TMC’s Apurba Sarkar with more than 78,000 votes. Popularly known as ‘Nawab of Murshidabad’ or ‘Robinhood of Baharampur’, Chowdhury joined the Indian National Congress party during the premiership of Rajiv Gandhi. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury stronghold in the area is the sole reason behind Baharampore Lok Sabha constituency is traditionally a Congress bastion since 1999. There are seven Assembly seats of Baharampore — Naoda, Kandi, Beldanga, Burdwan, Rejinagar, Baharampur and Bharatpur. All the seven seats were won by the Congress in the 2016 state decision. (With inputs from PTI)

Congress names Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury party chief in Lok Sabha 

The US House Oversight Committee voted on Wednesday to approve contempt of Congress citations against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-william-barr-refuses-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-mueller-report-215205">Attorney General William Barr</a> and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for defying congressional subpoenas related to the US Census.

By a 24-15 vote, the panel recommended that the full House of Representatives find Barr and Ross in contempt for refusing to cooperate with an investigation of the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 US Census.

The US House Oversight Committee voted on Wednesday to approve contempt of Congress citations against Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for defying congressional subpoenas related to the US Census.

The US House Oversight Committee voted on Wednesday to approve contempt of Congress citations against Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for defying congressional subpoenas related to the US Census. By a 24-15 vote, the panel recommended that the full House of Representatives find Barr and Ross in contempt for refusing to cooperate with an investigation of the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 US Census.

United States House panel approves contempt citations against Barr, Ross

While the Congress has always maintained that no crisis is going on within the party after facing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the real picture is quite different from what they are claiming.

The Congress party units across the country are getting into an internal tiff instead of analysing the reasons behind losing the poll battle.

The Congress was badly defeated in the Hindi belt states in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leaders in most of the states have started getting into an argument with each other over the defeat. It is worth mentioning that Congress President Rahul Gandhi has so far not opened up about the ongoing misery happening within the party.

As per reports, internal tiffs are also going on in Jammu and Kashmir after the Congress's drubbing in the state in Lok Sabha polls for which, the party has blamed the National Conference.

Congress had alleged that Farooq and Omar Abdullah did not campaign for the party in Jammu.

Two AICC meetings to analyse the reasons behind defeat went inconclusive. In fact, the meeting of Ambika Soni and Ghulam Nabi Azad with states leaders was also postponed.

According to sources, the state leaders want a change in leadership while a faction has also proposed an offer to divide state Congress into three parts.

In Punjab, state cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has always been critical against Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

Actor-turned-politician Sidhu has denied taking charges of the new post given to him in the cabinet.

Sidhu, who has been under fire from Captain Amarinder for the Congress'&nbsp;poor performance in urban areas, was given Power and Energy Sources Ministry.

The tension between the two Congressmen had also come out in the open on a few occasions in the past.

In Punjab, Congress won eight parliamentary seats out of 13 while four seats went to BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alliance and AAP bagged a seat- Sangrur.

In Rajasthan, many leaders and MLAs have come out against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, which led to the internal conflict within the Congress unit in the state.

The Congress that had won 99 out of 200 seats in state Assembly polls last year and formed the government with the support of its pre-poll ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), failed to open its account in the recently-concluded general elections.

Chief Minister Gehlot's son Vaibhav had contested from Jodhpur Assembly seat but lost to BJP's Gajendra Singh Shekhawat by a margin of 2.74 lakh votes.

The Chief Minister had extensively campaigned for his son after which Congress President lashed out at Gehlot for ignoring the rest of the state during crucial polls. Meanwhile, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot have demanded a change in the leadership.

Following Congress'&nbsp;crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls, Haryana which is going to Assembly elections in three months is also facing trouble within the party.

Many leaders are seeking the removal of the party's state chief Ashok Tanwar and renewed fighting in the ranks.

Haryana former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda convened a meeting at his residence in New Delhi.

Speaking to ANI, Hooda said, "The meeting was called to discuss the future course of action for upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. It was decided to fight the polls unitedly. But it is surprising that state party chief Ashok Tanwar was not present in the meeting nor Congress Legislative Party chief Kiran Chaudhary."

The internal bickering, which had been brewing within the party for long, came out in the open in the Congress war room when Tanwar had a verbal spat with senior leaders after MLA Jaitirath Dahiya wrote to Rahul Gandhi against him.

Trouble turned intense in the Congress's Haryana unit due to the debacle in general elections where the party failed to win a single seat out of a total of 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

Haryana, where 90-Assembly seats are at stake, is scheduled to go to polls in October this year.

In Maharashtra, a post of Congress MLA is still vacant after Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, resigned from it.

Post the Lok Sabha drubbing, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan, too, had offered his resignation.

The development has come after the party's poor performance in the general elections and months before the Maharashtra Assembly polls.

The current developments are likely to dent the Congress's bid in the Maharashtra Assembly polls.

In Jharkhand, taking responsibility for the defeat in the polls, Congress'&nbsp;state party President Ajay Kumar also offered to resign from the party post.

Congress had fought on seven seats in alliance with the JMM, RJD and JVM-P in the polls.

Congress won the Singhbhum seat and JMM won the Rajmahal seat. The situation in the state became tenser after when Jharkhand Pradesh chief PN Singh went to the party office to discuss the reasons behind polls debacle but faced outrage by the supporters.

As exit polls predicted a thumping majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, Roshan Baig hit out at the state Congress leadership and party in-charge KC Venugopal.

In a major setback to the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka in the recent elections, the BJP won 25 parliamentary constituencies out of a total of 28. Congress was left with just one seat.

Rahul Gandhi, who became the party president in 2017, offered to step down from his post at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for Congress'&nbsp;dismal performance in the 17th general elections.

However, his resignation offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC. So far, several top leaders have met Gandhi and urged him to continue to lead the party.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

While the Congress has always maintained that no crisis is going on within the party after facing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the real picture is quite different from what they are claiming.

While the Congress has always maintained that no crisis is going on within the party after facing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the real picture is quite different from what they are claiming. The Congress party units across the country are getting into an internal tiff instead of analysing the reasons behind losing the poll battle. The Congress was badly defeated in the Hindi belt states in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Congress leaders in most of the states have started getting into an argument with each other over the defeat. It is worth mentioning that Congress President Rahul Gandhi has so far not opened up about the ongoing misery happening within the party. As per reports, internal tiffs are also going on in Jammu and Kashmir after the Congress's drubbing in the state in Lok Sabha polls for which, the party has blamed the National Conference. Congress had alleged that Farooq and Omar Abdullah did not campaign for the party in Jammu. Two AICC meetings to analyse the reasons behind defeat went inconclusive. In fact, the meeting of Ambika Soni and Ghulam Nabi Azad with states leaders was also postponed. According to sources, the state leaders want a change in leadership while a faction has also proposed an offer to divide state Congress into three parts. In Punjab, state cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has always been critical against Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. Actor-turned-politician Sidhu has denied taking charges of the new post given to him in the cabinet. Sidhu, who has been under fire from Captain Amarinder for the Congress' poor performance in urban areas, was given Power and Energy Sources Ministry. The tension between the two Congressmen had also come out in the open on a few occasions in the past. In Punjab, Congress won eight parliamentary seats out of 13 while four seats went to BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alliance and AAP bagged a seat- Sangrur. In Rajasthan, many leaders and MLAs have come out against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, which led to the internal conflict within the Congress unit in the state. The Congress that had won 99 out of 200 seats in state Assembly polls last year and formed the government with the support of its pre-poll ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), failed to open its account in the recently-concluded general elections. Chief Minister Gehlot's son Vaibhav had contested from Jodhpur Assembly seat but lost to BJP's Gajendra Singh Shekhawat by a margin of 2.74 lakh votes. The Chief Minister had extensively campaigned for his son after which Congress President lashed out at Gehlot for ignoring the rest of the state during crucial polls. Meanwhile, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot have demanded a change in the leadership. Following Congress' crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls, Haryana which is going to Assembly elections in three months is also facing trouble within the party. Many leaders are seeking the removal of the party's state chief Ashok Tanwar and renewed fighting in the ranks. Haryana former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda convened a meeting at his residence in New Delhi. Speaking to ANI, Hooda said, "The meeting was called to discuss the future course of action for upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. It was decided to fight the polls unitedly. But it is surprising that state party chief Ashok Tanwar was not present in the meeting nor Congress Legislative Party chief Kiran Chaudhary." The internal bickering, which had been brewing within the party for long, came out in the open in the Congress war room when Tanwar had a verbal spat with senior leaders after MLA Jaitirath Dahiya wrote to Rahul Gandhi against him. Trouble turned intense in the Congress's Haryana unit due to the debacle in general elections where the party failed to win a single seat out of a total of 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Haryana, where 90-Assembly seats are at stake, is scheduled to go to polls in October this year. In Maharashtra, a post of Congress MLA is still vacant after Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, resigned from it. Post the Lok Sabha drubbing, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan, too, had offered his resignation. The development has come after the party's poor performance in the general elections and months before the Maharashtra Assembly polls. The current developments are likely to dent the Congress's bid in the Maharashtra Assembly polls. In Jharkhand, taking responsibility for the defeat in the polls, Congress' state party President Ajay Kumar also offered to resign from the party post. Congress had fought on seven seats in alliance with the JMM, RJD and JVM-P in the polls. Congress won the Singhbhum seat and JMM won the Rajmahal seat. The situation in the state became tenser after when Jharkhand Pradesh chief PN Singh went to the party office to discuss the reasons behind polls debacle but faced outrage by the supporters. As exit polls predicted a thumping majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, Roshan Baig hit out at the state Congress leadership and party in-charge KC Venugopal. In a major setback to the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka in the recent elections, the BJP won 25 parliamentary constituencies out of a total of 28. Congress was left with just one seat. Rahul Gandhi, who became the party president in 2017, offered to step down from his post at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for Congress' dismal performance in the 17th general elections. However, his resignation offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC. So far, several top leaders have met Gandhi and urged him to continue to lead the party. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.

Congress turning into a divided house due to infighting among leaders

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday for the first time after facing massive defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Congress'&nbsp;general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka will visit Rae Bareli on Tuesday evening and will take part in review meetings that will take place on Wednesday to discuss the reasons behind party's poor performance in the general elections in the state.

Along with Priyanka, Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia will also take review meetings in Delhi on June 11 and in Lucknow on June 14.

According to sources, district presidents from the eastern region of the state and other senior leaders will be attending marathon meetings which will go till late in the presence of secretary in-charges of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi retained the Rae Bareli seat by defeating the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.67 lakh votes.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi lost the Nehru-Gandhi family stronghold Amethi seat to BJP's Smriti Irani by over 55,000 votes.

On June 4, a meeting was held at Priyanka's residence in New Delhi, which was attended by President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress committee, Raj Babbar and other general secretaries, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, to build the party again at the block level, post its defeat in the elections.

Results of the recent Lok Sabha elections were disastrous for the Congress. The Congress won 52 seats across the country in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday for the first time after facing massive defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday for the first time after facing massive defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Congress' general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka will visit Rae Bareli on Tuesday evening and will take part in review meetings that will take place on Wednesday to discuss the reasons behind party's poor performance in the general elections in the state. Along with Priyanka, Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia will also take review meetings in Delhi on June 11 and in Lucknow on June 14. According to sources, district presidents from the eastern region of the state and other senior leaders will be attending marathon meetings which will go till late in the presence of secretary in-charges of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sonia Gandhi retained the Rae Bareli seat by defeating the BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.67 lakh votes. Congress President Rahul Gandhi lost the Nehru-Gandhi family stronghold Amethi seat to BJP's Smriti Irani by over 55,000 votes. On June 4, a meeting was held at Priyanka's residence in New Delhi, which was attended by President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress committee, Raj Babbar and other general secretaries, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, to build the party again at the block level, post its defeat in the elections. Results of the recent Lok Sabha elections were disastrous for the Congress. The Congress won 52 seats across the country in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.

Priyanka Gandhi to visit Uttar Pradesh for first time after Congress' poll debacle

Former union minister Aslam Sher Khan on Friday said he has offered to step into Rahul Gandhi's shoes as the Congress President after Rahul said he wanted someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to assume the responsibility.

"I wrote the letter when Rahul Gandhi offered to leave the post of Congress President and asked someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to take over his role. In the letter, I mentioned that if Rahul wanted to continue at the post he very well could, but if not, then I would like to assume the responsibility for two years," he told ANI here.

Khan is the first leader to stake claim to the post after Gandhi offered his resignation at the Congress Working Committee meeting in Delhi on May 25 following the debacle in Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) had unanimously rejected the offer and passed a new resolution which authorised Gandhi to revamp the organisation.Khan added his intent behind writing the letter was to ensure a makeover of the party and there were no hopes for any personal gains.

"The letter was not written for personal gains. It is because I believe Congress needs a makeover and it needs to be realigned with the nationalist identity. It is because of these reasons that I became ready to assume the responsibilities when the party is going through tough times," he said.

Khan, however, said he did not blame Rahul for the defeat as "he left no stone unturned but the narrative of the Congress simply failed to connect with the people and they again went with Narendra Modi."

He talked about luck stating that a change is needed to improve the chances of the oldest party in India and added, "No doubt a change is needed and if someone who is a better candidate than me, can also be given the role."

Former union minister Aslam Sher Khan on Friday said he has offered to step into Rahul Gandhi's shoes as the Congress President after Rahul said he wanted someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to assume the responsibility.

Former union minister Aslam Sher Khan on Friday said he has offered to step into Rahul Gandhi's shoes as the Congress President after Rahul said he wanted someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to assume the responsibility. "I wrote the letter when Rahul Gandhi offered to leave the post of Congress President and asked someone from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family to take over his role. In the letter, I mentioned that if Rahul wanted to continue at the post he very well could, but if not, then I would like to assume the responsibility for two years," he told ANI here. Khan is the first leader to stake claim to the post after Gandhi offered his resignation at the Congress Working Committee meeting in Delhi on May 25 following the debacle in Lok Sabha elections. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) had unanimously rejected the offer and passed a new resolution which authorised Gandhi to revamp the organisation.Khan added his intent behind writing the letter was to ensure a makeover of the party and there were no hopes for any personal gains. "The letter was not written for personal gains. It is because I believe Congress needs a makeover and it needs to be realigned with the nationalist identity. It is because of these reasons that I became ready to assume the responsibilities when the party is going through tough times," he said. Khan, however, said he did not blame Rahul for the defeat as "he left no stone unturned but the narrative of the Congress simply failed to connect with the people and they again went with Narendra Modi." He talked about luck stating that a change is needed to improve the chances of the oldest party in India and added, "No doubt a change is needed and if someone who is a better candidate than me, can also be given the role."

Olympian Aslam Sher Khan offers to replace Rahul Gandhi as Congress chief

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday tweeted out the revised list of portfolios of the Cabinet members after a minor reshuffle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sharing the revised list of portfolios of my Cabinet colleagues after a minor reshuffle. Wish them all the best of luck as they take up their new assignments. I am confident that each decision they take will be in service to the people of Punjab. <a href="https://t.co/D21PfTbtsA">pic.twitter.com/D21PfTbtsA</a>
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1136628558598529024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 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>

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has been&nbsp;stripped off his urban development department.

Amarinder Singh previously said that he was unhappy with&nbsp;Sidhu's performance in urban areas in the Lok Sabha polls.

Sidhu was the Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Museums of the State of Punjab. After the reshuffle, he has now been given&nbsp;the Department of Power, New and Renewable Energy sources.

Earlier today Navjot Singh Sidhu skipped the first cabinet meeting after the elections and asserted he could not be "taken for granted".

"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 told reporters.

"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 added.

In the recently held general election, Congress won eight out of the 13 seats in Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday tweeted out the revised list of portfolios of the Cabinet members after a minor reshuffle. Sharing the revised list of portfolios of my Cabinet colleagues after a minor reshuffle.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday tweeted out the revised list of portfolios of the Cabinet members after a minor reshuffle. Sharing the revised list of portfolios of my Cabinet colleagues after a minor reshuffle. Wish them all the best of luck as they take up their new assignments. I am confident that each decision they take will be in service to the people of Punjab. pic.twitter.com/D21PfTbtsA — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) June 6, 2019 × Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has been stripped off his urban development department. Amarinder Singh previously said that he was unhappy with Sidhu's performance in urban areas in the Lok Sabha polls. Sidhu was the Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Museums of the State of Punjab. After the reshuffle, he has now been given the Department of Power, New and Renewable Energy sources. Earlier today Navjot Singh Sidhu skipped the first cabinet meeting after the elections and asserted he could not be "taken for granted". "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 told reporters. "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 added. In the recently held general election, Congress won eight out of the 13 seats in Punjab.

Navjot Singh Sidhu given Power Ministry after Punjab CM Amarinder Singh's cabinet reshuffle

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Tuesday resigned as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

Patil had resigned from the post of Leader of Opposition in the Assembly in April.

He, however, said that he has no issue with the party leadership.

"I didn't campaign for the party during the Lok Sabha election. I don't doubt the high command. I was given the opportunity to become the Leader of Opposition. I tried to do good work but the situation has compelled me to resign," Patil told media persons.

According to sources, he is likely to join the BJP later in the day. He met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

His son Sujay Vikhe Patil was recently elected to the Lok Sabha on the BJP ticket from Ahmednagar.

Patil submitted his resignation to the Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

Abdul Sattar, who was ousted from the Congress party, said that more leaders are expected to leave the Congress to join the BJP.

"Eight to 10 more leaders will leave the Congress party to join the BJP. They are unhappy with the party leadership," Sattar told ANI.

The Congress party faced debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in the state, where it won just two seats out of 48.&nbsp;

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Tuesday resigned as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). Patil had resigned from the post of Leader of Opposition in the Assembly in April.

Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Tuesday resigned as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). Patil had resigned from the post of Leader of Opposition in the Assembly in April. He, however, said that he has no issue with the party leadership. "I didn't campaign for the party during the Lok Sabha election. I don't doubt the high command. I was given the opportunity to become the Leader of Opposition. I tried to do good work but the situation has compelled me to resign," Patil told media persons. According to sources, he is likely to join the BJP later in the day. He met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His son Sujay Vikhe Patil was recently elected to the Lok Sabha on the BJP ticket from Ahmednagar. Patil submitted his resignation to the Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. Abdul Sattar, who was ousted from the Congress party, said that more leaders are expected to leave the Congress to join the BJP. "Eight to 10 more leaders will leave the Congress party to join the BJP. They are unhappy with the party leadership," Sattar told ANI. The Congress party faced debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in the state, where it won just two seats out of 48.

Congress veteran Vikhe Patil calls it quits, likely to join BJP

Congress will prove to be a strong and effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on Saturday.

''I thought 40 were enough to take on BJP. Now we have 52 MPs. Our MPs will fight BJP every single day,'' said Congress president who was also present at the CPP meet.

''Maybe we will not get enough time in the House but even those two minutes would be enough to put down BJP,'' he added.

Rahul thanked the voters and addressed the Congress party workers, saying, "Every Congress member must remember that each one of you is fighting for the Constitution, for every person in India irrespective of the colour of his skin or belief", party spokesperson Surjewala said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong &amp; effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India. <a href="https://t.co/iUcdB51tHE">pic.twitter.com/iUcdB51tHE</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1134707876348321793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 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>

''Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong &amp; effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India,'' tweeted Rahul Gandhi after the CPP meeting.

Congress will prove to be a strong and effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on Saturday.

Congress will prove to be a strong and effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) on Saturday. ''I thought 40 were enough to take on BJP. Now we have 52 MPs. Our MPs will fight BJP every single day,'' said Congress president who was also present at the CPP meet. ''Maybe we will not get enough time in the House but even those two minutes would be enough to put down BJP,'' he added. Rahul thanked the voters and addressed the Congress party workers, saying, "Every Congress member must remember that each one of you is fighting for the Constitution, for every person in India irrespective of the colour of his skin or belief", party spokesperson Surjewala said. Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong & effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India. pic.twitter.com/iUcdB51tHE — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 1, 2019 × ''Congratulations to Smt Sonia Gandhi on being elected Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Under her leadership, the Congress will prove to be a strong & effective opposition party, that will fight to defend the Constitution of India,'' tweeted Rahul Gandhi after the CPP meeting.

Congress will fight to defend the Constitution of India: Rahul Gandhi 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-elected-leader-of-congress-parliamentary-party-sources-223313">The Congress party on Saturday</a> said that it will not stake a claim for the post of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as it is falling short of two seats and is not able to reach the required number of 54.&nbsp;

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told media that the party needs 10 per cent to of the total number of Lok Sabha seats, "since we're 2 short officially we can't have a Leader of Opposition," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Randeep Singh Surjewala on Leader of Opposition: We will not stake a claim to the Leader of Opposition till we have the strength of 54 &amp; since we don't have we're not going to stake a claim. <a href="https://t.co/Yjthql3coc">https://t.co/Yjthql3coc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1134743288433369088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 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>

Surjewala added that the onus lies with the Central government "whether they want to designate a party formally as principal opposition or not".

Watch: Sonia Gandhi elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary Party

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sonia-gandhi-elected-as-the-leader-of-congress-parliamentary-party-223329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The party had appointed senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge to the post in 2014 for the 16th Lok Sabha term.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was re-elected as the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) today.

The newly elected Congress Lok Sabha MPs were present for the meeting which took place at the Central Hall of Parliament in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Congress party on Saturday said that it will not stake a claim for the post of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as it is falling short of two seats and is not able to reach the required number of 54.

The Congress party on Saturday said that it will not stake a claim for the post of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as it is falling short of two seats and is not able to reach the required number of 54. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told media that the party needs 10 per cent to of the total number of Lok Sabha seats, "since we're 2 short officially we can't have a Leader of Opposition," he said. Randeep Singh Surjewala on Leader of Opposition: We will not stake a claim to the Leader of Opposition till we have the strength of 54 & since we don't have we're not going to stake a claim. https://t.co/Yjthql3coc — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2019 × Surjewala added that the onus lies with the Central government "whether they want to designate a party formally as principal opposition or not". Watch: Sonia Gandhi elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary Party The party had appointed senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge to the post in 2014 for the 16th Lok Sabha term. Meanwhile, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was re-elected as the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) today. The newly elected Congress Lok Sabha MPs were present for the meeting which took place at the Central Hall of Parliament in New Delhi.

Won't stake claim in Lok Sabha for Leader of Opposition: Congress

Amid political uncertainty within the party following the severe drubbing it received in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress on Thursday barred its spokespersons from representing the party on news channel debates for a month.

Taking to Twitter, Congress communications in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala requested all media channels and its editors to not place any Congress representatives on their shows.

".@INCIndia has decided to not send spokespersons on television debates for a month. All media channels/editors are requested to not place Congress representatives on their shows," Surjewala tweeted while announcing the party's decision.

This came after Rahul Gandhi, who became the Congress president in 2017, offered to step down from his post at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-parliamentary-party-to-meet-on-june-1-to-elect-leader-222590">Congress Working Committee</a> (CWC) meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the recently concluded 17th general elections.

However, his resignation offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC.So far, several top leaders have met Gandhi and urged him to continue to lead the party.

Sources said that despite senior members making serious attempts to convince the 48-year-old party chief to rethink his decision, he remains unfazed.

These leaders, sources said, maintained that Congress cannot afford to have someone new at the helm for rebuilding the organisation at this juncture and that the responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014, in the outgoing Lok Sabha.

The NDA, on the other hand, registered a massive victory, winning 352 seats to retain power. The BJP alone won 303 seats - its highest tally ever.&nbsp;

Amid political uncertainty within the party following the severe drubbing it received in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress on Thursday barred its spokespersons from representing the party on news channel debates for a month.

Amid political uncertainty within the party following the severe drubbing it received in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress on Thursday barred its spokespersons from representing the party on news channel debates for a month. Taking to Twitter, Congress communications in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala requested all media channels and its editors to not place any Congress representatives on their shows. ".@INCIndia has decided to not send spokespersons on television debates for a month. All media channels/editors are requested to not place Congress representatives on their shows," Surjewala tweeted while announcing the party's decision. This came after Rahul Gandhi, who became the Congress president in 2017, offered to step down from his post at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the recently concluded 17th general elections. However, his resignation offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC.So far, several top leaders have met Gandhi and urged him to continue to lead the party. Sources said that despite senior members making serious attempts to convince the 48-year-old party chief to rethink his decision, he remains unfazed. These leaders, sources said, maintained that Congress cannot afford to have someone new at the helm for rebuilding the organisation at this juncture and that the responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014, in the outgoing Lok Sabha. The NDA, on the other hand, registered a massive victory, winning 352 seats to retain power. The BJP alone won 303 seats - its highest tally ever.

Congress to stay away from TV debates for a month

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that party president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-workers-gather-outside-rahul-gandhis-residence-urging-him-not-to-resign-222563">Rahul Gandhi is sticking to his decision to resign</a> from the post.

"We want Rahul to continue as Congress president. But he is insisting that he will not continue as party president anymore. All members of the working committee are unanimously saying that we will not accept Rahul's resignation. We asked him to withdraw his resignation but he did not do it," Gogoi told ANI.

"In a democracy, a strong opposition is needed. Who will become a strong opposition? There is only one party Congress and Rahul has the capability to lead the party with his pan-India image," he said.

The Congress leader said that Rahul has stated that he will help the next party president.

"Rahul said he will continue till next president is chosen... He said he will fight the ideological battle with BJP and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. He said that he will help the next Congress president," according to Gogoi.

On May 25, Rahul had offered to step down from the post at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, taking moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections.

His resignation was rejected "unanimously" by the CWC members who authorised him to do a complete overhaul and restructuring of the party at every level.

The Congress president, who won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, lost to BJP`s Smriti Irani from Amethi parliamentary constituency which was considered a stronghold of the party.&nbsp;

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that party president Rahul Gandhi is sticking to his decision to resign from the post.

Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that party president Rahul Gandhi is sticking to his decision to resign from the post. "We want Rahul to continue as Congress president. But he is insisting that he will not continue as party president anymore. All members of the working committee are unanimously saying that we will not accept Rahul's resignation. We asked him to withdraw his resignation but he did not do it," Gogoi told ANI. "In a democracy, a strong opposition is needed. Who will become a strong opposition? There is only one party Congress and Rahul has the capability to lead the party with his pan-India image," he said. The Congress leader said that Rahul has stated that he will help the next party president. "Rahul said he will continue till next president is chosen... He said he will fight the ideological battle with BJP and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. He said that he will help the next Congress president," according to Gogoi. On May 25, Rahul had offered to step down from the post at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, taking moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was rejected "unanimously" by the CWC members who authorised him to do a complete overhaul and restructuring of the party at every level. The Congress president, who won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, lost to BJP`s Smriti Irani from Amethi parliamentary constituency which was considered a stronghold of the party.

Rahul Gandhi not ready to withdraw his resignation: Congress leader Tarun Gogoi

Urging people not to indulge in speculation, Congress on Tuesday said the Congress Working Committee <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-refuses-to-meet-senior-leaders-remains-adamant-on-his-decision-to-step-down-as-congress-chief-222324">(CWC) has rejected Rahul Gandhi's resignation</a> from the party president's post and that "is the only realty".

"I don't think we should speculate. CWC has already explained that Rahul is not resigning... And it should rest there and we should not speculate. Let's not indulge in any speculation," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera.

When a media person said that Rahul had rejected the resolution, Khera dismissed it saying, "Maybe you know better than me."

Rahul had offered to step down from the party post at the CWC meeting held last Saturday, taking moral responsibility for Congress'&nbsp;dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
Watch: Rahul insists on resigning; CWC to hold another meeting

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-insists-on-resigning-as-cong-president-cwc-to-hold-another-meeting-222176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
However, Rahul's offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince him to rethink his decision, Rahul is unfazed.

Earlier in the day Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot arrived at Rahul`s residence.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and party general secretary in-charge KC Venugopal were also present at his residence.

Along with Congress leaders, UPA ally DMK too batted for the continuance of Rahul as the party president.

Earlier in the day, DMK chief MK Stalin telephoned Rahul and urged him to continue in the post.

Urging people not to indulge in speculation, Congress on Tuesday said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has rejected Rahul Gandhi's resignation from the party president's post and that "is the only realty".

Urging people not to indulge in speculation, Congress on Tuesday said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has rejected Rahul Gandhi's resignation from the party president's post and that "is the only realty". "I don't think we should speculate. CWC has already explained that Rahul is not resigning... And it should rest there and we should not speculate. Let's not indulge in any speculation," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. When a media person said that Rahul had rejected the resolution, Khera dismissed it saying, "Maybe you know better than me." Rahul had offered to step down from the party post at the CWC meeting held last Saturday, taking moral responsibility for Congress' dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections. Watch: Rahul insists on resigning; CWC to hold another meeting However, Rahul's offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC. Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince him to rethink his decision, Rahul is unfazed. Earlier in the day Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot arrived at Rahul`s residence. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and party general secretary in-charge KC Venugopal were also present at his residence. Along with Congress leaders, UPA ally DMK too batted for the continuance of Rahul as the party president. Earlier in the day, DMK chief MK Stalin telephoned Rahul and urged him to continue in the post.

Let's not indulge in speculation: Congress on Rahul Gandhi's resignation

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) working president Jayakumar on Tuesday asserted that the mandate received by Congress and its allies in South India is a testimony of people's faith in party president Rahul Gandhi and hence, he must not resign respecting their faith.

He also informed that they will pass a resolution urging the Congress president to continue on the post.

Speaking to ANI, Jayakumar said, "Though Rahul ji's name was not announced for the post of Prime Minister, our largest ally DMK leader Stalin clearly said that we are going to seek votes in the name of Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. People have handsomely voted for us and we all won with a large margin in the state. It is a clear indication that people accepted Rahul Gandhi even as Prime Minister of the country."

He, however, refused to comment on the party's abysmal performance in other parts of the country, while indicating that the party's performance in the state that they won in December seems hard to believe.

"In North what has happened I don`t want to get into it. We formed government in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. In these states suddenly over few months time, people`s heart and mind changed and they voted en-mass for something else, it looks very ridiculous to me", said Jayakumar.

The newly elected MP also asserted that they will be passing a resolution requesting Congress president to take back his resignation.

Jayakumar said, "I don`t accept this kind of situation from Southern side, people have voted for us en masse and they have accepted Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Therefore we cannot go and stand in front of people that our leader has resigned because some performance is bad in some part of the country. Tomorrow we are going to pass a resolution to say that Rahul should stand and lead the party. We will come with the resolution and come and meet Rahul Gandhi."

On being asked whether most Congress MP's being from South have any kind of impact, he said, "Definitely Congress party is strong in the South and it must be recognised and regarded."

A few days back on May 25, P Chidambaram got emotional while appealing to Gandhi not to step down from his post, claiming that the party`s cadres in the southern states will commit suicide.

During the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, all leaders urged Gandhi to continue as the party president, even as Rahul remained firm on his decision to resign, sources said.

Addressing media after the CWC meeting, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Rahul has been authorised to restructure the party following its dismal performance in the recently held general elections.

When party leaders asked UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to intervene and dissuade Rahul from resigning, she said it was up to Rahul to decide whether to step down or not, sources added.

However, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was of the view that no decision should be taken in haste. She, sources claimed, also said if Rahul decides to resign, it would mean that he fell into BJP's trap.

While the newly-elected Wayanad MP expressed his intent to discontinue as the party president, sources said he asserted that he would continue to fight for Congress'&nbsp;ideology and work for the party.

When the 48-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family remained adamant on discontinuing as the party president, the CWC leaders rose to oppose his offer stating that he was not the one to be blamed for the party's drubbing.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) working president Jayakumar on Tuesday asserted that the mandate received by Congress and its allies in South India is a testimony of people's faith in party president Rahul Gandhi and hence, he must not resign respecting their faith.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) working president Jayakumar on Tuesday asserted that the mandate received by Congress and its allies in South India is a testimony of people's faith in party president Rahul Gandhi and hence, he must not resign respecting their faith. He also informed that they will pass a resolution urging the Congress president to continue on the post. Speaking to ANI, Jayakumar said, "Though Rahul ji's name was not announced for the post of Prime Minister, our largest ally DMK leader Stalin clearly said that we are going to seek votes in the name of Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. People have handsomely voted for us and we all won with a large margin in the state. It is a clear indication that people accepted Rahul Gandhi even as Prime Minister of the country." He, however, refused to comment on the party's abysmal performance in other parts of the country, while indicating that the party's performance in the state that they won in December seems hard to believe. "In North what has happened I don`t want to get into it. We formed government in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. In these states suddenly over few months time, people`s heart and mind changed and they voted en-mass for something else, it looks very ridiculous to me", said Jayakumar. The newly elected MP also asserted that they will be passing a resolution requesting Congress president to take back his resignation. Jayakumar said, "I don`t accept this kind of situation from Southern side, people have voted for us en masse and they have accepted Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Therefore we cannot go and stand in front of people that our leader has resigned because some performance is bad in some part of the country. Tomorrow we are going to pass a resolution to say that Rahul should stand and lead the party. We will come with the resolution and come and meet Rahul Gandhi." On being asked whether most Congress MP's being from South have any kind of impact, he said, "Definitely Congress party is strong in the South and it must be recognised and regarded." A few days back on May 25, P Chidambaram got emotional while appealing to Gandhi not to step down from his post, claiming that the party`s cadres in the southern states will commit suicide. During the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, all leaders urged Gandhi to continue as the party president, even as Rahul remained firm on his decision to resign, sources said. Addressing media after the CWC meeting, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Rahul has been authorised to restructure the party following its dismal performance in the recently held general elections. When party leaders asked UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to intervene and dissuade Rahul from resigning, she said it was up to Rahul to decide whether to step down or not, sources added. However, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was of the view that no decision should be taken in haste. She, sources claimed, also said if Rahul decides to resign, it would mean that he fell into BJP's trap. While the newly-elected Wayanad MP expressed his intent to discontinue as the party president, sources said he asserted that he would continue to fight for Congress' ideology and work for the party. When the 48-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family remained adamant on discontinuing as the party president, the CWC leaders rose to oppose his offer stating that he was not the one to be blamed for the party's drubbing.

South India voted on Rahul Gandhi's name: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president

After the Lok Sabha polls debacle, the newly-elected MPs of the Congress will meet for the first time on June 1 and elect the new leader of the parliamentary party.

The Congress Parliamentary Party is currently chaired by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-sonia-gandhi-to-attend-narendra-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-as-prime-minister-222569">Sonia Gandhi</a> and all 52 MPs will be present at the meeting, besides its Rajya Sabha members, sources said.

The CPP meeting will be held in the central hall of Parliament and will also chalk out its strategy for the upcoming session.

In its first meeting after constitution of the 17th Lok Sabha, the party will first elect its new leader.

The sources said this will be the first official meeting that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will attend after the meeting of the party's working committee held on May 25, where he offered to quit as Congress chief.

The CWC, however, rejected his offer to resign and unanimously passed a resolution authorising him to bring structural changes in the party at all levels in a bid to revamp it.

After the Lok Sabha polls debacle, the newly-elected MPs of the Congress will meet for the first time on June 1 and elect the new leader of the parliamentary party.

After the Lok Sabha polls debacle, the newly-elected MPs of the Congress will meet for the first time on June 1 and elect the new leader of the parliamentary party. The Congress Parliamentary Party is currently chaired by Sonia Gandhi and all 52 MPs will be present at the meeting, besides its Rajya Sabha members, sources said. The CPP meeting will be held in the central hall of Parliament and will also chalk out its strategy for the upcoming session. In its first meeting after constitution of the 17th Lok Sabha, the party will first elect its new leader. The sources said this will be the first official meeting that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will attend after the meeting of the party's working committee held on May 25, where he offered to quit as Congress chief. The CWC, however, rejected his offer to resign and unanimously passed a resolution authorising him to bring structural changes in the party at all levels in a bid to revamp it.

Congress Parliamentary Party to meet on June 1 to elect leader

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue&nbsp;amid reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/disquiet-in-congress-ranks-as-rahul-gandhi-insists-on-resigning-fate-of-rajasthan-and-karnataka-governments-uncertain-222058">Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation</a> as the party chief.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post.&nbsp;

Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-happened-at-the-cwc-meeting-the-inside-story-221561">Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend</a> to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party.

It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-adamant-on-resignation-wants-a-non-gandhi-as-next-congress-president-221657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince Gandhi to rethink his decision, Gandhi is said to be unfazed, news agency ANI reported.

Party leaders, sources said, maintained that Congress cannot afford to have a new leader at the helm for rebuilding the organisation at this juncture and that the responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual.

"The Congress party expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, more trouble for Congress as three more state party chiefs tendered their resignations on Monday, taking the total number to six.

Congress party chiefs of Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab have also resigned in addition to those from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.&nbsp;

Karnataka Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman HK Patil has also resigned.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief.

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post. Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party. Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party. It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince Gandhi to rethink his decision, Gandhi is said to be unfazed, news agency ANI reported. Party leaders, sources said, maintained that Congress cannot afford to have a new leader at the helm for rebuilding the organisation at this juncture and that the responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual. "The Congress party expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala posted on Twitter. Meanwhile, more trouble for Congress as three more state party chiefs tendered their resignations on Monday, taking the total number to six. Congress party chiefs of Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab have also resigned in addition to those from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Karnataka Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman HK Patil has also resigned. (With inputs from agencies)

With Rahul Gandhi firm on quitting as party chief, Congress Working Committee to meet again

Rahul Gandhi is the best person to pull the Congress out of its predicament following the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, says party leader Shashi Tharoor while declaring that his party is&nbsp;"alive and kicking" and it is too premature to write its obituary.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/with-rahul-gandhi-firm-on-quitting-as-party-chief-congress-working-committee-to-meet-again-this-week-222138">Congress has no time to sit and lick its wounds</a> as it must immediately pick itself up for the upcoming state elections, Tharoor said.

The party faces an existential crisis with the party president adamant on his decision to quit after the poll debacle -- winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats -- and its state governments facing an uncertain future.&nbsp;

Tharoor, who scored an electoral hat-trick by winning from the Thiruvananthapuram seat in the Lok Sabha polls, also said he is ready to take on the job of the Congress' leader in the Lok Sabha if offered the post.

The Congress still represents the only credible national alternative to the BJP and it will take its message to the country, hopefully under Gandhi's leadership, he said.

In his view, the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command "great clout and respect" within the party, on the basis of the tremendous contributions it has made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence.

The former Union minister said Gandhi has led the party from the front and still has far more to offer to the party.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul insists on resigning as Cong President; CWC to hold another meeting

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-insists-on-resigning-as-cong-president-cwc-to-hold-another-meeting-222176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Asked about Gandhi's offer to resign and if he was still Congress' best bet in terms of leadership, Tharoor said attempts in the media to pin all the blame for the party's electoral setback on his shoulders are simplistic and unfair.

"I think it does a disservice to the very complex challenges facing the Congress party to reduce it to a question of one person.

"While Rahulji has bravely taken full responsibility for the defeat, we all are responsible for what went wrong and we all have a responsibility to ensure the party's revival," the 63-year-old leader said.

Gandhi will easily beat any other interested candidate by a landslide if the party decides to hold a free and fair election tomorrow for the position of party president, he claimed.

"That is the kind of place he has built in the hearts of the rank and file of the Congress party and therefore, to my mind, he still undoubtedly remains the best person to help rally the party out of the predicament it finds itself in and help us collectively move forward," Tharoor said.

Asked whether a non-Gandhi could lead the party, Tharoor said others can rise to prominent positions in the Congress and a case in point is that the last two Congress prime ministers were not Gandhis.

"Still, I have no doubt the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command great clout and respect within the party, just on the basis of the tremendous contributions they have made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence," the former diplomat said.

Two former prime ministers from the Gandhi family -- Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi -- even sacrificed their lives for the nation and this is the proud legacy to which Rahul Gandhi is heir, he said.

Asked if the Congress still remains a credible alternative to the BJP, he said, "It's far too premature to write an obituary for the party as Kerala and Punjab have shown, we are very much alive and kicking."

Despite Congress' poor showing across the country, the party performed well in Kerala and Punjab, winning 15 and eight seats respectively.

"I strongly believe that we have no time to sit and lick our wounds and must instead pick up again immediately and effectively not least because we have several state elections coming up, some of which are four or five months away," he said.

Elections are due in the states of Jharkhand, Haryana and Maharashtra later this year.

Tharoor said he strongly disagreed with Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav's recent "ill-considered" statement that the "Congress must die".

"I genuinely and passionately believe that what the Congress stands for and offers the nation is fundamentally indispensable to the future of the country," he said.

The Congress represents an alternate vision of the idea of India, an inclusive and pluralist vision, that reflects truly the heart and soul of the country, Tharoor said.

Asked if he would take up the role of Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, he said, "If offered, certainly I would, but that is not for me to determine. It is clear, though, that since so many of our stalwarts have lost these elections, those of us who remain will have to pull our weight and take on extra responsibility. I am ready for that."

Talking about polarisation playing a role in elections, Tharoor said certainly the party has to understand why voters chose not to vote in their economic self-interest.

With unemployment at a 45-year high, farmers in such distress that record numbers are committing suicide, and small and micro enterprises are shutting down all over the country, one would think that economics would decide the election, he said.

"...Why should a young man who voted for Mr Modi in 2014 in the hope of getting a job vote for him again in 2019 when he still doesn't have a job? And yet he did," Tharoor said.

"Undoubtedly, increasing religious polarisation was a factor. But it is not the whole story, I think. The larger-than-life personality cult around the PM seems to have convinced some voters that he is the only one to lead the country and keep it safe from real and imagined enemies, within and without," he said.

Rahul Gandhi is the best person to pull the Congress out of its predicament following the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, says party leader Shashi Tharoor while declaring that his party is "alive and kicking" and it is too premature to write its obituary.

Rahul Gandhi is the best person to pull the Congress out of its predicament following the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, says party leader Shashi Tharoor while declaring that his party is "alive and kicking" and it is too premature to write its obituary. The Congress has no time to sit and lick its wounds as it must immediately pick itself up for the upcoming state elections, Tharoor said. The party faces an existential crisis with the party president adamant on his decision to quit after the poll debacle -- winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats -- and its state governments facing an uncertain future. Tharoor, who scored an electoral hat-trick by winning from the Thiruvananthapuram seat in the Lok Sabha polls, also said he is ready to take on the job of the Congress' leader in the Lok Sabha if offered the post. The Congress still represents the only credible national alternative to the BJP and it will take its message to the country, hopefully under Gandhi's leadership, he said. In his view, the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command "great clout and respect" within the party, on the basis of the tremendous contributions it has made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence. The former Union minister said Gandhi has led the party from the front and still has far more to offer to the party. Watch: Rahul insists on resigning as Cong President; CWC to hold another meeting Asked about Gandhi's offer to resign and if he was still Congress' best bet in terms of leadership, Tharoor said attempts in the media to pin all the blame for the party's electoral setback on his shoulders are simplistic and unfair. "I think it does a disservice to the very complex challenges facing the Congress party to reduce it to a question of one person. "While Rahulji has bravely taken full responsibility for the defeat, we all are responsible for what went wrong and we all have a responsibility to ensure the party's revival," the 63-year-old leader said. Gandhi will easily beat any other interested candidate by a landslide if the party decides to hold a free and fair election tomorrow for the position of party president, he claimed. "That is the kind of place he has built in the hearts of the rank and file of the Congress party and therefore, to my mind, he still undoubtedly remains the best person to help rally the party out of the predicament it finds itself in and help us collectively move forward," Tharoor said. Asked whether a non-Gandhi could lead the party, Tharoor said others can rise to prominent positions in the Congress and a case in point is that the last two Congress prime ministers were not Gandhis. "Still, I have no doubt the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command great clout and respect within the party, just on the basis of the tremendous contributions they have made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence," the former diplomat said. Two former prime ministers from the Gandhi family -- Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi -- even sacrificed their lives for the nation and this is the proud legacy to which Rahul Gandhi is heir, he said. Asked if the Congress still remains a credible alternative to the BJP, he said, "It's far too premature to write an obituary for the party as Kerala and Punjab have shown, we are very much alive and kicking." Despite Congress' poor showing across the country, the party performed well in Kerala and Punjab, winning 15 and eight seats respectively. "I strongly believe that we have no time to sit and lick our wounds and must instead pick up again immediately and effectively not least because we have several state elections coming up, some of which are four or five months away," he said. Elections are due in the states of Jharkhand, Haryana and Maharashtra later this year. Tharoor said he strongly disagreed with Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav's recent "ill-considered" statement that the "Congress must die". "I genuinely and passionately believe that what the Congress stands for and offers the nation is fundamentally indispensable to the future of the country," he said. The Congress represents an alternate vision of the idea of India, an inclusive and pluralist vision, that reflects truly the heart and soul of the country, Tharoor said. Asked if he would take up the role of Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, he said, "If offered, certainly I would, but that is not for me to determine. It is clear, though, that since so many of our stalwarts have lost these elections, those of us who remain will have to pull our weight and take on extra responsibility. I am ready for that." Talking about polarisation playing a role in elections, Tharoor said certainly the party has to understand why voters chose not to vote in their economic self-interest. With unemployment at a 45-year high, farmers in such distress that record numbers are committing suicide, and small and micro enterprises are shutting down all over the country, one would think that economics would decide the election, he said. "...Why should a young man who voted for Mr Modi in 2014 in the hope of getting a job vote for him again in 2019 when he still doesn't have a job? And yet he did," Tharoor said. "Undoubtedly, increasing religious polarisation was a factor. But it is not the whole story, I think. The larger-than-life personality cult around the PM seems to have convinced some voters that he is the only one to lead the country and keep it safe from real and imagined enemies, within and without," he said.

Rahul best person to lead party, too premature to write Congress' obituary: Shashi Tharoor

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today.&nbsp;

This comes just a few days before the party is expected to hold another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/with-rahul-gandhi-firm-on-quitting-as-party-chief-congress-working-committee-to-meet-again-this-week-222138">Working Committee meeting this week</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-adamant-on-resignation-wants-a-non-gandhi-as-next-congress-president-221657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post.&nbsp;

Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party.

It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today.

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today. This comes just a few days before the party is expected to hold another Working Committee meeting this week. The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post. Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party. Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party. It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Post surgical analysis of Congress poll debacle, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot meet Rahul Gandhi

The president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi after Congress's "humiliating defeat" in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

"I take the moral responsibility for the dismal performance of the Congress party in the result of Lok Sabha elections under my leadership in Assam. Whatever may be the reason for this humiliating defeat of my party in Assam, my conscience does not allow me to continue as president of Assam PCC," Bora said in his resignation letter.

"I shall always be a disciplined soldier of my party and I am ready to dedicate myself to work for the party in the days to come. In order to give a new look to the party and rejuvenate it I think a new successor should take immediately my place," he added.

Out of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, Congress only managed to win three, while the BJP bagged nine of them and two went to others.&nbsp;

Bora is the latest to resign over Congress's performance. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi. Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief.

The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next fiver years. Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting.

The president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi after Congress's "humiliating defeat" in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

The president of Assam unit of the Congress party, Ripun Bora, submitted his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi after Congress's "humiliating defeat" in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. "I take the moral responsibility for the dismal performance of the Congress party in the result of Lok Sabha elections under my leadership in Assam. Whatever may be the reason for this humiliating defeat of my party in Assam, my conscience does not allow me to continue as president of Assam PCC," Bora said in his resignation letter. "I shall always be a disciplined soldier of my party and I am ready to dedicate myself to work for the party in the days to come. In order to give a new look to the party and rejuvenate it I think a new successor should take immediately my place," he added. Out of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, Congress only managed to win three, while the BJP bagged nine of them and two went to others. Bora is the latest to resign over Congress's performance. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar, party's Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and Karnataka state unit president HK Patil have already sent their resignations to Gandhi. Delhi Congress president Shiela Dikshit has also sent her resignation to the party chief. The Congress is going through a crisis after its humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, where the voters gave a decisive mandate to BJP-led NDA to govern the country for the next fiver years. Rahul Gandhi has himself offered to resign as party president, though the proposal was rejected during the party's working committee meeting.

Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora resigns post 'humiliating defeat' in Lok Sabha polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-varanasi-today-221858">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Monday took to Twitter to pay his obeisance to country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary.

"Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

After getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister is slated to visit his constituency Varanasi today.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1132836798906937344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 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, senior Congress leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial at Shantivan here.

Among others who paid their obeisance to the late leader was former Uttar Pradesh, Governor Motilal Vora.

A staunch advocate of socialism, secularism and democracy Pandit Nehru, he was an eminent leader of India's freedom movement against the British rule.

Nehru emerged as an eminent leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and served India as Prime Minister from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to Twitter to pay his obeisance to country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary. "Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to Twitter to pay his obeisance to country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary. "Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. After getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister is slated to visit his constituency Varanasi today. Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 27, 2019 × Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial at Shantivan here. Among others who paid their obeisance to the late leader was former Uttar Pradesh, Governor Motilal Vora. A staunch advocate of socialism, secularism and democracy Pandit Nehru, he was an eminent leader of India's freedom movement against the British rule. Nehru emerged as an eminent leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and served India as Prime Minister from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964.

PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary

Speculation was rife on Sunday about senior Congress leader Lalchand Kataria quitting as the Agriculture Minister of Rajasthan with his purported resignation letter doing the rounds on social media, even though the Chief Minister's Office did not confirm the development.

In a purported press release, Kataria said he resigned from the Ashok Gehlot cabinet in the wake of the Congress party's poor performance in the state in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The Congress lost all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the general elections. The BJP won 24 and its ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party one seat in the Congress-ruled state.&nbsp; 
Kataria said he was forwarding his resignation to Governor Kalyan Singh through the CM.

When contacted, the Chief Minister's Office told PTI, "We refuse to confirm the resignation."

Sources at the Raj Bhawan also did not confirm the resignation. "There is no confirmation on this," said a source.

Kataria could not be contacted for comments as his official phone was unreachable.&nbsp;

Speculation was rife on Sunday about senior Congress leader Lalchand Kataria quitting as the Agriculture Minister of Rajasthan with his purported resignation letter doing the rounds on social media, even though the Chief Minister's Office did not confirm the development.

Speculation was rife on Sunday about senior Congress leader Lalchand Kataria quitting as the Agriculture Minister of Rajasthan with his purported resignation letter doing the rounds on social media, even though the Chief Minister's Office did not confirm the development. In a purported press release, Kataria said he resigned from the Ashok Gehlot cabinet in the wake of the Congress party's poor performance in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress lost all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the general elections. The BJP won 24 and its ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party one seat in the Congress-ruled state. Kataria said he was forwarding his resignation to Governor Kalyan Singh through the CM. When contacted, the Chief Minister's Office told PTI, "We refuse to confirm the resignation." Sources at the Raj Bhawan also did not confirm the resignation. "There is no confirmation on this," said a source. Kataria could not be contacted for comments as his official phone was unreachable.

Congress Lok Sabha debacle: Speculation over Rajasthan agriculture minister quitting

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-draws-a-blank-in-18-states-and-union-territories-221310">facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections</a>, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said.

Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle.

However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results.

In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections.

Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle. Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said. Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle. However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results. In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections. Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress may introspect poll debacle in CWC meeting today

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.&nbsp;

Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes</a>.

A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments.&nbsp;

On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions.&nbsp;

Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one.&nbsp;

It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised.&nbsp;

Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-rahul-gandhi-concedes-defeat-asks-congress-workers-not-to-lose-hope-221026">conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election</a>.

Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.&nbsp;

''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' &nbsp;the Congress president said.&nbsp;

''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party.&nbsp;

The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''.

Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-election-2019-congress-accepts-defeat-in-lok-sabha-election-221044/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India. Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes. A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments. On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions. Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one. It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised. Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''. ''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' the Congress president said. ''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party. The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''. Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate. Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed. Watch: Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election ×

In historic Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi scripts two electoral records

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-officials-plan-to-bypass-congress-for-saudi-arms-sales-report-221244">sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia</a>, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

The Trump administration informed congressional committees that it will go ahead with 22 military sales to the Saudis, United Arab Emirates and Jordan, infuriating lawmakers by circumventing a long-standing precedent for congressional review of major weapons sales.

Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Lawmakers and congressional aides warned earlier this week that Trump, frustrated with Congress holding up weapons deals including the sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia, was considering using a loophole in arms control law to go ahead by declaring a national emergency.

"President Trump is only using this loophole because he knows Congress would disapprove ... There is no new 'emergency' reason to sell bombs to the Saudis to drop in Yemen, and doing so only perpetuates the humanitarian crisis there," said Senator Chris Murphy.

Murphy, a Democrat, made public on Twitter on Wednesday that Trump was considering the loophole in the Arms Control Export Act to clear the sales.

Several of Trump's fellow Republicans, as well as Democrats, said they would object to such a plan, fearing that blowing through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress' ability to check not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that US&nbsp;partners in the Middle East needed the contracts to be completed to help deter Iran and that the decision to circumvent Congress was meant to be a "one-time event."

It is not the first time Congress and Trump have clashed over policy in the region or the division of powers between the White House and Capitol Hill. The House and Senate voted to end US&nbsp;military support for the campaign in Yemen earlier this year, but Trump vetoed the resolution.

Boon to defence industry

In documents sent to Congress, Pompeo listed a wide range of products and services that would be provided to the countries.

They include Raytheon precision-guided munitions (PGMs), support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp.

Other companies that will benefit include General Electric, now cleared to sell engines for use in F-16 fighter jets operated by the UAE and the US&nbsp;unit of French firm Thales, which was cleared to sell a fuzing system for Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to Britain and the UAE.

It will also likely be welcome news for Britain’s BAE Systems Plc and Europe’s Airbus, clearing the way for installation of Paveway laser-guided bombs on European-built Eurofighter and Tornado fighter jets sold to Saudi Arabia, as well F-15 fighters built by Boeing.

"I am disappointed, but not surprised, that the Trump Administration has failed once again to prioritize our long-term national security interests or stand up for human rights, and instead is granting favours to authoritarian countries like Saudi Arabia," Senator Bob Menendez said in a statement.

Menendez, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, vowed to fight the action and said he was in talks with both Democrats and some of Trump's fellow Republicans on ways to preserve congressional review of arms sales.

The Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Republican Senator Jim Risch, said he had received formal notification of the administration's intent to move forward.

In a statement, Risch said, "I am reviewing and analysing the legal justification for this action and the associated implications."

In his memorandum justifying the emergency declaration, Pompeo listed years of actions by Iran. "Iranian malign activity poses a fundamental threat to the stability of the Middle East and to American security at home and abroad," he wrote and cited "a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings" from Tehran.

Trump's administration also announced that it was sending 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East, which it described as an effort to bolster defences against Iran against what it sees as a threat of potential attack.&nbsp;

Members of Congress from both parties have worried that Trump is pushing toward war with Iran. Clarke Cooper, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, said the administration was responding to important needs from partners.

"This is about deterrence and it's not about war," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

US President Donald Trump, declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, swept aside objections from Congress on Friday to complete the sale of over $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The Trump administration informed congressional committees that it will go ahead with 22 military sales to the Saudis, United Arab Emirates and Jordan, infuriating lawmakers by circumventing a long-standing precedent for congressional review of major weapons sales. Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. Lawmakers and congressional aides warned earlier this week that Trump, frustrated with Congress holding up weapons deals including the sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia, was considering using a loophole in arms control law to go ahead by declaring a national emergency. "President Trump is only using this loophole because he knows Congress would disapprove ... There is no new 'emergency' reason to sell bombs to the Saudis to drop in Yemen, and doing so only perpetuates the humanitarian crisis there," said Senator Chris Murphy. Murphy, a Democrat, made public on Twitter on Wednesday that Trump was considering the loophole in the Arms Control Export Act to clear the sales. Several of Trump's fellow Republicans, as well as Democrats, said they would object to such a plan, fearing that blowing through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress' ability to check not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that US partners in the Middle East needed the contracts to be completed to help deter Iran and that the decision to circumvent Congress was meant to be a "one-time event." It is not the first time Congress and Trump have clashed over policy in the region or the division of powers between the White House and Capitol Hill. The House and Senate voted to end US military support for the campaign in Yemen earlier this year, but Trump vetoed the resolution. Boon to defence industry In documents sent to Congress, Pompeo listed a wide range of products and services that would be provided to the countries. They include Raytheon precision-guided munitions (PGMs), support for Boeing Co F-15 aircraft, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, which are made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp. Other companies that will benefit include General Electric, now cleared to sell engines for use in F-16 fighter jets operated by the UAE and the US unit of French firm Thales, which was cleared to sell a fuzing system for Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to Britain and the UAE. It will also likely be welcome news for Britain’s BAE Systems Plc and Europe’s Airbus, clearing the way for installation of Paveway laser-guided bombs on European-built Eurofighter and Tornado fighter jets sold to Saudi Arabia, as well F-15 fighters built by Boeing. "I am disappointed, but not surprised, that the Trump Administration has failed once again to prioritize our long-term national security interests or stand up for human rights, and instead is granting favours to authoritarian countries like Saudi Arabia," Senator Bob Menendez said in a statement. Menendez, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, vowed to fight the action and said he was in talks with both Democrats and some of Trump's fellow Republicans on ways to preserve congressional review of arms sales. The Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Republican Senator Jim Risch, said he had received formal notification of the administration's intent to move forward. In a statement, Risch said, "I am reviewing and analysing the legal justification for this action and the associated implications." In his memorandum justifying the emergency declaration, Pompeo listed years of actions by Iran. "Iranian malign activity poses a fundamental threat to the stability of the Middle East and to American security at home and abroad," he wrote and cited "a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings" from Tehran. Trump's administration also announced that it was sending 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East, which it described as an effort to bolster defences against Iran against what it sees as a threat of potential attack. Members of Congress from both parties have worried that Trump is pushing toward war with Iran. Clarke Cooper, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, said the administration was responding to important needs from partners. "This is about deterrence and it's not about war," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Defying Congress, Trump sets $8 billion-plus in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

"Reports of Congress president offering resignation are incorrect," party chief spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala said even as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was underway to discuss the Lok Sabha election defeat.

Earlier reports suggested that Gandhi had offered to step down and it was rejected by the CWC.

Several senior leaders, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh, Motilal Vora, former union ministers RPN Singh, PL Punia and P Chidambaram, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, were present at the meeting.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, was also present in the huddle.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah are also present at the meeting.&nbsp;

The CWC, sources said, is taking stock of the party`s loss in Uttar Pradesh, the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat - Raebareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi - in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi, who was the MP from Amethi since 2004, lost to Union Minister Smriti Irani.

The party put up a poor show in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

In the 2014 general election, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest score in its history. It has improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the 2019 polls.

Meanwhile, the chiefs of party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for Congress` poor performance.&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. "Reports of Congress president offering resignation are incorrect," party chief spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala said even as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was underway to discuss the Lok Sabha election defeat. Earlier reports suggested that Gandhi had offered to step down and it was rejected by the CWC. Several senior leaders, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh, Motilal Vora, former union ministers RPN Singh, PL Punia and P Chidambaram, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, were present at the meeting. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, was also present in the huddle. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah are also present at the meeting. The CWC, sources said, is taking stock of the party`s loss in Uttar Pradesh, the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat - Raebareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi - in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi, who was the MP from Amethi since 2004, lost to Union Minister Smriti Irani. The party put up a poor show in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. In the 2014 general election, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest score in its history. It has improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the 2019 polls. Meanwhile, the chiefs of party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for Congress` poor performance.

Congress dismisses talk of Rahul Gandhi's resignation

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-narendra-modi-likely-to-take-oath-as-prime-minister-on-may-30-221221">PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony</a>. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30. WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian government sources have said, "At the moment, we have no information on this matter. &nbsp;We will share details with the media once a decision is taken."

During the first tenure of his government, PM Modi had visited all South Asian countries. Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka saw multiple visits. Last year, all 10 heads of the ASEAN countries were invited for the Republic Day celebration.

Pakistan still hasn't received the invite for the oath-taking ceremony.

In 2014, PM Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries for his oath-taking ceremony. These included PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and speaker of Bangladesh's PM Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.&nbsp;

Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office as she was re-elected last year, rest all the countries have seen a change in government.&nbsp;

It is still not clear if leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe, France's Emmanuel Macron and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the oath-taking ceremony. All these leaders had called PM Modi to congratulate him on his re-election. &nbsp;

Isreal is still in the government formation mode. Netanyahu has been given a mandate by the president to try and form a government and as of now, a coalition hasn't been finalised.

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30.

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30. WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping. Meanwhile, Indian government sources have said, "At the moment, we have no information on this matter. We will share details with the media once a decision is taken." During the first tenure of his government, PM Modi had visited all South Asian countries. Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka saw multiple visits. Last year, all 10 heads of the ASEAN countries were invited for the Republic Day celebration. Pakistan still hasn't received the invite for the oath-taking ceremony. In 2014, PM Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries for his oath-taking ceremony. These included PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and speaker of Bangladesh's PM Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office as she was re-elected last year, rest all the countries have seen a change in government. It is still not clear if leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe, France's Emmanuel Macron and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the oath-taking ceremony. All these leaders had called PM Modi to congratulate him on his re-election. Isreal is still in the government formation mode. Netanyahu has been given a mandate by the president to try and form a government and as of now, a coalition hasn't been finalised.

India begins sending out invites to foreign leaders for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony

Congress'&nbsp;Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It was reported that Gandhi offered his resignation during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-elections-2019-congress-may-introspect-poll-debacle-in-cwc-meeting-today-221445">Working Committee (CWC) meeting</a>&nbsp;earlier today and that the resignation was rejected by the top brass.&nbsp;

Rumours of the Congress chief stepping down started doing the rounds soon after the party tasted a bitter defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sources: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers his resignation at CWC, but it has not been accepted by the Committee. <a href="https://t.co/Imw1m4ypbQ">pic.twitter.com/Imw1m4ypbQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1132179316924567554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 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>

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met today to discuss the reason for the party's debacle.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not present at the crucial CWC meeting in New Delhi today.

The meeting saw Congress bigwigs in attendance including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among other notable and veteran leaders.&nbsp;

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/focus-is-now-on-the-next-five-years-team-will-deliver-better-pm-modi-221500">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>-led Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide win in the general elections bagging over 300 seats.

The Congress party, on the other hand, drew a blank in 18 states, including some of the prominent regions in the Hindi heartland of the country.&nbsp;

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported.

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported. It was reported that Gandhi offered his resignation during the Working Committee (CWC) meeting earlier today and that the resignation was rejected by the top brass. Rumours of the Congress chief stepping down started doing the rounds soon after the party tasted a bitter defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. Sources: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers his resignation at CWC, but it has not been accepted by the Committee. pic.twitter.com/Imw1m4ypbQ — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2019 × The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met today to discuss the reason for the party's debacle. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it was reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not present at the crucial CWC meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting saw Congress bigwigs in attendance including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among other notable and veteran leaders. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide win in the general elections bagging over 300 seats. The Congress party, on the other hand, drew a blank in 18 states, including some of the prominent regions in the Hindi heartland of the country.

Congress rubbishes reports of Rahul Gandhi's resignation as party chief

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-up-bjp-gets-60-and-counting-sp-bsp-struggles-to-touch-15-221133">BJP has won seven seats</a> and is leading in two others, while the Congress bagged three and the AIUDF one of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha constituencies as the counting of votes continued well past midnight.

The saffron party retained the Jorhat and Dibrugarh constituencies while wresting the Silchar and Karimganj seats from the Congress and the AIUDF respectively.

Dibrugarh's sitting BJP MP Rameswar Teli won by the highest margin of 3,64,566 votes in the state over former Union minister and Congress candidate Paban Singh Ghatowar.

Gaurav Gogoi, the sitting Congress MP in Kaliabor constituency and son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, won by a huge margin of 2,09,994 votes against Moni Madhab Mahanta of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), an ally of the ruling BJP.

In Jorhat, state Power Minister Topon Kumar Gogoi defeated former Congress MLA Sushanta Borgohain by 82,653 votes.

The BJP snatched both the Silchar and the Karimganj seats in the linguistically and demographically sensitive Barak valley.

Watch:&nbsp;Wishes pour in for PM Modi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-votes-wishes-pour-in-for-pm-modi-221158/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

All India Mahila Congress president and sitting MP from Silchar, Sushmita Dev faced defeat in the hands of BJP's first-timer Rajdeep Roy, who won by 81,596 votes.

AIUDF's sitting MP Radheshyam Biswas lost to Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Kripanath Mallah by 38,389 votes in the Karimganj seat in the Barak valley.

BJP candidate Pallab Lochan Das won the Tezpur seat, beating M G V K Bhanu of the Congress by 2,42,841 votes.

In the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency, Queen Oja of the BJP beat Bobbeeta Sharma of the Congress by 3,45,606 votes.

The BJP's Horen Sing Bey defeated Biren Singh Engti of the Congress in the Autonomous District by 2,39,626 votes.

The AIUDF won the Dhubri seat, with party candidate Badruddin Ajmal beating Congress' Abu Taher Bepari by a margin of 226258 votes.

Congress' Abdul Khaleque beat Kumar Deepak Das of the Asom Gana Parishad by a margin of 1,40,307 votes in the Barpeta Lok Sabha seat.

In the Nowgong parliamentary constituency, Congress candidate Pradyut Bordoloi won by a margin of 16,752 votes, defeating Rupak Sharma of the BJP.

The BJP is leading in Lakhimpur and Mangaldoi seats, while sitting Independent MP Naba Kumar Sarania is ahead in the Kokrajhar parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;

The BJP has won seven seats and is leading in two others, while the Congress bagged three and the AIUDF one of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha constituencies as the counting of votes continued well past midnight.

The BJP has won seven seats and is leading in two others, while the Congress bagged three and the AIUDF one of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha constituencies as the counting of votes continued well past midnight. The saffron party retained the Jorhat and Dibrugarh constituencies while wresting the Silchar and Karimganj seats from the Congress and the AIUDF respectively. Dibrugarh's sitting BJP MP Rameswar Teli won by the highest margin of 3,64,566 votes in the state over former Union minister and Congress candidate Paban Singh Ghatowar. Gaurav Gogoi, the sitting Congress MP in Kaliabor constituency and son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, won by a huge margin of 2,09,994 votes against Moni Madhab Mahanta of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), an ally of the ruling BJP. In Jorhat, state Power Minister Topon Kumar Gogoi defeated former Congress MLA Sushanta Borgohain by 82,653 votes. The BJP snatched both the Silchar and the Karimganj seats in the linguistically and demographically sensitive Barak valley. Watch: Wishes pour in for PM Modi All India Mahila Congress president and sitting MP from Silchar, Sushmita Dev faced defeat in the hands of BJP's first-timer Rajdeep Roy, who won by 81,596 votes. AIUDF's sitting MP Radheshyam Biswas lost to Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Kripanath Mallah by 38,389 votes in the Karimganj seat in the Barak valley. BJP candidate Pallab Lochan Das won the Tezpur seat, beating M G V K Bhanu of the Congress by 2,42,841 votes. In the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency, Queen Oja of the BJP beat Bobbeeta Sharma of the Congress by 3,45,606 votes. The BJP's Horen Sing Bey defeated Biren Singh Engti of the Congress in the Autonomous District by 2,39,626 votes. The AIUDF won the Dhubri seat, with party candidate Badruddin Ajmal beating Congress' Abu Taher Bepari by a margin of 226258 votes. Congress' Abdul Khaleque beat Kumar Deepak Das of the Asom Gana Parishad by a margin of 1,40,307 votes in the Barpeta Lok Sabha seat. In the Nowgong parliamentary constituency, Congress candidate Pradyut Bordoloi won by a margin of 16,752 votes, defeating Rupak Sharma of the BJP. The BJP is leading in Lakhimpur and Mangaldoi seats, while sitting Independent MP Naba Kumar Sarania is ahead in the Kokrajhar parliamentary constituency.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP bags seven seats in Assam, Congress wins three

Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-foreign-media-reacts-as-vote-count-shows-an-outright-majority-for-bjp-220859">Prime Minister Modi </a>on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term.

Marking another historic victory, PM Modi led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election.

The BJP, which registered a historic win in 2014 by emerging as the first party in three decades to secure a majority on its own, again scripted its name in history after the results threw a stronger number for its existing&nbsp;government.

After this win, PM Modi has become the first non-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-elections-2019-rash-of-resignations-in-congress-after-election-result-disaster-221242">Congress</a> full majority prime minister to get re-elected with a stronger majority.

The Congress in the 1971 general election had secured a huge victory for the ruling government. Winning 362 out of 520 seats, the party under Indira Gandhi came back to power with a huge mandate.

Jawaharlal Nehru ruled for nearly two decades in the country. Congress under his leadership won three consecutive general elections.

Watch: PM Modi may take oath of office on May 30

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-may-take-oath-of-office-on-may-30-221226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the first general election held in 1951-52, Nehru won a massive mandate of 364 out of 489 seats. In the second general elections held in 1957, the Congress won 371 seats out of the 494. Securing another landslide victory in his third and final election campaign, the Indian National Congress in 1962 won 361 out of the 494 seats.

The BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee had registered another historic victory in 1999 general election when it became the first ever non-Congress government to complete its full tenure in power.&nbsp;

Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term. Marking another historic victory, PM Modi led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Beating the anti-incumbency of his first five years in power, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday secured an even greater mandate for the second straight term. Marking another historic victory, PM Modi led BJP crossed over 300 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party had won 282 seats in the 2014 general election. The BJP, which registered a historic win in 2014 by emerging as the first party in three decades to secure a majority on its own, again scripted its name in history after the results threw a stronger number for its existing government. After this win, PM Modi has become the first non-Congress full majority prime minister to get re-elected with a stronger majority. The Congress in the 1971 general election had secured a huge victory for the ruling government. Winning 362 out of 520 seats, the party under Indira Gandhi came back to power with a huge mandate. Jawaharlal Nehru ruled for nearly two decades in the country. Congress under his leadership won three consecutive general elections. Watch: PM Modi may take oath of office on May 30 × In the first general election held in 1951-52, Nehru won a massive mandate of 364 out of 489 seats. In the second general elections held in 1957, the Congress won 371 seats out of the 494. Securing another landslide victory in his third and final election campaign, the Indian National Congress in 1962 won 361 out of the 494 seats. The BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee had registered another historic victory in 1999 general election when it became the first ever non-Congress government to complete its full tenure in power.

Modi becomes first non-Congress prime minister to return to power after huge mandate

The BJP was ahead in 23 seats in Rajasthan while its alliance party RLP and the Congress were leading in one seat each, according to Election Commission trends.

The BJP had contested 4 seats and its alliance partner Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) headed by former BJP leader Hanuman Beniwal, contested one seat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">Tap for live updates here.</a>

Of the total 25 seats, the Congress is leading in only one seat of Bharatpur, according to the Election Commission.

Watch:&nbsp;Congress+ in trouble as BJP+ is leading the counts up-up and higher

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-2019-results-congress-in-trouble-as-bjp-is-leading-the-counts-up-up-and-higher-220803/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The BJP is leading in Ajmer (Bhagirath Chaudhary), Alwar (Balak Nath), Banswara (Kanakmal Katara), Barmer (Kailash Chaudhary), Bhilwara (Subhash Chand Baheria), Bikaner (Arjun Ram Meghwal), Chittorgarh (Chandra Prakash Joshi), Churu (Rahul Kaswan), Dausa (Jaskaur Meena), Pali (PP Chaudhary), Rajsamand (Diya Kumari), Sikar (Sumedhanand), Tonk Sawaimadhopur (Sukhbir Singh), Udaipur (Arjun Lal Meena).&nbsp;

The BJP is also ahead in Ganganagar (Nihal Chand), Jaipur (Ramcharan Bohra), Jaipur rural (Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore), Jalore (Devji Patel), Jhalawar Baran (Dushyant Singh), Jhunjhunu (Narendra Kumar), Jodhpur (Gajendra Singh), Karauli-Dholpur (Manoj Rajoria), Kota (Om Birla).

RLP candidate Hanuman Beniwal is leading in Nagaur.

The BJP was ahead in 23 seats in Rajasthan while its alliance party RLP and the Congress were leading in one seat each, according to Election Commission trends. The BJP had contested 4 seats and its alliance partner Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) headed by former BJP leader Hanuman Beniwal, contested one seat.

The BJP was ahead in 23 seats in Rajasthan while its alliance party RLP and the Congress were leading in one seat each, according to Election Commission trends. The BJP had contested 4 seats and its alliance partner Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) headed by former BJP leader Hanuman Beniwal, contested one seat. Tap for live updates here. Of the total 25 seats, the Congress is leading in only one seat of Bharatpur, according to the Election Commission. Watch: Congress+ in trouble as BJP+ is leading the counts up-up and higher The BJP is leading in Ajmer (Bhagirath Chaudhary), Alwar (Balak Nath), Banswara (Kanakmal Katara), Barmer (Kailash Chaudhary), Bhilwara (Subhash Chand Baheria), Bikaner (Arjun Ram Meghwal), Chittorgarh (Chandra Prakash Joshi), Churu (Rahul Kaswan), Dausa (Jaskaur Meena), Pali (PP Chaudhary), Rajsamand (Diya Kumari), Sikar (Sumedhanand), Tonk Sawaimadhopur (Sukhbir Singh), Udaipur (Arjun Lal Meena). The BJP is also ahead in Ganganagar (Nihal Chand), Jaipur (Ramcharan Bohra), Jaipur rural (Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore), Jalore (Devji Patel), Jhalawar Baran (Dushyant Singh), Jhunjhunu (Narendra Kumar), Jodhpur (Gajendra Singh), Karauli-Dholpur (Manoj Rajoria), Kota (Om Birla). RLP candidate Hanuman Beniwal is leading in Nagaur.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP surging ahead in Rajasthan

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-thank-you-india-faith-placed-in-our-alliance-is-humbling-pm-modi-221011">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which was ultimately won by the challenger. 
&nbsp; 
The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat. 
&nbsp; 
In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congratulations-to-the-winners-but-all-losers-are-not-losers-how-opposition-reacted-to-lok-sabha-2019-election-results-220926">fortunes were reversed</a> and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ...
— Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1131539947905851392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 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>

What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase. 
&nbsp; 
"We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added. 
&nbsp; 
The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said. 
&nbsp; 
Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two. 
&nbsp; 
The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family.

It was the mother-of-all battle, the most-watched contest of this Lok Sabha elections, which was ultimately won by the challenger. The battleground was Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a dusty little town widely known as the Congress bastion and stronghold of the Gandhi family. Congress president Rahul Gandhi - who won from Amethi in 2004, 2009 and 2014 - was pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani whom he had defeated in 2014. The 2014 victory margin of one lakh votes was narrow, going by the fact that Amethi is Gandhis' family bastion, but Rahul successfully defended the seat. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the fortunes were reversed and Irani emerged victorious though by a thin margin of 35,899 votes. But the win had its share of nervous moments in the form of seesaw battle during counting of votes. As soon as the counting began on Thursday morning, early trends showed Smriti Irani leading. But Gandhi was again in the driver’s seat as counting progressed. As times passed, Irani took the lead and eventually won the contest. कौन कहता है आसमां में सुराख नहीं हो सकता ... — Chowkidar Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) May 23, 2019 × What makes this battle significant is that a Gandhi had not been defeated from Amethi since 1980, barring 1998. The reversal is surely going to cast a shadow on the future of Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Congress during its most tumultous phase. "We have to introspect, that is for sure. But let the complete result come and let us examine it first," Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa told WION. "We can then go to the drawing board and create a new plan of action," he added. The voice of the people is the voice of the god. We will have to listen to it and accept the mandate, Kalappa said. Congress's overall performance has not been up to the mark in UP. It is leading on just one seat in the state; in 2014, the party had won two. The Congress was not part of the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and had fielded its own candidates. This year's result has also raised questions on Congress's future which has suffered yet another defeat at the hands of the BJP. From winning 430 Lok Sabha seats in 1989, India's Grand Old Party was reduced to just 44 seats in 2014 elections. And this year's setback will make the things worse for it.

In neck and neck battle, Smriti Irani defeats Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

congress-0

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

congress 0