Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his critical comments on the party, saying it has hurt "sentiments of party workers".

Sibal in an interview to a national daily has criticised party's leadership for Congress's performance in the recently-concluded assembly election in Bihar.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-sonias-beauty-to-manmohans-integrity-heres-what-barack-obama-wrote-on-congress-leaders-342800">From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders</a>

"There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mention our internal issue in media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country," the CM said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-sworn-in-as-cm-of-bihar-for-seventh-time-343510">Nitish Kumar sworn in as CM of Bihar for seventh time</a>

"We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too," Gehlot said.&nbsp;

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There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mentioned our internal issue in Media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country. 
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— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333595019075585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Congress has seen various crises including 1969, 1977, 1989 and later in the 1996 - but every-time we came out stronger due to our ideology, programs, policies and firm belief in party leadership. 
2/
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333710404448256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too. 
3/
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333820379111424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There are various reasons for Electoral loses, . But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crises. 
4/
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328333944924762113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this Nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development. 
5/
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1328334020782944257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crisis. Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development," he further tweeted.&nbsp;

He also said that the party faced a crisis in 1969, 1977, 1989 and 1996, and each time it had come out stronger due to its ideology, programmes and policies, among other things.

Recently, Sibal is being seen openly questioning Congress's leadership for the crisis it is facing for many years and was one of the 23 senior leaders of the party that wrote a letter to the party chief Sonia Gandhi on suggestions to revive India's Grand Old Party.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his critical comments on the party, saying it has hurt "sentiments of party workers".

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has slammed senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal for his critical comments on the party, saying it has hurt "sentiments of party workers". Sibal in an interview to a national daily has criticised party's leadership for Congress's performance in the recently-concluded assembly election in Bihar. Also read | From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders "There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mention our internal issue in media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country," the CM said on Twitter. Also read | Nitish Kumar sworn in as CM of Bihar for seventh time "We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too," Gehlot said. There was no need for Mr Kapil Sibal to mentioned our internal issue in Media, this has hurt the sentiments of party workers across the country. 1/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × Congress has seen various crises including 1969, 1977, 1989 and later in the 1996 - but every-time we came out stronger due to our ideology, programs, policies and firm belief in party leadership. 2/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too. 3/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × There are various reasons for Electoral loses, . But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crises. 4/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this Nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development. 5/ — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020 × "But each time rank and file of the Congress Party has shown undivided and firm belief in the party leadership and that is why we came out of it stronger and united after every crisis. Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development," he further tweeted. He also said that the party faced a crisis in 1969, 1977, 1989 and 1996, and each time it had come out stronger due to its ideology, programmes and policies, among other things. Recently, Sibal is being seen openly questioning Congress's leadership for the crisis it is facing for many years and was one of the 23 senior leaders of the party that wrote a letter to the party chief Sonia Gandhi on suggestions to revive India's Grand Old Party.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot slams senior party leader Kapil Sibal for Congress criticism

UP Hathras gang rape - Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday constituted a three-member SIT to probe the Hathras gang-rape incident which has sparked outrage.

A senior government official said the chief minister has also asked for conducting the trial of the case in a fast track court.

A 19-year-old woman was brutally gang-raped in a village in Hathras district two weeks ago.

She died of her grievous injuries at a Delhi hospital on Tuesday, prompting outrage, protests and calls for justice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/take-strictest-action-against-hathras-rape-culprits-pm-modi-to-cm-yogi-331365">Hathras gang rape Latest Updates </a>

The official said Secretary home, Bhagwan Swarup, will lead the SIT and DIG, Chandraprakash, and commandant PAC Agra, Poonam, will be its members.

The SIT has been asked to submit its report in seven days’ time, the official said.

The woman was gang-raped on September 14 following which she was admitted to the J N Medical College Hospital in Aligarh with serious injuries.

She was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Monday after her condition showed no signs of improvement.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Wednesday slammed the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over the Hathras gang-rape victim's family being allegedly denied the right to perform her last rites, with party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanding Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's resignation.

The body of the 19-year-old Dalit woman, who died in a Delhi hospital a fortnight after she was gang-raped, was cremated in Hathras in the early hours of Wednesday, with her family alleging the local police forced them to conduct the last rites in the dead of the night.

Local police officers, however, told PTI that the cremation was carried out "as per the wishes of the family".

The Congress has been holding protests in the national capital and various parts of Uttar Pradesh demanding justice for the gang-rape victim.

Party leader Rahul Gandhi, in a tweet, said, "A daughter of India is raped-murdered, facts are suppressed and in the end, the right to perform the last rites is also taken away from the victim's family."

"It is insulting and unjust," he said in the tweet in Hindi using the hashtag 'Hathras Horror Shocks India'.

Along with the tweet, Rahul Gandhi also tagged a video purportedly of the cremation site showing a police officer not answering to queries as to whether the body of the victim was being cremated there.

Hathras gang rape updates

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, "I was on the phone with the Hathras victim's father when he was informed that his daughter had passed away. I heard him cry out in despair."

"He had just been telling me that all he wanted was justice for his child. Last night the victim's father was robbed of the chance to take his daughter home for the last time and perform her last rites," she said in a series of tweets.

Tagging Adityanath, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said, "RESIGN. Instead of protecting the victim and her family, your government became complicit in depriving her of every single human right, even in death. You have no moral right to continue as chief minister."

In another tweet in Hindi, she alleged that at 2:30 am Wednesday the "victim's kin kept requesting", but the UP administration "forcibly" cremated the deceased.

"The government did not protect her when she was alive. The government did not provide her timely treatment when she was attacked. After her death, the government took away the right of the family to perform the last rites of their daughter and did not respect the deceased," Priyanka Gandhi said.

Hitting out at the chief minister, she alleged, "Gross inhumanity. You did not stop the crime but behaved like criminals. You did not stop the atrocities, but committed atrocity on an innocent child and her family twice."

Tagging Adityanath and asking him to resign, Priyanka Gandhi said, "There is no justice in your rule only injustice."

The Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also hit out at the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and asked why the victim’s family was was denied the right to perform her last rites and why was the body cremated at 2:30 am.

He alleged that all limits of atrocities and brutality had been crossed and demanded Yogi Adityanath's resignation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-gangrape-case-family-accuses-up-police-of-forcefully-cremating-victim-331354">Hathras gang rape Detail</a>

On September 14, the young woman had gone to the fields with her mother and went missing soon after.

She was found later, beaten and tortured, her tongue cut as she bit it when the accused attempted to strangle her.

She was first admitted to Aligarh Muslim University's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital and then shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Monday.

UP Hathras gang rape - Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday constituted a three-member SIT to probe the Hathras gang-rape incident which has sparked outrage.

UP Hathras gang rape - Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday constituted a three-member SIT to probe the Hathras gang-rape incident which has sparked outrage. A senior government official said the chief minister has also asked for conducting the trial of the case in a fast track court. A 19-year-old woman was brutally gang-raped in a village in Hathras district two weeks ago. She died of her grievous injuries at a Delhi hospital on Tuesday, prompting outrage, protests and calls for justice. Hathras gang rape Latest Updates The official said Secretary home, Bhagwan Swarup, will lead the SIT and DIG, Chandraprakash, and commandant PAC Agra, Poonam, will be its members. The SIT has been asked to submit its report in seven days’ time, the official said. The woman was gang-raped on September 14 following which she was admitted to the J N Medical College Hospital in Aligarh with serious injuries. She was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Monday after her condition showed no signs of improvement. Meanwhile, the Congress on Wednesday slammed the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over the Hathras gang-rape victim's family being allegedly denied the right to perform her last rites, with party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanding Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's resignation. The body of the 19-year-old Dalit woman, who died in a Delhi hospital a fortnight after she was gang-raped, was cremated in Hathras in the early hours of Wednesday, with her family alleging the local police forced them to conduct the last rites in the dead of the night. Local police officers, however, told PTI that the cremation was carried out "as per the wishes of the family". The Congress has been holding protests in the national capital and various parts of Uttar Pradesh demanding justice for the gang-rape victim. Party leader Rahul Gandhi, in a tweet, said, "A daughter of India is raped-murdered, facts are suppressed and in the end, the right to perform the last rites is also taken away from the victim's family." "It is insulting and unjust," he said in the tweet in Hindi using the hashtag 'Hathras Horror Shocks India'. Along with the tweet, Rahul Gandhi also tagged a video purportedly of the cremation site showing a police officer not answering to queries as to whether the body of the victim was being cremated there. Hathras gang rape updates Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, "I was on the phone with the Hathras victim's father when he was informed that his daughter had passed away. I heard him cry out in despair." "He had just been telling me that all he wanted was justice for his child. Last night the victim's father was robbed of the chance to take his daughter home for the last time and perform her last rites," she said in a series of tweets. Tagging Adityanath, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said, "RESIGN. Instead of protecting the victim and her family, your government became complicit in depriving her of every single human right, even in death. You have no moral right to continue as chief minister." In another tweet in Hindi, she alleged that at 2:30 am Wednesday the "victim's kin kept requesting", but the UP administration "forcibly" cremated the deceased. "The government did not protect her when she was alive. The government did not provide her timely treatment when she was attacked. After her death, the government took away the right of the family to perform the last rites of their daughter and did not respect the deceased," Priyanka Gandhi said. Hitting out at the chief minister, she alleged, "Gross inhumanity. You did not stop the crime but behaved like criminals. You did not stop the atrocities, but committed atrocity on an innocent child and her family twice." Tagging Adityanath and asking him to resign, Priyanka Gandhi said, "There is no justice in your rule only injustice." The Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also hit out at the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and asked why the victim’s family was was denied the right to perform her last rites and why was the body cremated at 2:30 am. He alleged that all limits of atrocities and brutality had been crossed and demanded Yogi Adityanath's resignation. Hathras gang rape Detail On September 14, the young woman had gone to the fields with her mother and went missing soon after. She was found later, beaten and tortured, her tongue cut as she bit it when the accused attempted to strangle her. She was first admitted to Aligarh Muslim University's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital and then shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Monday.

SIT to probe Hathras gangrape, Congress demands Yogi Adityanath's resignation

Hathras rape culprits: PM Modi to CM Yogi&nbsp; - After the brutal gang rape and murder case of Hathras sparking outrage in India and abroad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take strictest action against the culprits.

The girl was gang-raped and strangulated on September 14 when she had gone to collect fodder from the field. Following which she was admitted to the J N Medical College Hospital in Aligarh with serious injuries. She was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Monday after her condition showed no signs of improvement.

Hathras rape culprits

Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The SIT, according to IANS, will comprise of home secretary Bhagwan Swaroop, DIG Chandra Prakash and IPS officer Poonam.

"Culprits of Hathras gangrape incident will not be spared. An SIT has been formed to investigate the incident, the team will submit a report within next 7 days. To ensure swift justice, this case will be tried in a fast-track court," said the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

All four accused have already been arrested.

The Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government has been facing massive criticism over the incident.

"The police have forcibly taken the dead body, and my father along with them for cremation. When my father reached Hathras, he was immediately taken (to the crematorium) by the police," the victim`s brother told the media.

However, Hathras police have denied the charges and has issued a notice saying the coercion being talked about on social media is canard. It said: "The family cremated the body with due rituals under the supervision of police and administration."

(With inputs from agencies)

Hathras rape culprits: PM Modi to CM Yogi - After the brutal gang rape and murder case of Hathras sparking outrage in India and abroad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take strictest action against the culprits.

Hathras rape culprits: PM Modi to CM Yogi - After the brutal gang rape and murder case of Hathras sparking outrage in India and abroad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take strictest action against the culprits. The girl was gang-raped and strangulated on September 14 when she had gone to collect fodder from the field. Following which she was admitted to the J N Medical College Hospital in Aligarh with serious injuries. She was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Monday after her condition showed no signs of improvement. Hathras rape culprits Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The SIT, according to IANS, will comprise of home secretary Bhagwan Swaroop, DIG Chandra Prakash and IPS officer Poonam. "Culprits of Hathras gangrape incident will not be spared. An SIT has been formed to investigate the incident, the team will submit a report within next 7 days. To ensure swift justice, this case will be tried in a fast-track court," said the Chief Minister. All four accused have already been arrested. The Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government has been facing massive criticism over the incident. "The police have forcibly taken the dead body, and my father along with them for cremation. When my father reached Hathras, he was immediately taken (to the crematorium) by the police," the victim`s brother told the media. However, Hathras police have denied the charges and has issued a notice saying the coercion being talked about on social media is canard. It said: "The family cremated the body with due rituals under the supervision of police and administration." (With inputs from agencies)

Take 'strictest action' against Hathras rape culprits: PM Modi to CM Yogi

Pranab Mukherjee was certainly the only politician in India who survived, succeeded and reached new political heights without a mass base. He mastered the art of being indispensable in Indian politics. A prolific reader, writer and thinker, he earned the reputation of a political intellectual, but at heart was an astute politician. 
&nbsp; 
Loved and feared in equal measure, he was notably the only Congressman, whom the BJP of Modi-Shah respected. Mukherjee was a socialist at heart; a pragmatic capitalist in action; a loyal partyman though seen with suspicion; and a shrewd administrator who delivered some of the most controversial policies that never became scams. With his brilliance of mind, he controlled his party and Opposition.

He is the only President of independent India to run for the office of the President and win it. No other President compelled his party to declare him as a candidate – a distinction that only Pranab Mukherjee has had and will have in India’s Parliamentary democracy. 
&nbsp; 
Mukherjee started his career with Bangla Congress and entered the Rajya Sabha in 1969. His deep political understanding of history, politics and economics made him an outstanding Parliamentarian. While delivering a speech in the Parliament, he was noticed by Indira Gandhi.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/pm-modi-president-kovind-pay-last-respects-to-pranab-mukherjee-324436">PM Modi, President Kovind pay last respects to Pranab Mukherjee</a>

Since 1971, except the Rajiv Gandhi years of 1984-89, he was part of every Government till 2012. Barring the home portfolio, he managed, almost all important ministries; was leader of the house in Lok Sabha; the longest serving CWC member; and a fierce Parliamentarian. 
&nbsp; 
His first peak in career came with his appointment as Finance Minister in the Indira Gandhi’s cabinet. He was the first finance minister who started meeting and hearing corporates individually and ended the corporate delegation system in socialist India. He gave industry and industrialist-interactions the much-needed credibility. He managed to not be identified with one or the other corporate group. The diversification of the Industry beyond the Marwari and Bombay club started in his tenure as Finance Minister. 
&nbsp; 
So powerful was his presence in Indira’s Cabinet that he made many enemies within the Congress who envied his access to the leader and influence over the government. His fall and political 'Vanwaas'&nbsp;came with the death of Indira Gandhi.

By convention, as the senior most cabinet member, he should have been sworn in as the interim PM. But he was not. Those who plotted against Mukherjee were later seen abandoning Rajiv Gandhi in the midst of the Bofors scandal. At the end of his tenure, Rajiv Gandhi understood the importance and need of Pranab Mukherjee to a party and government that was in deep crisis. By the time Pranab Mukherjee’s full rehabilitation in the Party could happen, Rajiv Gandhi died.

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&nbsp;

The Narsimha Rao era was a comeback for Pranab Mukherjee. As a man of all seasons, he worked with Rao as Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and subsequently as External Affairs Minister in Rao’s Cabinet. In the turbulent years, of Rao versus Gandhis in the Congress, he stayed away from either side, demonstrating utility to both the party and the government.

The 1996 defeat of the Congress birthed the coalition era where the Congress was the kingmaker and not the King. Mukherjee stayed the course, eventually working towards facilitating the entry of Sonia Gandhi as Congress President. 
&nbsp; 
In the Sonia years, while Congress split, Mukherjee did not go with Sharad Pawar, staying firmly with the mother Party and the Gandhi family.

One of his trusted aides once recounted, "On occasions, the Vajpayee PMO would bring files to him while he was the Chairperson of the Congress Media Cell to seek his aid and advice on important administrative matters.” It should be noted that Mukherjee never misused the information that he had about the Government for petty political gains. 
&nbsp; 
In 2004, when the Congress came back to power, Mukherjee contributed a lion’s share in giving shape to the coalition, and the term - United Progressive Alliance (UPA) – was coined by him. He saw Manmohan Singh becoming the Prime Minister – a man Mukherjee himself, as Finance Minister, appointed the Governor of RBI.

During the UPA-1 years, he worked tirelessly in implementing the government’s agenda and has the rare distinction of heading over 85 Empowered Group of Ministers or EGoMs that delivered critical political and administrative decisions that facilitated the massive growth, infrastructure overhaul and progressive legislative agenda. 
&nbsp; 
On reelection of the UPA, Manmohan Singh was reappointed as Prime Minister, which put an end to Mukherjee’s entry into 7 Race Course Road forever. His critics may examine his UPA-2 years with suspicion. Many feel that he felt under-rewarded for his years in service.

He had lost his charm as a troubleshooter for the government and had very little impact in controversies like the Anna Hazare agitation and the Baba Ramdev negotiations. Further, as Finance Minister he introduced the retrospective tax, which was the nail in the coffin for an already gloomy economic environment. 
&nbsp; 
Rumours of his communication with Party leadership breaking down were in the air and he found his office to be bugged, a perturbing situation about which he complained to the Prime Minister, seeking a secret probe. In the mid of 2012, Mukherjee sensed that the Congress Party may not consider him for the Presidential race.

For a few weeks before the elections, he signaled through the media of his interest, to run for the Office of the President. In an interview to a business daily, he declared his interest to be the 13th President of India. He got the support of non-Congress, non-BJP parties, including parties like the Shiv Sena and Jagan Reddy, which came as a setback to the NDA. 
&nbsp; 
India finally got a President who had deep understanding of the Constitution and political administration. As President, he restored the glory of the office, which was lost due to the controversies surrounding his predecessor. He administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi in his tenure. 
&nbsp; 
The one and only former Congressman that Narendra Modi truly respects, and timely visited, was Pranab Mukherjee. He often reached out to “Pranab da” as he fondly calls him even after retirement. So sincere is Modi’s admiration for Pranab da that the only former Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna in the Narendra Modi years – was Mukherjee. 
&nbsp; 
Pranab Mukherjee died on 31 August 2020. A Congressman at heart, he was loved and respected, but perhaps not trusted. He earned remarkable political capital with his administrative and political skills but could never become the Prime Minister.

Throughout his political life, there was no evidence of him engineering coups or discussion with other parties for power or position. On the day he received the Bharat Ratna from a Government so bitterly opposed to the same cloth from which Mukherjee’s politics was cut, not a single member of the Gandhi family was present.&nbsp;

Thus ends the journey of the only Congressman whose feet Narendra Modi touched and who appointed Manmohan Singh as the RBI governor. Even Mukherjee’s adversaries admired him for his capacity to administer. India’s classic 24X7 politician and most experienced of all. A man of all seasons, by his death a bridge across the ideological divide has fallen. He leaves behind two children of his own and two more he adopted and loved as his own. The last Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna and deserved it - is no more.

(Daniel Francis is a Political Analyst and Communication Expert)

Pranab Mukherjee was certainly the only politician in India who survived, succeeded and reached new political heights without a mass base. He mastered the art of being indispensable in Indian politics.

Pranab Mukherjee was certainly the only politician in India who survived, succeeded and reached new political heights without a mass base. He mastered the art of being indispensable in Indian politics. A prolific reader, writer and thinker, he earned the reputation of a political intellectual, but at heart was an astute politician. Loved and feared in equal measure, he was notably the only Congressman, whom the BJP of Modi-Shah respected. Mukherjee was a socialist at heart; a pragmatic capitalist in action; a loyal partyman though seen with suspicion; and a shrewd administrator who delivered some of the most controversial policies that never became scams. With his brilliance of mind, he controlled his party and Opposition. He is the only President of independent India to run for the office of the President and win it. No other President compelled his party to declare him as a candidate – a distinction that only Pranab Mukherjee has had and will have in India’s Parliamentary democracy. Mukherjee started his career with Bangla Congress and entered the Rajya Sabha in 1969. His deep political understanding of history, politics and economics made him an outstanding Parliamentarian. While delivering a speech in the Parliament, he was noticed by Indira Gandhi. Also Read: PM Modi, President Kovind pay last respects to Pranab Mukherjee Since 1971, except the Rajiv Gandhi years of 1984-89, he was part of every Government till 2012. Barring the home portfolio, he managed, almost all important ministries; was leader of the house in Lok Sabha; the longest serving CWC member; and a fierce Parliamentarian. His first peak in career came with his appointment as Finance Minister in the Indira Gandhi’s cabinet. He was the first finance minister who started meeting and hearing corporates individually and ended the corporate delegation system in socialist India. He gave industry and industrialist-interactions the much-needed credibility. He managed to not be identified with one or the other corporate group. The diversification of the Industry beyond the Marwari and Bombay club started in his tenure as Finance Minister. So powerful was his presence in Indira’s Cabinet that he made many enemies within the Congress who envied his access to the leader and influence over the government. His fall and political 'Vanwaas' came with the death of Indira Gandhi. By convention, as the senior most cabinet member, he should have been sworn in as the interim PM. But he was not. Those who plotted against Mukherjee were later seen abandoning Rajiv Gandhi in the midst of the Bofors scandal. At the end of his tenure, Rajiv Gandhi understood the importance and need of Pranab Mukherjee to a party and government that was in deep crisis. By the time Pranab Mukherjee’s full rehabilitation in the Party could happen, Rajiv Gandhi died. × The Narsimha Rao era was a comeback for Pranab Mukherjee. As a man of all seasons, he worked with Rao as Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and subsequently as External Affairs Minister in Rao’s Cabinet. In the turbulent years, of Rao versus Gandhis in the Congress, he stayed away from either side, demonstrating utility to both the party and the government. The 1996 defeat of the Congress birthed the coalition era where the Congress was the kingmaker and not the King. Mukherjee stayed the course, eventually working towards facilitating the entry of Sonia Gandhi as Congress President. In the Sonia years, while Congress split, Mukherjee did not go with Sharad Pawar, staying firmly with the mother Party and the Gandhi family. One of his trusted aides once recounted, "On occasions, the Vajpayee PMO would bring files to him while he was the Chairperson of the Congress Media Cell to seek his aid and advice on important administrative matters.” It should be noted that Mukherjee never misused the information that he had about the Government for petty political gains. In 2004, when the Congress came back to power, Mukherjee contributed a lion’s share in giving shape to the coalition, and the term - United Progressive Alliance (UPA) – was coined by him. He saw Manmohan Singh becoming the Prime Minister – a man Mukherjee himself, as Finance Minister, appointed the Governor of RBI. During the UPA-1 years, he worked tirelessly in implementing the government’s agenda and has the rare distinction of heading over 85 Empowered Group of Ministers or EGoMs that delivered critical political and administrative decisions that facilitated the massive growth, infrastructure overhaul and progressive legislative agenda. On reelection of the UPA, Manmohan Singh was reappointed as Prime Minister, which put an end to Mukherjee’s entry into 7 Race Course Road forever. His critics may examine his UPA-2 years with suspicion. Many feel that he felt under-rewarded for his years in service. He had lost his charm as a troubleshooter for the government and had very little impact in controversies like the Anna Hazare agitation and the Baba Ramdev negotiations. Further, as Finance Minister he introduced the retrospective tax, which was the nail in the coffin for an already gloomy economic environment. Rumours of his communication with Party leadership breaking down were in the air and he found his office to be bugged, a perturbing situation about which he complained to the Prime Minister, seeking a secret probe. In the mid of 2012, Mukherjee sensed that the Congress Party may not consider him for the Presidential race. For a few weeks before the elections, he signaled through the media of his interest, to run for the Office of the President. In an interview to a business daily, he declared his interest to be the 13th President of India. He got the support of non-Congress, non-BJP parties, including parties like the Shiv Sena and Jagan Reddy, which came as a setback to the NDA. India finally got a President who had deep understanding of the Constitution and political administration. As President, he restored the glory of the office, which was lost due to the controversies surrounding his predecessor. He administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi in his tenure. The one and only former Congressman that Narendra Modi truly respects, and timely visited, was Pranab Mukherjee. He often reached out to “Pranab da” as he fondly calls him even after retirement. So sincere is Modi’s admiration for Pranab da that the only former Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna in the Narendra Modi years – was Mukherjee. Pranab Mukherjee died on 31 August 2020. A Congressman at heart, he was loved and respected, but perhaps not trusted. He earned remarkable political capital with his administrative and political skills but could never become the Prime Minister. Throughout his political life, there was no evidence of him engineering coups or discussion with other parties for power or position. On the day he received the Bharat Ratna from a Government so bitterly opposed to the same cloth from which Mukherjee’s politics was cut, not a single member of the Gandhi family was present. Thus ends the journey of the only Congressman whose feet Narendra Modi touched and who appointed Manmohan Singh as the RBI governor. Even Mukherjee’s adversaries admired him for his capacity to administer. India’s classic 24X7 politician and most experienced of all. A man of all seasons, by his death a bridge across the ideological divide has fallen. He leaves behind two children of his own and two more he adopted and loved as his own. The last Congressman who received a Bharat Ratna and deserved it - is no more. (Daniel Francis is a Political Analyst and Communication Expert)

‘Mr Indispensable’ breathes his last

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections.

The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party. It also blunts the charge of the gang of 23 of Congress being unresponsive to certain organizational issues.

This turn become important for the fact that Ahmed Patel was in fore front of defending Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in Congress Working Committee.

For Ahmad Patel to support this position means that all fences are mended with the Gandhi’s and once again he has emerged as the main trouble shooter for the Gandhi’s.

This will be preceded by the formation of a four-member committee which will assist interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi for next 6 months.

This decision succeeds the Congress Working Committee meeting where split was open between the Gandhi’s and the gang of 23.

When spoke to couple of signatories and all of them were of the issue that CWC failed to discuss the substantial nature of the letter. One of them candidly said that Congress cannot be run like a private fiefdom.

Nonetheless, CWC witnessed consolidation for the Gandhi family. One has to wait and see how member committee will be made and whether detractors would be accommodated in it.

Ahmed Patel in the CWC had pulled up Congress leader Anand Sharma on the letter controversy.

Though old timers like Mukul Wasnik also spoke their mind. They said that if the letter is objectionable and if there is anything anti-Gandhi, then action can be taken against them.

The divide in the Congress is hard reality. The only link between the old and new remains Ahmed Patel.

Only thing one will have to wait and see is as to how the difference between the Gang of 23 and Gandhi’s play out in future with AP in the middle.

WION knows that AP advised the leaders not to shoot of the letter and speak to Mrs. Gandhi in person on organizational issues.

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections. The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party.

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections. The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party. It also blunts the charge of the gang of 23 of Congress being unresponsive to certain organizational issues. This turn become important for the fact that Ahmed Patel was in fore front of defending Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in Congress Working Committee. For Ahmad Patel to support this position means that all fences are mended with the Gandhi’s and once again he has emerged as the main trouble shooter for the Gandhi’s. This will be preceded by the formation of a four-member committee which will assist interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi for next 6 months. This decision succeeds the Congress Working Committee meeting where split was open between the Gandhi’s and the gang of 23. When spoke to couple of signatories and all of them were of the issue that CWC failed to discuss the substantial nature of the letter. One of them candidly said that Congress cannot be run like a private fiefdom. Nonetheless, CWC witnessed consolidation for the Gandhi family. One has to wait and see how member committee will be made and whether detractors would be accommodated in it. Ahmed Patel in the CWC had pulled up Congress leader Anand Sharma on the letter controversy. Though old timers like Mukul Wasnik also spoke their mind. They said that if the letter is objectionable and if there is anything anti-Gandhi, then action can be taken against them. The divide in the Congress is hard reality. The only link between the old and new remains Ahmed Patel. Only thing one will have to wait and see is as to how the difference between the Gang of 23 and Gandhi’s play out in future with AP in the middle. WION knows that AP advised the leaders not to shoot of the letter and speak to Mrs. Gandhi in person on organizational issues.

Congress to hold elections for the post of president: Ahmed Patel

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said the upcoming assembly bypolls in Madhya Pradesh are crucial as their outcome will decide the future of the state, and sought to portray them as a "bada-chota bhai" versus "trimurti" battle for leadership.

He said the bypolls will decide whether people want the leadership of "bada-chota bhai" (an apparent reference to Congress veterans Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh) or that of trimurti (triumvirate, a reference to chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP leader Narendra Singh Tomar and Scindia).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-remain-interim-congress-chief-for-a-few-more-months-sources-322785">Sonia Gandhi to remain interim Congress chief for a few more months: Sources</a>

Bypolls are due on more than two dozen seats in Madhya Pradesh but their schedule is yet to be announced.

The former Union minister, who quit the Congress in March and later joined the BJP, was speaking on the last day of BJP membership drive in his bastion Gwalior.

Referring to development of the region, Scindia said Chouhan sanctioned schemes worth Rs 110 crore for development of Gohad (a constituency in Bhind district), but Kamal Nath, during his tenure as chief minister, always complained about shortage of funds."

From where money has come now? Scindia asked.

"After 15 years, when the Congress government was formed in the state (in 2018), out of the 34 seats in the Gwalior-Chambal region, 26 were won by the Congress. The contribution of this region (in Congress victory) was immense," he said.

But in 15 months (of the Congress rule), everyone has watched what has happened. We have no greed for chair or power, but it was a question of justice, pride and development," Scindia said, apparently referring to his decision to quit the Congress.

"The coming bypolls will decide the future of Madhya Pradesh. Whether people want 'bada-chota bhai' or trimurti of Chouhan, Tomar and himself.

"Those who remain with people during their good and bad days or those indulging in corruption and exchange of money, Scindia said.

Praising Chouhan for his leadership skills, he said It is not an easy task to remain chief minister for 13 long years. It is possible only when you actually have made a place for yourself in the hearts of people."

The Congress should have drawn a bigger line than the BJP after coming to power, it drew a big line but that of corruption and unfulfilled promises, Scindia alleged.

The coming bypolls will be a fight for justice and honour and those who did not remain in the midst of people when needed have no right to seek votes from them, he said. 
&nbsp;

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said the upcoming assembly bypolls in Madhya Pradesh are crucial as their outcome will decide the future of the state, and sought to portray them as a "bada-chota bhai" versus "trimurti" battle for leadership.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said the upcoming assembly bypolls in Madhya Pradesh are crucial as their outcome will decide the future of the state, and sought to portray them as a "bada-chota bhai" versus "trimurti" battle for leadership. He said the bypolls will decide whether people want the leadership of "bada-chota bhai" (an apparent reference to Congress veterans Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh) or that of trimurti (triumvirate, a reference to chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP leader Narendra Singh Tomar and Scindia). Also read | Sonia Gandhi to remain interim Congress chief for a few more months: Sources Bypolls are due on more than two dozen seats in Madhya Pradesh but their schedule is yet to be announced. The former Union minister, who quit the Congress in March and later joined the BJP, was speaking on the last day of BJP membership drive in his bastion Gwalior. Referring to development of the region, Scindia said Chouhan sanctioned schemes worth Rs 110 crore for development of Gohad (a constituency in Bhind district), but Kamal Nath, during his tenure as chief minister, always complained about shortage of funds." From where money has come now? Scindia asked. "After 15 years, when the Congress government was formed in the state (in 2018), out of the 34 seats in the Gwalior-Chambal region, 26 were won by the Congress. The contribution of this region (in Congress victory) was immense," he said. But in 15 months (of the Congress rule), everyone has watched what has happened. We have no greed for chair or power, but it was a question of justice, pride and development," Scindia said, apparently referring to his decision to quit the Congress. "The coming bypolls will decide the future of Madhya Pradesh. Whether people want 'bada-chota bhai' or trimurti of Chouhan, Tomar and himself. "Those who remain with people during their good and bad days or those indulging in corruption and exchange of money, Scindia said. Praising Chouhan for his leadership skills, he said It is not an easy task to remain chief minister for 13 long years. It is possible only when you actually have made a place for yourself in the hearts of people." The Congress should have drawn a bigger line than the BJP after coming to power, it drew a big line but that of corruption and unfulfilled promises, Scindia alleged. The coming bypolls will be a fight for justice and honour and those who did not remain in the midst of people when needed have no right to seek votes from them, he said.

Battle between big-small brother and triumvirate: Jyotiraditya Scindia on bypolls

Sonia Gandhi will continue as interim President of the Indian National Congress till a new chief is elected in an All India Congress Working Committee (AICC) session.

According to the reports, Congress's new chief will be elected within the next six months. The decision was taken at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting which took place on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Congress Working Committee saw bloopers of epic proportion take place during the meeting. Not only deliberations were leaked verbatim, but the members of the party themselves also took pictures of the meeting and distributed it to the media.

Such was the panic in the initial 2 hours of the meeting that Congress President Sonia Gandhi had to express displeasure to the members while the meeting was on. Party managers had to send express messages outside so that the leaks could be prevented. Such was the flow of information that Kapil Sibbal who is not part of the Congress Working Committee tweeted on a statement allegedly made by Rahul Gandhi.

Randeep Surjewala, head of Congress media department denied the news. Subsequently, Kapil Sibbal withdrew the tweet that Rahul Gandhi himself called him to say that he never said that those who wrote the letter top Sonia Gandhi were colluding with BJP.

It also sent the social media department into a tizzy. Messages were sent to the leaders that they should ensure that their screen remains switched so that everyone can see who is in the frame and who has left.

The leak of gargantuan proportion has left the party red-faced. Instead of discussing real issues, a large portion of time was consumed by the blame game.

No one said that either Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi should leave their current roles.

On top of it, the chorus inside became an exercise in endorsing and strengthening the position of Rahul Gandhi in the Congress Party.

The meeting which was supposed to address the structural issue took an emotional turn and ended up persuading Sonia Gandhi to continue as the interim president.

Lastly, those who were supporting dissenting voices in Congress were first to support Gandhi’s and leading to the Gang of 23 getting royally snubbed.

Sonia Gandhi will continue as interim President of the Indian National Congress till a new chief is elected in an All India Congress Working Committee (AICC) session.

Sonia Gandhi will continue as interim President of the Indian National Congress till a new chief is elected in an All India Congress Working Committee (AICC) session. According to the reports, Congress's new chief will be elected within the next six months. The decision was taken at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting which took place on Monday. Meanwhile, the Congress Working Committee saw bloopers of epic proportion take place during the meeting. Not only deliberations were leaked verbatim, but the members of the party themselves also took pictures of the meeting and distributed it to the media. Such was the panic in the initial 2 hours of the meeting that Congress President Sonia Gandhi had to express displeasure to the members while the meeting was on. Party managers had to send express messages outside so that the leaks could be prevented. Such was the flow of information that Kapil Sibbal who is not part of the Congress Working Committee tweeted on a statement allegedly made by Rahul Gandhi. Randeep Surjewala, head of Congress media department denied the news. Subsequently, Kapil Sibbal withdrew the tweet that Rahul Gandhi himself called him to say that he never said that those who wrote the letter top Sonia Gandhi were colluding with BJP. It also sent the social media department into a tizzy. Messages were sent to the leaders that they should ensure that their screen remains switched so that everyone can see who is in the frame and who has left. The leak of gargantuan proportion has left the party red-faced. Instead of discussing real issues, a large portion of time was consumed by the blame game. No one said that either Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi should leave their current roles. On top of it, the chorus inside became an exercise in endorsing and strengthening the position of Rahul Gandhi in the Congress Party. The meeting which was supposed to address the structural issue took an emotional turn and ended up persuading Sonia Gandhi to continue as the interim president. Lastly, those who were supporting dissenting voices in Congress were first to support Gandhi’s and leading to the Gang of 23 getting royally snubbed.

Revolt fails to take off in Congress against Gandhis; the gang of 23 snubbed in public

The Indian National Congress instead of reinventing itself after its second successive defeat in Lok Sabha election continues to hop from one crisis to another.&nbsp;

On Sunday, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered her resignation to the party so that a new president can be elected.

Sources inside the Congress party confirmed the letter was indeed written to Sonia Gandhi and she too had responded to the letter.&nbsp;

In the very letter, she had suggested that all issues will be discussed within the party forum and the new leader can be elected if everyone is of the opinion.&nbsp;

According to the reports, Sonia Gandhi is not going to continue as Congress President indefinitely. Regardless of pressure on her from party faithfuls to continue, she will only grace the office until a new president is elected. This period, undoubtedly, is going to be very short.

Sources said that it is for the discussion of the grievances Sonia Gandhi had called for a Congress Working Committee meeting on August 24. It is the leak of Sonia Gandhi’s response which has upset Gandhi family.

This comes in the wake three dozen-odd leaders writing to Sonia Gandhi asking her to commence reforms in the Congress. A set of senior leaders is upset at the fact that decisions in the Congress party are being taken without consultations and Rahul Gandhi continues to run the party through the office of KC Venugopal who happens to be the General Secretary Organisation.

The leaders who shot off a letter to Sonia wants the immediate election to the Congress Working Committee but with Sonia Gandhi putting her papers, it will put them on backfoot. Sonia Gandhi as the Congress President in this period had closely aligned the party with ideas of Rahul Gandhi. Whether it personal and upfront attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on political and security issues to getting KC Venugopal and Rajiv Satav a seat in Rajya Sabha, Sonia Gandhi has supported decisions of Rahul Gandhi. This is being resented by a large majority of leaders that Rahul Gandhi instead of taking everyone along has chosen a set of people to run the party without consultation.

Gandhi camp, on the other hand, feel that letter is a ruse for bargaining for positions within the party. It is suspected that discussion may start from functioning from at the top but concrete compromise may each on important positions like General Secretary Organisation or head of the media department.

Gandhi camp also feels that the crisis is created and not natural. The Opposite camp feels that the party is not been run properly and requires greater participation from all sides rather than being run by a few people. Though sources feel that Sonia’s gesture to put in her paper would be immediately rejected by the seniors in the group who feel that in her absence Rahul’s takeover would become imminent.

The Indian National Congress instead of reinventing itself after its second successive defeat in Lok Sabha election continues to hop from one crisis to another. On Sunday, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered her resignation to the party so that a new president can be elected.

The Indian National Congress instead of reinventing itself after its second successive defeat in Lok Sabha election continues to hop from one crisis to another. On Sunday, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered her resignation to the party so that a new president can be elected. Sources inside the Congress party confirmed the letter was indeed written to Sonia Gandhi and she too had responded to the letter. In the very letter, she had suggested that all issues will be discussed within the party forum and the new leader can be elected if everyone is of the opinion. According to the reports, Sonia Gandhi is not going to continue as Congress President indefinitely. Regardless of pressure on her from party faithfuls to continue, she will only grace the office until a new president is elected. This period, undoubtedly, is going to be very short. Sources said that it is for the discussion of the grievances Sonia Gandhi had called for a Congress Working Committee meeting on August 24. It is the leak of Sonia Gandhi’s response which has upset Gandhi family. This comes in the wake three dozen-odd leaders writing to Sonia Gandhi asking her to commence reforms in the Congress. A set of senior leaders is upset at the fact that decisions in the Congress party are being taken without consultations and Rahul Gandhi continues to run the party through the office of KC Venugopal who happens to be the General Secretary Organisation. The leaders who shot off a letter to Sonia wants the immediate election to the Congress Working Committee but with Sonia Gandhi putting her papers, it will put them on backfoot. Sonia Gandhi as the Congress President in this period had closely aligned the party with ideas of Rahul Gandhi. Whether it personal and upfront attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on political and security issues to getting KC Venugopal and Rajiv Satav a seat in Rajya Sabha, Sonia Gandhi has supported decisions of Rahul Gandhi. This is being resented by a large majority of leaders that Rahul Gandhi instead of taking everyone along has chosen a set of people to run the party without consultation. Gandhi camp, on the other hand, feel that letter is a ruse for bargaining for positions within the party. It is suspected that discussion may start from functioning from at the top but concrete compromise may each on important positions like General Secretary Organisation or head of the media department. Gandhi camp also feels that the crisis is created and not natural. The Opposite camp feels that the party is not been run properly and requires greater participation from all sides rather than being run by a few people. Though sources feel that Sonia’s gesture to put in her paper would be immediately rejected by the seniors in the group who feel that in her absence Rahul’s takeover would become imminent.

Congress leadership crisis: Split wide open

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore.

Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief".

Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow.

Earlier, ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on Monday, different voices have emerged within the party with one section comprising sitting MPs and former ministers demanding collective leadership, while another group has sought the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

While two dozen Congress leaders including some ex-ministers have written to party president Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organizational structure and changes to the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul have also written to the CWC pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as chief.

The letter by former ministers and some MPs was believed to have been written a few weeks ago and sets the stage for a stormy CWC meeting where issues flagged by dissenters are expected to be discussed and debated.

These leaders have called for bringing changes in the organization by effecting reforms through decentralisation of power and empowerment of state units besides setting up of the Central Parliamentary Board, a body that existed in the party in the 1970s but was later wound up.

The letter in question has also stressed collective decision-making with the Gandhi family as its "integral part."

They have also called for the appointment of a full-time leadership which is active and which can be easily contacted by workers and leaders.

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore. Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore. Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief". Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow. Earlier, ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on Monday, different voices have emerged within the party with one section comprising sitting MPs and former ministers demanding collective leadership, while another group has sought the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm. While two dozen Congress leaders including some ex-ministers have written to party president Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organizational structure and changes to the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul have also written to the CWC pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as chief. The letter by former ministers and some MPs was believed to have been written a few weeks ago and sets the stage for a stormy CWC meeting where issues flagged by dissenters are expected to be discussed and debated. These leaders have called for bringing changes in the organization by effecting reforms through decentralisation of power and empowerment of state units besides setting up of the Central Parliamentary Board, a body that existed in the party in the 1970s but was later wound up. The letter in question has also stressed collective decision-making with the Gandhi family as its "integral part." They have also called for the appointment of a full-time leadership which is active and which can be easily contacted by workers and leaders. (With inputs from PTI)

Sonia Gandhi to quit Congress President post, final decision at CWC meeting tomorrow: Reports

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party.

Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday.

“The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified.

“How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/facebook-director-receives-death-threats-for-favouring-bjp-321138">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP</a>

Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment.

Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues.

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”.

Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since.

The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-says-its-fielding-questions-by-us-regulators-322034">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators</a>

Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes.

Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users.&nbsp;

“How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement.

“We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices.

An Indian parliamentary committee will question Facebook executives on how the social media giant regulates political content in the country, a panel member told Reuters on Friday, following controversy about its practices. Facebook and its top lobbying executive in India, Ankhi Das, are facing criticism after a news report said she opposed applying hate-speech rules to a politician from India’s ruling party. Facebook has been summoned to appear on Sept. 2 before the information technology panel, which considers issues like social media abuse. The discussion with Facebook will last for 30 minutes, according to a notice published late on Thursday. “The subject is serious because of Facebook’s extensive reach in India ... and the potential for hate speech to incite violence and other unlawful behaviour,” said the panel member, who declined to be identified. “How worrying this is, is to be determined after a hearing process is concluded.” Also read: Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP Facebook - which has more than 300 million users in India, its biggest market - did not respond to a request for comment. Facebook has long faced criticism for high-profile content moderation issues. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Das told staff that applying hate-speech rules to politicians close to India’s ruling party “would damage the company’s business prospects in the country”. Facebook has been battling political fallout in India since. The opposition Congress Party criticised Facebook for its policies, while some ruling-party lawmakers have accused it of censoring nationalist voices. Also read: Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators Separately, Reuters this week reported that some Facebook employees in the United States and beyond have raised questions in internal forums about whether adequate content regulation practices are being followed by the India team and demanded some changes. Facebook’s soon-to-be-operational content Oversight Board, which some have dubbed the company’s “Supreme Court”, said it was committed to protecting users. “How Facebook treats posts from public figures that may violate the Community Standards are within the scope of the Board,” the board told Reuters in a statement. “We won’t shy away from the tough cases and holding Facebook accountable,” said the board, which has powers to overturn decisions by the company and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on whether individual pieces of content should be allowed or not.

India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and&nbsp;Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the&nbsp;Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-twitter-step-up-fight-against-misinformation-on-us-elections-320188">Also read|&nbsp;Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections</a>

Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint.

Das has been receiving threats after American daily&nbsp;Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-denied-our-request-to-waive-off-30-commission-fee-facebook-inc-320716">Also read|&nbsp;Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc</a>

The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day.&nbsp;

Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published.&nbsp;"We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said.

Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP &amp; RSS control Facebook &amp; Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India. Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14. Also read| Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint. Das has been receiving threats after American daily Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read| Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day. Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published. "We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said. Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP & RSS control Facebook & Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP

Congress has finally agreed to constitute a three-member committee to address the grievances raised by rebel leader Sachin Pilot.

Earlier in the day, Pilot met senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi on Monday, the first time since the political crisis in Rajasthan began.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/sachin-pilots-aspirations-are-clear-how-he-may-achieve-them-is-not-317323">Sachin Pilot's aspirations are clear, how he may achieve them is not</a>

"Sachin Pilot met with ex-Congress President Rahul Gandhi &amp; expressed his grievances in detail. They had a frank, open &amp; conclusive discussion. Sachin Pilot has committed to working in interest of Congress party &amp; Congress govt in Rajasthan, said KC Venugopal, General Secretary, All India Congress Committee (AICC), reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dynasts-in-democracy-the-rise-and-surprise-of-sachin-pilot-316376">Dynasts in democracy: The rise and surprise of Sachin Pilot</a>

"Following this meeting, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has decided that the AICC will constitute a three-member committee to address the issues raised by Sachin Pilot &amp; the aggrieved MLA and arrive at an appropriate resolution thereof."

Earlier, sources close to Pilot said that the meeting lasted for nearly two hours and the Pilot camp was assured that all their concerns will be settled, said news agency PTI.

Other sources also said that the rebel leader is in touch with top leadership and formula is being worked upon for Pilot's return.&nbsp;

The political crisis in Rajasthan began after Pilot and 18 other MLAs rebelled against the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, which led to Pilot's removal as deputy chief minister and state party head. &nbsp;

Congress has finally agreed to constitute a three-member committee to address the grievances raised by rebel leader Sachin Pilot. Earlier in the day, Pilot met senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi on Monday, the first time since the political crisis in Rajasthan began.

Congress has finally agreed to constitute a three-member committee to address the grievances raised by rebel leader Sachin Pilot. Earlier in the day, Pilot met senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi on Monday, the first time since the political crisis in Rajasthan began. Also read | Sachin Pilot's aspirations are clear, how he may achieve them is not "Sachin Pilot met with ex-Congress President Rahul Gandhi & expressed his grievances in detail. They had a frank, open & conclusive discussion. Sachin Pilot has committed to working in interest of Congress party & Congress govt in Rajasthan, said KC Venugopal, General Secretary, All India Congress Committee (AICC), reported news agency ANI. Also read | Dynasts in democracy: The rise and surprise of Sachin Pilot "Following this meeting, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has decided that the AICC will constitute a three-member committee to address the issues raised by Sachin Pilot & the aggrieved MLA and arrive at an appropriate resolution thereof." Earlier, sources close to Pilot said that the meeting lasted for nearly two hours and the Pilot camp was assured that all their concerns will be settled, said news agency PTI. Other sources also said that the rebel leader is in touch with top leadership and formula is being worked upon for Pilot's return. The political crisis in Rajasthan began after Pilot and 18 other MLAs rebelled against the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, which led to Pilot's removal as deputy chief minister and state party head.

Congress forms three-member committee to address Sachin Pilot's grievances

The Congress on Tuesday questioned the government over a Chinese company's engagement in a smart metering project of the Jammu and Kashmir government and demanded answers as to what was the compulsion.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that Chinese company Dongfang has received a sub-contract for smart metering of power meters in Jammu and Kashmir and wondered how the power ministry could involve a Chinese firm in such a sensitive area.

"We want to know, what is the compulsion? Why would the government allow a company like Dongfang to get into Jammu and Srinagar, to get into the electricity power sector, to get into the RF technology area of the power sector. Why? What are your compulsions," he asked at a virtual press conference.

The Congress leader said on the one hand the government is banning Chinese apps, but on the other hand it is allowing something as critical as power consumption data going to the hands of Dongfang, which he claimed is not only reporting to the Chinese Army and the Chinese government, but has close ties with the current establishment of Pakistan.

"These are very critical questions, in a time when our brave jawans are trying to protect our borders in Ladakh. We do not expect the Government to act, the way it is acting," he said.

Khera also alleged that the Chinese company has several question marks around the globe for its integrity and for its proximity and direct control of the Chinese Army and the Chinese government.

"When that company is allowed to enter into a strategic area of a sensitive state like Jammu &amp; Kashmir, then there are question marks, then these are worrying signs," he said.

Khera said Dongfang was even banned by the World Bank for some time.

The Congress on Tuesday questioned the government over a Chinese company's engagement in a smart metering project of the Jammu and Kashmir government and demanded answers as to what was the compulsion.

The Congress on Tuesday questioned the government over a Chinese company's engagement in a smart metering project of the Jammu and Kashmir government and demanded answers as to what was the compulsion. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that Chinese company Dongfang has received a sub-contract for smart metering of power meters in Jammu and Kashmir and wondered how the power ministry could involve a Chinese firm in such a sensitive area. "We want to know, what is the compulsion? Why would the government allow a company like Dongfang to get into Jammu and Srinagar, to get into the electricity power sector, to get into the RF technology area of the power sector. Why? What are your compulsions," he asked at a virtual press conference. The Congress leader said on the one hand the government is banning Chinese apps, but on the other hand it is allowing something as critical as power consumption data going to the hands of Dongfang, which he claimed is not only reporting to the Chinese Army and the Chinese government, but has close ties with the current establishment of Pakistan. "These are very critical questions, in a time when our brave jawans are trying to protect our borders in Ladakh. We do not expect the Government to act, the way it is acting," he said. Khera also alleged that the Chinese company has several question marks around the globe for its integrity and for its proximity and direct control of the Chinese Army and the Chinese government. "When that company is allowed to enter into a strategic area of a sensitive state like Jammu & Kashmir, then there are question marks, then these are worrying signs," he said. Khera said Dongfang was even banned by the World Bank for some time.

Why is Chinese company 'Dongfang' involved in J&K govt's smart metering project, asks Congress

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon.

Conceding that their exit might adversely impact the party "temporarily", the veteran Congress MP, however, said party "discipline and ideology can't be compromised to satisfy the individual aspirations of leaders who lack ideological commitment.

The Congress leader hinted at the possibility of some more young leaders quitting the party after the high-profile desertion of Jyotiraditya Scindia and rebellion by Sachin Pilot.

"There is a certain section of overambitious young leaders. They are becoming restless and feeling they are not getting their due in the party and are looking for other options to satisfy their individual ambitions."

"This is happening due to a growing perception that as the Congress wont return to power (at the Centre) shortly, so the party wont be able to satisfy all their demands. So they are either jumping the ship or are planning to do so," Chowdhury told PTI in an interview.

Talking about Scindia and Pilot, he said they were never neglected or given short shrift by the party.

He said there have been leaders with great potential in several political parties who did not get their due.

"But did they leave their party to enjoy the fruits of power? The answer is no. The problem is the lack of commitment," he said.

Chowdhury also rejected the claim that Jyotiraditya Scindia won Madhya Pradesh for the Congress as its campaign committee chief for the assembly polls.

If that were the case, he would not have lost his Lok Sabha seat, the veteran Congress leader said.

Rajasthan, where Sachin Pilot has risen in revolt against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has a history of change of guard every five years, Chowdhury said.

"Had he (Pilot) been the only factor which led to our victory in the 2018 assembly polls we wouldnt have fared so badly in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan, he said.

Scindia left the Congress with his band of loyal MLAs in March and joined the BJP, resulting in the fall of the Kamal Nath government and the saffron party's return to power.

Pilot was removed as deputy chief minister and Rajasthan Congress president after he revolted against Gehlot, a representative of the old guard in the Congress.

He has neither left the party nor been expelled.

Former union minister Milind Deora, one of the young faces in the Congress had last year proposed Pilot and Scindia for the post of the party's national president.

Deora had told PTI he agreed with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh that the new Congress president should be young, capable and possess electoral, administrative and organisational experience, and a pan-India appeal.

"In my view, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia have all these qualities and can provide strength to the organisation and vigour to the opposition space," he had said.

When asked whether the disillusionment of the young leaders stems from the power struggle between the old guard and the Young Turks in the party, with the former holding sway, Chowdhury replied in the negative.

Can you show me one political party in India which has leaders of only one age group? Any political party or organisation is a blend of young and experienced leaders.

Just because I am over 60 will you throw me out of the party? In BJP, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani were leaders, they had groomed others like Narendra Modi and the present-day BJP leadership, he said.

Chowdhury blamed a section of media for presenting the difference of opinion as disputes within the party.

He dismissed as "untrue" suggestions that Scindia and Pilot were sidelined as they could pose a threat to Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

"This is completely untrue. Had Rahul Ji felt threatened by them, he wont have encouraged them to take up important assignments both in the party and in governments, he said.

When asked whether the problems the Congress is facing stemmed from a leadership crisis, the five-time MP from West Bengals Beharampore said the party is just going through a bad, rough patch, which is quite common in politics.

"There is no leadership crisis in our party. Its a media creation. We have Sonia Gandhi as our leader and no one should question her political acumen as it under her leadership that the party won two successive terms from 2004- 2014," he said.

Responding to a question about who will take over the mantle from interim president Sonia Gandhi, Chowdhury, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said though there were several good leaders they lack the stature and charisma of the Gandhi family which acts as glue for the party.

"We would like to have a member of the Gandhi family to lead us. Sonia Gandhiji has done a great job in the last year. If Rahul Gandhi Ji wants to take up the mantle he can always do so," he said.

Asked why the Congress was reluctant about looking beyond the Gandhi family despite repeated electoral reverses, he said, "Thats because no one has the charisma the Gandhi family has. When we have someone else with such charisma, he can lead the party. We had P V Narasimha Rao, Sitaram Kesari as party presidents in the past."

He said a "false" perception has been created by a section of media at BJP's bidding that Rahul Gandhi is a "part-time politician".

Chowdhury said Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who has been consistently opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies.

"He has been uncompromising in it. But a section of media loves to paint him as an immature politician. The day we return to power, you will find Rahul ji being hailed as a great politician," he said.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon.

Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury feels a section of young "overambitious" leaders is becoming increasingly restless and deserting the party due to the growing perception that it is not going to return to power at the Centre anytime soon. Conceding that their exit might adversely impact the party "temporarily", the veteran Congress MP, however, said party "discipline and ideology can't be compromised to satisfy the individual aspirations of leaders who lack ideological commitment. The Congress leader hinted at the possibility of some more young leaders quitting the party after the high-profile desertion of Jyotiraditya Scindia and rebellion by Sachin Pilot. "There is a certain section of overambitious young leaders. They are becoming restless and feeling they are not getting their due in the party and are looking for other options to satisfy their individual ambitions." "This is happening due to a growing perception that as the Congress wont return to power (at the Centre) shortly, so the party wont be able to satisfy all their demands. So they are either jumping the ship or are planning to do so," Chowdhury told PTI in an interview. Talking about Scindia and Pilot, he said they were never neglected or given short shrift by the party. He said there have been leaders with great potential in several political parties who did not get their due. "But did they leave their party to enjoy the fruits of power? The answer is no. The problem is the lack of commitment," he said. Chowdhury also rejected the claim that Jyotiraditya Scindia won Madhya Pradesh for the Congress as its campaign committee chief for the assembly polls. If that were the case, he would not have lost his Lok Sabha seat, the veteran Congress leader said. Rajasthan, where Sachin Pilot has risen in revolt against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has a history of change of guard every five years, Chowdhury said. "Had he (Pilot) been the only factor which led to our victory in the 2018 assembly polls we wouldnt have fared so badly in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan, he said. Scindia left the Congress with his band of loyal MLAs in March and joined the BJP, resulting in the fall of the Kamal Nath government and the saffron party's return to power. Pilot was removed as deputy chief minister and Rajasthan Congress president after he revolted against Gehlot, a representative of the old guard in the Congress. He has neither left the party nor been expelled. Former union minister Milind Deora, one of the young faces in the Congress had last year proposed Pilot and Scindia for the post of the party's national president. Deora had told PTI he agreed with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh that the new Congress president should be young, capable and possess electoral, administrative and organisational experience, and a pan-India appeal. "In my view, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia have all these qualities and can provide strength to the organisation and vigour to the opposition space," he had said. When asked whether the disillusionment of the young leaders stems from the power struggle between the old guard and the Young Turks in the party, with the former holding sway, Chowdhury replied in the negative. Can you show me one political party in India which has leaders of only one age group? Any political party or organisation is a blend of young and experienced leaders. Just because I am over 60 will you throw me out of the party? In BJP, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani were leaders, they had groomed others like Narendra Modi and the present-day BJP leadership, he said. Chowdhury blamed a section of media for presenting the difference of opinion as disputes within the party. He dismissed as "untrue" suggestions that Scindia and Pilot were sidelined as they could pose a threat to Rahul Gandhi's leadership. "This is completely untrue. Had Rahul Ji felt threatened by them, he wont have encouraged them to take up important assignments both in the party and in governments, he said. When asked whether the problems the Congress is facing stemmed from a leadership crisis, the five-time MP from West Bengals Beharampore said the party is just going through a bad, rough patch, which is quite common in politics. "There is no leadership crisis in our party. Its a media creation. We have Sonia Gandhi as our leader and no one should question her political acumen as it under her leadership that the party won two successive terms from 2004- 2014," he said. Responding to a question about who will take over the mantle from interim president Sonia Gandhi, Chowdhury, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said though there were several good leaders they lack the stature and charisma of the Gandhi family which acts as glue for the party. "We would like to have a member of the Gandhi family to lead us. Sonia Gandhiji has done a great job in the last year. If Rahul Gandhi Ji wants to take up the mantle he can always do so," he said. Asked why the Congress was reluctant about looking beyond the Gandhi family despite repeated electoral reverses, he said, "Thats because no one has the charisma the Gandhi family has. When we have someone else with such charisma, he can lead the party. We had P V Narasimha Rao, Sitaram Kesari as party presidents in the past." He said a "false" perception has been created by a section of media at BJP's bidding that Rahul Gandhi is a "part-time politician". Chowdhury said Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who has been consistently opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies. "He has been uncompromising in it. But a section of media loves to paint him as an immature politician. The day we return to power, you will find Rahul ji being hailed as a great politician," he said.

'Overambitious' young leaders quitting Congress as they feel party won't come to power soon: Adhir

Despite accusing senior party leader Sachin Pilot of colluding with the BJP, the Congress has still kept its doors open for him and other rebel MLAs and they may be given another chance to return to the party fold. Sources stated that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is behind the softening of stance on rebels and he is understood to have instructed the party leaders to give Pilot another chance.

According to a Congress national leader in Jaipur, the party's doors are still open for Sachin Pilot because Rahul Gandhi has instructed that despite all the provocation, he should be given another chance. "Pilot should be given one more chance to join the family," he said.

Sources told ANI that Ahmed Patel, a leader very close to Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, is in contact with the former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and is talking to him.

It was earlier believed that Rahul's had taken a tough stance on Pilot's rebellion. However, now according to the latest development, Rahul is trying to create an atmosphere of respectful return of Sachin.

According to sources, the directive from Rahul Gandhi came after the statement of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday afternoon, in which Gehlot directly accused Pilot of being involved in the conspiracy to topple the government with the BJP and said that he has a proof regarding it.

Soon after this statement, Rahul Gandhi instructed the national leaders stationed in Jaipur that Pilot should be given a chance to return. After which, the national media in-charge Randeep Surjewala appealed through the media that Sachin Pilot should return to Jaipur with all his MLAs.

As a show of good faith, state NSUI President who was close to Pilot and was also removed has been given another chance on the instruction of Rahul Gandhi.

Congress had earlier called a legislature party meeting twice in Jaipur, which was boycotted by the MLAs of Sachin Pilot camp. Due to the rebellion, the post of Deputy Chief Minister and state president of Congress was taken away from Pilot. While action has been taken against his supporters as well and State Youth Congress head, Sewa Dal Chief who are MLAs have also been removed.

Eighteen Congress MLAs, along with Pilot, have been issued a show-cause notice for not attending the CLP meeting. Though Pilot has not returned to Jaipur from New Delhi, his demeanour seems to have become softer, party sources believe.

It is also important to note that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in touch with Pilot. She has spoken to him several times and is pushing for his return to Jaipur. Several senior party leaders including Former Union Minister Jitin Prasad, Priya Dutt, Shashi Tharoor tweeted and pushed that talks should be initiated with Pilot.

The view was also lent support by veteran Congress leader Margaret Alva, who tweeted, "Differences are not anti-party. They have to be sorted out and compromises worked out. We have done it over the years." Her tweet was later endorsed by former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh.

Party sources stated that in case Pilot returns home unconditionally and proclaims his support to the Gehlot government, after a few months, he can be given some big responsibility in the party.

However, if Pilot remains adamant then the Congress wants to take away the opportunity from him to garner sympathy by keeping their doors open for him to rejoin. That is why Congress is adopting a dual strategy, sources stated.

Congress leaders have pointed out that the rebel camp has full opportunity to return home till the last date and for answering the show cause notice issued by the Speaker.

While the Congress leadership is backing Ashok Gehlot, it also does not wants to lose Pilot. Due to Pilot's rebellion, top leadership is facing criticism after Ashok Tanwar, Pradyut Manikya, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jyotiraditya Scindia Congress who has been losing young leaders who were supposed to be members of team Rahul Gandhi.

Despite accusing senior party leader Sachin Pilot of colluding with the BJP, the Congress has still kept its doors open for him and other rebel MLAs and they may be given another chance to return to the party fold.

Despite accusing senior party leader Sachin Pilot of colluding with the BJP, the Congress has still kept its doors open for him and other rebel MLAs and they may be given another chance to return to the party fold. Sources stated that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is behind the softening of stance on rebels and he is understood to have instructed the party leaders to give Pilot another chance. According to a Congress national leader in Jaipur, the party's doors are still open for Sachin Pilot because Rahul Gandhi has instructed that despite all the provocation, he should be given another chance. "Pilot should be given one more chance to join the family," he said. Sources told ANI that Ahmed Patel, a leader very close to Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, is in contact with the former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and is talking to him. It was earlier believed that Rahul's had taken a tough stance on Pilot's rebellion. However, now according to the latest development, Rahul is trying to create an atmosphere of respectful return of Sachin. According to sources, the directive from Rahul Gandhi came after the statement of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday afternoon, in which Gehlot directly accused Pilot of being involved in the conspiracy to topple the government with the BJP and said that he has a proof regarding it. Soon after this statement, Rahul Gandhi instructed the national leaders stationed in Jaipur that Pilot should be given a chance to return. After which, the national media in-charge Randeep Surjewala appealed through the media that Sachin Pilot should return to Jaipur with all his MLAs. As a show of good faith, state NSUI President who was close to Pilot and was also removed has been given another chance on the instruction of Rahul Gandhi. Congress had earlier called a legislature party meeting twice in Jaipur, which was boycotted by the MLAs of Sachin Pilot camp. Due to the rebellion, the post of Deputy Chief Minister and state president of Congress was taken away from Pilot. While action has been taken against his supporters as well and State Youth Congress head, Sewa Dal Chief who are MLAs have also been removed. Eighteen Congress MLAs, along with Pilot, have been issued a show-cause notice for not attending the CLP meeting. Though Pilot has not returned to Jaipur from New Delhi, his demeanour seems to have become softer, party sources believe. It is also important to note that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in touch with Pilot. She has spoken to him several times and is pushing for his return to Jaipur. Several senior party leaders including Former Union Minister Jitin Prasad, Priya Dutt, Shashi Tharoor tweeted and pushed that talks should be initiated with Pilot. The view was also lent support by veteran Congress leader Margaret Alva, who tweeted, "Differences are not anti-party. They have to be sorted out and compromises worked out. We have done it over the years." Her tweet was later endorsed by former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh. Party sources stated that in case Pilot returns home unconditionally and proclaims his support to the Gehlot government, after a few months, he can be given some big responsibility in the party. However, if Pilot remains adamant then the Congress wants to take away the opportunity from him to garner sympathy by keeping their doors open for him to rejoin. That is why Congress is adopting a dual strategy, sources stated. Congress leaders have pointed out that the rebel camp has full opportunity to return home till the last date and for answering the show cause notice issued by the Speaker. While the Congress leadership is backing Ashok Gehlot, it also does not wants to lose Pilot. Due to Pilot's rebellion, top leadership is facing criticism after Ashok Tanwar, Pradyut Manikya, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jyotiraditya Scindia Congress who has been losing young leaders who were supposed to be members of team Rahul Gandhi.

Rajasthan crisis: Congress ready to give Sachin Pilot another chance after Rahul Gandhi intervention

Congress national general secretary and Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Pande on Wednesday said that the party has decided to dissolve all district and block committees in the state with immediate effect.

Congress national general secretary and Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Pande on Wednesday said that the party has decided to dissolve all district and block committees in the state with immediate effect. "AICC has decided to dissolve all the District Congress Committees and Block Congress Committees of Rajasthan Pradesh with immediate effect. The process of formation of new committees will begin soon," Pande tweeted. Earlier in the day, Pande dissolved all cells and departments of the state party unit. AICC has decided to dissolve all the District Congress Commities and Block Congress Committees of Rajasthan Pradesh with immediate effect. The process of formation of new committees will begin soon. — Avinash Pande (@avinashpandeinc) July 15, 2020 × "The state executive, all departments and cells of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee have been dissolved with immediate effect. With the appointment of the new president of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress, new state executive, departments and cells will be formed," Pande tweeted in Hindi. He also said that no Congressmen will communicate with the media without the permission of newly appointed Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasara. The Rajasthan Congress is in turmoil over the past few days. State Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has blamed the BJP for attempting to destabilise the state government by poaching MLAs. The Congress government in the state is facing a political crisis after simmering differences between Pilot and Ashok Gehlot came out in the open.A controversy broke out in Rajasthan after Special Operation Group (SOG) sent a notice to Pilot to record his statement in the case registered by SOG in the alleged poaching of Congress MLAs in the state.

Congress dissolves all Rajasthan district, block committees amid internal crisis

Former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan and party’s state unit chief Sachin Pilot on Tuesday said that “truth can be disturbed, not defeated.”

Minutes after Congress party sacked Sachin Pilot from both posts he tweeted in Hindi. 
 
<img alt="Sachin Pilot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="853849bb-b331-4669-924e-9a6dbbe1c6cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sachin.JPG" />

The Congress party has appointed Govind Singh Dotasra in his place. The move comes after Sachin Pilot refused to participate in Congress Legislature Party meeting twice.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sachin Pilot changes his bio on Twitter (pic 1) after being removed as Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress unit chief (Pic 2: earlier Twitter bio). <a href="https://t.co/ro3UWqOdvN">pic.twitter.com/ro3UWqOdvN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1282966911651688449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cracking the whip on the rebel party leader, the party also removed his loyalists Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena from the state cabinet.

Pilot and his supporters claimed to have the backing of 30 Congress MLAs and some independents and even demanded a floor test in the Assembly to make the situation clear.

Pilot has been upset since he was denied the Rajasthan chief minister's post after the December 2018 assembly elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan and party’s state unit chief Sachin Pilot on Tuesday said that “truth can be disturbed, not defeated.” Minutes after Congress party sacked Sachin Pilot from both posts he tweeted in Hindi.

Former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan and party’s state unit chief Sachin Pilot on Tuesday said that “truth can be disturbed, not defeated.” Minutes after Congress party sacked Sachin Pilot from both posts he tweeted in Hindi. The Congress party has appointed Govind Singh Dotasra in his place. The move comes after Sachin Pilot refused to participate in Congress Legislature Party meeting twice. Sachin Pilot changes his bio on Twitter (pic 1) after being removed as Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress unit chief (Pic 2: earlier Twitter bio). pic.twitter.com/ro3UWqOdvN — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2020 × Cracking the whip on the rebel party leader, the party also removed his loyalists Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena from the state cabinet. Pilot and his supporters claimed to have the backing of 30 Congress MLAs and some independents and even demanded a floor test in the Assembly to make the situation clear. Pilot has been upset since he was denied the Rajasthan chief minister's post after the December 2018 assembly elections. (With inputs from PTI)

'Truth can be disturbed, cannot be defeated', tweets Sachin Pilot after being sacked as Rajasthan Deputy CM

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday announced that Sachin Pilot has been removed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, amid the ongoing political crisis.

He has also been sacked as Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee Chief. The party has appointed Govind Singh Dotasra in his place, Surjewala added.

The move comes after Sachin Pilot refused to participate in Congress Legislature Party meeting twice.&nbsp;

Former party president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were among the senior leaders who have been in touch with Pilot.

Congress Party leaders had said that 106 of these 122 MLAs attended Monday's meeting, a claim contested by the Pilot camp.

Pilot and his supporters claimed to have the backing of 30 Congress MLAs and some independents and even demanded a floor test in the Assembly to make the situation clear.

Pilot has been upset since he was denied the Rajasthan chief minister's post after the December 2018 assembly elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday announced that Sachin Pilot has been removed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, amid the ongoing political crisis.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday announced that Sachin Pilot has been removed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, amid the ongoing political crisis. He has also been sacked as Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee Chief. The party has appointed Govind Singh Dotasra in his place, Surjewala added. The move comes after Sachin Pilot refused to participate in Congress Legislature Party meeting twice. Former party president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were among the senior leaders who have been in touch with Pilot. Congress Party leaders had said that 106 of these 122 MLAs attended Monday's meeting, a claim contested by the Pilot camp. Pilot and his supporters claimed to have the backing of 30 Congress MLAs and some independents and even demanded a floor test in the Assembly to make the situation clear. Pilot has been upset since he was denied the Rajasthan chief minister's post after the December 2018 assembly elections. (With inputs from PTI)

Sachin Pilot removed as Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister, PCC chief: Congress

BJP leader and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hit out at the Congress on Monday, saying the central government is using the tax revenue earned from the petrol and diesel sale to fund welfare programmes for the poor and not for any "son-in-law or Rajiv Gandhi Foundation".

Pradhan's barb at the Congress came after the opposition party president, Sonia Gandhi, attacked the BJP-led government for raising fuel prices 22 times since the lockdown, accusing it of "extorting" people, and sought an immediate rollback of the hikes.

Hitting back, Pradhan said Gandhi seems to have forgotten that states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, where the Congress is in power on its own or with allies, have also hiked VAT on petrol and diesel and burdened people.

Instead of doing politics over the issue, the Congress chief should get factual information from these states, he said in a statement, adding that the Centre and states are using the money to meet challenges being posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pradhan said, "The tax earned from petrol and diesel is being spent on healthcare, generating employment and giving people financial security.

"The BJP government uses people's money for the poor's welfare through direct benefit transfer. It is not like the Congress, which would use the revenue for welfare of a son-in-law and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF)."

"Sonia Gandhi is saying so because the Congress has for generations used power to transfer money meant for government schemes to bank accounts of son-in-law and the RGF," he alleged.

The BJP has targeted Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra for alleged dubious land deals and has also been raising the issue of donations to the RGF to attack the Congress.

Pradhan said the global economy is undergoing a crisis due to the pandemic, which has also posed demand and supply issues for petroleum products.

The common consumer has not been affected much by the recent hike in oil products as, he said, their demand had gone down by 70 per cent in April and May before it was revived in June after the 'unlock' began.

When a family faces a crisis, then its members arrange financial resources to deal with it, he said, adding that the recent hike in oil products should be seen in a similar manner.

Gandhi charged the government with profiteering at the expense of people, saying its duty was to help them in times of crisis and not make profits out of their hard-earned money.

Participating in the Congress' "Speak Up Against Fuel Hike" campaign across the country, she said on the one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc and on the other, the rise in petrol and diesel prices was making life very difficult for the people.

BJP leader and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hit out at the Congress on Monday, saying the central government is using the tax revenue earned from the petrol and diesel sale to fund welfare programmes for the poor and not for any "son-in-law or Rajiv Gandhi Foundation".

BJP leader and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hit out at the Congress on Monday, saying the central government is using the tax revenue earned from the petrol and diesel sale to fund welfare programmes for the poor and not for any "son-in-law or Rajiv Gandhi Foundation". Pradhan's barb at the Congress came after the opposition party president, Sonia Gandhi, attacked the BJP-led government for raising fuel prices 22 times since the lockdown, accusing it of "extorting" people, and sought an immediate rollback of the hikes. Hitting back, Pradhan said Gandhi seems to have forgotten that states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, where the Congress is in power on its own or with allies, have also hiked VAT on petrol and diesel and burdened people. Instead of doing politics over the issue, the Congress chief should get factual information from these states, he said in a statement, adding that the Centre and states are using the money to meet challenges being posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pradhan said, "The tax earned from petrol and diesel is being spent on healthcare, generating employment and giving people financial security. "The BJP government uses people's money for the poor's welfare through direct benefit transfer. It is not like the Congress, which would use the revenue for welfare of a son-in-law and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF)." "Sonia Gandhi is saying so because the Congress has for generations used power to transfer money meant for government schemes to bank accounts of son-in-law and the RGF," he alleged. The BJP has targeted Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra for alleged dubious land deals and has also been raising the issue of donations to the RGF to attack the Congress. Pradhan said the global economy is undergoing a crisis due to the pandemic, which has also posed demand and supply issues for petroleum products. The common consumer has not been affected much by the recent hike in oil products as, he said, their demand had gone down by 70 per cent in April and May before it was revived in June after the 'unlock' began. When a family faces a crisis, then its members arrange financial resources to deal with it, he said, adding that the recent hike in oil products should be seen in a similar manner. Gandhi charged the government with profiteering at the expense of people, saying its duty was to help them in times of crisis and not make profits out of their hard-earned money. Participating in the Congress' "Speak Up Against Fuel Hike" campaign across the country, she said on the one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc and on the other, the rise in petrol and diesel prices was making life very difficult for the people.

Government using oil money for welfare of poor, not RGF: BJP's attack on Congress

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had imposed Emergency in India forty-four years ago on June 25, 1975.

The move threw India's democratic polity completely out of gear as several Opposition leaders were arrested and draconian measures undertaken to stifle free speech and press. The Emergency lasted for 21 months from June 25 to March 21, 1977.

The Emergency was imposed after India's President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued orders under Article 352(1) of the Indian constitution plunging the country into what is now known as the "darkest period" in post-Independent India. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Under the powers of the emergency law, Indira Gandhi had given herself extraordinary powers to arrest opposition leaders. There is an interesting story about George Fernandes, who later went on to become India's Defence minister.

He was living underground, trying to escape a police encounter. His socialist friends had made a plan to call BBC'S correspondent in Mark Tully. In case the police came knocking.

True to their suspicions — it happened and they called Mark Tully, and the BBC flashed the news.

Many believe that may have saved George Fernandes' life. Finally — in January 1977 — Indira Gandhi called for fresh elections and released all political prisoners. That was two months before the emergency was lifted.

The opposition warned Indians and said it's the last chance to choose between democracy and dictatorship. In the elections — both Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi lost their seats.

Morarji Desai became the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India and he amended the Indian constitution making it impossible for any government in the future to clamp emergency.

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had imposed Emergency in India forty-four years ago on June 25, 1975. The move threw India's democratic polity completely out of gear as several Opposition leaders were arrested and draconian measures undertaken to stifle free speech and press.

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had imposed Emergency in India forty-four years ago on June 25, 1975. The move threw India's democratic polity completely out of gear as several Opposition leaders were arrested and draconian measures undertaken to stifle free speech and press. The Emergency lasted for 21 months from June 25 to March 21, 1977. The Emergency was imposed after India's President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued orders under Article 352(1) of the Indian constitution plunging the country into what is now known as the "darkest period" in post-Independent India. Under the powers of the emergency law, Indira Gandhi had given herself extraordinary powers to arrest opposition leaders. There is an interesting story about George Fernandes, who later went on to become India's Defence minister. He was living underground, trying to escape a police encounter. His socialist friends had made a plan to call BBC'S correspondent in Mark Tully. In case the police came knocking. True to their suspicions — it happened and they called Mark Tully, and the BBC flashed the news. Many believe that may have saved George Fernandes' life. Finally — in January 1977 — Indira Gandhi called for fresh elections and released all political prisoners. That was two months before the emergency was lifted. The opposition warned Indians and said it's the last chance to choose between democracy and dictatorship. In the elections — both Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi lost their seats. Morarji Desai became the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India and he amended the Indian constitution making it impossible for any government in the future to clamp emergency.

Revisiting the Emergency: When Iron Lady's dark move galvanized the Opposition

Emergency was the darkest hour of the post-independent India. It was a subversion of the Indian Constitution. Emergency also showed how easily Indira Gandhi could manipulate existing set-up to use draconian provisions vested in the Constitution. It was also a poor reflection on the status of the Congress party which failed to resist the supreme leader and her son’s encroachment on the democratic principle of the Constitution. Emergency not only broke the myth of the constant rule of Congress at Centre but also broke traditional strongholds of the party&nbsp;in north India. The effects of emergency could still be felt today by the leaders it spawned. 
 
Let’s recount the most important development which impacted Indian politics.

Emergency mainstreamed RSS in Indian politics. After the brief experience of 1967 when non-Congress governments came up in various north Indian states by taking help from Jan Sangh, RSS still remained at the political periphery.&nbsp;The close cooperation of RSS with other opposition parties&nbsp;gave rise to the idea of combined opposition. This idea made it possible for VP Singh to become the Prime Minister for a brief time as he received support from both Left and BJP.

Emergency also spawned new leaders. It also pushed old leaders to centre stage. Morarji Desai went on to become the Prime Minister at the age of 81. Vajpayee and Advani, from RSS background, became ministers. New leaders emerged both at the Central&nbsp;and state level. Mulayam Singh, Laloo Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, George Fernandes, Ram Vilas Paswan and Sharad Yadav broke into national politics. Vajpayee and Advani went on to become PM and deputy Prime Ministers. Mulayam, Nitish and Laloo served both as chief ministers and Central ministers and also laid foundations of regional parties in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh respectively. It also impacted Congress. Many Congress leaders nurtured by Sanjay Gandhi came to dominate UPA 1 and 2. Sanjay Gandhi’s men had a little say in Rajiv Gandhi’s Congress but Sonia Gandhi brought back the old-timers into the system.

Another impact of emergency was the injection of activism in journalism. It also spawned a number of journalists who actively opposed Indira Gandhi. Many were jailed and many more lost jobs. The net impact of emergency was that anti-government reporting acquired political heft. It continued till 2014. Only after 2014, political heft of anti-government reporting came down.

Emergency also led to the foundation of BJP in the 1980s. With the failure of the Janata experiment, leaders associated with RSS formed a new party called BJP. When born, it chose to wall a centrist path until Advani decided to change it for good. After two back to back debacles in Lok Sabha election, Advani took a political turn and got the BJP married to hard Hindutva politics officially. BJP went on to form government in 1996 and by 2014 became the dominant party of India, displacing Congress from both Centre and many states.

Another impact of Emergency, in the long run, was political marginalisation of socialist politics in India. India repeatedly witnessed socialist not being able to run governments. It discredited them in public. The experiment of 1977, 1989 and 1996 showed that socialist parties cannot run governments on their own. Subsequently, the socialist block got divided, a part of it aligned with BJP led NDA and rest chose to become part of the Congress-led UPA. After 1996, the dominance of socialist politics was finished at the Centre.

Emergency also raised questions on the nature of Indian film industry. Barring few voices, many film stars remained silent. This continues till today where very few actors take strong political positions on important issues.

Emergency also&nbsp;tarred the legacy of Congress forever. The party which fought for India’s independence suspended democratic rights. Till today, the party&nbsp;grapples with the legacy of Congress despite admitting in public that it was a mistake.

Another impact of Emergency was the downfall of the Congress in north Indian states. Congress was able to retain south in the 1980s and was wiped out in the north. By 1989, Congress became irrelevant in Bihar and UP which accounts for 120 seats in Lok Sabha. It also showed every Indian how the absence of dissent in the party can compromise with the functioning of a nation. In absence of dissent in Congress, Indira got away with Emergency. It is the biggest lesson. Even the opposition was not convinced of a victory against Indira but people voted her out. It is a lesson, India&nbsp;must remember that dissent within the party and outside the government, in form of a strong opposition with a strong and neutral press, is an essential prerequisite for a functional democracy.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Emergency was the darkest hour of the post-independent India. It was a subversion of the Indian Constitution. Emergency also showed how easily Indira Gandhi could manipulate existing set-up to use draconian provisions vested in the Constitution.

Emergency was the darkest hour of the post-independent India. It was a subversion of the Indian Constitution. Emergency also showed how easily Indira Gandhi could manipulate existing set-up to use draconian provisions vested in the Constitution. It was also a poor reflection on the status of the Congress party which failed to resist the supreme leader and her son’s encroachment on the democratic principle of the Constitution. Emergency not only broke the myth of the constant rule of Congress at Centre but also broke traditional strongholds of the party in north India. The effects of emergency could still be felt today by the leaders it spawned. Let’s recount the most important development which impacted Indian politics. Emergency mainstreamed RSS in Indian politics. After the brief experience of 1967 when non-Congress governments came up in various north Indian states by taking help from Jan Sangh, RSS still remained at the political periphery. The close cooperation of RSS with other opposition parties gave rise to the idea of combined opposition. This idea made it possible for VP Singh to become the Prime Minister for a brief time as he received support from both Left and BJP. Emergency also spawned new leaders. It also pushed old leaders to centre stage. Morarji Desai went on to become the Prime Minister at the age of 81. Vajpayee and Advani, from RSS background, became ministers. New leaders emerged both at the Central and state level. Mulayam Singh, Laloo Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, George Fernandes, Ram Vilas Paswan and Sharad Yadav broke into national politics. Vajpayee and Advani went on to become PM and deputy Prime Ministers. Mulayam, Nitish and Laloo served both as chief ministers and Central ministers and also laid foundations of regional parties in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh respectively. It also impacted Congress. Many Congress leaders nurtured by Sanjay Gandhi came to dominate UPA 1 and 2. Sanjay Gandhi’s men had a little say in Rajiv Gandhi’s Congress but Sonia Gandhi brought back the old-timers into the system. Another impact of emergency was the injection of activism in journalism. It also spawned a number of journalists who actively opposed Indira Gandhi. Many were jailed and many more lost jobs. The net impact of emergency was that anti-government reporting acquired political heft. It continued till 2014. Only after 2014, political heft of anti-government reporting came down. Emergency also led to the foundation of BJP in the 1980s. With the failure of the Janata experiment, leaders associated with RSS formed a new party called BJP. When born, it chose to wall a centrist path until Advani decided to change it for good. After two back to back debacles in Lok Sabha election, Advani took a political turn and got the BJP married to hard Hindutva politics officially. BJP went on to form government in 1996 and by 2014 became the dominant party of India, displacing Congress from both Centre and many states. Another impact of Emergency, in the long run, was political marginalisation of socialist politics in India. India repeatedly witnessed socialist not being able to run governments. It discredited them in public. The experiment of 1977, 1989 and 1996 showed that socialist parties cannot run governments on their own. Subsequently, the socialist block got divided, a part of it aligned with BJP led NDA and rest chose to become part of the Congress-led UPA. After 1996, the dominance of socialist politics was finished at the Centre. Emergency also raised questions on the nature of Indian film industry. Barring few voices, many film stars remained silent. This continues till today where very few actors take strong political positions on important issues. Emergency also tarred the legacy of Congress forever. The party which fought for India’s independence suspended democratic rights. Till today, the party grapples with the legacy of Congress despite admitting in public that it was a mistake. Another impact of Emergency was the downfall of the Congress in north Indian states. Congress was able to retain south in the 1980s and was wiped out in the north. By 1989, Congress became irrelevant in Bihar and UP which accounts for 120 seats in Lok Sabha. It also showed every Indian how the absence of dissent in the party can compromise with the functioning of a nation. In absence of dissent in Congress, Indira got away with Emergency. It is the biggest lesson. Even the opposition was not convinced of a victory against Indira but people voted her out. It is a lesson, India must remember that dissent within the party and outside the government, in form of a strong opposition with a strong and neutral press, is an essential prerequisite for a functional democracy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Children of Emergency

At 50, people in general start actively planning for retirement, but it does not hold true for politicians in India. Indian politics has dynasties which control the functioning of political parties. It roughly means that one can continue to have a long career despite making big mistakes. Secondly, the Indian public is more forgiving. Politicians have made comebacks after years of oblivion or even failed beginnings. Look at the career of Morarji Desai, PV Narsimha Rao or even YSR Reddy, their patience paid off.

Lastly, India loves old politicians. Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was an odd case out. Indians for the last 70 years have supported and voted for old leaders. Even the icon of emergency, Jayaprakash Narayan, was old and bedridden. Narsimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, Morarji Desai, Deve Gowda, IK Gujral and even Narendra Modi became Prime Ministers in their 60s and 70s. Morarji Bhai became Prime Minister when he was 81.

So, what is the future of Rahul Gandhi at 50? He might not be the party president today, but eventually, he will head the Congress. And hence, he will have to deal with a diminished party, resurgent Hindutva and a mainstreamed RSS in his political life. I would say that even then, Rahul Gandhi cannot be discounted.

First, he is the only dynast at the national level which&nbsp;gives Rahul Gandhi enough longevity in politics. You will never be able to rule him out till the platform of the Congress party is available to him. It means that Rahul Gandhi will continue to play an active role in politics.

Congress has become virtually non-existent in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. It is a marginal player in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu. It remains stagnant in Karnataka and Gujarat. North East remains a bigger challenge for the party which has almost been abandoned by the leadership. If we add numbers of states where Congress is non-existent, it comes down to 238 Lok Sabha seats. If we add states, where Congress has become a junior partner in alliances, the number stands at 102 seats. If we add both then number rises to 340 seats. It's here, the challenge lies for Rahul Gandhi. It is here that Rahul Gandhi and Congress will need to focus if it wants to tackle BJP.

At the age of 50, Rahul Gandhi confronts another problem as well - the ideological dominance of right-wing politics globally. Rahul Gandhi will need to merge constitutional nationalism with cultural heritage which Indira Gandhi was able to do.

Lastly, Rahul Gandhi’s biggest challenge is the political mainstreaming of RSS. This was not the case even when Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. RSS is a behemoth compared to the Congress today. Today, it has acquired intellectual heft too. Their views are being published regularly in mainstream newspapers which once reflected Congress view of the world. RSS has always been a cultural organisation with a political heartbeat. It mobilised large parts of the civil society for BJP by being active in non-political seasons. Only time, Congress and Rahul Gandhi could do something similar was during COVID-19 crisis, when party workers helped migrant labourers.

Rahul Gandhi has four more years to prepare for Lok Sabha elections. He has nothing more to lose. The Opposition is fragmented.&nbsp;

Most state leaders have accommodated BJP barring a few like Mamata Banerjee. If Rahul Gandhi is able to become the sole voice of the opposition at the national level, half the job would be done. Leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, JB Kriplani, Jayaprakash Narayan or even Charan Singh could never match electoral stature of Indira Gandhi, but they commanded respect and people took them seriously. Rahul Gandhi needs to enter this space.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At 50, people in general start actively planning for retirement, but it does not hold true for politicians in India. Indian politics has dynasties which control the functioning of political parties.

At 50, people in general start actively planning for retirement, but it does not hold true for politicians in India. Indian politics has dynasties which control the functioning of political parties. It roughly means that one can continue to have a long career despite making big mistakes. Secondly, the Indian public is more forgiving. Politicians have made comebacks after years of oblivion or even failed beginnings. Look at the career of Morarji Desai, PV Narsimha Rao or even YSR Reddy, their patience paid off. Lastly, India loves old politicians. Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was an odd case out. Indians for the last 70 years have supported and voted for old leaders. Even the icon of emergency, Jayaprakash Narayan, was old and bedridden. Narsimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, Morarji Desai, Deve Gowda, IK Gujral and even Narendra Modi became Prime Ministers in their 60s and 70s. Morarji Bhai became Prime Minister when he was 81. So, what is the future of Rahul Gandhi at 50? He might not be the party president today, but eventually, he will head the Congress. And hence, he will have to deal with a diminished party, resurgent Hindutva and a mainstreamed RSS in his political life. I would say that even then, Rahul Gandhi cannot be discounted. First, he is the only dynast at the national level which gives Rahul Gandhi enough longevity in politics. You will never be able to rule him out till the platform of the Congress party is available to him. It means that Rahul Gandhi will continue to play an active role in politics. Congress has become virtually non-existent in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. It is a marginal player in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu. It remains stagnant in Karnataka and Gujarat. North East remains a bigger challenge for the party which has almost been abandoned by the leadership. If we add numbers of states where Congress is non-existent, it comes down to 238 Lok Sabha seats. If we add states, where Congress has become a junior partner in alliances, the number stands at 102 seats. If we add both then number rises to 340 seats. It's here, the challenge lies for Rahul Gandhi. It is here that Rahul Gandhi and Congress will need to focus if it wants to tackle BJP. At the age of 50, Rahul Gandhi confronts another problem as well - the ideological dominance of right-wing politics globally. Rahul Gandhi will need to merge constitutional nationalism with cultural heritage which Indira Gandhi was able to do. Lastly, Rahul Gandhi’s biggest challenge is the political mainstreaming of RSS. This was not the case even when Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. RSS is a behemoth compared to the Congress today. Today, it has acquired intellectual heft too. Their views are being published regularly in mainstream newspapers which once reflected Congress view of the world. RSS has always been a cultural organisation with a political heartbeat. It mobilised large parts of the civil society for BJP by being active in non-political seasons. Only time, Congress and Rahul Gandhi could do something similar was during COVID-19 crisis, when party workers helped migrant labourers. Rahul Gandhi has four more years to prepare for Lok Sabha elections. He has nothing more to lose. The Opposition is fragmented. Most state leaders have accommodated BJP barring a few like Mamata Banerjee. If Rahul Gandhi is able to become the sole voice of the opposition at the national level, half the job would be done. Leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, JB Kriplani, Jayaprakash Narayan or even Charan Singh could never match electoral stature of Indira Gandhi, but they commanded respect and people took them seriously. Rahul Gandhi needs to enter this space. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Turning 50: Rahul Gandhi, down but not out

A case has been registered against former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for allegedly sharing an edited video of present Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Twitter.

A delegation of BJP leaders lodged a complaint with the Crime Branch on Sunday night.

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Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal Crime Branch registers FIR against Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, under multiple sections of IPC, in connection with an alleged fake video regarding CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared by him on social media. BJP had filed a complaint against him. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/MT3QNoaUyE">pic.twitter.com/MT3QNoaUyE</a>
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The complaint said that Singh has posted a video on his Twitter handle on Sunday afternoon. The video reads in Hindi, "Liquor shops are opened but lockdown at temples and religious places. Great uncle, let them drink as much as they can".

"This has been done to tarnish the image of the BJP government and the Chief Minister," the BJP leaders said.

Evidence of the video was also given in a pen drive. An FIR has been lodged against Singh in this case, he said.

 
&nbsp;

A case has been registered against former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for allegedly sharing an edited video of present Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Twitter.

A case has been registered against former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for allegedly sharing an edited video of present Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Twitter. A delegation of BJP leaders lodged a complaint with the Crime Branch on Sunday night. Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal Crime Branch registers FIR against Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, under multiple sections of IPC, in connection with an alleged fake video regarding CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared by him on social media. BJP had filed a complaint against him. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/MT3QNoaUyE — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2020 × The complaint said that Singh has posted a video on his Twitter handle on Sunday afternoon. The video reads in Hindi, "Liquor shops are opened but lockdown at temples and religious places. Great uncle, let them drink as much as they can". "This has been done to tarnish the image of the BJP government and the Chief Minister," the BJP leaders said. Evidence of the video was also given in a pen drive. An FIR has been lodged against Singh in this case, he said.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh booked for sharing edited video of Shivraj

Around 21 more Congress legislators from Gujarat have been shifted to a private resort in Rajasthan ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in the state. The Congress has 65 MLAs in Gujarat, some of whom have already been packed off to different resorts.

Around 21 more Congress legislators from Gujarat have been shifted to a private resort in Rajasthan ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections in the state. The Congress has 65 MLAs in Gujarat, some of whom have already been packed off to different resorts. The party decided to take action after two of its MLAs resigned on June 4. A third resigned a day later. Patan MLA Kirit Patel said those who wanted to leave the Congress had left. "Now we are all together. No one can lure us," he said. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has questioned the Congress move of shifting MLAs to Rajasthan amid the lockdown. "The shifting of MLAs to a resort in Rajasthan shows how much pressure the Congress must be under in the present circumstances. Even the party high command didn`t think of lockdown norms and sent MLAs to Rajasthan knowing well about the coronavirus risk for these many people," said a BJP leader. Earlier too, Gujarat MLAs had been shifted to a Jaipur resort to prevent poaching when the elections were scheduled for March 26. The Rajya Sabha elections to 18 seats were postponed due to lockdown. It`s now scheduled on June 19. MLAs will vote for 4 seats in Gujarat and 3 in Rajasthan.

Congress shifts 25 Gujarat MLAs to Rajasthan to prevent poaching

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is all set to enter the Legislative Council unopposed as the Congress on Sunday decided to withdraw one of its two nominees for the May 21 elections to nine seats.

State Congress president Balasaheb Thorat said, "We have decided to field only one out of two nominees for the MLC elections, which means the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) will have five nominees for as many seats (out of the total nine)".

The BJP has fielded four candidates.&nbsp;

The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance of the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress will get five seats, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party will get four, without a contest.

Late on Saturday evening, the Congress had unexpectedly fielded a second nominee - Rajkishor Modi alias Papa Modi - as the 10th candidate in the fray, besides senior Jalna leader, Rajesh Rathod, which would have necessitated an unwanted election.

But none of the parties including the Sena-NCP and the BJP were keen on a contest and efforts started late on Saturday to convince the Congress to take back the name of Papa Modi, a highly respected leader from Beed.

Late this evening, after a long meeting among the MVA partners, state Congress President and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat announced that the party has decided to withdraw the candidature of Papa Modi.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is all set to enter the Legislative Council unopposed as the Congress on Sunday decided to withdraw one of its two nominees for the May 21 elections to nine seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is all set to enter the Legislative Council unopposed as the Congress on Sunday decided to withdraw one of its two nominees for the May 21 elections to nine seats. State Congress president Balasaheb Thorat said, "We have decided to field only one out of two nominees for the MLC elections, which means the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) will have five nominees for as many seats (out of the total nine)". The BJP has fielded four candidates. The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance of the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress will get five seats, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party will get four, without a contest. Late on Saturday evening, the Congress had unexpectedly fielded a second nominee - Rajkishor Modi alias Papa Modi - as the 10th candidate in the fray, besides senior Jalna leader, Rajesh Rathod, which would have necessitated an unwanted election. But none of the parties including the Sena-NCP and the BJP were keen on a contest and efforts started late on Saturday to convince the Congress to take back the name of Papa Modi, a highly respected leader from Beed. Late this evening, after a long meeting among the MVA partners, state Congress President and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat announced that the party has decided to withdraw the candidature of Papa Modi. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray set to enter Legislative Council unopposed

Uttar Pradesh Congress has launched a chat portal 'UP Mitra' to help migrant workers and common man in the coronavirus crisis.

UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu said people can go to the chat portal and mention their problems. "Through this chat portal, problems of common people will be listed and the UPCC will help them as much as possible," Lallu told ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/migrant-workers-protest-against-lockdown-in-gujarat-60-arrested-297657">Also read:&nbsp;500 migrant workers protest in Gujarat; 60 arrested</a>

He said a list of the problems will be sent to the chief minister so that the government also provides help. He said people of the state stranded in various states in the crisis need help.

The Congress leader said the state unit will publicize the chat portal link - https://tinyurl.com/UPmitra - through social media, messages and other communication channels so that problems of people are known and they can be helped.

Lallu said that the UPCC has launched many programmes to reach to people and help them including Highway Task Force, `Congress ke Sipahi`, district-wise helpline and corona fighter group.

The group includes senior leaders and and is monitored by party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The state unit also started community kitchens in 17 districts including Ghaziabad, Hapur, Kanpur, Allahabad, Lakhimpur Kheri and Lucknow.

"Our district committees are providing ration to the needy people all over the state. Help is being provided to workers who are stranded outside the state. Besides the relief work, we are also raising issues with state government. Our incharge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the state unit have written several letters regarding problems of farmers and migrant workers," he added.

Lallu said that the bigger problem relates to migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh stranded in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab and Karnataka.

"We are in touch with state authorities to make arrangements for the return of migrant worker but UP Government is not showing interest," Lallu alleged.

The portal has been developed free of cost by ValueFirst.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Congress has launched a chat portal 'UP Mitra' to help migrant workers and common man in the coronavirus crisis. UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu said people can go to the chat portal and mention their problems.

Uttar Pradesh Congress has launched a chat portal 'UP Mitra' to help migrant workers and common man in the coronavirus crisis. UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu said people can go to the chat portal and mention their problems. "Through this chat portal, problems of common people will be listed and the UPCC will help them as much as possible," Lallu told ANI. Also read: 500 migrant workers protest in Gujarat; 60 arrested He said a list of the problems will be sent to the chief minister so that the government also provides help. He said people of the state stranded in various states in the crisis need help. The Congress leader said the state unit will publicize the chat portal link - https://tinyurl.com/UPmitra - through social media, messages and other communication channels so that problems of people are known and they can be helped. Lallu said that the UPCC has launched many programmes to reach to people and help them including Highway Task Force, `Congress ke Sipahi`, district-wise helpline and corona fighter group. The group includes senior leaders and and is monitored by party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The state unit also started community kitchens in 17 districts including Ghaziabad, Hapur, Kanpur, Allahabad, Lakhimpur Kheri and Lucknow. "Our district committees are providing ration to the needy people all over the state. Help is being provided to workers who are stranded outside the state. Besides the relief work, we are also raising issues with state government. Our incharge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the state unit have written several letters regarding problems of farmers and migrant workers," he added. Lallu said that the bigger problem relates to migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh stranded in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab and Karnataka. "We are in touch with state authorities to make arrangements for the return of migrant worker but UP Government is not showing interest," Lallu alleged. The portal has been developed free of cost by ValueFirst.

UP Congress launches chat portal to reach out to people, migrant workers

Congress MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur has penned a letter to the&nbsp;Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urging him to reopen the liquor stores amid the lockdown.&nbsp;

He is claiming that "drinking alcohol will surely remove coronavirus from the throat." Using the logic that alcoholic sanitizers help get rid of coronavirus, he implied that coronavirus can be removed from the throat if people drink alcohol.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/entire-country-suffering-supreme-court-rules-out-separate-funds-for-lawyers-295979">Also read:&nbsp;Entire country suffering’: Supreme Court rules out separate funds for lawyers</a>

"When coronavirus can be removed by washing hands with alcohol, then drinking alcohol will surely remove virus from the throat," Kundanpur wrote in his letter to the Chief Minister.

Liquor stores all over the country have been shut since the nationwide lockdown was initiated to stop the spread of coronavirus. Some citizens have been requesting the government to partially open the liquor shops. However, the government has stood firm on its decision and has helped the public as and how possible.

The MLA also alleged that&nbsp;illegal sales of liquor and bootlegging has seen a rapid increase during the weeks of lockdown.

MLA Bharat belongs to&nbsp;Sangod in Rajasthan. The state has&nbsp;almost 2,617 positive coronavirus cases, with more than 50 deaths.

Congress MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur has penned a letter to the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urging him to reopen the liquor stores amid the lockdown. He is claiming that "drinking alcohol will surely remove coronavirus from the throat.

Congress MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur has penned a letter to the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urging him to reopen the liquor stores amid the lockdown. He is claiming that "drinking alcohol will surely remove coronavirus from the throat." Using the logic that alcoholic sanitizers help get rid of coronavirus, he implied that coronavirus can be removed from the throat if people drink alcohol. Also read: Entire country suffering’: Supreme Court rules out separate funds for lawyers "When coronavirus can be removed by washing hands with alcohol, then drinking alcohol will surely remove virus from the throat," Kundanpur wrote in his letter to the Chief Minister. Liquor stores all over the country have been shut since the nationwide lockdown was initiated to stop the spread of coronavirus. Some citizens have been requesting the government to partially open the liquor shops. However, the government has stood firm on its decision and has helped the public as and how possible. The MLA also alleged that illegal sales of liquor and bootlegging has seen a rapid increase during the weeks of lockdown. MLA Bharat belongs to Sangod in Rajasthan. The state has almost 2,617 positive coronavirus cases, with more than 50 deaths.

Alcohol will kill coronavirus in throat, believes MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur

Expressing concerns over the Centre's decision to stop the hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief to all government employees and pensioners, Congress leader and former PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that it is not necessary to impose hardships on government servants.

"I sincerely believe it is not necessary at this stage to impose hardships on government servants and also on the armed forces people," said the former Prime Minister in a video message put out on Congress' Twitter handle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> spreads, Modi Govt hurts 1.1cr Central Govt employees instead of providing relief. Withdrawing DA instead of cutting wasteful expenditure like Central Vista project is insensitive &amp; inhumane. Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> &amp; others express deep concern. <a href="https://t.co/M6WQ0tojxG">pic.twitter.com/M6WQ0tojxG</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1253877689926193153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Ministry of Finance on Thursday stopped a hike in dearness allowance (DA) for the central government employees and dearness relief (DR) for the central government pensioners till July next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-sonia-gandhi-urges-government-to-provide-relief-package-for-msme-sector-294217">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus: Sonia Gandhi urges government to provide relief package for MSME sector</a>

According to the order issued, no arrears will be paid for the period from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.

"In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, it has been decided that the additional instalment of dearness allowance payable to Central Government employees and dearness relief to Central Government pensioners, due from January 1, 2020, shall not be paid," the order said.

Expressing concerns over the Centre's decision to stop the hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief to all government employees and pensioners, Congress leader and former PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that it is not necessary to impose hardships on government servants.

Expressing concerns over the Centre's decision to stop the hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief to all government employees and pensioners, Congress leader and former PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that it is not necessary to impose hardships on government servants. "I sincerely believe it is not necessary at this stage to impose hardships on government servants and also on the armed forces people," said the former Prime Minister in a video message put out on Congress' Twitter handle. As #COVID spreads, Modi Govt hurts 1.1cr Central Govt employees instead of providing relief. Withdrawing DA instead of cutting wasteful expenditure like Central Vista project is insensitive & inhumane. Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri @RahulGandhi & others express deep concern. pic.twitter.com/M6WQ0tojxG — Congress (@INCIndia) April 25, 2020 × The Ministry of Finance on Thursday stopped a hike in dearness allowance (DA) for the central government employees and dearness relief (DR) for the central government pensioners till July next year. Also read: Coronavirus: Sonia Gandhi urges government to provide relief package for MSME sector According to the order issued, no arrears will be paid for the period from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. "In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, it has been decided that the additional instalment of dearness allowance payable to Central Government employees and dearness relief to Central Government pensioners, due from January 1, 2020, shall not be paid," the order said.

No need to halt DA/DR hikes at this stage, says Manmohan Singh in a video message

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s elaborate press conference on Zoom was a sober affair. Unlike his usual self, where Rahul Gandhi can become aggressive and pushy during a press conference, he was unusually interactive and refrained from making any strong comment against the government.&nbsp;

He tried to push his agenda on the issue of COVID 19. During national emergencies, people generally rally around the government and opposition generally allows the leeway. This time, Congress has used a different tactic. It has understood the problems faced by the migrant workers and started kitchen for them throughout India. Narendra Modi government cannot take this overture lightly.&nbsp;

On earlier occasions, Prime Ministers have lost their jobs because of the hardship people go through. Winston Churchill lost elections after World War II and so did Indira Gandhi after bifurcating Pakistan. It is not to say that Rahul Gandhi has suddenly acquired gravitas and would be able to challenge the Narendra Modi, but overture of the Congress towards migrant workers who are right now jobless and without a steady income can prove to be a problem for the BJP.

Though the government has done its best to provide food and money to them, but the problem has not gone away. Rahul Gandhi also avoided attacking Narendra Modi which would have distracted the attention from the real issue to personalities. There was even a strategic goalpost shifting, but former Congress President. Instead of insisting on testing at large, he stressed on precision testing. He even refused to attack the government directly and instead put forth his idea of dealing with the pandemic.&nbsp;

It is a small image reboot for Rahul Gandhi. It is a small step of Rahul Gandhi on addressing this issue nationally. But he will need to be consistent with it. He was one of the first politicians to raise the issue in public, but Congress as a party was more focused on CAA than pandemic which was raising its head next door. Ideally, national parties should not and cannot remain dependent on one leader to pitch an issue in public discourse. Nonetheless, it is a precursor of things to come. If not now then later, Rahul Gandhi will take over Congress once again. His challenges remain huge and job even more difficult for the next two years as Congress is not a real challenger in any state elections.

One will also have to see whether state elections will take place on time for Congress to re-test itself under his leadership. There are chances, the elections may get delayed but then till then, Rahul Gandhi can engage with social issues to deepen its party’s engagement with civil society which become purely electoral in its body rhythm. RSS, in past, was able to deepen its presence by engaging in social issues. May be time has come that Congress does the same and enrich itself through the non-political process, a bond which it enjoyed with people during colonial time. &nbsp;It reminds me of a conversation between Prime Minister IK Gujaral and his secretary. Gujral said to have complained that people were&nbsp;accusing him of running the government like a Punjabi. The reply from his aide was prompt. “Then let’s behave like one.” Here lies the answer to Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

You can be name called for eternity, but do what you want to as chances and opportunities do not present themselves again and again.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s elaborate press conference on Zoom was a sober affair. Unlike his usual self, where Rahul Gandhi can become aggressive and pushy during a press conference, he was unusually interactive and refrained from making any strong comment against the government.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s elaborate press conference on Zoom was a sober affair. Unlike his usual self, where Rahul Gandhi can become aggressive and pushy during a press conference, he was unusually interactive and refrained from making any strong comment against the government. He tried to push his agenda on the issue of COVID 19. During national emergencies, people generally rally around the government and opposition generally allows the leeway. This time, Congress has used a different tactic. It has understood the problems faced by the migrant workers and started kitchen for them throughout India. Narendra Modi government cannot take this overture lightly. On earlier occasions, Prime Ministers have lost their jobs because of the hardship people go through. Winston Churchill lost elections after World War II and so did Indira Gandhi after bifurcating Pakistan. It is not to say that Rahul Gandhi has suddenly acquired gravitas and would be able to challenge the Narendra Modi, but overture of the Congress towards migrant workers who are right now jobless and without a steady income can prove to be a problem for the BJP. Though the government has done its best to provide food and money to them, but the problem has not gone away. Rahul Gandhi also avoided attacking Narendra Modi which would have distracted the attention from the real issue to personalities. There was even a strategic goalpost shifting, but former Congress President. Instead of insisting on testing at large, he stressed on precision testing. He even refused to attack the government directly and instead put forth his idea of dealing with the pandemic. It is a small image reboot for Rahul Gandhi. It is a small step of Rahul Gandhi on addressing this issue nationally. But he will need to be consistent with it. He was one of the first politicians to raise the issue in public, but Congress as a party was more focused on CAA than pandemic which was raising its head next door. Ideally, national parties should not and cannot remain dependent on one leader to pitch an issue in public discourse. Nonetheless, it is a precursor of things to come. If not now then later, Rahul Gandhi will take over Congress once again. His challenges remain huge and job even more difficult for the next two years as Congress is not a real challenger in any state elections. One will also have to see whether state elections will take place on time for Congress to re-test itself under his leadership. There are chances, the elections may get delayed but then till then, Rahul Gandhi can engage with social issues to deepen its party’s engagement with civil society which become purely electoral in its body rhythm. RSS, in past, was able to deepen its presence by engaging in social issues. May be time has come that Congress does the same and enrich itself through the non-political process, a bond which it enjoyed with people during colonial time. It reminds me of a conversation between Prime Minister IK Gujaral and his secretary. Gujral said to have complained that people were accusing him of running the government like a Punjabi. The reply from his aide was prompt. “Then let’s behave like one.” Here lies the answer to Rahul Gandhi. You can be name called for eternity, but do what you want to as chances and opportunities do not present themselves again and again. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A small image reboot for Rahul Gandhi

Politics in Madhya Pradesh has been infected by the coronavirus, Chief Minister Kamal Nath quipped on Friday in the backdrop of the crisis faced by his government following resignation by 22 rebel Congress MLAs.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-discusses-floor-test-with-governor-amid-mp-government-crisis-286130">Kamal Nath discusses floor test with governor amid MP government crisis</a>

The Kamal Nath government, which assumed office in December 2018, plunged into crisis after a rebellion by a section of Congress MLAs earlier this week.

"The coronavirus to yahan politics me hai. Baad me dekha jayega (the coronavirus is here in politics, will see later)," Nath said when asked about the threat of the viral infection in Madhya Pradesh.

The chief minister was speaking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan after meeting Governor Lalji Tandon.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-ridicules-jyotiraditya-scindia-on-twitter-calls-him-a-greedy-politician-285548">Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician</a>

The Congress has alleged that the BJP is trying to topple its government in the state, a claim stoutly rejected by the opposition party.

Amid the ongoing political crisis, Nath called on Tandon and submitted a three-page letter alleging horse-trading by the BJP.

After former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, 22 party MLAs, including six ministers most of them said to be his supporters resigned from the assembly, pushing the Nath government in a major crisis.

Politics in Madhya Pradesh has been infected by the coronavirus, Chief Minister Kamal Nath quipped on Friday in the backdrop of the crisis faced by his government following resignation by 22 rebel Congress MLAs.

Politics in Madhya Pradesh has been infected by the coronavirus, Chief Minister Kamal Nath quipped on Friday in the backdrop of the crisis faced by his government following resignation by 22 rebel Congress MLAs. Also Read: Kamal Nath discusses floor test with governor amid MP government crisis The Kamal Nath government, which assumed office in December 2018, plunged into crisis after a rebellion by a section of Congress MLAs earlier this week. "The coronavirus to yahan politics me hai. Baad me dekha jayega (the coronavirus is here in politics, will see later)," Nath said when asked about the threat of the viral infection in Madhya Pradesh. The chief minister was speaking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan after meeting Governor Lalji Tandon. Also Read: Congress ridicules Jyotiraditya Scindia on twitter, calls him a greedy politician The Congress has alleged that the BJP is trying to topple its government in the state, a claim stoutly rejected by the opposition party. Amid the ongoing political crisis, Nath called on Tandon and submitted a three-page letter alleging horse-trading by the BJP. After former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia quit the Congress, 22 party MLAs, including six ministers most of them said to be his supporters resigned from the assembly, pushing the Nath government in a major crisis.

Politics in Madhya Pradesh infected by coronavirus: Kamal Nath

Former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s resignation from the Congress Party should not be seen in isolation. It is a result of a massive power struggle within the Congress Party.&nbsp;

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi is trying to make a comeback and reasserting himself in the organization. It would be foolhardy to think that Scindia left the Congress because he was denied a Rajya Sabha seat.&nbsp;

The controversy over nomination was an immediate factor for his exit but the real issue remains the tussle within the Congress Party for the top job.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Rahul Gandhi expected every senior leader whom he made the minister in UPA-2 to resign and create grounds swell for him after his resignation.&nbsp;

The expected popular upsurge never happened in the party. Those who resigned did so for personal reasons. Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned because he understood that Congress has no future in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he was appointed General Secretary Incharge of Uttar Pradesh (west), where Congress party lost all the seats.&nbsp;

In Lok Sabha polls, Scindia also lost the party bastion of Guna in Madhya Pradesh to Bharatiya Janata Party's Krishna Pal Yadav.

Many other leaders like Sachin Pilot and Milind Deora also fell out with&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi.

A lot of second-line leaders felt that the party should organise an election for the president’s position and Congress Working Committee. They did not realise that Rahul Gandhi took it as a personal betrayal. This led to the collapse of communication between Scindia and Gandhi, which left him with no choice but to make his own way out of the party.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Despite public abdication, Rahul’s role has remained all-pervasive within the Congress as Sonia Gandhi is holding the baton for him.&nbsp;

So, Scindia’s exit is the starting point and not the endpoint of crisis within the Congress Party.&nbsp;

The biggest grouse of Jyotiraditya Scindia was that Congress could form government in Madhya Pradesh because the party did very well in Chambal division, but CM position went to Kamalnath who ganged up with former CM Digvijay Singh and former Union Minister Suresh Pachouri to sideline Scindia. The plan succeeded but it created a grouse which got bigger after Scindia lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019. 
&nbsp; 
The battle for Rajya Sabha seat was just a trigger. It was the inability of Gandhis to reconcile two factions that precipitated the crisis. It shows weakening hold of the Gandhis on the Congress and decline of family’s control on the party which Rahul Gandhi is trying to arrest. The exit of Jyotiraditya Scindia will lead to fall of the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and may impact the government in Maharashtra where Congress is a junior partner. 
&nbsp; 
It is this tussle between Gandhis, old Congress families and old and new loyalists that has created the crisis. But let us not be misunderstood that Jyotiraditya Scindia is going to an alien party. One of the founding leaders of BJP in 1980 was Vijay Raje Scindia, grandmother of Jyotiraditya.&nbsp;

His father became MP on Jan Sangh ticket in 1971 and he subsequently shifted to Congress in 1977. His aunt Vasundhara Raje has been BJP Chief Minister of Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Scindia has been a primary member of the Congress party for the last 18 years and his resignation shows the ideological collapse in&nbsp;India's oldest political party. 
 
&nbsp;

Former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s resignation from the Congress Party should not be seen in isolation. It is a result of a massive power struggle within the Congress Party.

Former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s resignation from the Congress Party should not be seen in isolation. It is a result of a massive power struggle within the Congress Party. Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi is trying to make a comeback and reasserting himself in the organization. It would be foolhardy to think that Scindia left the Congress because he was denied a Rajya Sabha seat. The controversy over nomination was an immediate factor for his exit but the real issue remains the tussle within the Congress Party for the top job. Rahul Gandhi expected every senior leader whom he made the minister in UPA-2 to resign and create grounds swell for him after his resignation. The expected popular upsurge never happened in the party. Those who resigned did so for personal reasons. Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned because he understood that Congress has no future in Uttar Pradesh. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he was appointed General Secretary Incharge of Uttar Pradesh (west), where Congress party lost all the seats. In Lok Sabha polls, Scindia also lost the party bastion of Guna in Madhya Pradesh to Bharatiya Janata Party's Krishna Pal Yadav. Many other leaders like Sachin Pilot and Milind Deora also fell out with Rahul Gandhi. A lot of second-line leaders felt that the party should organise an election for the president’s position and Congress Working Committee. They did not realise that Rahul Gandhi took it as a personal betrayal. This led to the collapse of communication between Scindia and Gandhi, which left him with no choice but to make his own way out of the party. Despite public abdication, Rahul’s role has remained all-pervasive within the Congress as Sonia Gandhi is holding the baton for him. So, Scindia’s exit is the starting point and not the endpoint of crisis within the Congress Party. The biggest grouse of Jyotiraditya Scindia was that Congress could form government in Madhya Pradesh because the party did very well in Chambal division, but CM position went to Kamalnath who ganged up with former CM Digvijay Singh and former Union Minister Suresh Pachouri to sideline Scindia. The plan succeeded but it created a grouse which got bigger after Scindia lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019. The battle for Rajya Sabha seat was just a trigger. It was the inability of Gandhis to reconcile two factions that precipitated the crisis. It shows weakening hold of the Gandhis on the Congress and decline of family’s control on the party which Rahul Gandhi is trying to arrest. The exit of Jyotiraditya Scindia will lead to fall of the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and may impact the government in Maharashtra where Congress is a junior partner. It is this tussle between Gandhis, old Congress families and old and new loyalists that has created the crisis. But let us not be misunderstood that Jyotiraditya Scindia is going to an alien party. One of the founding leaders of BJP in 1980 was Vijay Raje Scindia, grandmother of Jyotiraditya. His father became MP on Jan Sangh ticket in 1971 and he subsequently shifted to Congress in 1977. His aunt Vasundhara Raje has been BJP Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Scindia has been a primary member of the Congress party for the last 18 years and his resignation shows the ideological collapse in India's oldest political party.

Power struggle within Congress led to Jyotiraditya Scindia’s exit

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