With the first batch of nearly 200 candidates of the BJP already out in the campaign field, the Congress leadership is expected to announce its first batch of candidates later this week.

List of Congress candidates likely to be declared this week: Reports

<p>India's ruling Bhartiya Janta Party's (BJP) leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari sent a legal notice to Congress party general secretary Jairam Ramesh and president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday (Mar 1) for sharing a "twisted, distorted" version of one of his interviews on social media platform X.</p>

<p>Minister Gadkari said that a 19-second audio and visual clipping of one of his interviews was posted by Congress which was "concealing the contextual intent and meaning" of what he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the "sinister act" was carried out by the Opposition with the sole intent to "fan and create confusion, sensation and disrepute" to him.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-election-commission-of-india-clarifies-after-viral-poll-schedule-693834">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Election Commission of India steps in to thwart 'viral' poll schedule</a></p>

<h2><strong>Gadkari gives Congress 24 hours to remove the post, submit a written apology</strong></h2>

<p>The 66-year-old political leader has asked Congress to pull down the post "within 24 hours of receipt of this legal notice" and also asked the party to submit a written apology in the next three days.</p>

<p>The minister called the video clip as factually incorrect and said that it was Congress leaders' "intentional attempt" to "insult and demean" him, "coupled with your intent to provoke members of Bhartiya Janata Party to develop ideological rift".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further stated that the video clip has led to&nbsp;"big reputation damage, defamation and great loss of credibility".</p>

<p>"The interview has also been twisted, distorted and presented on your microblogging site 'X' wall by uploading the above video which is bereft and devoid of contextual meaning," read the notice sent by Gadkari to the Congress&nbsp;general secretary Jairam Ramesh.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;General Elections 2024: BJP Central Election Cell holds late-night meet, finalises first list</strong></p>

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<p>In the video clip shared by Congress on X, Gadkari is heard&nbsp;saying, "Villages, poor, labourers and farmers are unhappy...The villages do not have good roads, there is no water to drink, there are no good hospitals, there are no good schools".</p>

<p>The Cabinet Minister of Road Transport and Highways claimed that the parts of the interview in which he talked about the amount of efforts being made to improve the living standard and the positive&nbsp;results it is yielding during the tenure of the present government at the centre&nbsp;were clipped by the Congress.</p>

<p>"(They) deliberately posted the Hindi captions and video by concealing the contextual meaning of the interaction which is deliberate and malicious to malign the reputation (of the minister)," Gadkari said.</p>

<p>The Congress has not yet responded to the notice.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's ruling Bhartiya Janta Party's (BJP) leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari sent a legal notice to Congress party general secretary Jairam Ramesh and president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday (Mar 1) for sharing a "twisted, distorted" version of one of his interviews on social media platform X.

India's ruling Bhartiya Janta Party's (BJP) leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari sent a legal notice to Congress party general secretary Jairam Ramesh and president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday (Mar 1) for sharing a "twisted, distorted" version of one of his interviews on social media platform X. Minister Gadkari said that a 19-second audio and visual clipping of one of his interviews was posted by Congress which was "concealing the contextual intent and meaning" of what he said. He said that the "sinister act" was carried out by the Opposition with the sole intent to "fan and create confusion, sensation and disrepute" to him. Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Election Commission of India steps in to thwart 'viral' poll schedule Gadkari gives Congress 24 hours to remove the post, submit a written apology The 66-year-old political leader has asked Congress to pull down the post "within 24 hours of receipt of this legal notice" and also asked the party to submit a written apology in the next three days. The minister called the video clip as factually incorrect and said that it was Congress leaders' "intentional attempt" to "insult and demean" him, "coupled with your intent to provoke members of Bhartiya Janata Party to develop ideological rift". He further stated that the video clip has led to "big reputation damage, defamation and great loss of credibility". "The interview has also been twisted, distorted and presented on your microblogging site 'X' wall by uploading the above video which is bereft and devoid of contextual meaning," read the notice sent by Gadkari to the Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh. Watch: General Elections 2024: BJP Central Election Cell holds late-night meet, finalises first list In the video clip shared by Congress on X, Gadkari is heard saying, "Villages, poor, labourers and farmers are unhappy...The villages do not have good roads, there is no water to drink, there are no good hospitals, there are no good schools". The Cabinet Minister of Road Transport and Highways claimed that the parts of the interview in which he talked about the amount of efforts being made to improve the living standard and the positive results it is yielding during the tenure of the present government at the centre were clipped by the Congress. "(They) deliberately posted the Hindi captions and video by concealing the contextual meaning of the interaction which is deliberate and malicious to malign the reputation (of the minister)," Gadkari said. The Congress has not yet responded to the notice. (With inputs from agencies)

India politics: Nitin Gadkari serves legal notice to Congress, alleges interview 'twisted, distorted'

<p>A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly. The Leader of the Opposition&nbsp;Jairam Thakur, alongside other BJP MLAs, met the Himachal Pradesh governor, early on Wednesday and sought a test of strength for the&nbsp;Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government.</p>

<p>"We have pulled off a victory when our chances seemed very low. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won the Rajya Sabha elections. Currently, the Congress government has lost the moral right to stay in power," said Thakur after meeting Governor Shiv Pratak Shukla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, hours later, Thakur alongside his 14 aides was expelled from the assembly&nbsp;for allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Chamber of the Speaker.</p>

<p>Thakur had been demanding a division of votes for passing the state budget, scheduled to be presented in the state assembly later in the day, instead of a voice vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, if the BJP's request is allowed, the division of votes would establish the actual support of each party. If Congress fails to get the budget passed, it would&nbsp;automatically prove that it lacks a majority in the House. However, after the expulsion of 15 BJP leaders, the permutations and combinations regarding the budget vote have changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-alleges-congress-mps-raised-pro-pakistan-slogans-after-rajya-sabha-victory-694551"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;BJP alleges Congress MPs raised pro-Pakistan slogans after Rajya Sabha victory</strong></a></p>

<p>The equations changed yet again for Congress when MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging that the Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times. His resignation has stoked fears that other MLAs might be looking to bow out of the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The man who lived for Himachal Virbhadra Singh was humiliated. Is this how much they respect my father?" said&nbsp;Sukhu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Singh's departure, Congress has 39 MLAs left while BJP has 26 MLAs in the 68-seat assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bjps-big-win-in-rajya-sabha-bags-eight-seats-in-uttar-pradesh-one-in-hp-karnataka-694566"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP &amp; Karnataka</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Sukhu say?</strong></h2>

<p>After cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When someone has sold out their honesty. Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi),"&nbsp;said Sukhu.</p>

<p>"There is a government and an opposition in a democracy but the kind of hooliganism ('gundagardi') being done by the opposition will never be accepted by the people of Himachal," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To arrest the slide in the state, Congress' upper hierarchy deployed&nbsp;senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar. Both have been appointed as observers to ensure that Congress does not lose power, mere months ahead of the general elections.</p>

<p>Media reports on Wednesday claimed that Sukhu had tendered his resignation following the events of the last 24 hours. However, he came out with a statement saying he was a "warrior" and that Congress will complete its five-years term in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly.

A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly. The Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, alongside other BJP MLAs, met the Himachal Pradesh governor, early on Wednesday and sought a test of strength for the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government. "We have pulled off a victory when our chances seemed very low. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won the Rajya Sabha elections. Currently, the Congress government has lost the moral right to stay in power," said Thakur after meeting Governor Shiv Pratak Shukla. However, hours later, Thakur alongside his 14 aides was expelled from the assembly for allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Chamber of the Speaker. Thakur had been demanding a division of votes for passing the state budget, scheduled to be presented in the state assembly later in the day, instead of a voice vote. According to experts, if the BJP's request is allowed, the division of votes would establish the actual support of each party. If Congress fails to get the budget passed, it would automatically prove that it lacks a majority in the House. However, after the expulsion of 15 BJP leaders, the permutations and combinations regarding the budget vote have changed. Also read | BJP alleges Congress MPs raised pro-Pakistan slogans after Rajya Sabha victory The equations changed yet again for Congress when MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging that the Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times. His resignation has stoked fears that other MLAs might be looking to bow out of the Congress party. "The man who lived for Himachal Virbhadra Singh was humiliated. Is this how much they respect my father?" said Sukhu. After Singh's departure, Congress has 39 MLAs left while BJP has 26 MLAs in the 68-seat assembly. Watch | India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP & Karnataka × What did Sukhu say? After cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs. "When someone has sold out their honesty. Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi)," said Sukhu. "There is a government and an opposition in a democracy but the kind of hooliganism ('gundagardi') being done by the opposition will never be accepted by the people of Himachal," he added. To arrest the slide in the state, Congress' upper hierarchy deployed senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar. Both have been appointed as observers to ensure that Congress does not lose power, mere months ahead of the general elections. Media reports on Wednesday claimed that Sukhu had tendered his resignation following the events of the last 24 hours. However, he came out with a statement saying he was a "warrior" and that Congress will complete its five-years term in office. (With inputs from agencies)

After Rajya Sabha steal, BJP gears up to vote out Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh

The ruling congress in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh is in damage control mode after an embarrassing defeat in the upper house polls on Tuesday. The party has been trying to avert a full-fledged political crisis. The central leadership has appointed observers to assess the situation. While the speaker of the assembly disqualified the cross-voting MLAs.

Six congress MLAs, who cross-voted in BJP’S favour disqualified

Six Congress MLAs who defected to support the BJP during the recent Rajya Sabha election have been disqualified from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced their disqualification on February 29, citing violations of the anti-defection law.

India: Six Congress lawmakers disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly

Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP

In a big relief to Congress, state minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said he would not press his resignation from the cabinet until the final outcome of the ongoing efforts by central observers to placate dissident leaders.

India: 6 Congress MLAs disqualified by Himachal Pradesh speaker

<p>In a landmark move underscoring the crucial rights of women, France's Senate rallied behind a governmental initiative to include the freedom to undergo an abortion in the constitution. Despite opposition from certain conservative factions, the upper chamber resoundingly endorsed the constitutional amendment with a vote tally of 267 in favour to 50 against.</p>

<p>The measure is now slated for a vote at a special congress session on March 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Emmanuel Macron has been supportive of women's reproductive rights, including access to abortion. His political party, La Republique En Marche (LREM), has generally advocated for progressive social policies, including women's rights issues.</p>

<p>In its constitution, abortion has been legal in the European country since 1974.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-jokes-doctors-think-i-look-too-young-after-medical-exam-declares-him-fit-for-duty-694980">Biden jokes 'doctors think I look too young' after medical exam declares him 'fit for duty'</a></p>

<p>Earlier in January, the National Assembly, representing a coalition of Macron's centrist allies and left-wing opposition, overwhelmingly supported the designation of abortion as a "guaranteed freedom."</p>

<p>Macron lauded the Senate's decisive action as a significant stride forward.</p>

<p>"I am committed to making women's freedom to have an abortion irreversible by enshrining it in the Constitution. After the National Assembly, the Senate is taking a decisive step which I welcome. For the final vote, I will convene Parliament in Congress on March 4," Macron wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-designates-entirety-of-hamas-a-terrorist-entity-694957">New Zealand designates entirety of Hamas a 'terrorist entity'</a></p>

<p>Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti hailed the impending constitutional amendment as a historic milestone.</p>

<p>He added that the move will herald France's imminent status as "the first country in the world to protect in its constitution the freedom of women" to determine matters concerning their bodies.</p>

<p>Prior to the conclusive vote, a Senate committee rebuffed attempts from right-wing senators to amend the proposed revision.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-set-to-hold-elections-against-backdrop-of-economic-crisis-khomenei-addresses-first-time-voters-694979">Iran set to hold elections against backdrop of economic crisis, Khomenei addresses first-time voters</a></strong></p>

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<p>A November 2022 survey conducted by the French polling firm IFOP revealed that an overwhelming 86 pe rcent of French citizens endorsed making abortion a constitutional right.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a landmark move underscoring the crucial rights of women, France's Senate rallied behind a governmental initiative to include the freedom to undergo an abortion in the constitution.

In a landmark move underscoring the crucial rights of women, France's Senate rallied behind a governmental initiative to include the freedom to undergo an abortion in the constitution. Despite opposition from certain conservative factions, the upper chamber resoundingly endorsed the constitutional amendment with a vote tally of 267 in favour to 50 against. The measure is now slated for a vote at a special congress session on March 4. President Emmanuel Macron has been supportive of women's reproductive rights, including access to abortion. His political party, La Republique En Marche (LREM), has generally advocated for progressive social policies, including women's rights issues. In its constitution, abortion has been legal in the European country since 1974. Also Read | Biden jokes 'doctors think I look too young' after medical exam declares him 'fit for duty' Earlier in January, the National Assembly, representing a coalition of Macron's centrist allies and left-wing opposition, overwhelmingly supported the designation of abortion as a "guaranteed freedom." Macron lauded the Senate's decisive action as a significant stride forward. "I am committed to making women's freedom to have an abortion irreversible by enshrining it in the Constitution. After the National Assembly, the Senate is taking a decisive step which I welcome. For the final vote, I will convene Parliament in Congress on March 4," Macron wrote on X. Also Read | New Zealand designates entirety of Hamas a 'terrorist entity' Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti hailed the impending constitutional amendment as a historic milestone. He added that the move will herald France's imminent status as "the first country in the world to protect in its constitution the freedom of women" to determine matters concerning their bodies. Prior to the conclusive vote, a Senate committee rebuffed attempts from right-wing senators to amend the proposed revision. WATCH | Iran set to hold elections against backdrop of economic crisis, Khomenei addresses first-time voters × A November 2022 survey conducted by the French polling firm IFOP revealed that an overwhelming 86 pe rcent of French citizens endorsed making abortion a constitutional right. (With inputs from agencies)

France Senate votes 267-50 to add abortion 'freedom' in constitution

Tuesday's Rajya Sabha polls saw defections that dealt a major blow to the Congress party. This has boosted the prospects of PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, as India heads to the polls in the coming summer. The ruling party BJP got Samajwadi Party MLAs from the state of U.P., to vote against their party and for BJP. The defections aided BJP, in securing 8 out of 10 seats in the upper house, from the state of U.P. Three SP lawmakers from the Amethi-Raebareli region, also defected to support BJP, challenging the congress bastion. One setback after another shows there is a lack of unity in the mega-opposition alliance. Can the opposition afford any more setbacks?

Big Boost for BJP as it eyes Congress bastions | Opposition Bloc hit by shocking betrayals

With the general elections in India just around the corner, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi addressed a mega rally in the southern state of Tamil Nadu today. While he praised the state's commitment to governance devoid of dynastic politics - he criticised the ruling state party Congress and DMK.

PM Modi hits out at DMK & Congress in Tamil Nadu

Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu says the party will fight it out and last the whole five-year term. Watch the video to know more.

BREAKING: BJP leader claims Congress CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has resigned

Rajya Sabha elections concluded on Tuesday with reports of rampant cross voting. In Karnataka, Congress won 3 out of 4 Rajya Sabha seats, whereas BJP secured one. In Himachal Pradesh, the BJP managed to pull off a victory for its candidate in the lone Rajya Sabha seat despite having only 25 MLAs in the 68-member Assembly. The BJP's victory was the result of cross-voting by Congress MLAs. In U.P too, at least 9 MLAs have been suspected of cross voting. What does it mean for opposition unity ahead of the general elections in the summer?

Rajya Sabha Elections: Shocking cross-voting delivers big blow to Congress ahead of LS polls

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) claimed that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh state has lost the majority. The claim was made after reports of cross-voting by at least nine legislators of the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha elections for the lone seat from the state.</p>

<p>BJP leader and former CM of the state Jairam Thakur said, “Budget will be presented tomorrow. We will discuss the Budget tomorrow and then we will see the situation there. But I can see that the government has lost the majority."</p>

<p>State Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the cross voting in a press conference held later on.</p>

<p>"...When someone has sold out their honesty...Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi)..." he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Rajya Sabha Elections | Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "...When someone has sold out their honesty...Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Singhvi)..." <a href="https://t.co/MoRtSDceOk">pic.twitter.com/MoRtSDceOk</a></p>
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<p>Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singvi, who was present in the same press conference, conceded defeat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Rajya Sabha Elections | Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi says, "First of all, I extend heartiest congratulations to Harsh Mahajan (BJP candidate), he has won. He deserves my congratulations. I would like to tell his party - introspect and… <a href="https://t.co/iS4v7Kx2zp">pic.twitter.com/iS4v7Kx2zp</a></p>
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<p>Congress won the state in the 2022 elections with a comfortable majority of 40 seats in the 68-member house. The government of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu Sukhu was also backed by three independent MLAs. The BJP, on the other hand, won just 25 seats.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Will the BJP maintain its seven-seat sweep in Delhi?</strong></p>

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<p>Congress party currently governs just two states in the country: Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.</p>

<h2><strong>How BJP managed to challenge the grand old party?</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP fielded Harsh Mahajan against Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the Upper House seat.</p>

<p>Mahajan is a three-time Congress MLA and was&nbsp;a minister in the state, before joining the BJP in September 2022 ahead of the assembly polls.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjGwduu2suEAxXU2TgGHcrtB2EQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/setback-for-bjp-karnataka-mla-cross-votes-for-congress-in-rajya-sabha-elections-694408" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/setback-for-bjp-karnataka-mla-cross-votes-for-congress-in-rajya-sabha-elections-694408&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGwduu2suEAxXU2TgGHcrtB2EQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Setback for BJP? Karnataka MLA cross-votes for Congress in Rajya Sabha elections</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite claims by the BJP, CM Sukhu had earlier said that he is confident that his party MLAs will vote&nbsp;in favour of the party candidate. “We have 40 MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha and unless MLAs are bought off, we will get all the votes," he was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha elections</strong></h2>

<p>Elections to fill 15 seats of the upper house of the Indian Parliament were held Tuesday in three states: Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Polling was held for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, four in Karnataka and one seat in Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>In Himachal, 67 out of the total 68 candidates cast their votes in elections as one Congress MLA was hospitalised due to illness.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) claimed that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh state has lost the majority. The claim was made after reports of cross-voting by at least nine legislators of the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha elections for the lone seat from the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) claimed that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh state has lost the majority. The claim was made after reports of cross-voting by at least nine legislators of the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha elections for the lone seat from the state. BJP leader and former CM of the state Jairam Thakur said, “Budget will be presented tomorrow. We will discuss the Budget tomorrow and then we will see the situation there. But I can see that the government has lost the majority." State Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the cross voting in a press conference held later on. "...When someone has sold out their honesty...Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi)..." he said. #WATCH | Rajya Sabha Elections | Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "...When someone has sold out their honesty...Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Singhvi)..." pic.twitter.com/MoRtSDceOk — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024 × Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singvi, who was present in the same press conference, conceded defeat. #WATCH | Rajya Sabha Elections | Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi says, "First of all, I extend heartiest congratulations to Harsh Mahajan (BJP candidate), he has won. He deserves my congratulations. I would like to tell his party - introspect and… pic.twitter.com/iS4v7Kx2zp — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024 × Congress won the state in the 2022 elections with a comfortable majority of 40 seats in the 68-member house. The government of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu Sukhu was also backed by three independent MLAs. The BJP, on the other hand, won just 25 seats. Watch: Will the BJP maintain its seven-seat sweep in Delhi? × Congress party currently governs just two states in the country: Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. How BJP managed to challenge the grand old party? The BJP fielded Harsh Mahajan against Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the Upper House seat. Mahajan is a three-time Congress MLA and was a minister in the state, before joining the BJP in September 2022 ahead of the assembly polls. Also read: Setback for BJP? Karnataka MLA cross-votes for Congress in Rajya Sabha elections Despite claims by the BJP, CM Sukhu had earlier said that he is confident that his party MLAs will vote in favour of the party candidate. “We have 40 MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha and unless MLAs are bought off, we will get all the votes," he was quoted as saying. Rajya Sabha elections Elections to fill 15 seats of the upper house of the Indian Parliament were held Tuesday in three states: Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Polling was held for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, four in Karnataka and one seat in Himachal Pradesh. In Himachal, 67 out of the total 68 candidates cast their votes in elections as one Congress MLA was hospitalised due to illness. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh has lost majority, claims BJP after cross-voting in RS polls

India's election dates are expected to be announced shortly, some say as early as next week. All parties are gearing up for the big contest while the ruling party - Bhartiya Jan Party - is confident of securing a third straight term.

Will Congress leader Rahul Gandhi contest from Wayanad, Kerala?

India's election dates are expected to be announced shortly, some say as early as next week. All parties are gearing up for the big contest while the ruling party - Bhartiya Jan Party - is confident of securing a third straight term. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Polls: CPI fields its candidate from Wayanad, Congress-Left alliance in tatters in Kerala?

Congress-Left alliance in tatters in Kerala? | Will Rahul Gandhi contest from Wayanad or Amethi?

<p><strong>Rajya Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: Voting is currently underway for 15 seats across three states of the upper house of the Indian parliament Rajya Sabha. A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days.</p>

<p>The polling is being held for the Rajya Sabha seats from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka states, as well as the country's most politically influential Uttar Pradesh state governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: PM Modi's reply to motion of thanks in Rajya Sabha</strong></p>

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<p>The BJP holds 28 of the 56 seats and is expected to have at least 29 after the election. In Uttar Pradesh, the opposition's Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance ('INDIA') bloc is expected to gain one more seat as the Samajwadi Party is expected to improve its tally from one to two seats.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cross-voting buzz dominates the Rajya Sabha polls</strong></h2>

<p>For the northern Uttar Pradesh state, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded eight candidates and the Opposition Samajwadi Party three for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats that are going to polls. There are eleven candidates for 10 seats, meaning that one of the candidates will not enter parliament's upper house from a current lot of candidates going to polls.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party is reportedly banking on members of the legislative assembly from the Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party with a substantial vote share in the western part of Uttar Pradesh state, whose patriarch Charan Singh was recently conferred with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-sarcastic-jibe-at-mallikarjun-kharge-after-congress-releases-black-paper-688166">Indian PM Modi lauds predecessor Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha during farewell of retiring members</a></strong></p>

<p>The BJP leaders claim to have 10 MLAs from Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, eight of whom did not attend the pre-poll dinner hosted by Yadav a day earlier. The SP has denied these claims.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: How SP members are contesting on stocky wickets?</strong></h2>

<p>This is because the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Sanjay Seth, a former member of the Samajwadi Party and an industrialist, as one of its eight candidates — with Seth reportedly known to have gained the confidence of some unnamed Samajwadi Party MLAs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the polling began, the Samajwadi Party chief whip in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandey stepped down, in a symbolic blow to the party's ambition of pushing for a better performance in Rajya Sabha elections months before the General Elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Battle of prestige in Karnataka, Himachal</strong></h2>

<p>In the southern state of Karnataka, the ruling Congress party shifted its MLAs to a private hotel on Monday (Feb 26) in a bid to prevent undue influence</p>

<p>State party chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied any possibility of cross-voting by the party MLAs.</p>

<p>In the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, the BJP's Harsh Mahajan is contesting against Congress party's Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The election is being seen as a prestige battle for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha's integral role in Indian parliament</strong></h2>

<p>Indian parliament consists of the Lok Sabha or house of the people, the Rajya Sabha or the house of the states, and the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All 543 members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people during General Elections held every five years. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party or alliance with over 272 seats in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The members of the Rajya Sabha — a total of 238 of 250 strength — are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies. The rest of the 12 members, usually the eminent members of society, are nominated by the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the making of a law, a proposed bill must be passed by the majority of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha followed by assent from the president.</p>

<p>Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245. The term for Upper House members is six years, and elections are held every two years for 33 per cent of the seats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Voting is currently underway for 15 seats across three states of the upper house of the Indian parliament Rajya Sabha. A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days.

Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Voting is currently underway for 15 seats across three states of the upper house of the Indian parliament Rajya Sabha. A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days. The polling is being held for the Rajya Sabha seats from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka states, as well as the country's most politically influential Uttar Pradesh state governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Also watch | India: PM Modi's reply to motion of thanks in Rajya Sabha × The BJP holds 28 of the 56 seats and is expected to have at least 29 after the election. In Uttar Pradesh, the opposition's Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance ('INDIA') bloc is expected to gain one more seat as the Samajwadi Party is expected to improve its tally from one to two seats. Cross-voting buzz dominates the Rajya Sabha polls For the northern Uttar Pradesh state, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded eight candidates and the Opposition Samajwadi Party three for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats that are going to polls. There are eleven candidates for 10 seats, meaning that one of the candidates will not enter parliament's upper house from a current lot of candidates going to polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party is reportedly banking on members of the legislative assembly from the Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party with a substantial vote share in the western part of Uttar Pradesh state, whose patriarch Charan Singh was recently conferred with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. Also read | Indian PM Modi lauds predecessor Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha during farewell of retiring members The BJP leaders claim to have 10 MLAs from Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, eight of whom did not attend the pre-poll dinner hosted by Yadav a day earlier. The SP has denied these claims. Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: How SP members are contesting on stocky wickets? This is because the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Sanjay Seth, a former member of the Samajwadi Party and an industrialist, as one of its eight candidates — with Seth reportedly known to have gained the confidence of some unnamed Samajwadi Party MLAs. As the polling began, the Samajwadi Party chief whip in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandey stepped down, in a symbolic blow to the party's ambition of pushing for a better performance in Rajya Sabha elections months before the General Elections. Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Battle of prestige in Karnataka, Himachal In the southern state of Karnataka, the ruling Congress party shifted its MLAs to a private hotel on Monday (Feb 26) in a bid to prevent undue influence State party chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied any possibility of cross-voting by the party MLAs. In the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, the BJP's Harsh Mahajan is contesting against Congress party's Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The election is being seen as a prestige battle for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Rajya Sabha's integral role in Indian parliament Indian parliament consists of the Lok Sabha or house of the people, the Rajya Sabha or the house of the states, and the president. All 543 members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people during General Elections held every five years. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party or alliance with over 272 seats in Lok Sabha. The members of the Rajya Sabha — a total of 238 of 250 strength — are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies. The rest of the 12 members, usually the eminent members of society, are nominated by the president. For the making of a law, a proposed bill must be passed by the majority of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha followed by assent from the president. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245. The term for Upper House members is six years, and elections are held every two years for 33 per cent of the seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Cross-voting buzz dominates as BJP looks to extend its upper house tally

<p>After the Bharuch constituency in the Indian state of Gujarat, associated with the late&nbsp;stalwart leader of Congress Ahmed Patel, was given to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) as part of the seat-sharing deal, Congress is facing accusations of erasing Patel's legacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Patel died in 2020 due to COVID-19. He represented the constituency both in the state assembly and Parliament and the Congress strategist was always looked up to by the party in times of adversities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Handing over Gujarat's Bharuch constituency - veteran Ahmed Patel's legacy and bastion - to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as part of a seat-sharing deal for the upcoming Lok Sabha election is the revenge of the 'Prince'," remarked BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, who defected from the Congress a little over a year ago.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-emerges-as-most-popular-global-leader-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-78-approval-rating-693681">PM Modi emerges as most popular global leader, tops the chart with impressive 78% approval rating</a></p>

<p>According to BJP's Amit Malviya, the decision to give away Bharuch is Rahul Gandhi's attempt to erase Ahmed Patel's legacy and humiliate the family. Malviya criticised the Congress and the Gandhi family, accusing them of believing in "use and throw."</p>

<p>The Bharuch seat has been firmly held by the BJP for seven consecutive terms. This established it as a pivotal battleground for opposition factions.</p>

<p>Mumtaz Patel, daughter of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, expressed disappointment over the recent seat-sharing arrangement between the Congress and AAP for the upcoming parliamentary polls in Gujarat.</p>

<p>The discontent arises from the Bharuch seat, a traditional stronghold for the Congress, slipping into the hands of AAP.</p>

<p>"Deeply apologize to our district cadre for not being able to secure the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat in alliance. I share your disappointment," Mumtaz Patel said&nbsp;on her X social media platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Together, we will regroup to make Congress stronger. We won't let Ahmed Patel's 45 years of legacy go in vain. #bharuchkibeti (sic)" she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-saves-army-veterans-life-by-deploying-plane-to-transfer-liver-from-pune-to-delhi-693678">Indian Air Force saves veteran's life by deploying plane to transfer liver from Pune to Delhi</a></p>

<p>There had been extensive speculation for months over whether the Congress would nominate either Faisal Patel or Mumtaz Patel, children of Ahmed Patel, to contest against the BJP's&nbsp;dominance.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mann Ki Baat 110th Edition: PM Modi speaks to Drone Didi and hails women empowerment</strong></p>

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<p>However, the allocation of seats, with AAP now contesting from Bharuch and Bhavnagar in Gujarat, has not only left Mumtaz Patel and the Congress's local supporters disheartened but has also sparked concerns within the party ranks.</p>

<p>Negotiations over seat-sharing have proven to be challenging for the opposition coalition, with regional parties vying for a larger portion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the Bharuch constituency in the Indian state of Gujarat, associated with the late stalwart leader of Congress Ahmed Patel, was given to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) as part of the seat-sharing deal, Congress is facing accusations of erasing Patel's legacy.

After the Bharuch constituency in the Indian state of Gujarat, associated with the late stalwart leader of Congress Ahmed Patel, was given to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) as part of the seat-sharing deal, Congress is facing accusations of erasing Patel's legacy. Notably, Patel died in 2020 due to COVID-19. He represented the constituency both in the state assembly and Parliament and the Congress strategist was always looked up to by the party in times of adversities. "Handing over Gujarat's Bharuch constituency - veteran Ahmed Patel's legacy and bastion - to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as part of a seat-sharing deal for the upcoming Lok Sabha election is the revenge of the 'Prince'," remarked BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, who defected from the Congress a little over a year ago. Also Read | PM Modi emerges as most popular global leader, tops the chart with impressive 78% approval rating According to BJP's Amit Malviya, the decision to give away Bharuch is Rahul Gandhi's attempt to erase Ahmed Patel's legacy and humiliate the family. Malviya criticised the Congress and the Gandhi family, accusing them of believing in "use and throw." The Bharuch seat has been firmly held by the BJP for seven consecutive terms. This established it as a pivotal battleground for opposition factions. Mumtaz Patel, daughter of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, expressed disappointment over the recent seat-sharing arrangement between the Congress and AAP for the upcoming parliamentary polls in Gujarat. The discontent arises from the Bharuch seat, a traditional stronghold for the Congress, slipping into the hands of AAP. "Deeply apologize to our district cadre for not being able to secure the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat in alliance. I share your disappointment," Mumtaz Patel said on her X social media platform. "Together, we will regroup to make Congress stronger. We won't let Ahmed Patel's 45 years of legacy go in vain. #bharuchkibeti (sic)" she added. Also Read | Indian Air Force saves veteran's life by deploying plane to transfer liver from Pune to Delhi There had been extensive speculation for months over whether the Congress would nominate either Faisal Patel or Mumtaz Patel, children of Ahmed Patel, to contest against the BJP's dominance. Watch | Mann Ki Baat 110th Edition: PM Modi speaks to Drone Didi and hails women empowerment × However, the allocation of seats, with AAP now contesting from Bharuch and Bhavnagar in Gujarat, has not only left Mumtaz Patel and the Congress's local supporters disheartened but has also sparked concerns within the party ranks. Negotiations over seat-sharing have proven to be challenging for the opposition coalition, with regional parties vying for a larger portion. (With inputs from agencies)

India elections: Congress accused of erasing Ahmed Patel's legacy as Bharuch constituency given to AAP

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have reached a consensus on a 4:3 seat-sharing arrangement in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to present a united front against their political rivals. Additionally, similar agreements have been forged for the states of Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and Chandigarh.</p>

<p>In Delhi, the AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, will contest four out of the seven parliamentary constituencies, namely West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi. The remaining three constituencies—North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk—will be contested by the Congress.</p>

<p>The BJP secured victory in all seven Delhi constituencies during the 2019 elections.</p>

<p>The seat-sharing pact was disclosed during a joint press briefing by representatives of the AAP and the Congress. This development follows shortly after the opposition's INDIA bloc, AAP, celebrated its initial electoral success in the Chandigarh mayoral elections.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-says-discussion-underway-as-trinamool-hints-at-no-alliance-693406">Also read |&nbsp;Congress says discussion underway as Trinamool hints at no-alliance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Allocation beyond Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>While in Gujarat, AAP will field candidates from Bharuch and Bhavnagar constituencies. And in Haryana the party will contest from the Kurukshetra constituency.</p>

<p>The Congress on the other hand&nbsp;will contest both seats in Goa and the solitary constituency in Chandigarh.</p>

<p>Notably, AAP had previously nominated a candidate for South Goa, but will withdraw the nomination to accommodate their coalition partner.</p>

<p>Seat-sharing negotiations have posed significant challenges for the INDIA bloc, particularly due to the divergent aspirations of regional parties.</p>

<p>The recent electoral setbacks suffered by the Congress in several key states have emboldened regional entities to demand a larger share of parliamentary seats.</p>

<p>The Congress has secured an alliance with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, securing the right to contest 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state with the largest parliamentary representation. However, deadlock persists in Maharashtra, as the Congress and the Shiv Sena are yet to finalise the allocation of eight seats.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Assam kills ancient 1935 law on Muslim marriages as it eyes on bringing in UCC</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>The West Bengal conundrum</strong></h2>

<p>In West Bengal, the Congress faces obstacles, with the Trinamool Congress asserting its intention to contest all 42 parliamentary seats. Negotiations have stalled as the Trinamool has been reluctant to allocate more than two seats to the Congress, while the latter seeks at least five seats in the state.</p>

<p>The INDIA bloc, formed to counter the BJP's dominance, has encountered setbacks with the departure of key members such as Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United and Jayant Chaudhary's Rashtriya Lok Dal, both of which have aligned with the BJP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have reached a consensus on a 4:3 seat-sharing arrangement in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to present a united front against their political rivals.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have reached a consensus on a 4:3 seat-sharing arrangement in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to present a united front against their political rivals. Additionally, similar agreements have been forged for the states of Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and Chandigarh. In Delhi, the AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, will contest four out of the seven parliamentary constituencies, namely West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi. The remaining three constituencies—North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk—will be contested by the Congress. The BJP secured victory in all seven Delhi constituencies during the 2019 elections. The seat-sharing pact was disclosed during a joint press briefing by representatives of the AAP and the Congress. This development follows shortly after the opposition's INDIA bloc, AAP, celebrated its initial electoral success in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. Also read | Congress says discussion underway as Trinamool hints at no-alliance Allocation beyond Delhi While in Gujarat, AAP will field candidates from Bharuch and Bhavnagar constituencies. And in Haryana the party will contest from the Kurukshetra constituency. The Congress on the other hand will contest both seats in Goa and the solitary constituency in Chandigarh. Notably, AAP had previously nominated a candidate for South Goa, but will withdraw the nomination to accommodate their coalition partner. Seat-sharing negotiations have posed significant challenges for the INDIA bloc, particularly due to the divergent aspirations of regional parties. The recent electoral setbacks suffered by the Congress in several key states have emboldened regional entities to demand a larger share of parliamentary seats. The Congress has secured an alliance with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, securing the right to contest 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the state with the largest parliamentary representation. However, deadlock persists in Maharashtra, as the Congress and the Shiv Sena are yet to finalise the allocation of eight seats. Also watch | Assam kills ancient 1935 law on Muslim marriages as it eyes on bringing in UCC The West Bengal conundrum In West Bengal, the Congress faces obstacles, with the Trinamool Congress asserting its intention to contest all 42 parliamentary seats. Negotiations have stalled as the Trinamool has been reluctant to allocate more than two seats to the Congress, while the latter seeks at least five seats in the state. The INDIA bloc, formed to counter the BJP's dominance, has encountered setbacks with the departure of key members such as Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United and Jayant Chaudhary's Rashtriya Lok Dal, both of which have aligned with the BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

India elections: Congress, AAP unveil seat-sharing formula for Delhi, three states ahead of elections

<p>The former president of the Indian National Congress (INC) Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday (Feb 20). This is the first time when Sonia has chosen to become a member of the Rajya Sabha. As per reports, she decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections this time due to her health.</p>

<p>Assembly Secretary Mahaveer Prasad Sharma said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Chunnilal Garasiya and Madan Rathore were also elected unopposed to the Upper House from the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officer said that as no other candidates were contesting, the three leaders were elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed. The tenure of Rajya Sabha members Manmohan Singh (Congress) and Bhupendra Yadav (BJP) is ending on April 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third seat fell vacant after the BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena resigned from the House in December after being elected MLA. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
The BJP has 115 members and the Congress 70 in the 200-member assembly. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan. After the results, Congress has six members and the BJP four.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandigarh-mayor-polls-cji-orders-recounting-of-votes-all-defaced-ballot-papers-to-be-considered-valid-691977">Chandigarh mayor polls: SC declares AAP candidate 'validly elected', previous result set aside</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>From Gujarat, BJP president JP Nadda and three other party candidates were declared elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were four vacant Rajya Sabha seats in the state and as many candidates, all of the ruling BJP had filed their nomination papers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Returning Officer Reeta Mehta declared all four BJP candidates elected unopposed as no other candidates had filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat on four vacant seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maratha-reservation-bill-passed-in-maharashtra-legislature-691960">Maratha reservation bill passed in Maharashtra assembly</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Diamond baron Govindbhai Dholakia, BJP leaders Jasvantsinh Parmar and Mayank Nayak were the other three candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Sonia Gandhi's letter to Rae Bareli voters</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi wrote an emotional letter dated Feb 14 to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The former president of the Indian National Congress (INC) Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday (Feb 20). This is the first time when Sonia has chosen to become a member of the Rajya Sabha.

The former president of the Indian National Congress (INC) Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday (Feb 20). This is the first time when Sonia has chosen to become a member of the Rajya Sabha. As per reports, she decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections this time due to her health. Assembly Secretary Mahaveer Prasad Sharma said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Chunnilal Garasiya and Madan Rathore were also elected unopposed to the Upper House from the state. The officer said that as no other candidates were contesting, the three leaders were elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed. The tenure of Rajya Sabha members Manmohan Singh (Congress) and Bhupendra Yadav (BJP) is ending on April 3. The third seat fell vacant after the BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena resigned from the House in December after being elected MLA. The BJP has 115 members and the Congress 70 in the 200-member assembly. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan. After the results, Congress has six members and the BJP four. Also read: Chandigarh mayor polls: SC declares AAP candidate 'validly elected', previous result set aside From Gujarat, BJP president JP Nadda and three other party candidates were declared elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed. There were four vacant Rajya Sabha seats in the state and as many candidates, all of the ruling BJP had filed their nomination papers. Returning Officer Reeta Mehta declared all four BJP candidates elected unopposed as no other candidates had filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat on four vacant seats. Also read: Maratha reservation bill passed in Maharashtra assembly Diamond baron Govindbhai Dholakia, BJP leaders Jasvantsinh Parmar and Mayank Nayak were the other three candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha. × Sonia Gandhi's letter to Rae Bareli voters Gandhi wrote an emotional letter dated Feb 14 to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004. In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election." (With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi elected unopposed to Upper House from Rajasthan

Senior congress leader Anand Sharma, is reportedly upset by the Himachal Pradesh' seat being given to Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The stakes are high for the Rajya Sabha polls which are scheduled on the 27th of February.

Growing resentment in Himachal Congress ranks

Amid rumours of former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath's BJP switch plan, his loyalist Sajjan Singh Verma on Sunday said that the veteran leader has not made any decision on leaving the grand old party.

India: Kamal Nath's 'party switch suspense' over?

<p>The chief of the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit on Saturday (Feb 17) strongly denied rumours of senior leader Kamal Nath joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jitu Patwari said Kamal Nath is "Indira Gandhi's third son" and he will not quit the party. Indira Gandhi was the third prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.</p>

<p>“For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third son...in the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been working with the party for the last 7 years as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief,” Patwari said while talking to the media.</p>

<p>Patwari said that Kamal Nath has been a top stalwart of the grand old party and the party has also stood with him during the highs and lows of his political journey.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian National Congress gets tax tribunal relief after accounts frozen</strong></p>

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<p>"I still remember when Scindia toppled the Congress government in MP, all the Congress workers stood with Kamal Nath's leadership and ideology...the news that's speculated is baseless...can you imagine Indira Gandhi's third son leaving Congress? Can't think about something like that even in dreams," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Speculations about Kamal Nath joining BJP</strong></h2>

<p>Kamal Nath arrived in Delhi on Saturday amid speculations that he might join BJP. In a brief interaction with the media, Kamal Nath shied away from clearing the air, saying, “It is not about denying, you are saying this, you people are getting excited. I am not getting excited, this side or that side, but if there would be any such thing, I would inform you first."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2Q3qh0qQlKHX1O7_E_c2kP" data-ved="2ahUKEwjgt-n0wLKEAxVQs1YBHWZvDHEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/politics-not-my-cup-of-tea-mimi-chakraborty-resigns-as-trinamool-congress-mp-690705" jsname="YKoRaf">‘Politics not my cup of tea’: Mimi Chakraborty resigns as Trinamool Congress MP</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath, an MP from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara, also removed ‘Congress’ from his X bio, further fuelling rumours about the shifting allegiances of the duo.</p>

<h2><strong>Is Kamal Nath furious with Congress?</strong></h2>

<p>Media reports say Kamal Nath is disenchanted over not getting a seat in the upper house of the Indian Parliament from the Congress party.</p>

<p>Congress’s top leader Rahul Gandhi is reportedly not happy with Kamal Nath, under whose leadership the party lost the 2023 assembly elections to the BJP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The chief of the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit on Saturday (Feb 17) strongly denied rumours of senior leader Kamal Nath joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The chief of the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit on Saturday (Feb 17) strongly denied rumours of senior leader Kamal Nath joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jitu Patwari said Kamal Nath is "Indira Gandhi's third son" and he will not quit the party. Indira Gandhi was the third prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. “For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third son...in the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been working with the party for the last 7 years as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief,” Patwari said while talking to the media. Patwari said that Kamal Nath has been a top stalwart of the grand old party and the party has also stood with him during the highs and lows of his political journey. Watch: Indian National Congress gets tax tribunal relief after accounts frozen × "I still remember when Scindia toppled the Congress government in MP, all the Congress workers stood with Kamal Nath's leadership and ideology...the news that's speculated is baseless...can you imagine Indira Gandhi's third son leaving Congress? Can't think about something like that even in dreams," he added. Speculations about Kamal Nath joining BJP Kamal Nath arrived in Delhi on Saturday amid speculations that he might join BJP. In a brief interaction with the media, Kamal Nath shied away from clearing the air, saying, “It is not about denying, you are saying this, you people are getting excited. I am not getting excited, this side or that side, but if there would be any such thing, I would inform you first." Also read: ‘Politics not my cup of tea’: Mimi Chakraborty resigns as Trinamool Congress MP Additionally, Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath, an MP from Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara, also removed ‘Congress’ from his X bio, further fuelling rumours about the shifting allegiances of the duo. Is Kamal Nath furious with Congress? Media reports say Kamal Nath is disenchanted over not getting a seat in the upper house of the Indian Parliament from the Congress party. Congress’s top leader Rahul Gandhi is reportedly not happy with Kamal Nath, under whose leadership the party lost the 2023 assembly elections to the BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

Is Kamal Nath joining BJP? Congress says can’t imagine ‘Indira’s third son’ leaving party

The Indian Income Tax tribunal has allowed the Indian National Congress party to operate its bank accounts. The Income Tax Department had frozen the party's bank accounts over tax demand.

Indian National Congress gets tax tribunal relief after accounts frozen

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<p>The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal granted de-froze the bank accounts of India's main opposition party Congress on Friday (Feb 16). In a post on X, Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said, "Congress can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday (Feb 21)."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a>⁩ can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/inc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#inc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bankaccounts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bankaccounts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/initialrelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#initialrelief</a> <a href="https://t.co/BqMNG2jUYE">pic.twitter.com/BqMNG2jUYE</a></p>
— Vivek Tankha (@VTankha) <a href="https://twitter.com/VTankha/status/1758380186410561654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier on Friday, Congress treasurer Ajay Makan had said the accounts were frozen. "You will be surprised to know that democracy has completely ended in India. The Congress received information the day before yesterday that the party's bank cheques issued were not being honoured," Maken said.</p>

<p>"When we started probing this matter, we were told that all the bank accounts of the party were frozen," Maken said, adding that not just bank accounts (of Congress) were frozen but the country's democracy has also been frozen. He pointed out that the Youth Congress' bank accounts have also been frozen.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">हिंदुस्तान में लोकतंत्र पूरी तरह से खत्म हो चुका है।<br />
<br />
देश की मुख्य विपक्षी पार्टी के सारे अकाउंट्स फ्रीज कर दिए गए हैं। भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस के अकाउंट पर तालाबंदी कर दी गई है।<br />
<br />
ये कांग्रेस पार्टी के अकाउंट्स फ्रीज नहीं हुए, हमारे देश का लोकतंत्र फ्रीज हो गया है।<br />
<br />
: कांग्रेस… <a href="https://t.co/ndoT5IHKtg">pic.twitter.com/ndoT5IHKtg</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1758368497061810613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Just a few weeks are left for the announcement of the election dates and the bank accounts of the main opposition party have been frozen. What does the central government want to prove?" the party treasurer further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Why were the bank accounts frozen?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Congress, the accounts were frozen on an Income Tax demand of $25.28 million (Rs 210 crore) for 2018-19. Maken told reporters on Friday that Congress already appealed to the Income Tax appellate authority.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-claims-farmers-to-get-legal-guarantees-for-msp-after-india-alliance-forms-govt-689951">Rahul Gandhi announces legal guarantees for MSP to farmers if INDIA alliance forms govt</a></strong></p>

<p>Maken also said that the party doesn't have "any money to spend, to pay electricity bills, to pay salaries to our employees." He highlighted that all activities of the Congress will be impacted.</p>

<h2><strong>'A deep assault on India's democracy'</strong></h2>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at the Modi government over the freezing of bank accounts. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections. This is a deep assault on India's Democracy!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections.<br />
<br />
This is a deep assault on India's Democracy !<br />
<br />
The UNCONSTITUTIONAL money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them…</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1758374494387990726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The&nbsp;<em>UNCONSTITUTIONAL</em>&nbsp;money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them for elections, but the money collected by us through&nbsp;<em>CROWDFUNDING</em>&nbsp;shall be sealed!" Kharge added.</p>

<p>The Congress president further appealed to the judiciary to save the multi-party system in this country and protect India's Democracy.</p>


The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal granted de-froze the bank accounts of India's main opposition party Congress on Friday (Feb 16). In a post on X, Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said, "Congress can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal granted de-froze the bank accounts of India's main opposition party Congress on Friday (Feb 16). In a post on X, Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said, "Congress can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday (Feb 21)." ⁦⁦@INCIndia⁩ can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday. #inc #bankaccounts #initialrelief pic.twitter.com/BqMNG2jUYE — Vivek Tankha (@VTankha) February 16, 2024 × Earlier on Friday, Congress treasurer Ajay Makan had said the accounts were frozen. "You will be surprised to know that democracy has completely ended in India. The Congress received information the day before yesterday that the party's bank cheques issued were not being honoured," Maken said. "When we started probing this matter, we were told that all the bank accounts of the party were frozen," Maken said, adding that not just bank accounts (of Congress) were frozen but the country's democracy has also been frozen. He pointed out that the Youth Congress' bank accounts have also been frozen. हिंदुस्तान में लोकतंत्र पूरी तरह से खत्म हो चुका है। देश की मुख्य विपक्षी पार्टी के सारे अकाउंट्स फ्रीज कर दिए गए हैं। भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस के अकाउंट पर तालाबंदी कर दी गई है। ये कांग्रेस पार्टी के अकाउंट्स फ्रीज नहीं हुए, हमारे देश का लोकतंत्र फ्रीज हो गया है। : कांग्रेस… pic.twitter.com/ndoT5IHKtg — Congress (@INCIndia) February 16, 2024 × "Just a few weeks are left for the announcement of the election dates and the bank accounts of the main opposition party have been frozen. What does the central government want to prove?" the party treasurer further said. Why were the bank accounts frozen? According to the Congress, the accounts were frozen on an Income Tax demand of $25.28 million (Rs 210 crore) for 2018-19. Maken told reporters on Friday that Congress already appealed to the Income Tax appellate authority. Also read | Rahul Gandhi announces legal guarantees for MSP to farmers if INDIA alliance forms govt Maken also said that the party doesn't have "any money to spend, to pay electricity bills, to pay salaries to our employees." He highlighted that all activities of the Congress will be impacted. 'A deep assault on India's democracy' Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at the Modi government over the freezing of bank accounts. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections. This is a deep assault on India's Democracy!" Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections. This is a deep assault on India's Democracy ! The UNCONSTITUTIONAL money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) February 16, 2024 × "The UNCONSTITUTIONAL money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them for elections, but the money collected by us through CROWDFUNDING shall be sealed!" Kharge added. The Congress president further appealed to the judiciary to save the multi-party system in this country and protect India's Democracy.

India: Congress' 'frozen' bank accounts now operational

One of India's tallest politicians, Sonia Gandhi, who led the congress party for over two decades has bid farewell to the lower house of parliament. Making her intentions clear that she won't contest the party's upcoming election from the Rae Bareily seat. On Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan. She was accompanied by her son Rahul and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The polls will be held for three seats from the state on February 27.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi files nomination for Rajya Sabha polls

Another name has been added to the list of I.N.D.I.A bloc deserters. Vibhakar Shastri, the grandson of former Indian prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, quit Indian national congress.

Ex-PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's grandson Vibhakar Shashtri quits Congress

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on Sunday "for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue," a Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement. It comes just over a month after Austin’s last hospital stay, for complications from prostate cancer surgery that he kept hidden from the White House.

US Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin hospitalised again, weeks after cancer treatment

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalised again with bladder issue

<p>In what could be a big setback for India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, its former Maharashtra chief minister and party veteran Ashok Chavan quit on Monday (Feb 12). Media reports suggest that the senior leader may join the BJP.</p>

<h2><strong>The resignation</strong></h2>

<p>In a short note to party unit chief Nana Patole, Chavan reportedly wrote: "I am tendering my resignation from the primary membership of Congress party."</p>

<p>Chavan also submitted his resignation as an MLA to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-indias-mp-pm-modi-lashes-out-at-cong-for-neglecting-tribals-689456">In India's MP, PM Modi lashes out at Cong for neglecting tribals</a></strong></p>

<p>His exit came just days after other senior Congress party members — senior Maharashtra Congress leaders Milind Deora and Baba Siddique quit the party.</p>

<p>Amid the buzz that Chavan may join the Bhartiya Janata Party, Davendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, and member of BJP, told reporters "Aagey aagey dekho hota hai kya (wait and watch what happens further)."</p>

<h2><strong>Congress reacts</strong></h2>

<p>Following his exit, a Congress spokesperson said these "betrayers" don't realise their exit opens up vast new opportunities for those whose growth they have always stunted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-acted-like-super-pm-nirmala-sitharaman-launches-scathing-attack-against-upa-govt-688935">‘Sonia Gandhi acted like super PM’: Nirmala Sitharaman launches scathing attack on opposition</a></strong></p>

<p>"When friends and colleagues leave a political party that has given them much—perhaps much more (than) they deserved—it is always a matter of anguish. But to those who are vulnerable, THAT Washing Machine will always prove more attractive than ideological commitment or personal loyalties," said Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh on X.</p>

<p>Without naming Chavan, he added, "These betrayers don't realise that their exit opens up vast new opportunities to those whose growth they have always stunted."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When friends and colleagues leave a political party that has given them much—perhaps much more they deserved—it is always a matter of anguish. But to those who are vulnerable, THAT Washing Machine will always prove more attractive than ideological commitment or personal…</p>
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1756959250134245452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-blow-to-india-rld-chif-jayant-chaudhary-hints-at-alliance-with-nda-688705">Another blow to INDIA bloc? RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary hints at alliance with NDA</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Will he join BJP?</strong></h2>

<p>As per a PTI report, when asked about whether he will join the BJP, Chavan said that he hasn't taken any decision yet on joining the BJP and that he&nbsp;doesn't know its working system. He also said that the decision to quit Congress was a personal one and that he doesn't want to ascribe any reason to it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In what could be a big setback for India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, its former Maharashtra chief minister and party veteran Ashok Chavan quit on Monday (Feb 12).

In what could be a big setback for India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, its former Maharashtra chief minister and party veteran Ashok Chavan quit on Monday (Feb 12). Media reports suggest that the senior leader may join the BJP. The resignation In a short note to party unit chief Nana Patole, Chavan reportedly wrote: "I am tendering my resignation from the primary membership of Congress party." Chavan also submitted his resignation as an MLA to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Also read | In India's MP, PM Modi lashes out at Cong for neglecting tribals His exit came just days after other senior Congress party members — senior Maharashtra Congress leaders Milind Deora and Baba Siddique quit the party. Amid the buzz that Chavan may join the Bhartiya Janata Party, Davendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, and member of BJP, told reporters "Aagey aagey dekho hota hai kya (wait and watch what happens further)." Congress reacts Following his exit, a Congress spokesperson said these "betrayers" don't realise their exit opens up vast new opportunities for those whose growth they have always stunted. Also read | ‘Sonia Gandhi acted like super PM’: Nirmala Sitharaman launches scathing attack on opposition "When friends and colleagues leave a political party that has given them much—perhaps much more (than) they deserved—it is always a matter of anguish. But to those who are vulnerable, THAT Washing Machine will always prove more attractive than ideological commitment or personal loyalties," said Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh on X. Without naming Chavan, he added, "These betrayers don't realise that their exit opens up vast new opportunities to those whose growth they have always stunted." When friends and colleagues leave a political party that has given them much—perhaps much more they deserved—it is always a matter of anguish. But to those who are vulnerable, THAT Washing Machine will always prove more attractive than ideological commitment or personal… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 12, 2024 × Also read | Another blow to INDIA bloc? RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary hints at alliance with NDA Will he join BJP? As per a PTI report, when asked about whether he will join the BJP, Chavan said that he hasn't taken any decision yet on joining the BJP and that he doesn't know its working system. He also said that the decision to quit Congress was a personal one and that he doesn't want to ascribe any reason to it. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan quits Congress, party reacts; reports suggest may join BJP

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