US President Joe Biden made his first joint address to Congress, outlining his vision for the country and speaking to what he sees as his administration's initial accomplishments as he nears 100 days in office.

Biden delivers first joint address to Congress, says America on the move again

After announcing a new $2 trillion infrastructure plan US President Joe Biden on Thursday signed five Cabinet secretaries to serve as his messengers in working with Congress and engaging with the public on the administration's infrastructure proposal.

US: Joe Biden assigns 5 secretaries to new 'job cabinet'

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday self-isolated after her husband Robert Vadra tested positive for Covid-19. She said she has been exposed to coronavirus and is accordingly self-isolating.

She also announced the cancellation of her poll campaign in Assam on Friday, in Tamil Nadu on Saturday and in Kerala on Sunday.

Priyanka Gandhi has been campaigning for Congress and party candidates in the states of Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. She has, however,&nbsp;so far not campaigned in West Bengal.

The Congress leader on Friday released a video message apologising to the people.

"I have been exposed to the coronavirus. Although I have tested negative yesterday, the doctors have advised that I self isolate for a few days," she said in the message.

"Unfortunately, I have to cancel the programme that were scheduled for me for the Assam campaign today and for Tamil Nadu tomorrow and Kerala, day after tomorrow," she also said.

"I would like to apologise to everybody for not being able to be there. I wish all the candidates that I was supposed to campaign for the very, very best in the election. I hope all of you do well and the Congress is victorious," she said, while wishing for the party's victory in these elections.

In a separate Facebook post, Robert Vadra said he has tested positive after he came in contact with someone who was COVID positive.

"Hi friends, unfortunately, I came into contact with someone COVID +ve and have tested positive for COVID although I am asymptomatic so far. As per the COVID guidelines, Priyanka and I are self-isolating although she has tested negative," he said in his post.

"Fortunately the kids have not been with us these days and everyone else at home has tested negative too. Hopefully we will all be back to normal life soon," he added.&nbsp;

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday self-isolated after her husband Robert Vadra tested positive for Covid-19. She said she has been exposed to coronavirus and is accordingly self-isolating.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday self-isolated after her husband Robert Vadra tested positive for Covid-19. She said she has been exposed to coronavirus and is accordingly self-isolating. She also announced the cancellation of her poll campaign in Assam on Friday, in Tamil Nadu on Saturday and in Kerala on Sunday. Priyanka Gandhi has been campaigning for Congress and party candidates in the states of Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. She has, however, so far not campaigned in West Bengal. The Congress leader on Friday released a video message apologising to the people. "I have been exposed to the coronavirus. Although I have tested negative yesterday, the doctors have advised that I self isolate for a few days," she said in the message. "Unfortunately, I have to cancel the programme that were scheduled for me for the Assam campaign today and for Tamil Nadu tomorrow and Kerala, day after tomorrow," she also said. "I would like to apologise to everybody for not being able to be there. I wish all the candidates that I was supposed to campaign for the very, very best in the election. I hope all of you do well and the Congress is victorious," she said, while wishing for the party's victory in these elections. In a separate Facebook post, Robert Vadra said he has tested positive after he came in contact with someone who was COVID positive. "Hi friends, unfortunately, I came into contact with someone COVID +ve and have tested positive for COVID although I am asymptomatic so far. As per the COVID guidelines, Priyanka and I are self-isolating although she has tested negative," he said in his post. "Fortunately the kids have not been with us these days and everyone else at home has tested negative too. Hopefully we will all be back to normal life soon," he added.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi self-isolates after husband tests Covid positive

President’s rule has been imposed in Puducherry days after Congress-led government lost power in the Union Territory. The Congress-led government lost power on Monday following multiple resignations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday notified President's Rule in Puducherry, days after a Congress-led government in the union territory lost power during a vote of confidence.

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Ministry of Home Affairs notifies President's Rule in Puducherry, issues gazette notification <a href="https://t.co/dQKiGSo6Lr">pic.twitter.com/dQKiGSo6Lr</a>
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Earlier, the Union Cabinet had approved a proposal to impose President's Rule in Puducherry following Congress fall out.

(With inputs from agencies)

President’s rule has been imposed in Puducherry days after Congress-led government lost power in the Union Territory. The Congress-led government lost power on Monday following multiple resignations.

President’s rule has been imposed in Puducherry days after Congress-led government lost power in the Union Territory. The Congress-led government lost power on Monday following multiple resignations. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday notified President's Rule in Puducherry, days after a Congress-led government in the union territory lost power during a vote of confidence. Ministry of Home Affairs notifies President's Rule in Puducherry, issues gazette notification pic.twitter.com/dQKiGSo6Lr — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2021 × Earlier, the Union Cabinet had approved a proposal to impose President's Rule in Puducherry following Congress fall out. (With inputs from agencies)

President's Rule imposed in Puducherry after Congress government falls ahead of polls

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>on Thursday inaugurated a slew of completed projects here and laid the foundation stone for others, including in the ports and highways sectors.

Insisting that the Centre has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity, he said farmers across the country were innovating and that it was the duty of his government to ensure their produce got a good market.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-plans-to-privatise-psus-in-all-sectors-barring-4-strategic-ones-pm-modi-365966">Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi</a>

"Good roads do exactly that," he said while laying the foundation stone for the four-laning of NH 45 A Sattanathapuram-Nagappattinam stretch covering Karaikal district. 
The four-laning activity will certainly lead to better connectivity while economic activity will pick up pace, he said.

At the same time it will improve access to the holy Shaneeswaran temple at Tirunallar and provide easy interstate connectivity to The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and the Nagore Dargah, both located in nearby Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, he noted.

"The four laning will also draw industry and ensure job opportunities for local youth," Modi said, while assuring all possible help for the development of this union territory.

"The government of India has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity. The agriculture sector will gain from this (four laning). Across India our farmers are innovating. It is our duty to ensure their produce get good market," he added.

The Prime Minister inaugurated a Blood Centre at state-run JIPMER, a Sports Authority of India (SAI) girls hostel at Lawspet and a reconstructed Heritage Mairie Building. The heritage building will add to the beauty of the beach promenade.

He laid the foundation stone for the Medical College Building at Karaikal New Campus of JIPMER-Phase I and the development of Minor Port at Puducherry under Sagarmala scheme.

Modi also laid the foundation stone of Synthetic Athletic Track at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in the Union Territory.

The starting of various development works will improve people's life in Puducherry and the works cover diverse sectors, he said.

Observing that prosperity was closely linked to good health, Modi stated that India in the last seven years has made many efforts to improve fitness and wellness.

The SAI hostel is "one more attempt to improve" sporting facilities in India, he said, adding, the 100-bed building will accommodate sportswoman from volleyball, hockey, weightlifting and kabaddi among others.

On healthcare, he said it was one sector that would play a key role in the coming years and noted that "nations that invest in health care will shine."

The inauguration of the Blood Centre in JIPMER at Rs 28 crore was "in line with our objective to provide quality healthcare to all," he said.

Yet again quoting from the Tamil treatise Tirukkural, penned by saint-poet Tiruvalluvar, he said "learning and education are the true wealth while all other things are not stable."

Stressing the need for quality health professionals to promote healthcare, he said, "Phase I of medical college building at (JIPMER) Karaikal new campus is a step in that direction. This new environment-friendly complex will have all modern teaching facilities required."

On the minor ports initiative, the PM said once completed it will help our fishermen. It will provide much-required sea connectivity to Chennai...Will facilitate the cargo movement for Puducherry and ease load of Chennai port. It will open up possibilities of passenger traffic among coastal cities."

Modi said Puducherry has got rich human resources due to various educational institutions, both in government and private sectors.

It has a tourism and industrial potential that will provide a lot of employment opportunities, he added.

Praising the people of Puducherry, Modi called them 'talented.'

"The land is beautiful. I am here to personally assure all possible support from my government for the development of the UT," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated a slew of completed projects here and laid the foundation stone for others, including in the ports and highways sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated a slew of completed projects here and laid the foundation stone for others, including in the ports and highways sectors. Insisting that the Centre has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity, he said farmers across the country were innovating and that it was the duty of his government to ensure their produce got a good market. Also read | Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi "Good roads do exactly that," he said while laying the foundation stone for the four-laning of NH 45 A Sattanathapuram-Nagappattinam stretch covering Karaikal district. The four-laning activity will certainly lead to better connectivity while economic activity will pick up pace, he said. At the same time it will improve access to the holy Shaneeswaran temple at Tirunallar and provide easy interstate connectivity to The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and the Nagore Dargah, both located in nearby Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, he noted. "The four laning will also draw industry and ensure job opportunities for local youth," Modi said, while assuring all possible help for the development of this union territory. "The government of India has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity. The agriculture sector will gain from this (four laning). Across India our farmers are innovating. It is our duty to ensure their produce get good market," he added. The Prime Minister inaugurated a Blood Centre at state-run JIPMER, a Sports Authority of India (SAI) girls hostel at Lawspet and a reconstructed Heritage Mairie Building. The heritage building will add to the beauty of the beach promenade. He laid the foundation stone for the Medical College Building at Karaikal New Campus of JIPMER-Phase I and the development of Minor Port at Puducherry under Sagarmala scheme. Modi also laid the foundation stone of Synthetic Athletic Track at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in the Union Territory. The starting of various development works will improve people's life in Puducherry and the works cover diverse sectors, he said. Observing that prosperity was closely linked to good health, Modi stated that India in the last seven years has made many efforts to improve fitness and wellness. The SAI hostel is "one more attempt to improve" sporting facilities in India, he said, adding, the 100-bed building will accommodate sportswoman from volleyball, hockey, weightlifting and kabaddi among others. On healthcare, he said it was one sector that would play a key role in the coming years and noted that "nations that invest in health care will shine." The inauguration of the Blood Centre in JIPMER at Rs 28 crore was "in line with our objective to provide quality healthcare to all," he said. Yet again quoting from the Tamil treatise Tirukkural, penned by saint-poet Tiruvalluvar, he said "learning and education are the true wealth while all other things are not stable." Stressing the need for quality health professionals to promote healthcare, he said, "Phase I of medical college building at (JIPMER) Karaikal new campus is a step in that direction. This new environment-friendly complex will have all modern teaching facilities required." On the minor ports initiative, the PM said once completed it will help our fishermen. It will provide much-required sea connectivity to Chennai...Will facilitate the cargo movement for Puducherry and ease load of Chennai port. It will open up possibilities of passenger traffic among coastal cities." Modi said Puducherry has got rich human resources due to various educational institutions, both in government and private sectors. It has a tourism and industrial potential that will provide a lot of employment opportunities, he added. Praising the people of Puducherry, Modi called them 'talented.' "The land is beautiful. I am here to personally assure all possible support from my government for the development of the UT," he added.

PM launches various projects in Puducherry; assures Centre's support for UT's development 

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden said he had believed for a long time that President Donald Trump was not fit for office, but it was up to Congress to decide on a second impeachment of the Republican president after Wednesday's storming of the Capitol.

Biden says Trump is unfit, but impeachment is for Congress to decide

Vice President Mike Pence condemned the violent supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday (January 6) in an attempt to block certification of the presidential election results, as the U.S. Senate resumed its vote count after an hours-long delay.

US Congress reconvenes session to certify Joe Biden's victory

The Congress has formally given a go-ahead to an alliance with left parties for the upcoming assembly election in the eastern state of West Bengal.&nbsp;

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress's Bengal chief, confirmed the alliance on Thursday on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Today the Congress high command has formally approved the electoral alliance with the Left parties in the impending election of West Bengal," Chowdhury tweeted.&nbsp;

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Today the Congress High command has formally approved the electoral alliance with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Left?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Left</a> parties in the impending election of West Bengal.<a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/INCWestBengal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCWestBengal</a>
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Earlier, the left parties and India's Grand Old Party tried to form an alliance for the Lok Sabha election (general election) 2019, but the talks failed post disagreements over seat-sharing.&nbsp;

However, both parties failed to make any impact in the last general election as the Left Front lost deposits in 39 constituencies and Congress secured two seats and lost deposits in 38 others.

BJP, on the other hand, made big inroads in West Bengal despite having a limited presence and was able to win 18 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats, thereby becoming the main challenger of CM Mamata Banerjee's TMC.&nbsp;

The battle for West Bengal has already intensified with the BJP and ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) engaging in a war of words against each other.&nbsp;

The assembly election in the state is due next year in March-April.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress has formally given a go-ahead to an alliance with left parties for the upcoming assembly election in the eastern state of West Bengal. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress's Bengal chief, confirmed the alliance on Thursday on Twitter.

The Congress has formally given a go-ahead to an alliance with left parties for the upcoming assembly election in the eastern state of West Bengal. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress's Bengal chief, confirmed the alliance on Thursday on Twitter. "Today the Congress high command has formally approved the electoral alliance with the Left parties in the impending election of West Bengal," Chowdhury tweeted. Today the Congress High command has formally approved the electoral alliance with the #Left parties in the impending election of West Bengal.@INCIndia@INCWestBengal — Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) December 24, 2020 × Earlier, the left parties and India's Grand Old Party tried to form an alliance for the Lok Sabha election (general election) 2019, but the talks failed post disagreements over seat-sharing. However, both parties failed to make any impact in the last general election as the Left Front lost deposits in 39 constituencies and Congress secured two seats and lost deposits in 38 others. BJP, on the other hand, made big inroads in West Bengal despite having a limited presence and was able to win 18 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats, thereby becoming the main challenger of CM Mamata Banerjee's TMC. The battle for West Bengal has already intensified with the BJP and ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) engaging in a war of words against each other. The assembly election in the state is due next year in March-April.

West Bengal assembly election: Congress announces alliance with left parties

Senators broke through an impasse late Saturday night over a Republican effort to curtail the powers of the Federal Reserve, clearing away what had been seen as the final hurdle to a deal on a $900 billion stimulus package as lawmakers raced against a Sunday night deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

With time running out for a compromise, Sen. Patrick J. Toomey, R-Pa., agreed to narrow his effort to rein in the central bank, according to three aides familiar with the discussion. All three aides, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that the precise language was still being finalized.

Toomey had sought to bar the Fed and Treasury Department from setting up any loan program similar to those established this year that have helped to keep credit flowing to corporate, municipal and medium-size business borrowers during the recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The agreed-upon alternative, which was still being drafted near midnight on Saturday, aides familiar with the process said, would bar only programs that were more or less exact copycats of the ones newly employed in 2020.

The agreement was a critical breakthrough for lawmakers who have been racing to complete the emergency plan to rush direct payments, unemployment benefits and food and rental assistance to millions of Americans, as well as provide relief to businesses and funds for vaccine distribution. While negotiators were still wrangling over a number of smaller issues, the Federal Reserve language had emerged as the thorniest sticking point to a final agreement.

“If things continue on this path, and nothing gets in the way, we’ll be able to vote tomorrow,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the minority leader, told reporters as he left the Capitol shortly before midnight. “House and Senate.”

In an indication that a final deal was close, House leaders notified lawmakers to expect votes as soon as early Sunday afternoon.

President Donald Trump, who has been absent from the frenzied negotiations on the measure, weighed in on Twitter, exhorting Congress to “GET IT DONE” and provide “more money in direct payments.”

The emerging deal would send direct payments of $600 to many Americans and provide enhanced federal jobless payments of $300 per week until early spring. It would also provide hundreds of billions of dollars to prop up small businesses, schools and other institutions struggling amid the pandemic.

With government funding set to lapse Sunday and both chambers hoping to merge the stimulus package with a catchall measure to cover all federal spending for the remainder of the fiscal year, time was dwindling to finalize the recovery plan and rush it to Trump’s desk.

Without action by Congress, two programs designed to expand and enhance unemployment benefits are set to expire in the coming days, leaving about 12 million Americans without federal support. A number of other benefits are set to expire at the end of the year.

Democrats had said that Toomey’s proposal, which had been embraced by Republicans, amounted to an attempt to undercut President-elect Joe Biden and his administration’s ability to continue supporting the country’s economic recovery.

The Fed rolled out a wide-ranging suite of emergency loan programs in response to market disruptions in March and April, and Congress allotted $454 billion to back up those efforts in the first pandemic stimulus law, enacted in March. But Toomey remained concerned for months that the programs might last past the end of the year. Though Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, moved to claw back the money in mid-November, Toomey insisted that the new stimulus measure close off the programs for fear that a new Treasury secretary might try to restart the effort next year, once Biden takes office.

As initially drafted, Toomey’s proposal would have prevented the Fed and the Treasury Department from reestablishing emergency lending programs that had been backed by the congressional appropriation, and would have barred the creation of “similar” programs going forward.

While it was not clear exactly what the new language would say, two aides familiar with the agreement said it would prevent the new Treasury secretary from revamping carbon copies of the pandemic lending programs. But under the compromise struck late Saturday, proposed by Schumer, it would not prevent Fed emergency programs from lending to states or medium-size businesses in the future, so long as the design of the programs was somewhat different, the people said.

Toomey had been particularly concerned that Democrats might harness the Fed’s powers to funnel cheap money to state and local borrowers. Democrats have been seeking additional avenues to provide relief to those governments.

“This agreement will preserve Fed independence and prevent Democrats from hijacking these programs for political and social policy purposes,” Steve Kelly, a spokesman for Toomey, said in a statement.

Senators broke through an impasse late Saturday night over a Republican effort to curtail the powers of the Federal Reserve, clearing away what had been seen as the final hurdle to a deal on a $900 billion stimulus package as lawmakers raced against a Sunday night deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

Senators broke through an impasse late Saturday night over a Republican effort to curtail the powers of the Federal Reserve, clearing away what had been seen as the final hurdle to a deal on a $900 billion stimulus package as lawmakers raced against a Sunday night deadline to avoid a government shutdown. With time running out for a compromise, Sen. Patrick J. Toomey, R-Pa., agreed to narrow his effort to rein in the central bank, according to three aides familiar with the discussion. All three aides, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that the precise language was still being finalized. Toomey had sought to bar the Fed and Treasury Department from setting up any loan program similar to those established this year that have helped to keep credit flowing to corporate, municipal and medium-size business borrowers during the recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The agreed-upon alternative, which was still being drafted near midnight on Saturday, aides familiar with the process said, would bar only programs that were more or less exact copycats of the ones newly employed in 2020. The agreement was a critical breakthrough for lawmakers who have been racing to complete the emergency plan to rush direct payments, unemployment benefits and food and rental assistance to millions of Americans, as well as provide relief to businesses and funds for vaccine distribution. While negotiators were still wrangling over a number of smaller issues, the Federal Reserve language had emerged as the thorniest sticking point to a final agreement. “If things continue on this path, and nothing gets in the way, we’ll be able to vote tomorrow,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the minority leader, told reporters as he left the Capitol shortly before midnight. “House and Senate.” In an indication that a final deal was close, House leaders notified lawmakers to expect votes as soon as early Sunday afternoon. President Donald Trump, who has been absent from the frenzied negotiations on the measure, weighed in on Twitter, exhorting Congress to “GET IT DONE” and provide “more money in direct payments.” The emerging deal would send direct payments of $600 to many Americans and provide enhanced federal jobless payments of $300 per week until early spring. It would also provide hundreds of billions of dollars to prop up small businesses, schools and other institutions struggling amid the pandemic. With government funding set to lapse Sunday and both chambers hoping to merge the stimulus package with a catchall measure to cover all federal spending for the remainder of the fiscal year, time was dwindling to finalize the recovery plan and rush it to Trump’s desk. Without action by Congress, two programs designed to expand and enhance unemployment benefits are set to expire in the coming days, leaving about 12 million Americans without federal support. A number of other benefits are set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats had said that Toomey’s proposal, which had been embraced by Republicans, amounted to an attempt to undercut President-elect Joe Biden and his administration’s ability to continue supporting the country’s economic recovery. The Fed rolled out a wide-ranging suite of emergency loan programs in response to market disruptions in March and April, and Congress allotted $454 billion to back up those efforts in the first pandemic stimulus law, enacted in March. But Toomey remained concerned for months that the programs might last past the end of the year. Though Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, moved to claw back the money in mid-November, Toomey insisted that the new stimulus measure close off the programs for fear that a new Treasury secretary might try to restart the effort next year, once Biden takes office. As initially drafted, Toomey’s proposal would have prevented the Fed and the Treasury Department from reestablishing emergency lending programs that had been backed by the congressional appropriation, and would have barred the creation of “similar” programs going forward. While it was not clear exactly what the new language would say, two aides familiar with the agreement said it would prevent the new Treasury secretary from revamping carbon copies of the pandemic lending programs. But under the compromise struck late Saturday, proposed by Schumer, it would not prevent Fed emergency programs from lending to states or medium-size businesses in the future, so long as the design of the programs was somewhat different, the people said. Toomey had been particularly concerned that Democrats might harness the Fed’s powers to funnel cheap money to state and local borrowers. Democrats have been seeking additional avenues to provide relief to those governments. “This agreement will preserve Fed independence and prevent Democrats from hijacking these programs for political and social policy purposes,” Steve Kelly, a spokesman for Toomey, said in a statement.

Lawmakers resolve fed dispute as they race to close stimulus deal

Senior leader and Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday said that the party would soon begin the process to elect its new chief, adding that 99.9 per cent of party members back Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Surjewala's comments came as Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is all set to meet the party's rebel leaders who are demanding a structural overhaul and an "active" and "full-time" leadership.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-agrees-to-meet-rebel-congress-leaders-in-person-350542">Sonia Gandhi agrees to meet 'rebel' Congress leaders in person</a>

"Party will soon start the procedure to elect a new party president. Electoral college of Congress, AICC members, Congress workers &amp; members will choose who's best suited. 99.9% of people including me want Rahul Gandhi to be elected as party president," Surjewala was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-extends-support-to-bharat-bandh-as-deadlock-between-farmers-govt-continues-347886">Congress extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' as deadlock between farmers, govt continues</a>

India's Grand Old Party is witnessing declining support ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi established himself in the national politics and later won two general elections with a resounding mandate.&nbsp;

Rahul was Congress's prime ministerial candidate during the 2019 election in which party again performed poorly, which led to his resignation as the party president.

He also had said that no one from his family, including his mother Sonia and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will head Congress and ever since his resignation more than a year ago, the party has failed to elect a permanent leader. &nbsp;

Other than Lok Sabha polls, Congress also faced a drubbing in Bihar Assembly polls and lost power in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Its failures triggered 23 dissenting leaders to write a letter demanding an overhaul of the party in August.

Senior leader and Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday said that the party would soon begin the process to elect its new chief, adding that 99.

Senior leader and Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday said that the party would soon begin the process to elect its new chief, adding that 99.9 per cent of party members back Rahul Gandhi. Surjewala's comments came as Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is all set to meet the party's rebel leaders who are demanding a structural overhaul and an "active" and "full-time" leadership. Also read | Sonia Gandhi agrees to meet 'rebel' Congress leaders in person "Party will soon start the procedure to elect a new party president. Electoral college of Congress, AICC members, Congress workers & members will choose who's best suited. 99.9% of people including me want Rahul Gandhi to be elected as party president," Surjewala was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. Also read | Congress extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' as deadlock between farmers, govt continues India's Grand Old Party is witnessing declining support ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi established himself in the national politics and later won two general elections with a resounding mandate. Rahul was Congress's prime ministerial candidate during the 2019 election in which party again performed poorly, which led to his resignation as the party president. He also had said that no one from his family, including his mother Sonia and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will head Congress and ever since his resignation more than a year ago, the party has failed to elect a permanent leader. Other than Lok Sabha polls, Congress also faced a drubbing in Bihar Assembly polls and lost power in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Its failures triggered 23 dissenting leaders to write a letter demanding an overhaul of the party in August.

99.9% want Rahul Gandhi as Congress president: Randeep Surjewala

As the deadlock between farmers and Indian government continues, India's grand old party on Sunday has said that it will support the nationwide strike on Tuesday.

Congress on Sunday said that the party has its "whole-hearted" support to 'Bharat Bandh' on December 8.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-chief-extends-support-to-farmers-protest-in-india-347867">UN chief extends support to farmers protest in India</a>

"I would also like to announce that the Congress party extends its whole-hearted support to the Bharat Bandh on December 8," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diljit-dosanjh-makes-surprise-appearance-at-singhu-border-to-support-farmers-347750">Diljit Dosanjh makes surprise appearance at Singhu border to support farmers</a>

"All our district headquarters and Pradesh headquarters will participate in this bandh. They will hold demonstrations and ensure that the bandh is successful."&nbsp;

He also said that senior party leader Rahul Gandhi through tractor rallies and farmer demonstrations is extending the party's support to farmers' cause.&nbsp;

Actor-Politician Kamal Hassan has also extended his support to the demonstrations and said that his Makkal Needhi Maiam will protest with the farmers soon.&nbsp;

Thousands of farmers are protesting from 11 days against the three farms laws that were passed in September on borders of Delhi.&nbsp;

A fifth-round of talks on Saturday between farmer leaders and some union ministers was also unable to end the deadlock as farmers stuck to their demand of revoking the laws.&nbsp;

The also went on a 'maun vrat', demanding a strict 'yes' or 'no' to their demands. 
&nbsp;

As the deadlock between farmers and Indian government continues, India's grand old party on Sunday has said that it will support the nationwide strike on Tuesday.

As the deadlock between farmers and Indian government continues, India's grand old party on Sunday has said that it will support the nationwide strike on Tuesday. Congress on Sunday said that the party has its "whole-hearted" support to 'Bharat Bandh' on December 8. Also read | UN chief extends support to farmers protest in India "I would also like to announce that the Congress party extends its whole-hearted support to the Bharat Bandh on December 8," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, as quoted by news agency PTI. Also read | Diljit Dosanjh makes surprise appearance at Singhu border to support farmers "All our district headquarters and Pradesh headquarters will participate in this bandh. They will hold demonstrations and ensure that the bandh is successful." He also said that senior party leader Rahul Gandhi through tractor rallies and farmer demonstrations is extending the party's support to farmers' cause. Actor-Politician Kamal Hassan has also extended his support to the demonstrations and said that his Makkal Needhi Maiam will protest with the farmers soon. Thousands of farmers are protesting from 11 days against the three farms laws that were passed in September on borders of Delhi. A fifth-round of talks on Saturday between farmer leaders and some union ministers was also unable to end the deadlock as farmers stuck to their demand of revoking the laws. The also went on a 'maun vrat', demanding a strict 'yes' or 'no' to their demands.

Congress extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' as deadlock between farmers, govt continues

I did not know that it would be my last Eid with Ahmed bhai. I saw him take all precaution and never once suspected that he would fall ill and would never make his way back home.

The last two decades of the Indian National Congress cannot be understood without knowing Ahmed Patel. It will not be wrong to say that Congress, as we know it today, belonged to Ahmed Patel.&nbsp;

He was fondly called as AP by both junior and senior partners. It is not as if AP had no history before Sonia Gandhi, but he came into his own during her tenure. The irony is that he also witnessed the lowest phase of his career during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as the president of the Party.&nbsp;

AP became MP from Gujarat in the 1980s, and since then never looked back. In the late 80s, he made a switch to the Rajya Sabha and did well even during PV Narasimha Rao’s tenure in the Congress.

It would be impossible to cover Congress during Sonia’s days if one did not have access to her all powerful political secretary - AP. It also remained impossible to understand Congress even when Rahul Gandhi sidelined AP during his tenure.&nbsp;

Patel's institutional memory served everyone associated with him. My first brush with AP was in 2004 when I was a junior reporter in a TV channel. Those were different days, perhaps. I had done a story that was not particularly complimentary to him. He called me, asking that I inserted his version of events, not a word of anger passed his lips on the overall tone of the story nor was my editor called over the story.

During the reign of UPA, his power and reach remained immense. I remember a serving Cabinet minister calling me and complaining that even Sonia Gandhi does not keep the sanctity of a private conversation. When I asked the reason, she said she had gone to 10, Janpath to inform Gandhi that she would be on leave for 10 days in Europe and by the time she left the premise, she received a call from AP asking her which countries she intended to visit, and that he too be kept in the loop.&nbsp;

My answer was that if the boss loves him, then you cannot fight him. Make peace with AP.&nbsp;

A second conversation I recall was Patel’s own assessment of himself. &nbsp;On many issues, he did not see eye to eye with Rahul Gandhi but was candid enough to admit that one cannot perform surgery on nature, and that the work had to be done with what one has.&nbsp;

When I probed him about being sidelined after all he did for the party, his answer would remain the same.&nbsp;

“Not a single person would stand at my gate if the party realised that Sonia Gandhi is not interested in working with me,” he would say.&nbsp;

He knew his power and limit, and understood that it was a symbiotic relationship. Perhaps it is for this reason that he dispassionately spoke against all 23 dissenters in Congress Working Committee when they questioned Sonia Gandhi’s way of functioning.&nbsp;

It was not as if he was surprised by the letter. He knew the letter existed and also knew what his last stand was.&nbsp;

Lastly, he was a quintessential Congressman. He has taken many secrets to grave. He chose never to speak in public. He would always call back, irrespective of rank and designation and never hold a grudge.&nbsp;

There are many anecdotes I have of AP, but time is not ripe to share but with this I would like to end this obit.&nbsp;

During a reporting assignment, I sent a text message to AP by mistake. The message was supposed to be sent to my editor. The text message read that “AP has confirmed that this particular minister would be asked to resign because madam thinks that continuation is untenable. We can run with the story”.&nbsp;

I ran with the story after speaking with my editor not realising that the message was not with him. The story broke, I won the day but also received a lashing from AP saying that he would never speak with me again. I thought that it would end my reporting in Congress.&nbsp;

It was 2008 but I received a call in evening where AP apologised to me for shouting at me.

And like a true self effacing Gujarati he said, "You got to be careful in what you speak or write in context of me. I don’t like my name being taken. Just see to it."

This was AP -- a powerful back room person but humble who never let power run in his head. He will be missed above all for the powerful political observer he was despite being a player in the system.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

I did not know that it would be my last Eid with Ahmed bhai. I saw him take all precaution and never once suspected that he would fall ill and would never make his way back home.

I did not know that it would be my last Eid with Ahmed bhai. I saw him take all precaution and never once suspected that he would fall ill and would never make his way back home. The last two decades of the Indian National Congress cannot be understood without knowing Ahmed Patel. It will not be wrong to say that Congress, as we know it today, belonged to Ahmed Patel. He was fondly called as AP by both junior and senior partners. It is not as if AP had no history before Sonia Gandhi, but he came into his own during her tenure. The irony is that he also witnessed the lowest phase of his career during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as the president of the Party. AP became MP from Gujarat in the 1980s, and since then never looked back. In the late 80s, he made a switch to the Rajya Sabha and did well even during PV Narasimha Rao’s tenure in the Congress. It would be impossible to cover Congress during Sonia’s days if one did not have access to her all powerful political secretary - AP. It also remained impossible to understand Congress even when Rahul Gandhi sidelined AP during his tenure. Patel's institutional memory served everyone associated with him. My first brush with AP was in 2004 when I was a junior reporter in a TV channel. Those were different days, perhaps. I had done a story that was not particularly complimentary to him. He called me, asking that I inserted his version of events, not a word of anger passed his lips on the overall tone of the story nor was my editor called over the story. During the reign of UPA, his power and reach remained immense. I remember a serving Cabinet minister calling me and complaining that even Sonia Gandhi does not keep the sanctity of a private conversation. When I asked the reason, she said she had gone to 10, Janpath to inform Gandhi that she would be on leave for 10 days in Europe and by the time she left the premise, she received a call from AP asking her which countries she intended to visit, and that he too be kept in the loop. My answer was that if the boss loves him, then you cannot fight him. Make peace with AP. A second conversation I recall was Patel’s own assessment of himself. On many issues, he did not see eye to eye with Rahul Gandhi but was candid enough to admit that one cannot perform surgery on nature, and that the work had to be done with what one has. When I probed him about being sidelined after all he did for the party, his answer would remain the same. “Not a single person would stand at my gate if the party realised that Sonia Gandhi is not interested in working with me,” he would say. He knew his power and limit, and understood that it was a symbiotic relationship. Perhaps it is for this reason that he dispassionately spoke against all 23 dissenters in Congress Working Committee when they questioned Sonia Gandhi’s way of functioning. It was not as if he was surprised by the letter. He knew the letter existed and also knew what his last stand was. Lastly, he was a quintessential Congressman. He has taken many secrets to grave. He chose never to speak in public. He would always call back, irrespective of rank and designation and never hold a grudge. There are many anecdotes I have of AP, but time is not ripe to share but with this I would like to end this obit. During a reporting assignment, I sent a text message to AP by mistake. The message was supposed to be sent to my editor. The text message read that “AP has confirmed that this particular minister would be asked to resign because madam thinks that continuation is untenable. We can run with the story”. I ran with the story after speaking with my editor not realising that the message was not with him. The story broke, I won the day but also received a lashing from AP saying that he would never speak with me again. I thought that it would end my reporting in Congress. It was 2008 but I received a call in evening where AP apologised to me for shouting at me. And like a true self effacing Gujarati he said, "You got to be careful in what you speak or write in context of me. I don’t like my name being taken. Just see to it." This was AP -- a powerful back room person but humble who never let power run in his head. He will be missed above all for the powerful political observer he was despite being a player in the system. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

The Ahmed Patel I knew

"Secrets will travel with me to my grave".

That was Congress leader Ahmed Patel's matter-of-fact response a few months ago when asked if he would pen his memoirs to share his experiences as the party insider with a finger on its power buttons.

Patel, who died on Wednesday at a Gurugram hospital where he was admitted with COVID-19, could have been the tell-all leader offering insights and information with his inside view of the workings of the Congress and the political world.

But he would have none of it.

Author and journalist Rasheed Kidwai met the Congress' trusted backroom strategist and troubleshooter at his 23, Mother Teresa Crescent residence after the lockdown and asked him the question on many a mind.

"We had a freewheeling chat about the Congress and politics, and I asked him why don't you pen your memoirs as it will be a treasure trove of information to which he responded, "The secrets will travel with me to my grave'," Kidwai told PTI.

Kidwai who has authored several books, including "24 Akbar Road: A Short History Of The People Behind The Fall And Rise Of The Congress", added that Patel had gone too soon.

Kidwai described Patel -- Rajya Sabha MP, AICC treasurer and Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, as the man for all seasons for the Congress.

He said Patel, both crisis manager and consensus builder, was never one to hold any grudges, citing how he stitched an alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra despite the party making grave allegations against him in the past.

He was also a devout Muslim and interestingly would switch mosques every week for Friday prayers because Congress ticket seekers would queue up outside if he went to one mosque regularly.

Babubhai and AP to friends and Ahmed Bhai to colleagues, Patel remained Sonia Gandhi's most trusted lieutenant for most of her tenure as the longest serving Congress president, standing by her side through sun and shade.

Sonia Gandhi said she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend".

According to political analysts, Patel was privy to innumerable party secrets, anecdotes and internal decision making.

Patel, who kept a low profile, was the quintessential organisation man who had an unflappable temperament and was a very effective crisis manager and troubleshooter, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said as tributes for the veteran politician and eight-term MP flowed in.

Patel's importance in the Congress dates back to the days of the late Rajiv Gandhi.

When Rajiv Gandhi became prime minister, he did away with the post of principal secretary to the PM which his mother Indira Gandhi had created for PN Haksar and appointed three parliamentary secretaries -- Ahmed Patel, Arun Singh and Oscar Fernandes.

The trio -- a photograph of them taking oath as parliamentary secretaries did the rounds on social media on Wednesday -- was famously referred to as Amar, Akbar, Anthony'.

Just three months ago, in August, Patel had stepped in to quell a rebellion.

His firm rejection of the public stand taken by 23 party leaders against Sonia Gandhi helped the Congress Working Committee snub the demand for replacement of a Gandhi as party chief and repose faith in her presidency after she offered to quit.

"Secrets will travel with me to my grave". That was Congress leader Ahmed Patel's matter-of-fact response a few months ago when asked if he would pen his memoirs to share his experiences as the party insider with a finger on its power buttons.

"Secrets will travel with me to my grave". That was Congress leader Ahmed Patel's matter-of-fact response a few months ago when asked if he would pen his memoirs to share his experiences as the party insider with a finger on its power buttons. Patel, who died on Wednesday at a Gurugram hospital where he was admitted with COVID-19, could have been the tell-all leader offering insights and information with his inside view of the workings of the Congress and the political world. But he would have none of it. Author and journalist Rasheed Kidwai met the Congress' trusted backroom strategist and troubleshooter at his 23, Mother Teresa Crescent residence after the lockdown and asked him the question on many a mind. "We had a freewheeling chat about the Congress and politics, and I asked him why don't you pen your memoirs as it will be a treasure trove of information to which he responded, "The secrets will travel with me to my grave'," Kidwai told PTI. Kidwai who has authored several books, including "24 Akbar Road: A Short History Of The People Behind The Fall And Rise Of The Congress", added that Patel had gone too soon. Kidwai described Patel -- Rajya Sabha MP, AICC treasurer and Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, as the man for all seasons for the Congress. He said Patel, both crisis manager and consensus builder, was never one to hold any grudges, citing how he stitched an alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra despite the party making grave allegations against him in the past. He was also a devout Muslim and interestingly would switch mosques every week for Friday prayers because Congress ticket seekers would queue up outside if he went to one mosque regularly. Babubhai and AP to friends and Ahmed Bhai to colleagues, Patel remained Sonia Gandhi's most trusted lieutenant for most of her tenure as the longest serving Congress president, standing by her side through sun and shade. Sonia Gandhi said she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend". According to political analysts, Patel was privy to innumerable party secrets, anecdotes and internal decision making. Patel, who kept a low profile, was the quintessential organisation man who had an unflappable temperament and was a very effective crisis manager and troubleshooter, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh said as tributes for the veteran politician and eight-term MP flowed in. Patel's importance in the Congress dates back to the days of the late Rajiv Gandhi. When Rajiv Gandhi became prime minister, he did away with the post of principal secretary to the PM which his mother Indira Gandhi had created for PN Haksar and appointed three parliamentary secretaries -- Ahmed Patel, Arun Singh and Oscar Fernandes. The trio -- a photograph of them taking oath as parliamentary secretaries did the rounds on social media on Wednesday -- was famously referred to as Amar, Akbar, Anthony'. Just three months ago, in August, Patel had stepped in to quell a rebellion. His firm rejection of the public stand taken by 23 party leaders against Sonia Gandhi helped the Congress Working Committee snub the demand for replacement of a Gandhi as party chief and repose faith in her presidency after she offered to quit.

Secrets will travel with me to my grave: Ahmed Patel when asked about penning memoir

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday slammed other leaders for criticising the grand old party for its dismal performance in recent elections and declining support.&nbsp;

Khurshid, who is considered close to the Gandhi family, said that overall support for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi is "apparent to anyone who is not blind".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-cm-ashok-gehlot-slams-senior-party-leader-kapil-sibal-for-congress-criticism-343567">Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot slams senior party leader Kapil Sibal for Congress criticism</a>

"I think that is apparent to anyone who is not blind, that people are fully supportive of Congress president Sonia ji and of Mr Rahul Gandhi, who is our former president. Everybody supports them," he said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-like-a-child-trying-to-impress-teacher-barack-obama-says-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342781">Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a>

In an interview to news agency PTI, he also said that the party's leadership "listens" to other party members and voicing out the views outside the party forums "hurts" it.&nbsp;

"The leadership listens to me, I am given an opportunity, they (those criticising in the media) are given an opportunity, where does this thing come from that the leadership is not listening," Khurshid said. &nbsp;

Recently, leaders and former Cabinet ministers like Kapil Sibal and P Chidambaram had said that the time for introspection is over and the party has failed to remain as the top alternative to the ruling BJP.&nbsp;

"Analysis is done all the time, there is no quarrel about analysis. It will be done. The leadership, of which all these people are a part, will appropriately look at what may have gone wrong, how we could have improved, and that will happen in the normal course, we needn't talk about it in the public," Khurshid added.&nbsp;

Khurshid also said that he agreed with the views of other leaders who have openly criticised but adds that there was no reason to air these opinions to media.&nbsp;

When asked that the party has still not elected its president for more than a year following its poor show in the general election, Khurshid gave examples of several parties that are running without presidents and said the process to choose party chief is being conducted and there is a good reason why the process is taking the time. &nbsp;

"Nobody has gone away, they are all here. The only insistence is on a label, why do you insist on a label. There is no president in the Bahujan Samaj Party, there is no chairman in the Left wing parties, only general secretaries...Every party cannot follow the same model," the senior Congress leader said.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday slammed other leaders for criticising the grand old party for its dismal performance in recent elections and declining support.

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday slammed other leaders for criticising the grand old party for its dismal performance in recent elections and declining support. Khurshid, who is considered close to the Gandhi family, said that overall support for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi is "apparent to anyone who is not blind". Also read | Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot slams senior party leader Kapil Sibal for Congress criticism "I think that is apparent to anyone who is not blind, that people are fully supportive of Congress president Sonia ji and of Mr Rahul Gandhi, who is our former president. Everybody supports them," he said. Also read | Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' In an interview to news agency PTI, he also said that the party's leadership "listens" to other party members and voicing out the views outside the party forums "hurts" it. "The leadership listens to me, I am given an opportunity, they (those criticising in the media) are given an opportunity, where does this thing come from that the leadership is not listening," Khurshid said. Recently, leaders and former Cabinet ministers like Kapil Sibal and P Chidambaram had said that the time for introspection is over and the party has failed to remain as the top alternative to the ruling BJP. "Analysis is done all the time, there is no quarrel about analysis. It will be done. The leadership, of which all these people are a part, will appropriately look at what may have gone wrong, how we could have improved, and that will happen in the normal course, we needn't talk about it in the public," Khurshid added. Khurshid also said that he agreed with the views of other leaders who have openly criticised but adds that there was no reason to air these opinions to media. When asked that the party has still not elected its president for more than a year following its poor show in the general election, Khurshid gave examples of several parties that are running without presidents and said the process to choose party chief is being conducted and there is a good reason why the process is taking the time. "Nobody has gone away, they are all here. The only insistence is on a label, why do you insist on a label. There is no president in the Bahujan Samaj Party, there is no chairman in the Left wing parties, only general secretaries...Every party cannot follow the same model," the senior Congress leader said.

Khurshid slams Congress critics, says support to Gandhis 'apparent to anyone who isn't blind '

After nine BJP candidates, including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, were elected unopposed to the Upper House on Monday, the ruling NDA dispensation further consolidated its position in Rajya Sabha crossing the 100-mark. 
 
The Congress, which dominated the Upper House for a long time, is now down to 38 seats - its lowest ever tally - in the 242-member House after it lost two more seats to the BJP in the current elections. 
 
Out of the 11 Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs- 10 from Uttar Pradesh and one from Uttarakhand - nine were won by BJP candidates, including Union Urban Development Minister Puri, taking the party's tally to 92 seats. 
 
It was a gain of six as three of the candidates were re-elected. NDA constituent JD (U) has five seats. Ten candidates were declared elected to the Rajya Sabha and were also given their certificates, Assistant Returning Officer Mohd Mushahid said. 
 
Besides Puri, those elected to the upper house of Parliament are BJP’s Neeraj Shekhar, Arun Singh, Geeta Shakya, Haridwar Dubey, Brijlal, B L Varma and Seema Dwivedi; Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav; and BSP’s Ramji Gautam, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

After nine BJP candidates, including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, were elected unopposed to the Upper House on Monday, the ruling NDA dispensation further consolidated its position in Rajya Sabha crossing the 100-mark.

After nine BJP candidates, including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, were elected unopposed to the Upper House on Monday, the ruling NDA dispensation further consolidated its position in Rajya Sabha crossing the 100-mark. The Congress, which dominated the Upper House for a long time, is now down to 38 seats - its lowest ever tally - in the 242-member House after it lost two more seats to the BJP in the current elections. Out of the 11 Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs- 10 from Uttar Pradesh and one from Uttarakhand - nine were won by BJP candidates, including Union Urban Development Minister Puri, taking the party's tally to 92 seats. It was a gain of six as three of the candidates were re-elected. NDA constituent JD (U) has five seats. Ten candidates were declared elected to the Rajya Sabha and were also given their certificates, Assistant Returning Officer Mohd Mushahid said. Besides Puri, those elected to the upper house of Parliament are BJP’s Neeraj Shekhar, Arun Singh, Geeta Shakya, Haridwar Dubey, Brijlal, B L Varma and Seema Dwivedi; Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav; and BSP’s Ramji Gautam, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

NDA crosses 100-seats mark Rajya Sabha; Congress drops to lowest ever tally

Actor-turned-politician Kushboo Sundar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;on Monday, hours after she quit the Congress.

Speaking to reporters at the joining ceremony, the actor from Tamil Nadu said she had come to the understanding over a period of time that if the nation has to move forward, then someone like Prime Minister Narendra Modi is needed to take the country "in the right direction and to its glory".

A national spokesperson of the Congress, she resigned from the party protesting against what she called some leaders' "dictating terms" and "suppressing" her.

She was with the DMK before joining the Congress in 2014.

Assembly polls are due in Tamil Nadu in the first half of the next year, and the BJP hopes the her induction will be a boost to it.

The BJP has long been a marginal force in the southern state where two Dravidian parties, the AIADMK and the DMK, have been the main contenders for power.&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician Kushboo Sundar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, hours after she quit the Congress. Speaking to reporters at the joining ceremony, the actor from Tamil Nadu said she had come to the understanding over a period of time that if the nation has to move forward, then someone like Prime Minister Narendra Modi is needed to take the country "in the right direction and to its glory".

Actor-turned-politician Kushboo Sundar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, hours after she quit the Congress. Speaking to reporters at the joining ceremony, the actor from Tamil Nadu said she had come to the understanding over a period of time that if the nation has to move forward, then someone like Prime Minister Narendra Modi is needed to take the country "in the right direction and to its glory". A national spokesperson of the Congress, she resigned from the party protesting against what she called some leaders' "dictating terms" and "suppressing" her. She was with the DMK before joining the Congress in 2014. Assembly polls are due in Tamil Nadu in the first half of the next year, and the BJP hopes the her induction will be a boost to it. The BJP has long been a marginal force in the southern state where two Dravidian parties, the AIADMK and the DMK, have been the main contenders for power.

Khushbu Sundar joins BJP after resigning from Congress

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.3 million pair of hand gloves have been arranged for the polls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-86052-new-cases-as-total-infections-near-6-million-mark-330100">India reports 86,052 new cases as total infections near 6 million-mark</a>

The election will be in three phases and the voting for the first phase will be on October 28, with the declaration of results on November 10.&nbsp;

The voting for the second and third phase will be on November 3 and 7 respectively.

The election commission said in the first stage, voting will be held for 71 seats, followed by next stages where polling will take place for 94 and 78 seats.&nbsp;

The election commissioner also said the candidates can file their nomination online and the security money can also be transferred in online mode.&nbsp;

The door-to-door campaigning is also restricted to three people and not more than a convoy of five cars can be used for campaigning.&nbsp;

Also, only 1,000 voters will be allowed to cast their vote at a polling station, which was earlier 1,500.&nbsp;

He also said Covid-19 patients will also be able to cast their vote on the last day of voting at their respective polling stations under the supervision of health authorities. He said this facility is provided to them apart from the the option of postal ballot already extended to such people.&nbsp;

Earlier, the apex court on Friday refused to postpone the upcoming Bihar elections in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the assembly election dates of one of the largest states Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said more than 700,000 hand santisers, 600,000 PPE kits, 670,000 units of face-shields and 2.3 million pair of hand gloves have been arranged for the polls. Also read | India reports 86,052 new cases as total infections near 6 million-mark The election will be in three phases and the voting for the first phase will be on October 28, with the declaration of results on November 10. The voting for the second and third phase will be on November 3 and 7 respectively. The election commission said in the first stage, voting will be held for 71 seats, followed by next stages where polling will take place for 94 and 78 seats. The election commissioner also said the candidates can file their nomination online and the security money can also be transferred in online mode. The door-to-door campaigning is also restricted to three people and not more than a convoy of five cars can be used for campaigning. Also, only 1,000 voters will be allowed to cast their vote at a polling station, which was earlier 1,500. He also said Covid-19 patients will also be able to cast their vote on the last day of voting at their respective polling stations under the supervision of health authorities. He said this facility is provided to them apart from the the option of postal ballot already extended to such people. Earlier, the apex court on Friday refused to postpone the upcoming Bihar elections in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

India gears up for first election amid pandemic as dates for Bihar Assembly polls announced

US major airlines have launched a last-ditch pit to persuade Congress to grant them new $25 BN bailouts to help avert thousands of employees.

US airlines seek $25 BN to help avert jobs

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition for the ruckus during the discussion on Agri Bills in Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the behaviour displayed by various parties was "saddening, unfortunate and shameful".

“What happened in Rajya Sabha today was saddening, unfortunate and shameful. It is the responsibility of the ruling side to enable discussions in the House but it is also the duty of the Opposition to maintain decorum,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

"As far as I know, this has never happened in the history of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. This happening in Rajya Sabha is an even bigger matter. Attempts are being made to mislead the farmers on the basis of rumours. What happened is against the decorum of House," he said.

"It is expected of a good Opposition to help with the Parliament's proceedings. Acting for vested political interests and misleading people isn't healthy democratic practice," he said.

Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha.

(With inputs from agencies)

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition for the ruckus during the discussion on Agri Bills in Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the behaviour displayed by various parties was "saddening, unfortunate and shameful".

Launching a scathing attack on the opposition for the ruckus during the discussion on Agri Bills in Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the behaviour displayed by various parties was "saddening, unfortunate and shameful". “What happened in Rajya Sabha today was saddening, unfortunate and shameful. It is the responsibility of the ruling side to enable discussions in the House but it is also the duty of the Opposition to maintain decorum,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. "As far as I know, this has never happened in the history of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. This happening in Rajya Sabha is an even bigger matter. Attempts are being made to mislead the farmers on the basis of rumours. What happened is against the decorum of House," he said. "It is expected of a good Opposition to help with the Parliament's proceedings. Acting for vested political interests and misleading people isn't healthy democratic practice," he said. Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

'Saddening, unfortunate and shameful': Rajnath Singh slams opposition for ruckus in Upper House

Rajya Sabha saw a major ruckus on Sunday as Opposition members left their seats to demand a division of votes during passage of the two key farm bills.

Rajya Sabha, on Sunday, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha.

These key bills were passed by voice vote.

The Opposition resolutely demanded that the bills be sent to House panel for a closer scrutiny. The demands were negated by voice vote. The ruckus in the House had already started.

Deputy Chairman Hariavansh overuled the demand for a division of votes.

What followed was pure pandemonium. Opposition MPs, led by Trinamool Congress, rose from their seats and entered the well of the House. Books were flung at the Deputy Chairman. House marshals had to do their best to protect the Chair from this onslaught. The ruckus created by the Opposition had previously compelled Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to cut short&nbsp;

"These are the rules...!" TMC MP Derek Obrien could be heard telling the Deputy Chairman. He charged towards the podium. Obrien had the rulebook in hand. He has been accused of trying to tear the rulebook. He has denied the accusation.

The bills are facing staunch opposition from some farmer bodies as well as from within the ruling coalition. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the food processing minister from the Shiromani Akali Dal party, resigned from the government last week.

Opposition parties as well as the SAD felt the bills are the first step toward removing the MSP which will force the farmers to make distress sales to private companies.

The Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis). This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels.

Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government.

It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices. It will also help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers in areas with shortages at lower prices.

The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price.

It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors.

Tomar said this legislation guarantees cultivators the price they negotiate at the time of sowing itself.

A third bill, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that seeks to remove commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, onion, and potatoes from the list of essential commodities and will do away with the imposition of stock holding limits, is to be moved separately.

Rajya Sabha saw a major ruckus on Sunday as Opposition members left their seats to demand a division of votes during passage of the two key farm bills. Rajya Sabha, on Sunday, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.

Rajya Sabha saw a major ruckus on Sunday as Opposition members left their seats to demand a division of votes during passage of the two key farm bills. Rajya Sabha, on Sunday, passed Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. These bills have already been passed by the Lok Sabha. These key bills were passed by voice vote. The Opposition resolutely demanded that the bills be sent to House panel for a closer scrutiny. The demands were negated by voice vote. The ruckus in the House had already started. Deputy Chairman Hariavansh overuled the demand for a division of votes. What followed was pure pandemonium. Opposition MPs, led by Trinamool Congress, rose from their seats and entered the well of the House. Books were flung at the Deputy Chairman. House marshals had to do their best to protect the Chair from this onslaught. The ruckus created by the Opposition had previously compelled Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to cut short "These are the rules...!" TMC MP Derek Obrien could be heard telling the Deputy Chairman. He charged towards the podium. Obrien had the rulebook in hand. He has been accused of trying to tear the rulebook. He has denied the accusation. The bills are facing staunch opposition from some farmer bodies as well as from within the ruling coalition. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the food processing minister from the Shiromani Akali Dal party, resigned from the government last week. Opposition parties as well as the SAD felt the bills are the first step toward removing the MSP which will force the farmers to make distress sales to private companies. The Farmers'' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis). This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels. Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government. It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices. It will also help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers in areas with shortages at lower prices. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price. It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors. Tomar said this legislation guarantees cultivators the price they negotiate at the time of sowing itself. A third bill, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that seeks to remove commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, onion, and potatoes from the list of essential commodities and will do away with the imposition of stock holding limits, is to be moved separately.

Slogans raised, documents torn: This is how Opposition behaved in Upper house of the Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the passage of two farm sector bills as a "watershed moment" in the history of Indian agriculture, asserting that they will ensure a complete transformation of the farm sector and empower crores of farmers.

In a series of tweets after Rajya Sabha passed the bills by voice vote amid din created by protesting opposition members, Modi said these proposed laws will liberate farmers from numerous adversities as he noted that peasants were for decades bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen.

He again assured farmers that the existing government support system for them will continue.

Farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana have been protesting against these bills, with their leaders alleging that the legislations will dismantle the existing system and leave them to the mercy of corporate interests.

Reaching out to the peasantry in Punjab, the prime minister posted his tweets in Punjabi as well.

Shiromani Akali Dal, the BJP's oldest ally, has quit the Modi government in protest against these bills.

Modi asserted, "I said it earlier and I say it once again: System of MSP will remain.

Government procurement will continue.

"We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generations." These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income of farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them, he said.

"Our agriculture sector is in desperate need of latest technology that assists the industrious farmers.Now, with the passage of the bills, our farmers will have easier access to futuristic technology that will boost production and yield better results.This is a welcome step," the prime minister said.The two bills were earlier passed by Lok Sabha.

After they get the presidential assent, they will be notified as laws.

"A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector as well as empower crores of farmers," Modi added in another tweet.

The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis).

This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels.

Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government.

It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices.

The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price.

It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the passage of two farm sector bills as a "watershed moment" in the history of Indian agriculture, asserting that they will ensure a complete transformation of the farm sector and empower crores of farmers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the passage of two farm sector bills as a "watershed moment" in the history of Indian agriculture, asserting that they will ensure a complete transformation of the farm sector and empower crores of farmers. In a series of tweets after Rajya Sabha passed the bills by voice vote amid din created by protesting opposition members, Modi said these proposed laws will liberate farmers from numerous adversities as he noted that peasants were for decades bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen. He again assured farmers that the existing government support system for them will continue. Farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana have been protesting against these bills, with their leaders alleging that the legislations will dismantle the existing system and leave them to the mercy of corporate interests. Reaching out to the peasantry in Punjab, the prime minister posted his tweets in Punjabi as well. Shiromani Akali Dal, the BJP's oldest ally, has quit the Modi government in protest against these bills. Modi asserted, "I said it earlier and I say it once again: System of MSP will remain. Government procurement will continue. "We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generations." These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income of farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them, he said. "Our agriculture sector is in desperate need of latest technology that assists the industrious farmers.Now, with the passage of the bills, our farmers will have easier access to futuristic technology that will boost production and yield better results.This is a welcome step," the prime minister said.The two bills were earlier passed by Lok Sabha. After they get the presidential assent, they will be notified as laws. "A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector as well as empower crores of farmers," Modi added in another tweet. The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis). This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels. Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their produce under this Act, according to the government. It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price. It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors.

Watershed moment for Indian agriculture, will ensure complete transformation of sector: PM Modi on farm bills

India's parliament on Sunday passed new bills the government says will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers amid a pandemonium in the Upper House by the opposition parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the new laws will reform antiquated laws and remove middlemen from agriculture trade, allowing farmers to sell to institutional buyers and large retailers like Walmart.&nbsp;The bills also will make contract farming easier by providing a new set of rules.

On Sunday, some opposition lawmakers raised slogans, tore documents and tried to grab the speaker's microphone in Rajya Sabha, before the two controversial bills were passed by a voice vote.

The Congress and other opposition party members sat in protest inside Rajya Sabha even after the House was adjourned for the day after the passage of two farm bills.

Members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Left parties and some others sat in protest inside the Rajya Sabha chamber even after it was adjourned.

The House sitting ends at 1 pm and Rajya Sabha chamber has to be sanitised by 3 pm when Lok Sabha sits for a session. Both the chambers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are being used for each House to allow members to follow physical distancing norms.

Earlier, Modi's food processing minister from an alliance party resigned on Thursday in protest calling the bills "anti-farmer", and the opposition parties have said farmers' bargaining power will be diminished by allowing retailers to have tighter control over them.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Modi's former food processing minister, is from a regional party which has a strong base in the northern state of Punjab and believes the bills will increase farmer suffering in the breadbasket state.

Her party believes the laws will destroy wholesale markets which ensure fair and timely payments to farmers, weaken the state's farmers and the overall state economy.

Many farmer organisations have in recent days held street protests in Punjab and the neighboring Haryana state near New Delhi. On Sunday, India's main opposition Congress party criticised the government.

"We will make sure that the government will have to step down on its knees before the farming community of this country," said Randeep Surjewala, a party spokesman.

"It will be farmers one side and big businesses on the other side, how will they fight?," he added.

Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha told PTI that the opposition members will continue to sit in Rajya Sabha chamber till 3 pm to lodge their protest against the government's attitude.

This was done to mark their protest against the manner in which 'The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020' and 'The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020' were passed in the House without taking into consideration the demands of the opposition.

The opposition members had given notices to move motions for sending the bills to a Select Committee for further scrutiny, but the same were not taken up as these members were not on their seats in the House and could not move them as they were protesting.

Earlier the House witnessed uproarious scenes when some opposition members led by the TMC climbed on to the chairman's podium as the government pushed for the passage of the two contentious farm bills.

Slogan-shouting opposition members, including those from the TMC, Congress and Left, created ruckus after Deputy Chairman Harivansh did not consider their demand for a division of votes on a resolution to send the two bills to a select committee.

(with inputs from agencies)

India's parliament on Sunday passed new bills the government says will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers amid a pandemonium in the Upper House by the opposition parties.

India's parliament on Sunday passed new bills the government says will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers amid a pandemonium in the Upper House by the opposition parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the new laws will reform antiquated laws and remove middlemen from agriculture trade, allowing farmers to sell to institutional buyers and large retailers like Walmart. The bills also will make contract farming easier by providing a new set of rules. On Sunday, some opposition lawmakers raised slogans, tore documents and tried to grab the speaker's microphone in Rajya Sabha, before the two controversial bills were passed by a voice vote. The Congress and other opposition party members sat in protest inside Rajya Sabha even after the House was adjourned for the day after the passage of two farm bills. Members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Left parties and some others sat in protest inside the Rajya Sabha chamber even after it was adjourned. The House sitting ends at 1 pm and Rajya Sabha chamber has to be sanitised by 3 pm when Lok Sabha sits for a session. Both the chambers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are being used for each House to allow members to follow physical distancing norms. Earlier, Modi's food processing minister from an alliance party resigned on Thursday in protest calling the bills "anti-farmer", and the opposition parties have said farmers' bargaining power will be diminished by allowing retailers to have tighter control over them. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Modi's former food processing minister, is from a regional party which has a strong base in the northern state of Punjab and believes the bills will increase farmer suffering in the breadbasket state. Her party believes the laws will destroy wholesale markets which ensure fair and timely payments to farmers, weaken the state's farmers and the overall state economy. Many farmer organisations have in recent days held street protests in Punjab and the neighboring Haryana state near New Delhi. On Sunday, India's main opposition Congress party criticised the government. "We will make sure that the government will have to step down on its knees before the farming community of this country," said Randeep Surjewala, a party spokesman. "It will be farmers one side and big businesses on the other side, how will they fight?," he added. Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha told PTI that the opposition members will continue to sit in Rajya Sabha chamber till 3 pm to lodge their protest against the government's attitude. This was done to mark their protest against the manner in which 'The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020' and 'The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020' were passed in the House without taking into consideration the demands of the opposition. The opposition members had given notices to move motions for sending the bills to a Select Committee for further scrutiny, but the same were not taken up as these members were not on their seats in the House and could not move them as they were protesting. Earlier the House witnessed uproarious scenes when some opposition members led by the TMC climbed on to the chairman's podium as the government pushed for the passage of the two contentious farm bills. Slogan-shouting opposition members, including those from the TMC, Congress and Left, created ruckus after Deputy Chairman Harivansh did not consider their demand for a division of votes on a resolution to send the two bills to a select committee. (with inputs from agencies)

India's parliament passes farm bills amid protest from opposition parties

Congress MP from Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari H Vasanthakumar has died due to Coronavirus. The 70-year old leader was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on August 10 with a Coronavirus infection.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Indian Congress MP H Vasanthakumar dies Of COVID-19 In Chennai

Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, whose name figured in the list of 23 leaders, who demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president, said on Monday that their communication should not be seen as dissent, but good suggestions were given in party's interest.

Another signatory to the letter, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, however, declined to comment on the party's "internal matters".

Bhattal said that Sonia Gandhi had been made interim president of the Congress last year.

That was less than two years after she voluntarily relinquished the top post in favour of her son Rahul Gandhi who refused to continue as Congress chief (after the 2019 general election defeat), the former Punjab CM said.

After her tenure (as interim chief) came to an end on August 10, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till such time a "proper procedure" is implemented in the "not too distant future" to elect a party chief.

"She (Sonia Gandhi) had said that she will continue for one year and her tenure was to come to an end on August 10. Rahul ji had earlier said that he does not want to continue as party chief.

"In light of these things, we had given our suggestions (in the letter). Those who have read the full contents of the letter know that we have praised Sonia Gandhi and her leadership," Bhattal told PTI.

She said that despite the tragedies Sonia Gandhi faced on the personal front -- losing her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi and husband Rajiv Gandhi -- "she moved on and effectively guided the Congress and formed government at the Centre twice".

"Soniaji's leadership is acceptable to all, but we had said that a working group be formed under her which will be directly answerable to her. This was our demand, there is nothing wrong, it was not dissent, it was a suggestion letter, we gave good points to make the party strong," said the senior Congress leader.

On the other hand, when asked about the letter during an informal chat, Hooda replied, "I won't make any comment on the party's internal matters." He, however, said the Congress needs to be strengthened.

The Congress Working Committee on Monday urged Sonia Gandhi to continue as its interim chief till an AICC session can be convened and authorised her to effect necessary organisational changes to deal with the challenges facing the party.

At an over seven-hour long meeting, which took place in the backdrop of more than 20 party leaders seeking an immediate organisational overhaul and a collective leadership, Gandhi is said to have offered to quit but was requested by the party's top decision-making panel with over 50 members to stay on.

Bhattal said, "We had suggested that a working group should be formed under her and an AICC session should be summoned. We always accepted Sonia ji's leadership and never were any question marks raised. We have been well-wishers of the Nehru-Gandhi family, which made sacrifices for the nation's sake."

She said that Sonia Gandhi ran things quite smoothly being at the helm.

"But she had herself said last year that she will be there for one year. It is good that she will continue now," Bhattal said.

Bhattal said assembly elections are due in Punjab in over a year, polls in other states are going to take place in coming months and the suggestions they gave was to strength party for the elections also.

Asked why then there has been criticism to their letter, Bhattal replied: "Sometimes, things get misinterpreted in the media. We all want that Congress should be further strengthened. It is a grand old party which first fought for the country's freedom and then ran the country for all these years. To speak for strengthening the party, I think there is nothing wrong in that."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, whose name figured in the list of 23 leaders, who demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president, said on Monday that their communication should not be seen as dissent, but good suggestions were given in party's interest.

Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, whose name figured in the list of 23 leaders, who demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president, said on Monday that their communication should not be seen as dissent, but good suggestions were given in party's interest. Another signatory to the letter, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, however, declined to comment on the party's "internal matters". Bhattal said that Sonia Gandhi had been made interim president of the Congress last year. That was less than two years after she voluntarily relinquished the top post in favour of her son Rahul Gandhi who refused to continue as Congress chief (after the 2019 general election defeat), the former Punjab CM said. After her tenure (as interim chief) came to an end on August 10, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till such time a "proper procedure" is implemented in the "not too distant future" to elect a party chief. "She (Sonia Gandhi) had said that she will continue for one year and her tenure was to come to an end on August 10. Rahul ji had earlier said that he does not want to continue as party chief. "In light of these things, we had given our suggestions (in the letter). Those who have read the full contents of the letter know that we have praised Sonia Gandhi and her leadership," Bhattal told PTI. She said that despite the tragedies Sonia Gandhi faced on the personal front -- losing her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi and husband Rajiv Gandhi -- "she moved on and effectively guided the Congress and formed government at the Centre twice". "Soniaji's leadership is acceptable to all, but we had said that a working group be formed under her which will be directly answerable to her. This was our demand, there is nothing wrong, it was not dissent, it was a suggestion letter, we gave good points to make the party strong," said the senior Congress leader. On the other hand, when asked about the letter during an informal chat, Hooda replied, "I won't make any comment on the party's internal matters." He, however, said the Congress needs to be strengthened. The Congress Working Committee on Monday urged Sonia Gandhi to continue as its interim chief till an AICC session can be convened and authorised her to effect necessary organisational changes to deal with the challenges facing the party. At an over seven-hour long meeting, which took place in the backdrop of more than 20 party leaders seeking an immediate organisational overhaul and a collective leadership, Gandhi is said to have offered to quit but was requested by the party's top decision-making panel with over 50 members to stay on. Bhattal said, "We had suggested that a working group should be formed under her and an AICC session should be summoned. We always accepted Sonia ji's leadership and never were any question marks raised. We have been well-wishers of the Nehru-Gandhi family, which made sacrifices for the nation's sake." She said that Sonia Gandhi ran things quite smoothly being at the helm. "But she had herself said last year that she will be there for one year. It is good that she will continue now," Bhattal said. Bhattal said assembly elections are due in Punjab in over a year, polls in other states are going to take place in coming months and the suggestions they gave was to strength party for the elections also. Asked why then there has been criticism to their letter, Bhattal replied: "Sometimes, things get misinterpreted in the media. We all want that Congress should be further strengthened. It is a grand old party which first fought for the country's freedom and then ran the country for all these years. To speak for strengthening the party, I think there is nothing wrong in that."

Letter not dissent, but good suggestions given in Congress's interests: Former Punjab CM

Echoes of the fiery Monday meeting of the working committee of India's oldest political party Congress -- which is underway -- were heard outside with former minister Kapil Sibal publically questioning Rahul Gandhi's remarks insinuating a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) link to a letter seeking sweeping changes to party organisation.

Sibal is a signatory to the letter which also sought elections to the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

As the CWC meeting was underway on Monday and it was reported that Rahul Gandhi had lashed out at the letter writers, Sibal tweeted, "Rahul says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government".

<img alt="Kapil Sibal's tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="385a5626-ba27-4581-8652-d525c16172cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sibal%20tweet.jpg" />

"Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!", he tweeted.

Sibal later withdrew his tweet and said the former party chief had informed him personally that he had never made the "colluding with the BJP" remark.

Sibal said a little later that he was withdrawing the tweet, saying, "Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him. I therefore withdraw my tweet."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him . 
 
I therefore withdraw my tweet .
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal/status/1297810344664895489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Tagging Sibal's earlier tweet, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also tweeted, saying Rahul Gandhi hasn't said a word of this nature nor alluded to it.

"Please don't be misled by false media discourse or misinformation being spread. But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather than fighting and hurting each other and the Congress," Surjewala said.

Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul Gandhi said Sonia Gandhi had accepted the party presidentship only after the committee last year urged her to take responsibility.

He took on the leaders who went public with their complaints saying, "it is the CWC where we discuss our differences and put out our thoughts, not the media,".&nbsp;

The Congress leader questioned the timing of the letter by a section of the party and attacked them for going public against the leadership, saying differences needed to be discussed in party platforms and not the media.

It was reported that he also insinuated that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP, as it came at a time when Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised and the party was fighting with the BJP in Rajasthan to save its government.

The charge invited sharp rebuttals from former minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the meeting. Azad said he would resign if any such link with the BJP is established, sources said.

In his brief moving intervention at the CWC, Rahul Gandhi is learnt to have said why that timing was chosen to send the letter when Sonia Gandhi was in hospital and the party was fighting the BJP in Rajasthan, insinuating that such a letter at the time would help the BJP, sources said.

Azad, who is one of the signatories of the letter, read out the contents, saying the leaders are not questioning Sonia Gandhi and only wanted organisational reform in the larger interest of the party.

(with inputs from agencies)

Echoes of the fiery Monday meeting of the working committee of India's oldest political party Congress -- which is underway -- were heard outside with former minister Kapil Sibal publically questioning Rahul Gandhi's remarks insinuating a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) link to a letter seeking sweeping changes to party organisation.

Echoes of the fiery Monday meeting of the working committee of India's oldest political party Congress -- which is underway -- were heard outside with former minister Kapil Sibal publically questioning Rahul Gandhi's remarks insinuating a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) link to a letter seeking sweeping changes to party organisation. Sibal is a signatory to the letter which also sought elections to the Congress Working Committee (CWC). As the CWC meeting was underway on Monday and it was reported that Rahul Gandhi had lashed out at the letter writers, Sibal tweeted, "Rahul says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government". "Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!", he tweeted. Sibal later withdrew his tweet and said the former party chief had informed him personally that he had never made the "colluding with the BJP" remark. Sibal said a little later that he was withdrawing the tweet, saying, "Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him. I therefore withdraw my tweet." Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him . I therefore withdraw my tweet . — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 × Tagging Sibal's earlier tweet, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also tweeted, saying Rahul Gandhi hasn't said a word of this nature nor alluded to it. "Please don't be misled by false media discourse or misinformation being spread. But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather than fighting and hurting each other and the Congress," Surjewala said. Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul Gandhi said Sonia Gandhi had accepted the party presidentship only after the committee last year urged her to take responsibility. He took on the leaders who went public with their complaints saying, "it is the CWC where we discuss our differences and put out our thoughts, not the media,". The Congress leader questioned the timing of the letter by a section of the party and attacked them for going public against the leadership, saying differences needed to be discussed in party platforms and not the media. It was reported that he also insinuated that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP, as it came at a time when Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised and the party was fighting with the BJP in Rajasthan to save its government. The charge invited sharp rebuttals from former minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the meeting. Azad said he would resign if any such link with the BJP is established, sources said. In his brief moving intervention at the CWC, Rahul Gandhi is learnt to have said why that timing was chosen to send the letter when Sonia Gandhi was in hospital and the party was fighting the BJP in Rajasthan, insinuating that such a letter at the time would help the BJP, sources said. Azad, who is one of the signatories of the letter, read out the contents, saying the leaders are not questioning Sonia Gandhi and only wanted organisational reform in the larger interest of the party. (with inputs from agencies)

Kapil Sibal withdraws tweet hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Congress's interim chief Sonia Gandhi has told her aides that she would step down from the party's top post, sources said

Sonia Gandhi may step down as interim Congress chief | Indian Political Party | WION

Denouncing "hate and bigotry", Facebook India on Friday said the platform is "open, transparent and non-partisan" where people are allowed to "express themselves freely".

The statement from Facebook India chief Ajit Mohan comes amid a massive controversy in the country, post a Wall Street Journal report that claimed that the social media giant's content policies favoured India's ruling party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/india-parliamentary-panel-to-question-facebook-on-content-controversy-source-322130">India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source</a>

"Facebook is and always has been an open, transparent and non-partisan platform where people can express themselves freely. Over the last few days, we have been accused of bias in the way we enforce our policies," Facebook India Vice President and Managing Director Ajit Mohan said in a blog post.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-says-its-fielding-questions-by-us-regulators-322034">Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators</a>

"We take allegations of bias incredibly seriously, and want to make it clear that we denounce hate and bigotry in any form."&nbsp;

Mohan also said that Facebook follows an impartial approach in dealing with content and is strongly dictated by Community Standards that outline what is allowed in the platform.&nbsp;

"Our Community Standards define what stays on our platform and are enforced globally... We enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position, party affiliation or religious and cultural belief. We have removed and will continue to remove content posted by public figures in India when it violates our Community Standards," he wrote.

Mohan also stressed Facebook's commitment to India is unwavering, adding that the platform aims to be an ally for "India" where it can preserve the "pluralistic character of a democracy by offering the freedom for people to express themselves and for entrepreneurs to build new things while also protecting society from broader harm". 
&nbsp;

Denouncing "hate and bigotry", Facebook India on Friday said the platform is "open, transparent and non-partisan" where people are allowed to "express themselves freely".

Denouncing "hate and bigotry", Facebook India on Friday said the platform is "open, transparent and non-partisan" where people are allowed to "express themselves freely". The statement from Facebook India chief Ajit Mohan comes amid a massive controversy in the country, post a Wall Street Journal report that claimed that the social media giant's content policies favoured India's ruling party. Also read | India parliamentary panel to question Facebook on content controversy: Source "Facebook is and always has been an open, transparent and non-partisan platform where people can express themselves freely. Over the last few days, we have been accused of bias in the way we enforce our policies," Facebook India Vice President and Managing Director Ajit Mohan said in a blog post. Also read | Facebook says it's fielding questions by US regulators "We take allegations of bias incredibly seriously, and want to make it clear that we denounce hate and bigotry in any form." Mohan also said that Facebook follows an impartial approach in dealing with content and is strongly dictated by Community Standards that outline what is allowed in the platform. "Our Community Standards define what stays on our platform and are enforced globally... We enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position, party affiliation or religious and cultural belief. We have removed and will continue to remove content posted by public figures in India when it violates our Community Standards," he wrote. Mohan also stressed Facebook's commitment to India is unwavering, adding that the platform aims to be an ally for "India" where it can preserve the "pluralistic character of a democracy by offering the freedom for people to express themselves and for entrepreneurs to build new things while also protecting society from broader harm".

Facebook 'transparent, non-partisan', says India head amid political controversy

Rajasthan Parliamentary Affair Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Friday moved a motion of confidence in Rajasthan Assembly.

Replying to the debate on the motion, Dhariwal blamed the Centre for trying to "topple" the governments in Madhya Pradesh, Manipur and Goa, using money and power, but said a similar attempt in Rajasthan would not succeed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-reports-11-more-covid-19-deaths-over-1100-fresh-cases-319569">Rajasthan reports 11 more COVID-19 deaths, over 1,100 fresh cases</a>

Referring to Akbar, he said the Mughal emperor had to taste defeat in Mewar of Rajasthan during his quest to expand his empire.

Similarly, BJP's attempts to topple the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government were defeated, he added.

In a House of 200, the Congress party has 107 MLAs and the support of Independents and allies. The BJP has 72 members.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Parliamentary Affair Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Friday moved a motion of confidence in Rajasthan Assembly. Replying to the debate on the motion, Dhariwal blamed the Centre for trying to "topple" the governments in Madhya Pradesh, Manipur and Goa, using money and power, but said a similar attempt in Rajasthan would not succeed.

Rajasthan Parliamentary Affair Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Friday moved a motion of confidence in Rajasthan Assembly. Replying to the debate on the motion, Dhariwal blamed the Centre for trying to "topple" the governments in Madhya Pradesh, Manipur and Goa, using money and power, but said a similar attempt in Rajasthan would not succeed. Also read | Rajasthan reports 11 more COVID-19 deaths, over 1,100 fresh cases Referring to Akbar, he said the Mughal emperor had to taste defeat in Mewar of Rajasthan during his quest to expand his empire. Similarly, BJP's attempts to topple the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government were defeated, he added. In a House of 200, the Congress party has 107 MLAs and the support of Independents and allies. The BJP has 72 members.

Confidence motion moved in Rajasthan Assembly

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it. Just like the transfer window in the IPL, we have witnessed high octane "transfer" activity between the country's two leading parties, first with Jyotiraditya Scindia moving to the BJP with his retinue in full royal flair, and now with Sachin Pilot attempting a similar hijack of the Rajasthan Government.

The question one needs to ask is, do these, political scions so keen on getting to the next level of political power ladder, see this as their birth right? &nbsp;Had Mr. Pilot not been from a famous and well established political family, would he have dared such manoeuvring while spurring high profile posts like Deputy CM of Rajasthan and State Congress Chief? Surely these are posts which hold high esteem, and several aspirants before him have worked hard for decades to deserve such stations, and surer enough, most have failed.

One may argue that dynasts like Mr. Pilot neither comprehend the value of these posts, nor are they willing to put in the requisite hard work at grassroots to earn them. One may also say that for them, political clout is inheritance and not reward for hard work and he is not willing to ‘bide his time’ to get his shot at the top job in Rajasthan.

One cannot hold it against a politician’s progeny to have followed into their parents footsteps or even inherits their political legacy. However, what we have learnt in the last decade or so is that most of these “dynasts” have had to work hard to be firmly entrenched in fiefdoms. Jagan in Telangana, Akhilesh in UP and to an extent Tejaswi Yadav in Bihar, have worked on the ground to have ‘earned’ at least a substantial part of their political clout. Mr. Pilot’s ground level efforts in Rajasthan does mark him in this category. However, it has to be acknowledged that those being the torch bearers of their dynasties offered them a huge leg up, they did not start from zero. However, to at least some of their credit they added to their legacies.

We Indians do not have an issue with nepotism and dynasties in the public life or any other walk of life in general, the merits of this idea can be debated separately, what it must be qualified with is that we Indians also do not like unqualified dynasts. You have to earn the respect of the populace or display your worth to continue. This is true in Bollywood, Cricket and Politics.&nbsp;

Indeed, Mr. Pilot does display one characteristic that has sorely been missing from the Congress since the rout in 2014, it’s not just political ambition, but the fortitude to act on it. The congress, or to be more direct, the Gandhi family has not taken kindly to such fortitude. Here we must touch upon the other kind of dynasts, those who just don’t have the stomach for the fight and wish for power as a matter of inheritance. I will put names like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Lalu’s other son Tej Pratap Yadav to list a few who sleep-walked into high profile leadership roles and just could not deliver.

The Jury is still out on other regional dynasties in the making, KCR’s daughter, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Bihnois, Hoodas, the list is long, Stalin, Kanimozi etc.

The one key takeaway from the Pilot saga is that political dynasties and the scions are not discounted by the public and neither their ambitions are seen as bad or greedy. This is not to say that Pilot is being seen as a wronged warrior by the people and he is some way away from really capturing the imagination of Rajasthanis or Indians. However, he has piqued our interest for sure. He chose his father’s profession and inherited his legacy.&nbsp;

The current game of real-politicking with Mr Gehlot has to be seen by him as a part of the job description, he can’t expect the top jobs on the platter now. He is just paying his dues, commiserate to his ambition. The surname is not enough anymore, you have to earn the affections of the voting public by working hard to win their trust and votes. This is a lesson that should not be lost on Mr Pilot or any other ambitious dynast in the din of these times. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it.

While the coronavirus crisis has deprived us of the excitement of the IPL, the Political landscape in the country has delivered enough and more excitement to compensate for it. Just like the transfer window in the IPL, we have witnessed high octane "transfer" activity between the country's two leading parties, first with Jyotiraditya Scindia moving to the BJP with his retinue in full royal flair, and now with Sachin Pilot attempting a similar hijack of the Rajasthan Government. The question one needs to ask is, do these, political scions so keen on getting to the next level of political power ladder, see this as their birth right? Had Mr. Pilot not been from a famous and well established political family, would he have dared such manoeuvring while spurring high profile posts like Deputy CM of Rajasthan and State Congress Chief? Surely these are posts which hold high esteem, and several aspirants before him have worked hard for decades to deserve such stations, and surer enough, most have failed. One may argue that dynasts like Mr. Pilot neither comprehend the value of these posts, nor are they willing to put in the requisite hard work at grassroots to earn them. One may also say that for them, political clout is inheritance and not reward for hard work and he is not willing to ‘bide his time’ to get his shot at the top job in Rajasthan. One cannot hold it against a politician’s progeny to have followed into their parents footsteps or even inherits their political legacy. However, what we have learnt in the last decade or so is that most of these “dynasts” have had to work hard to be firmly entrenched in fiefdoms. Jagan in Telangana, Akhilesh in UP and to an extent Tejaswi Yadav in Bihar, have worked on the ground to have ‘earned’ at least a substantial part of their political clout. Mr. Pilot’s ground level efforts in Rajasthan does mark him in this category. However, it has to be acknowledged that those being the torch bearers of their dynasties offered them a huge leg up, they did not start from zero. However, to at least some of their credit they added to their legacies. We Indians do not have an issue with nepotism and dynasties in the public life or any other walk of life in general, the merits of this idea can be debated separately, what it must be qualified with is that we Indians also do not like unqualified dynasts. You have to earn the respect of the populace or display your worth to continue. This is true in Bollywood, Cricket and Politics. Indeed, Mr. Pilot does display one characteristic that has sorely been missing from the Congress since the rout in 2014, it’s not just political ambition, but the fortitude to act on it. The congress, or to be more direct, the Gandhi family has not taken kindly to such fortitude. Here we must touch upon the other kind of dynasts, those who just don’t have the stomach for the fight and wish for power as a matter of inheritance. I will put names like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Lalu’s other son Tej Pratap Yadav to list a few who sleep-walked into high profile leadership roles and just could not deliver. The Jury is still out on other regional dynasties in the making, KCR’s daughter, Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Bihnois, Hoodas, the list is long, Stalin, Kanimozi etc. The one key takeaway from the Pilot saga is that political dynasties and the scions are not discounted by the public and neither their ambitions are seen as bad or greedy. This is not to say that Pilot is being seen as a wronged warrior by the people and he is some way away from really capturing the imagination of Rajasthanis or Indians. However, he has piqued our interest for sure. He chose his father’s profession and inherited his legacy. The current game of real-politicking with Mr Gehlot has to be seen by him as a part of the job description, he can’t expect the top jobs on the platter now. He is just paying his dues, commiserate to his ambition. The surname is not enough anymore, you have to earn the affections of the voting public by working hard to win their trust and votes. This is a lesson that should not be lost on Mr Pilot or any other ambitious dynast in the din of these times. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Dynasts in democracy: The rise and surprise of Sachin Pilot

The Congress on Monday staged protests outside Raj Bhawans across the country against what it called the BJP's attempts to topple state governments led by opposition parties.

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal alleged the BJP was using "money power and intimidation" in its bid to topple governments in states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajashtan-governor-says-may-call-an-assembly-session-at-short-notice-316353">Rajashtan Governor says may call an assembly session at short notice</a>

The protests came amidst a power tussle in Rajasthan where the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress dispensation in facing a crisis after a rebellion by the now sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and 18 other MLAs.

The Congress has accused the BJP of being behind the rebellion. The BJP has denied the allegation and said the crisis in Rajasthan was an outcome of infighting within the Congress.

The protesters demanded that the Rajasthan Governor convenes a session of the Assembly as advised by the state cabinet, it said.

However, there was no protest outside the Raj Bhawan in Rajasthan.

Venugopal said Monday's protests were aimed at underlining the BJP's "subversion" of the Constitution and "murder" of democracy, especially at a time when the entire country is reeling under the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented difficulties caused by an economic meltdown.

"Unfortunate as it would have been at any other time, it was downright dastardly for the BJP to be going all out to unsettle democratically elected governments during such times," he said in a statement.

He said party leaders and workers assembled in several state headquarters and marched to the Raj Bhawans to lodge their protest.

Many sat on a dharna outside Raj Bhawans observing social distancing norms, he said, adding the protesting leaders spoke against the conduct of the Governor of Rajasthan.

Social media handles of state Congress chiefs and leaders put up videos of such protests.

Protests were held in front of the Raj Bhawans in Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Guwahati, Simla, Panchkula and many other state capitals.

State Congress presidents, along with party workers, were arrested in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and many other places during the protests, Venugopal claimed in the statement.

Today's protests followed the "Speak Up For Democracy" digital campaign launched by the Congress on Sunday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress on Monday staged protests outside Raj Bhawans across the country against what it called the BJP's attempts to topple state governments led by opposition parties.

The Congress on Monday staged protests outside Raj Bhawans across the country against what it called the BJP's attempts to topple state governments led by opposition parties. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal alleged the BJP was using "money power and intimidation" in its bid to topple governments in states. Also read | Rajashtan Governor says may call an assembly session at short notice The protests came amidst a power tussle in Rajasthan where the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress dispensation in facing a crisis after a rebellion by the now sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and 18 other MLAs. The Congress has accused the BJP of being behind the rebellion. The BJP has denied the allegation and said the crisis in Rajasthan was an outcome of infighting within the Congress. The protesters demanded that the Rajasthan Governor convenes a session of the Assembly as advised by the state cabinet, it said. However, there was no protest outside the Raj Bhawan in Rajasthan. Venugopal said Monday's protests were aimed at underlining the BJP's "subversion" of the Constitution and "murder" of democracy, especially at a time when the entire country is reeling under the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented difficulties caused by an economic meltdown. "Unfortunate as it would have been at any other time, it was downright dastardly for the BJP to be going all out to unsettle democratically elected governments during such times," he said in a statement. He said party leaders and workers assembled in several state headquarters and marched to the Raj Bhawans to lodge their protest. Many sat on a dharna outside Raj Bhawans observing social distancing norms, he said, adding the protesting leaders spoke against the conduct of the Governor of Rajasthan. Social media handles of state Congress chiefs and leaders put up videos of such protests. Protests were held in front of the Raj Bhawans in Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Guwahati, Simla, Panchkula and many other state capitals. State Congress presidents, along with party workers, were arrested in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and many other places during the protests, Venugopal claimed in the statement. Today's protests followed the "Speak Up For Democracy" digital campaign launched by the Congress on Sunday.

Maintaining social distance, Congress stages protests against BJP

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra told the state government Monday that an assembly session can be called at a short notice if the agenda is a floor test, a conditional acceptance of the Congress demand as the party held protests and sought the President's intervention.

Congress workers held protests at major state capitals, including at the Raj Bhavans, seeking an assembly session in Rajasthan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-rajasthan-falls-congress-brand-as-party-of-natural-governance-will-receive-final-death-blow-316276">If Rajasthan falls, Congress brand as party of natural governance will receive final death blow</a>

Mishra returned to the Ashok Gehlot government its redrafted proposal on convening a session, asking it to submit another version after incorporating three suggestions.

These included giving a 21-day notice for the session. But the Governor's note also offered the quicker alternative to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is desperately trying to save his government after a rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs.

Even as it intensified its agitation outside, the Congress chose to pull out for now from a legal battle in the apex court.

In the Supreme Court, Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi withdrew his petition against last week's high court order, asking him to defer action till July 24 on the disqualification notices to Sachin Pilot and the rebel Congress MLAs.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal told a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra that the appeal had become infructuous after the apex court did not stay the directions passed by the high court, which then issued a fresh order asking for status quo on the notices.

BJP MLA Madan Dilawar's petition in the Rajasthan High Court against the merger of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs into the Congress in Rajasthan was dismissed on Monday, providing relief to the Gehlot camp which, even by its own admission, has only a bare majority in the House.

Governor Mishra's new three points for the next draft of an assembly session proposal are a 21-day notice; live broadcast of the floor test, if it is held; and social distancing in the assembly to avoid coronavirus.

It also said media statements by the government indicate that it wants to prove its majority through a vote of confidence, but this has not been mentioned in its proposal.

"If the government wants to win a vote of confidence, then it can become a reasonable ground for calling the assembly session on a short notice,"&nbsp;a press note said, quoting the Governor.

Earlier, the Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party (CLP) sent a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking his intervention for convening an assembly session.

Chief Minister Gehlot told the CLP meeting that he has also spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the current political situation in the state. He had written to Modi a few days back.

The memorandum to the President alleged horse-trading of MLAs in Rajasthan to topple an elected government.

The CLP, headed by Gehlot, said the government was not being allowed to call an assembly session when it wanted to discuss the coronavirus crisis and the state's economy.

Three Congress leaders who have served as law ministers also put pressure on Mishra.

In a letter, Ashwani Kumar, Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid said the Governor's office is above the compulsions of partisan politics.

"Having served as Union ministers of Law and Justice in different periods of time and as students of Constitutional law, we are of the clear view that established legal position obliges the Governor to call the assembly session in accordance with the advice of the state cabinet."

"Any deviation from established constitutional position in the present circumstances would be an avoidable negation of your oath of office and will create a constitutional crisis," it said.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram alleged that BJP-appointed governors have violated the Constitution and "gravely impaired" parliamentary democracy.

The Congress has earlier alleged that the rebellion was engineered by the BJP and accused Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat of being involved in the "conspiracy".

Avinash Pande, the Congress general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan, said the Congress will use all "weapons of democracy"&nbsp;in the fight.

The Congress has 107 MLAs in the state assembly and the BJP 72. But with 19 of the MLAs rebelling, party leaders say the government is hovering just above the half-way mark, with the support of independents and allies.

The MLAs in the Gehlot camp are holed up for several days at a hotel on the outskirts of Jaipur. Those in the rebel camp are said to be in hotels in Gurugram.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra told the state government Monday that an assembly session can be called at a short notice if the agenda is a floor test, a conditional acceptance of the Congress demand as the party held protests and sought the President's intervention.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra told the state government Monday that an assembly session can be called at a short notice if the agenda is a floor test, a conditional acceptance of the Congress demand as the party held protests and sought the President's intervention. Congress workers held protests at major state capitals, including at the Raj Bhavans, seeking an assembly session in Rajasthan. Also read | If Rajasthan falls, Congress brand as party of natural governance will receive final death blow Mishra returned to the Ashok Gehlot government its redrafted proposal on convening a session, asking it to submit another version after incorporating three suggestions. These included giving a 21-day notice for the session. But the Governor's note also offered the quicker alternative to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is desperately trying to save his government after a rebellion by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs. Even as it intensified its agitation outside, the Congress chose to pull out for now from a legal battle in the apex court. In the Supreme Court, Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi withdrew his petition against last week's high court order, asking him to defer action till July 24 on the disqualification notices to Sachin Pilot and the rebel Congress MLAs. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal told a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra that the appeal had become infructuous after the apex court did not stay the directions passed by the high court, which then issued a fresh order asking for status quo on the notices. BJP MLA Madan Dilawar's petition in the Rajasthan High Court against the merger of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs into the Congress in Rajasthan was dismissed on Monday, providing relief to the Gehlot camp which, even by its own admission, has only a bare majority in the House. Governor Mishra's new three points for the next draft of an assembly session proposal are a 21-day notice; live broadcast of the floor test, if it is held; and social distancing in the assembly to avoid coronavirus. It also said media statements by the government indicate that it wants to prove its majority through a vote of confidence, but this has not been mentioned in its proposal. "If the government wants to win a vote of confidence, then it can become a reasonable ground for calling the assembly session on a short notice," a press note said, quoting the Governor. Earlier, the Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party (CLP) sent a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking his intervention for convening an assembly session. Chief Minister Gehlot told the CLP meeting that he has also spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the current political situation in the state. He had written to Modi a few days back. The memorandum to the President alleged horse-trading of MLAs in Rajasthan to topple an elected government. The CLP, headed by Gehlot, said the government was not being allowed to call an assembly session when it wanted to discuss the coronavirus crisis and the state's economy. Three Congress leaders who have served as law ministers also put pressure on Mishra. In a letter, Ashwani Kumar, Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid said the Governor's office is above the compulsions of partisan politics. "Having served as Union ministers of Law and Justice in different periods of time and as students of Constitutional law, we are of the clear view that established legal position obliges the Governor to call the assembly session in accordance with the advice of the state cabinet." "Any deviation from established constitutional position in the present circumstances would be an avoidable negation of your oath of office and will create a constitutional crisis," it said. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram alleged that BJP-appointed governors have violated the Constitution and "gravely impaired" parliamentary democracy. The Congress has earlier alleged that the rebellion was engineered by the BJP and accused Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat of being involved in the "conspiracy". Avinash Pande, the Congress general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan, said the Congress will use all "weapons of democracy" in the fight. The Congress has 107 MLAs in the state assembly and the BJP 72. But with 19 of the MLAs rebelling, party leaders say the government is hovering just above the half-way mark, with the support of independents and allies. The MLAs in the Gehlot camp are holed up for several days at a hotel on the outskirts of Jaipur. Those in the rebel camp are said to be in hotels in Gurugram.

Rajashtan Governor says may call an assembly session at short notice

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