Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House.

"The assembly session will take place soon. The majority is with us, all Congress MLAs are united,"&nbsp;Gehlot told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/useless-idle-ashok-gehlot-sharpens-attack-against-sachin-pilot-314781">'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot</a>

He hoped that some of the dissident MLAs, who are led by sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, will also attend the session when it is called "very soon".

"Without them too, we have a complete majority and will go to the House on the basis of this majority, and we will prove it,"&nbsp;he said.

About three hours after this interaction with the media, Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra at the Raj Bhawan.

Congress sources said the two discussed the possibility of calling a session of the Vidhan Sabha.

The indication that the Gehlot government is preparing for a floor test in the assembly comes a day ahead of the expected pronouncement of a high court order on the disqualification notices sent by the Speaker to the rebel MLAs.

But any high court order will be subject to the outcome of a petition by the Rajasthan Speaker that the Supreme Court is now hearing, the three-judge bench has made it clear.

The 19 dissident MLAs had filed a petition in the high court, challenging the disqualification notices.

Gehlot said those who went to court are the ones who were wrong and had been misguided.

"They are calling us and saying that they are unable to come out,"&nbsp;he said, hinting at reports that the rebel MLAs are camping together, just like the ones in his camp. "Bouncers are deployed,"&nbsp;he alleged.

"I hope that some of them, when they come out, will vote with us,"&nbsp;the chief minister said, adding that his government is in majority even without their support.

Gehlot said the coronavirus pandemic and political issues will be discussed in the assembly session.

Including the dissidents who face the possibility of disqualification, the Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member state assembly and the BJP has 72.

Targeting Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the chief minister said the audio clips which indicate an alleged plot to topple his government can be sent abroad for forensic tests.

Without taking the minister's name, Gehlot questioned why he is not coming forward to give a voice sample.

Rejecting the charge that the audio clips are fabricated, he said they can be sent to any forensic science laboratory for examination.

"We can send it for FSL testing to America if they have no trust in the Rajasthan government, he said, adding that the Congress also did not trust the Centre.

Shekhawat has rejected the Congress charge that it is his voice in one of the three clips. The party has accused the BJP of engineering a plot to lure Congress MLAs away.

When asked about the raids in the state, Gehlot claimed that the central agencies were acting on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under "Modi raj".

The Enforcement Directorate recently searched the premises of his brother as part of a nationwide investigation into an alleged fertiliser export scam. "We are not afraid of the raids and our mission is not going to stop,"&nbsp;he said.

"The BJP policies and programmes are going to ruin the country,"&nbsp;he said. "They are fascist people and are murdering democracy."

He mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi or getting people to beat "thalis"&nbsp;or light candles, when the nation is facing a dangerous pandemic. 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said his government will soon prove its majority in the assembly, hours before he met the Governor with whom he is said to have discussed calling a session of the House. "The assembly session will take place soon. The majority is with us, all Congress MLAs are united," Gehlot told reporters. Also read | 'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot He hoped that some of the dissident MLAs, who are led by sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, will also attend the session when it is called "very soon". "Without them too, we have a complete majority and will go to the House on the basis of this majority, and we will prove it," he said. About three hours after this interaction with the media, Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra at the Raj Bhawan. Congress sources said the two discussed the possibility of calling a session of the Vidhan Sabha. The indication that the Gehlot government is preparing for a floor test in the assembly comes a day ahead of the expected pronouncement of a high court order on the disqualification notices sent by the Speaker to the rebel MLAs. But any high court order will be subject to the outcome of a petition by the Rajasthan Speaker that the Supreme Court is now hearing, the three-judge bench has made it clear. The 19 dissident MLAs had filed a petition in the high court, challenging the disqualification notices. Gehlot said those who went to court are the ones who were wrong and had been misguided. "They are calling us and saying that they are unable to come out," he said, hinting at reports that the rebel MLAs are camping together, just like the ones in his camp. "Bouncers are deployed," he alleged. "I hope that some of them, when they come out, will vote with us," the chief minister said, adding that his government is in majority even without their support. Gehlot said the coronavirus pandemic and political issues will be discussed in the assembly session. Including the dissidents who face the possibility of disqualification, the Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member state assembly and the BJP has 72. Targeting Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the chief minister said the audio clips which indicate an alleged plot to topple his government can be sent abroad for forensic tests. Without taking the minister's name, Gehlot questioned why he is not coming forward to give a voice sample. Rejecting the charge that the audio clips are fabricated, he said they can be sent to any forensic science laboratory for examination. "We can send it for FSL testing to America if they have no trust in the Rajasthan government, he said, adding that the Congress also did not trust the Centre. Shekhawat has rejected the Congress charge that it is his voice in one of the three clips. The party has accused the BJP of engineering a plot to lure Congress MLAs away. When asked about the raids in the state, Gehlot claimed that the central agencies were acting on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under "Modi raj". The Enforcement Directorate recently searched the premises of his brother as part of a nationwide investigation into an alleged fertiliser export scam. "We are not afraid of the raids and our mission is not going to stop," he said. "The BJP policies and programmes are going to ruin the country," he said. "They are fascist people and are murdering democracy." He mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi or getting people to beat "thalis" or light candles, when the nation is facing a dangerous pandemic.

Ashok Gehlot says assembly session to be called soon for proving majority

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House.

The Rajasthan High Court ordered that status quo should be maintained on the disqualification notices sent out by the Speaker, delivering a small victory to Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs who wanted them quashed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-hc-hears-sachin-pilots-camp-speaker-likely-to-take-up-matter-314004">Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter</a>

This means that the dissidents will hold on to the membership of the state assembly till there is a court ruling in the matter that is now also before the Supreme Court.

But after the high court ruling, focus quickly shifted to Raj Bhawan as Congress MLAs landed there from the hotel where they are holed up.

The Congress said it ended the sit-in following an assurance from the Governor that he will abide by Article 174 of the Constitution, after getting some clarifications from the CM. The provision deals with the Governor's role in summoning a session of the assembly.

The note from Governor Kalraj Mishra included a query on why the government wants the session summoned for a vote of confidence when it says it has a majority.

AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the queries will be taken care of at a state Cabinet meeting scheduled later in the night.

Gehlot had earlier accused Governor Kalraj Mishra of sitting on a recommendation from the Cabinet to call the session while the Congress MLAs wanted to attend a sitting and "establish"&nbsp;that they are in majority.

He also claimed that the Governor is facing pressure "from above"&nbsp;to stall the assembly from meeting, hinting at the alleged involvement of the BJP government at the Centre in the tussle for power in the state.

Before heading for the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot said he had requested the Governor on Thursday to call the session on Monday, but there had been no word from the Raj Bhawan.

He said if people 'gherao'&nbsp;the Raj Bhawan over the issue the MLAs "will not be responsible", a remark that prompted the BJP to demand that the Centre should deploy the CRPF. "It should not trust the Rajasthan police,"&nbsp;Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said.

At the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot met the Governor inside while the MLAs remained on the lawns, squatting on the grass and at times raising slogans. Mishra came out on the lawns to meet them.

Two hours later, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said a sit-in had begun.

"The governor is working on the directions of the Centre. We will sit here till the session date is given to us," he said. He claimed there were 103 MLAs at the Raj Bhawan.

Altogether, the chief minister and the other MLAs remained there for about five hours.

The Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member House and the BJP has 72.

The Congress tally includes six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs who merged as a group with the ruling party after the 2018 assembly polls, lending stability to the Gehlot government.

On Friday, BJP MLA Madan Dilawar moved the high court complaining that Speaker CP Joshi has not acted on his petition seeking the disqualification of the MLAs from the BSP. The court will take up the MLA's petition next week.

Before giving a ruling on the Pilot camp's petition, Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta allowed its application for including the Union government in the list of respondents.

The Congress had sought action against the dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Gehlot camp argues that the dissidents' actions amounted to that.

The dissidents claim that a party whip, which they ignored by skipping two Congress Legislature Party meetings, applies only when the assembly is in session. They say they are not joining the BJP but are only challenging the party's leadership in Rajasthan.

Pilot was sacked as the deputy chief minister and the president of the Congress state unit after he rebelled against Gehlot.

The rift between the two goes back to the last assembly polls after which the party picked Gehlot for the chief minister's post, ignoring Pilot's claim.&nbsp;

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House.

Congress MLAs loyal to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday held a five-hour sit-in at the Raj Bhawan to press for an assembly session, in a dramatic show of strength hours after the Pilot camp secured protection for now from disqualification from the House. The Rajasthan High Court ordered that status quo should be maintained on the disqualification notices sent out by the Speaker, delivering a small victory to Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs who wanted them quashed. Also read | Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter This means that the dissidents will hold on to the membership of the state assembly till there is a court ruling in the matter that is now also before the Supreme Court. But after the high court ruling, focus quickly shifted to Raj Bhawan as Congress MLAs landed there from the hotel where they are holed up. The Congress said it ended the sit-in following an assurance from the Governor that he will abide by Article 174 of the Constitution, after getting some clarifications from the CM. The provision deals with the Governor's role in summoning a session of the assembly. The note from Governor Kalraj Mishra included a query on why the government wants the session summoned for a vote of confidence when it says it has a majority. AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the queries will be taken care of at a state Cabinet meeting scheduled later in the night. Gehlot had earlier accused Governor Kalraj Mishra of sitting on a recommendation from the Cabinet to call the session while the Congress MLAs wanted to attend a sitting and "establish" that they are in majority. He also claimed that the Governor is facing pressure "from above" to stall the assembly from meeting, hinting at the alleged involvement of the BJP government at the Centre in the tussle for power in the state. Before heading for the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot said he had requested the Governor on Thursday to call the session on Monday, but there had been no word from the Raj Bhawan. He said if people 'gherao' the Raj Bhawan over the issue the MLAs "will not be responsible", a remark that prompted the BJP to demand that the Centre should deploy the CRPF. "It should not trust the Rajasthan police," Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said. At the Raj Bhawan, Gehlot met the Governor inside while the MLAs remained on the lawns, squatting on the grass and at times raising slogans. Mishra came out on the lawns to meet them. Two hours later, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said a sit-in had begun. "The governor is working on the directions of the Centre. We will sit here till the session date is given to us," he said. He claimed there were 103 MLAs at the Raj Bhawan. Altogether, the chief minister and the other MLAs remained there for about five hours. The Congress has 107 MLAs in the 200-member House and the BJP has 72. The Congress tally includes six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs who merged as a group with the ruling party after the 2018 assembly polls, lending stability to the Gehlot government. On Friday, BJP MLA Madan Dilawar moved the high court complaining that Speaker CP Joshi has not acted on his petition seeking the disqualification of the MLAs from the BSP. The court will take up the MLA's petition next week. Before giving a ruling on the Pilot camp's petition, Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta allowed its application for including the Union government in the list of respondents. The Congress had sought action against the dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Gehlot camp argues that the dissidents' actions amounted to that. The dissidents claim that a party whip, which they ignored by skipping two Congress Legislature Party meetings, applies only when the assembly is in session. They say they are not joining the BJP but are only challenging the party's leadership in Rajasthan. Pilot was sacked as the deputy chief minister and the president of the Congress state unit after he rebelled against Gehlot. The rift between the two goes back to the last assembly polls after which the party picked Gehlot for the chief minister's post, ignoring Pilot's claim.

Rajasthan crisis: Pilot scores in high court, Gehlot camp shows strength at Raj Bhawan 

The Ashok Gehlot camp on Monday sharpened its attack on Sachin Pilot, with the chief minister calling him "useless"&nbsp;and another loyalist alleging that the dissident Congress leader himself offered him crores to switch sides.

Pilot reacted sharply, saying he will take the MLA to court.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-under-1000-coronavirus-cases-first-time-in-over-35-days-314723">Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days</a>

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed he has received a notice from Rajasthan police, after the Congress claimed he figures in audio clips suggesting a "conspiracy"&nbsp;to topple the Congress government in Rajasthan.

The BJP had earlier demanded a CBI inquiry into "illegal"&nbsp;phone-tapping by the state government. But, in what could be a move to pre-empt it, the state government has withdrawn its "general consent"&nbsp;to the agency to investigate criminal cases.

The central agency will now have to seek prior consent on a case-by-case basis.

Notices also went out to dissident Congress MLAs Bhanwarlal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh from the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau over the audio clips.

The ACB asked the two MLAs, who have not been seen in public since the crisis began, to appear before it in three days.

As the infighting in the Congress intensified, a court battle continued through the day.

The Rajasthan High Court will on Tuesday morning resume hearing the petition by Sachin Pilot and 18 other rebels, challenging the disqualification notices sent to them by the assembly Speaker.

The Congress has also summoned a legislative party meeting, its third in about a week, on Tuesday, as speculation over a planned floor test in the assembly continues.

The harshest words spoken during the day came from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who used the derogatory term "nikkama", Hindi for "useless"&nbsp;or "incompetent", for the sacked deputy chief minister, with whom he is now locked in a tussle for power.

Referring to Pilot's performance as the state Congress chief, Gehlot said, "We knew he is `nikamma' (useless), he is 'nakara'&nbsp;(idle) and not doing any work".

Gehlot did not mention Pilot by name, referring once to him as his "young colleague"&nbsp;and recalling that the he had been given important posts by the party at an early age.

Pilot ignored these remarks but reacted strongly to allegations made by Congress MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga, who claimed that he was offered money by Pilot to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He said talks were held at Pilot's residence and he later told Gehlot about the "conspiracy".

He did not disclose the amount that was discussed, but when reporters asked if it was Rs 30- 35 crore, Malinga said he was offered the "going rate".

Malinga is part of a group of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs, which was inducted last September into the Congress which then had a slim majority in the assembly.

Pilot rejected Malinga's allegation as basesless, saying it was levelled to malign him and stifle the "legitimate concerns"&nbsp;he had raised against the party's leadership in Rajasthan.

"I will be taking appropriate and strictest possible legal action against the MLA who was made to make these accusations,"&nbsp;his said in a statement.

An MLA in his camp rejected allegations that the dissidents planned to join the BJP, asserting that their fight was to save the Congress. Mukesh Bhakar, who was dropped as Rajasthan's Youth Congress chief last week, said they sought a change in the state leadership.

At the Rajasthan High Court, the hearing into the validity of the assembly Speaker's notices to the 19 dissident MLAs, is set to enter its third day.

Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta are expected to give their order on Tuesday, when the hearing resumes.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, counsel for the Speaker, argued Monday that the petition was premature as a decision was yet to be taken on disqualifying the MLAs from the House.

The notices to the 19 MLAs were served after the party complained to the Speaker that they had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings last week.

The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the Assembly is in session.

Speaker CP Joshi has given the rebel MLAs up to 5.30 pm Tuesday to reply to disqualification notices, which the dissident camp wants the court to quash.

In the 200-member state assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs, including former deputy chief minister Pilot and 18 MLAs loyal to him.

The CPM, which has two MLAs, said Tuesday it will take a call when a floor test in the assembly is announced, but is likely to vote with Gehlot.

Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Gehlot over him for the chief minister's post, following the December 2018 assembly elections.

The Ashok Gehlot camp on Monday sharpened its attack on Sachin Pilot, with the chief minister calling him "useless" and another loyalist alleging that the dissident Congress leader himself offered him crores to switch sides.

The Ashok Gehlot camp on Monday sharpened its attack on Sachin Pilot, with the chief minister calling him "useless" and another loyalist alleging that the dissident Congress leader himself offered him crores to switch sides. Pilot reacted sharply, saying he will take the MLA to court. Also read | Delhi reports under 1,000 coronavirus cases first time in over 35 days Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed he has received a notice from Rajasthan police, after the Congress claimed he figures in audio clips suggesting a "conspiracy" to topple the Congress government in Rajasthan. The BJP had earlier demanded a CBI inquiry into "illegal" phone-tapping by the state government. But, in what could be a move to pre-empt it, the state government has withdrawn its "general consent" to the agency to investigate criminal cases. The central agency will now have to seek prior consent on a case-by-case basis. Notices also went out to dissident Congress MLAs Bhanwarlal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh from the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau over the audio clips. The ACB asked the two MLAs, who have not been seen in public since the crisis began, to appear before it in three days. As the infighting in the Congress intensified, a court battle continued through the day. The Rajasthan High Court will on Tuesday morning resume hearing the petition by Sachin Pilot and 18 other rebels, challenging the disqualification notices sent to them by the assembly Speaker. The Congress has also summoned a legislative party meeting, its third in about a week, on Tuesday, as speculation over a planned floor test in the assembly continues. The harshest words spoken during the day came from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who used the derogatory term "nikkama", Hindi for "useless" or "incompetent", for the sacked deputy chief minister, with whom he is now locked in a tussle for power. Referring to Pilot's performance as the state Congress chief, Gehlot said, "We knew he is `nikamma' (useless), he is 'nakara' (idle) and not doing any work". Gehlot did not mention Pilot by name, referring once to him as his "young colleague" and recalling that the he had been given important posts by the party at an early age. Pilot ignored these remarks but reacted strongly to allegations made by Congress MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga, who claimed that he was offered money by Pilot to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. He said talks were held at Pilot's residence and he later told Gehlot about the "conspiracy". He did not disclose the amount that was discussed, but when reporters asked if it was Rs 30- 35 crore, Malinga said he was offered the "going rate". Malinga is part of a group of six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs, which was inducted last September into the Congress which then had a slim majority in the assembly. Pilot rejected Malinga's allegation as basesless, saying it was levelled to malign him and stifle the "legitimate concerns" he had raised against the party's leadership in Rajasthan. "I will be taking appropriate and strictest possible legal action against the MLA who was made to make these accusations," his said in a statement. An MLA in his camp rejected allegations that the dissidents planned to join the BJP, asserting that their fight was to save the Congress. Mukesh Bhakar, who was dropped as Rajasthan's Youth Congress chief last week, said they sought a change in the state leadership. At the Rajasthan High Court, the hearing into the validity of the assembly Speaker's notices to the 19 dissident MLAs, is set to enter its third day. Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta are expected to give their order on Tuesday, when the hearing resumes. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, counsel for the Speaker, argued Monday that the petition was premature as a decision was yet to be taken on disqualifying the MLAs from the House. The notices to the 19 MLAs were served after the party complained to the Speaker that they had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings last week. The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the Assembly is in session. Speaker CP Joshi has given the rebel MLAs up to 5.30 pm Tuesday to reply to disqualification notices, which the dissident camp wants the court to quash. In the 200-member state assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs, including former deputy chief minister Pilot and 18 MLAs loyal to him. The CPM, which has two MLAs, said Tuesday it will take a call when a floor test in the assembly is announced, but is likely to vote with Gehlot. Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Gehlot over him for the chief minister's post, following the December 2018 assembly elections.

'Useless', 'Idle': Ashok Gehlot sharpens attack against Sachin Pilot

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Friday began hearing a petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs, challenging the disqualification notices issued by the assembly Speaker.

The notices had asked the MLAs to respond by Friday to the Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-political-crisis-sachin-pilot-moves-hc-against-disqualification-notices-313782">Rajasthan political crisis: Sachin Pilot moves HC against disqualification notices</a>

Speaker CP Joshi is expected to take up the matter at 5 pm, instead of 1 pm as mentioned in the notices.

The dissidents' petition first came up before Justice Satish Chandra Sharma on Thursday, but their advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition. Later, in the evening, the petition was referred to a division bench.

On Friday, the petition was taken up a by a bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta.

The bench accepted a plea by Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi to include him as a respondent in the case.

The notices were served after the party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings, on Monday and Tuesday.

The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session.

In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress had sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily"&nbsp;give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House.

Pilot was sacked as deputy chief minister and the president of the state unit of the party after he rebelled against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot 
&nbsp;

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Friday began hearing a petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs, challenging the disqualification notices issued by the assembly Speaker.

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Friday began hearing a petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs, challenging the disqualification notices issued by the assembly Speaker. The notices had asked the MLAs to respond by Friday to the Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly. Also read | Rajasthan political crisis: Sachin Pilot moves HC against disqualification notices Speaker CP Joshi is expected to take up the matter at 5 pm, instead of 1 pm as mentioned in the notices. The dissidents' petition first came up before Justice Satish Chandra Sharma on Thursday, but their advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition. Later, in the evening, the petition was referred to a division bench. On Friday, the petition was taken up a by a bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta. The bench accepted a plea by Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi to include him as a respondent in the case. The notices were served after the party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings, on Monday and Tuesday. The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session. In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress had sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House. Pilot was sacked as deputy chief minister and the president of the state unit of the party after he rebelled against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

Rajasthan: HC hears Sachin Pilot's camp; Speaker likely to take up matter

Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident leaders on Thursday moved the high court, challenging the notices from the Rajasthan Speaker over a Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly.

A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court will hear their petition later this evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-crisis-congress-ready-to-give-sachin-pilot-another-chance-after-rahul-gandhi-intervention-313661">Rajasthan crisis: Congress ready to give Sachin Pilot another chance after Rahul Gandhi intervention</a>

The matter came up first before the court of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma at about 3 pm, but the dissidents' advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition.

At about 5 pm, an amended petition was submitted. The court referred it to a two-judge division bench.

Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi, who had written to the Speaker seeking the MLAs' disqualification, also approached the court, asking to be heard before it passes any order.

The 19 MLAs were sent notices from the Speaker's office on Tuesday and allowed up to Friday to give their replies.

The notices said Speaker CP Joshi will take up the matter at 1 pm on Friday.

The notices followed after the ruling party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a party whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings.

The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session.

In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily"&nbsp;give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House.

The Congress said in the letter to the Speaker that the Supreme Court has "unequivocally held"&nbsp;in the past that the provision comes into effect when the conduct of an MLA leads to this inference.

In court initially, advocate Harish Salve argued that the MLAs wanted to challenge the constitutional validity of the notices and needed some time to file it afresh.

Among those sent notices are Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena, who were sacked along with Pilot from the state cabinet after their rebellion against Ashok Gehlot.

Others include Deepender Singh Shekhawat, Bhanwar Lal Sharma and Harish Chandra Meena, who had also given statements to the media challenging the Gehlot government.

Sachin Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Ashok Gehlot for the chief minister's post after the 2018 assembly polls. His supporters said he deserved credit for the party for winning the election after a campaign helmed by him as the state unit chief.

If the dissident MLAs are disqualified, the current strength of the state assembly will be reduced to 181, slashing the half-way mark to 91 and seemingly making it easier for Gehlot to retain majority support.

In the 200-member assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs and the BJP 72.

In the past, the ruling party has claimed the support of 13 independents, two MLAs each from the CPM and the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), and one from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident leaders on Thursday moved the high court, challenging the notices from the Rajasthan Speaker over a Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly.

Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident leaders on Thursday moved the high court, challenging the notices from the Rajasthan Speaker over a Congress move to disqualify them from the state assembly. A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court will hear their petition later this evening. Also read | Rajasthan crisis: Congress ready to give Sachin Pilot another chance after Rahul Gandhi intervention The matter came up first before the court of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma at about 3 pm, but the dissidents' advocate Harish Salve sought time to file a fresh petition. At about 5 pm, an amended petition was submitted. The court referred it to a two-judge division bench. Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi, who had written to the Speaker seeking the MLAs' disqualification, also approached the court, asking to be heard before it passes any order. The 19 MLAs were sent notices from the Speaker's office on Tuesday and allowed up to Friday to give their replies. The notices said Speaker CP Joshi will take up the matter at 1 pm on Friday. The notices followed after the ruling party complained to the Speaker that the MLAs had defied a party whip to attend two Congress Legislature Party meetings. The Pilot camp, however, argues that a party whip applies only when the assembly is in session. In its complaint to the Speaker, the Congress sought action against Pilot and the other dissidents under paragraph 2 (1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision disqualifies MLAs if they "voluntarily" give up the membership of the party which they represent in the House. The Congress said in the letter to the Speaker that the Supreme Court has "unequivocally held" in the past that the provision comes into effect when the conduct of an MLA leads to this inference. In court initially, advocate Harish Salve argued that the MLAs wanted to challenge the constitutional validity of the notices and needed some time to file it afresh. Among those sent notices are Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena, who were sacked along with Pilot from the state cabinet after their rebellion against Ashok Gehlot. Others include Deepender Singh Shekhawat, Bhanwar Lal Sharma and Harish Chandra Meena, who had also given statements to the media challenging the Gehlot government. Sachin Pilot has been upset since the Congress picked Ashok Gehlot for the chief minister's post after the 2018 assembly polls. His supporters said he deserved credit for the party for winning the election after a campaign helmed by him as the state unit chief. If the dissident MLAs are disqualified, the current strength of the state assembly will be reduced to 181, slashing the half-way mark to 91 and seemingly making it easier for Gehlot to retain majority support. In the 200-member assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs and the BJP 72. In the past, the ruling party has claimed the support of 13 independents, two MLAs each from the CPM and the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), and one from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).

Rajasthan political crisis: Sachin Pilot moves HC against disqualification notices

Blaming the Indian media for spreading false, hate-filled news, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he will be sharing his own thoughts through a video from tomorrow for those "interested in truth".

"I want to make our current affairs, history and crisis clear and accessible for those interested in the truth," Gandhi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-political-crisis-congress-continues-to-woo-pilot-as-turbulence-rises-313107">Rajasthan political crisis: Congress continues to woo Pilot as turbulence rises</a>

"From tomorrow, I'll be sharing my thoughts with you on video."

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I want to make our current affairs, history and crisis clear and accessible for those interested in the truth. 
 
From tomorrow, I’ll be sharing my thoughts with you on video.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1282664032307040256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After his announcements, many started seeing this as Gandhi's 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Mann Ki Baat was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was first elected in 2014. It is broadcast once in a month, generally on last Sunday, where the prime minister talks&nbsp;about his thoughts on a lot of issues.&nbsp;

In recent times too, Gandhi was seen interacting with economist Raghuram Rajan and Rajiv Bajaj, which attempted to talk about the effects of coronavirus lockdown in the country.&nbsp;

In another tweet, Gandhi lashed out at Indian media, saying they are "captured by fascist interests".&nbsp;

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Today a large part of the Indian news media has been captured by fascist interests. A hate filled narrative is being spread by television channels, whatsapp forwards and false news. This narrative of lies is tearing India apart.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1282663996043083782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He said a hate-filled narrative is being spread through TV channels, Whatsapp and false news.&nbsp;

"This narrative of lies is tearing India apart," Gandhi tweeted. &nbsp;

Gandhi's comments came at a time when his party is struggling to hold power in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan with growing differences between the deputy chief minister and chief minister.&nbsp;

Blaming the Indian media for spreading false, hate-filled news, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he will be sharing his own thoughts through a video from tomorrow for those "interested in truth".

Blaming the Indian media for spreading false, hate-filled news, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he will be sharing his own thoughts through a video from tomorrow for those "interested in truth". "I want to make our current affairs, history and crisis clear and accessible for those interested in the truth," Gandhi said in a tweet. Also read | Rajasthan political crisis: Congress continues to woo Pilot as turbulence rises "From tomorrow, I'll be sharing my thoughts with you on video." I want to make our current affairs, history and crisis clear and accessible for those interested in the truth. From tomorrow, I’ll be sharing my thoughts with you on video. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 13, 2020 × After his announcements, many started seeing this as Gandhi's 'Mann Ki Baat'. Mann Ki Baat was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was first elected in 2014. It is broadcast once in a month, generally on last Sunday, where the prime minister talks about his thoughts on a lot of issues. In recent times too, Gandhi was seen interacting with economist Raghuram Rajan and Rajiv Bajaj, which attempted to talk about the effects of coronavirus lockdown in the country. In another tweet, Gandhi lashed out at Indian media, saying they are "captured by fascist interests". Today a large part of the Indian news media has been captured by fascist interests. A hate filled narrative is being spread by television channels, whatsapp forwards and false news. This narrative of lies is tearing India apart. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 13, 2020 × He said a hate-filled narrative is being spread through TV channels, Whatsapp and false news. "This narrative of lies is tearing India apart," Gandhi tweeted. Gandhi's comments came at a time when his party is struggling to hold power in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan with growing differences between the deputy chief minister and chief minister.

Amid Congress' woes in Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi all set for his 'Mann Ki Baat'

As India struggles coronavirus pandemic, the political struggle within Congress continued in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan on Monday as differences spiral between the chief minister and deputy chief minister.&nbsp;

On Monday, Congress urged Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot to share his concerns with the party's topmost leaders and once again invited him to attend Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meet early tomorrow.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-political-crisis-bjp-claims-gehlot-govt-lost-the-majority-congress-says-winning-number-game-312925">Rajasthan political crisis: BJP claims Gehlot govt lost the majority, Congress says winning number game</a>

The day also saw Rajasthan Congress getting divided between two camps, with both CM Ashok Gehlot and Pilot's aides blaming each other for the crisis.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-pilot-claims-30-mlas-backing-him-says-ashok-gehlot-govt-is-in-minority-in-rajasthan-312795">Sachin Pilot claims 30 MLAs backing him, says Ashok Gehlot govt is in minority in Rajasthan</a>

Gehlot supporters said they have enough numbers to continue running the state, while people from Pilot's camps said Gehlot-led government does not have the support of the required number of MLAs.&nbsp;

On the national level&nbsp;as well, Congress seemed divided with senior leaders like Sanjay Jha throwing their weight behind Pilot, and several also blamed the party for not anticipating the crisis.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also took a dig at the situation of India's Grand Old Party, with its state chief saying party neglecting young leaders, in a clear reference to Pilot.&nbsp;

In the 200-seat Assembly, Congress and BJP have 100 and 73 MLAs respectively and Pilot claims he has a support of 30 MLAs, enough to topple the government.&nbsp;

As India struggles coronavirus pandemic, the political struggle within Congress continued in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan on Monday as differences spiral between the chief minister and deputy chief minister.

As India struggles coronavirus pandemic, the political struggle within Congress continued in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan on Monday as differences spiral between the chief minister and deputy chief minister. On Monday, Congress urged Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot to share his concerns with the party's topmost leaders and once again invited him to attend Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meet early tomorrow. Also read | Rajasthan political crisis: BJP claims Gehlot govt lost the majority, Congress says winning number game The day also saw Rajasthan Congress getting divided between two camps, with both CM Ashok Gehlot and Pilot's aides blaming each other for the crisis. Also read | Sachin Pilot claims 30 MLAs backing him, says Ashok Gehlot govt is in minority in Rajasthan Gehlot supporters said they have enough numbers to continue running the state, while people from Pilot's camps said Gehlot-led government does not have the support of the required number of MLAs. On the national level as well, Congress seemed divided with senior leaders like Sanjay Jha throwing their weight behind Pilot, and several also blamed the party for not anticipating the crisis. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also took a dig at the situation of India's Grand Old Party, with its state chief saying party neglecting young leaders, in a clear reference to Pilot. In the 200-seat Assembly, Congress and BJP have 100 and 73 MLAs respectively and Pilot claims he has a support of 30 MLAs, enough to topple the government.

Rajasthan political crisis: Congress continues to woo Pilot as turbulence rises

100 MLAs arrived at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s residence in Jaipur to prove the government’s majority amid the political crisis in Rajasthan on July 13. Sachin Pilot the rebel leader who has claimed that he has the support of over 30 party MLAs in the state’s 200-member assembly.

Sachin Pilot fails to muster numbers | Congress averts Rajasthan govt split

Whatever be the fate of Congress government in Rajasthan, a massive blow has been delivered to the Congress leadership by Sachin Pilot. He has shown that central leadership does not count for anything in the Congress and demonstrated the weakness of the Interim Congress President. 
 
Imagine that party’s top leadership was unable to speak to him through Sunday. After Jyotiraditya Scindhia, it will be the second big exit from the Congress if it happens.

Even in Maharashtra, a fait accompli was served to Sonia Gandhi whereby regional leadership went and formed the government with Shiv Sena and NCP.

Secondly, many leaders in the Congress are comparing an impending exit by Sachin Pilot and his marginalization to a purge in the party where they feel that Rahul Gandhi does not want some leaders in the organizational fold anymore. Many have silently conveyed that they are paying the price for suggesting a non-Gandhi name for the position of the President of the party after Rahul Gandhi’s exit.

Thirdly, 2019 Lok Sabha defeat did away with the old binary of old vs new in the Congress Party. After 2019 defeat, a new political architecture has evolved in the Congress. A section of the party is being run by Rahul Gandhi through organizational general secretary K C Venugopal and another by senior leader Ahmad Patel who by virtue of his political weight continues to exercise power in the organization. It is no more a fight between old and new, but between a Rahul Gandhi camp and others, and has young and old in both camps. For example, Sachin Pilot met Ahmad Patel but did not make himself available to the top leadership of the Congress, despite being once considered close to Rahul Gandhi, while Ashok Gehlot is now closer to Rahul Gandhi where he was once considered Ahmad Patel’s man.

Added to this melee is another set of people whom I call the “lost generation” who are loyal Congressmen but considered close to Ahmad Patel and could never reconfigure a relationship with Rahul Gandhi who always regarded them with a degree of suspicion. This “lost generation” is also one of the main reason behind the dissent as most of them joined Congress when Sonia Gandhi was taking over the party in 90s. Coming back to the point, 10 Janpath is confident that Rahul Gandhi would take over as the President of the Congress in August and would like leaders in sync with him, leaving others out in the cold.

In politics, however, wishes don’t&nbsp;turn into reality. If and when Rahul Gandhi takes over the Congress, he will, once again, inherit a party that is at loggerheads with the leadership. Deepinder Hooda’s Rajya Sabha seat is the best example where his father Bhupinder Hooda made sure of his son’s ticket to the Upper House despite opposition from the Gandhi family.

Sachin Pilot may or may not remain in the Congress, but his exit would send a message to leaders like RPN Singh, Milind Deora and Jitin Prasada, people who went on to become the young faces of UPA 2 between 2009-2014 that despite their age (or lack of it) if not firmly aligned with the Gandhi’s, they may have no space in the party.

Though some politicians like Ashok Tanwar have been compromised in the feud, the writing on the wall is clear that Rahul Gandhi will not let go of control and is being actively encouraged to intervene more openly. In the meeting held on Saturday with party MPs, Interim President Sonia Gandhi asked Rahul Gandhi to intervene a number of times when, barring a few, the rest of them praised him for a “successful” anti-government campaign. Rahul Gandhi politely refused to intervene almost all the times but the writing on the wall was clear and that being that this time Sonia Gandhi will not let allow any dissent on Rahul Gandhi.

Sachin Pilot is himself a dynast like Jyotiraditya Scindhia but his reinvention in 2014 made him get rid of the dynast tag. He reinvented himself and worked in Rajasthan where other people were sulking in Delhi. It is for this reason, he still enjoys sympathy.

Life within Congress can continue as normal even if Sachin Pilot leaves, but it will impact its image badly. In the 1970s and 80s, socialists were bitter adversaries of Indira Gandhi, but they could never keep their house in order. They also sealed the image in public that they could neither run a government efficiently nor be a cohesive political unit. In this case, the continuous exit of leaders for varying reasons can reinforce the image that Rahul Gandhi cannot run the Congress properly. Sometimes perceptions become a liability bigger than the actual weight of facts and Rahul Gandhi needs to be mindful of it. By 1990s, Indians junked socialists after romanticising them for 45 years and voted for BJP as an alternative to Congress. Rest is history.

Congress lost Lok Sabha elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. 2024 is far away. If he cannot put the house in order, then there will be nothing to fight against with and Congress will get reduced to another Swatantra Party or Jan Sangh which neither had a say nor the way in Lok Sabha till Indira Gandhi was alive. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Whatever be the fate of Congress government in Rajasthan, a massive blow has been delivered to the Congress leadership by Sachin Pilot. He has shown that central leadership does not count for anything in the Congress and demonstrated the weakness of the Interim Congress President.

Whatever be the fate of Congress government in Rajasthan, a massive blow has been delivered to the Congress leadership by Sachin Pilot. He has shown that central leadership does not count for anything in the Congress and demonstrated the weakness of the Interim Congress President. Imagine that party’s top leadership was unable to speak to him through Sunday. After Jyotiraditya Scindhia, it will be the second big exit from the Congress if it happens. Even in Maharashtra, a fait accompli was served to Sonia Gandhi whereby regional leadership went and formed the government with Shiv Sena and NCP. Secondly, many leaders in the Congress are comparing an impending exit by Sachin Pilot and his marginalization to a purge in the party where they feel that Rahul Gandhi does not want some leaders in the organizational fold anymore. Many have silently conveyed that they are paying the price for suggesting a non-Gandhi name for the position of the President of the party after Rahul Gandhi’s exit. Thirdly, 2019 Lok Sabha defeat did away with the old binary of old vs new in the Congress Party. After 2019 defeat, a new political architecture has evolved in the Congress. A section of the party is being run by Rahul Gandhi through organizational general secretary K C Venugopal and another by senior leader Ahmad Patel who by virtue of his political weight continues to exercise power in the organization. It is no more a fight between old and new, but between a Rahul Gandhi camp and others, and has young and old in both camps. For example, Sachin Pilot met Ahmad Patel but did not make himself available to the top leadership of the Congress, despite being once considered close to Rahul Gandhi, while Ashok Gehlot is now closer to Rahul Gandhi where he was once considered Ahmad Patel’s man. Added to this melee is another set of people whom I call the “lost generation” who are loyal Congressmen but considered close to Ahmad Patel and could never reconfigure a relationship with Rahul Gandhi who always regarded them with a degree of suspicion. This “lost generation” is also one of the main reason behind the dissent as most of them joined Congress when Sonia Gandhi was taking over the party in 90s. Coming back to the point, 10 Janpath is confident that Rahul Gandhi would take over as the President of the Congress in August and would like leaders in sync with him, leaving others out in the cold. In politics, however, wishes don’t turn into reality. If and when Rahul Gandhi takes over the Congress, he will, once again, inherit a party that is at loggerheads with the leadership. Deepinder Hooda’s Rajya Sabha seat is the best example where his father Bhupinder Hooda made sure of his son’s ticket to the Upper House despite opposition from the Gandhi family. Sachin Pilot may or may not remain in the Congress, but his exit would send a message to leaders like RPN Singh, Milind Deora and Jitin Prasada, people who went on to become the young faces of UPA 2 between 2009-2014 that despite their age (or lack of it) if not firmly aligned with the Gandhi’s, they may have no space in the party. Though some politicians like Ashok Tanwar have been compromised in the feud, the writing on the wall is clear that Rahul Gandhi will not let go of control and is being actively encouraged to intervene more openly. In the meeting held on Saturday with party MPs, Interim President Sonia Gandhi asked Rahul Gandhi to intervene a number of times when, barring a few, the rest of them praised him for a “successful” anti-government campaign. Rahul Gandhi politely refused to intervene almost all the times but the writing on the wall was clear and that being that this time Sonia Gandhi will not let allow any dissent on Rahul Gandhi. Sachin Pilot is himself a dynast like Jyotiraditya Scindhia but his reinvention in 2014 made him get rid of the dynast tag. He reinvented himself and worked in Rajasthan where other people were sulking in Delhi. It is for this reason, he still enjoys sympathy. Life within Congress can continue as normal even if Sachin Pilot leaves, but it will impact its image badly. In the 1970s and 80s, socialists were bitter adversaries of Indira Gandhi, but they could never keep their house in order. They also sealed the image in public that they could neither run a government efficiently nor be a cohesive political unit. In this case, the continuous exit of leaders for varying reasons can reinforce the image that Rahul Gandhi cannot run the Congress properly. Sometimes perceptions become a liability bigger than the actual weight of facts and Rahul Gandhi needs to be mindful of it. By 1990s, Indians junked socialists after romanticising them for 45 years and voted for BJP as an alternative to Congress. Rest is history. Congress lost Lok Sabha elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. 2024 is far away. If he cannot put the house in order, then there will be nothing to fight against with and Congress will get reduced to another Swatantra Party or Jan Sangh which neither had a say nor the way in Lok Sabha till Indira Gandhi was alive. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Congress at crossroads again

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day.

According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government,&nbsp;Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month.

The Delhi government has increased the testing. Delhi's&nbsp;Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia,&nbsp;said rapid antigen testing was conducted at 193 centres on Thursday. A total of 7,040 people were tested, of which 456 tested positive. People who live in containment zones are being tested in the initial stage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tests-in-delhi-to-be-capped-at-rs-2400-says-home-ministry-306628">Also read:&nbsp;Covid-19 tests in Delhi to be capped at Rs 2400, says Home Ministry</a>

To keep up with this rising figure, the Delhi government is using every available possible space as a COVID centre, and arranging more beds and ventilators, to make sure that all patients get proper care.

On Thursday, Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav visited Anand Vihar terminal where around 300 COVID care isolation coaches have been set up.&nbsp;
<img alt="AAP MLA tweeted an image from Maharashtra's COVID facility, claiming it to be a new facility set up by Delhi government" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d5b20d4-5f22-4a2d-b368-a01de54ad594" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2823%29_15.jpg" />
While informing about such new centre inspection,&nbsp;members of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and several others posted images on social media claiming that a 2,500-bed facility is being prepared in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan by the Delhi government. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While the tweet was also shard by official Twitter account of party's Jharkhand branch (the tweets have now been removed), a&nbsp;Maharashtra Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui pointed out that the pictures being circulated were actually taken from his constituency where he had inaugurated a 1,000-bed isolation centre in the Bandra-Kurla complex recently.&nbsp;

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I wonder how ready delhi is because that picture has ME walking inside our Covid-19 modular hospital at BKC,Bandra East - MUMBAI. 
This was when we were setting the hospital up. I don’t remember visiting Delhi anytime in the recent past so clearly that’s not delhi. <a href="https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5">https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5</a>
— Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/zeeshan_iyc/status/1272446616016793602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The images started circulating after&nbsp;Lt Governor Anil Baijal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh had suggested using Pragati Maidan as a COVID-19 facility.

However,the party was quick to admit and apologize for its mistake after Siddiqui's tweet. A member of the party's social media team, Piyush Kak, responded to Siddiqui’s tweet with an apology.

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I personally Apologize for this post. <a href="https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW">https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW</a>
— Piyushakak4 (@piyushakak4) <a href="https://twitter.com/piyushakak4/status/1272454420786274304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Delhi's coronavirus toll&nbsp;right now stands at almost 47,000, out of which nearly 17,457 have recovered more than 1,900 have succumbed to the virus.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day. According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government, Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day. According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government, Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month. The Delhi government has increased the testing. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, said rapid antigen testing was conducted at 193 centres on Thursday. A total of 7,040 people were tested, of which 456 tested positive. People who live in containment zones are being tested in the initial stage. Also read: Covid-19 tests in Delhi to be capped at Rs 2400, says Home Ministry To keep up with this rising figure, the Delhi government is using every available possible space as a COVID centre, and arranging more beds and ventilators, to make sure that all patients get proper care. On Thursday, Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav visited Anand Vihar terminal where around 300 COVID care isolation coaches have been set up. While informing about such new centre inspection, members of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and several others posted images on social media claiming that a 2,500-bed facility is being prepared in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan by the Delhi government. While the tweet was also shard by official Twitter account of party's Jharkhand branch (the tweets have now been removed), a Maharashtra Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui pointed out that the pictures being circulated were actually taken from his constituency where he had inaugurated a 1,000-bed isolation centre in the Bandra-Kurla complex recently. I wonder how ready delhi is because that picture has ME walking inside our Covid-19 modular hospital at BKC,Bandra East - MUMBAI. This was when we were setting the hospital up. I don’t remember visiting Delhi anytime in the recent past so clearly that’s not delhi. https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5 — Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) June 15, 2020 × The images started circulating after Lt Governor Anil Baijal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh had suggested using Pragati Maidan as a COVID-19 facility. However,the party was quick to admit and apologize for its mistake after Siddiqui's tweet. A member of the party's social media team, Piyush Kak, responded to Siddiqui’s tweet with an apology. I personally Apologize for this post. https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW — Piyushakak4 (@piyushakak4) June 15, 2020 × Delhi's coronavirus toll right now stands at almost 47,000, out of which nearly 17,457 have recovered more than 1,900 have succumbed to the virus.

Fake COVID centre image spreads amid rising coronavirus cases in Delhi

Congress MLA K Meghachandra Singh has submitted a notice to the Secretary of Manipur Assembly for the removal of the Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh for 'preponing the date for proceedings regarding disqualification of 7 Congress MLAs'.

These seven MLAs won the election on a Congress ticket in 2017 but defected later to BJP.

This came after three MLAs of the ruling BJP resigned and joined Congress. Four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, an independent MLA and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA also withdrew support to the BJP-led government in the state.

Poll for one Rajya Sabha seat is also scheduled to be held on June 19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-responds-to-claim-over-galwan-valley-china-making-inevitable-claims-306738">Also watch|&nbsp;India responds to claim over Galwan valley: China making 'inevitable' claims</a>

In 60-member Manipur Assembly, BJP emerged victorious in the 2017 Assembly elections and N Biren Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state. BJP had won 21 seats while Congress bagged 28 seats. One Congress MLA, who had defected to BJP, was disqualified by the Speaker tribunal earlier.

BJP currently enjoys support from four Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs and one legislator of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). After three resignations of three MLAs, BJP has 18 legislators left and have the support of five MLAs.

All the MLAs who had resigned and withdrawn their support from the N Biren Singh-led BJP government had a warm reception at an unidentified camp by Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President M Okendro Singh, former MPCC presidents, G Gaikhangam, TN Haokip and Congress MLAs.

CLP leader Ibobi Singh said that he will be demanding for a floor test and stake claim to form the government.

Congress MLA K Meghachandra Singh has submitted a notice to the Secretary of Manipur Assembly for the removal of the Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh for 'preponing the date for proceedings regarding disqualification of 7 Congress MLAs'.

Congress MLA K Meghachandra Singh has submitted a notice to the Secretary of Manipur Assembly for the removal of the Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh for 'preponing the date for proceedings regarding disqualification of 7 Congress MLAs'. These seven MLAs won the election on a Congress ticket in 2017 but defected later to BJP. This came after three MLAs of the ruling BJP resigned and joined Congress. Four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, an independent MLA and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA also withdrew support to the BJP-led government in the state. Poll for one Rajya Sabha seat is also scheduled to be held on June 19. Also watch| India responds to claim over Galwan valley: China making 'inevitable' claims In 60-member Manipur Assembly, BJP emerged victorious in the 2017 Assembly elections and N Biren Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state. BJP had won 21 seats while Congress bagged 28 seats. One Congress MLA, who had defected to BJP, was disqualified by the Speaker tribunal earlier. BJP currently enjoys support from four Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs and one legislator of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). After three resignations of three MLAs, BJP has 18 legislators left and have the support of five MLAs. All the MLAs who had resigned and withdrawn their support from the N Biren Singh-led BJP government had a warm reception at an unidentified camp by Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President M Okendro Singh, former MPCC presidents, G Gaikhangam, TN Haokip and Congress MLAs. CLP leader Ibobi Singh said that he will be demanding for a floor test and stake claim to form the government.

Congress submits notice to remove Manipur Assembly Speaker

Amazon.com Inc said on Monday its founder and Chief Executive Jeff Bezos is willing to testify to a congressional panel investigating potential violations of U.S. antitrust law by big technology companies.

The company confirmed a letter that its attorney sent to members of the House Judiciary Committee saying Amazon had cooperated with the probe. "This includes making Jeff Bezos available to testify at a hearing with the other CEOs this summer," said the letter from Robert Kelner of Covington and Burling LLP.

The big four tech platforms -- Alphabet Inc's Google, Apple Inc, Amazon and Facebook Inc -- are under investigation by a House Judiciary Committee panel and the U.S. Justice Department. The Federal Trade Commission is probing Facebook and Amazon and groups of U.S. state attorneys general are looking at Facebook and Google.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/elon-musk-feels-its-time-to-break-up-amazon-tweets-to-jeff-bezos-303448" hreflang="en">Elon Musk feels it's 'time to break up Amazon'; tweets to Jeff Bezos</a>

Kelner said in the letter that Amazon and the committee would need to "resolve a number of questions regarding timing, format, and outstanding document production issues, all necessarily framed by the extraordinary demands of the global pandemic."

This would be the first time that Bezos has appeared before Congress, according to a source familiar with the company.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/amazons-jeff-bezos-invests-in-uk-based-company-beacon-302223" hreflang="en">Amazon's Jeff Bezos invests in UK-based company Beacon</a>

In early May, the committee wrote the Amazon.com CEO to demand his testimony in the wake of a report that the online retailer uses data from its third-party sellers to create competing products. Amazon's associate general counsel, Nate Sutton, had denied under oath last July that Amazon used sensitive information from its independent sellers to develop Amazon products.

Further, the letter also noted that Amazon had given the committee's antitrust panel more than 225,000 pages of documents and notes that the committee has not given a "binding commitment" that they would be confidential.

Amazon.com Inc said on Monday its founder and Chief Executive Jeff Bezos is willing to testify to a congressional panel investigating potential violations of U.S.

Amazon.com Inc said on Monday its founder and Chief Executive Jeff Bezos is willing to testify to a congressional panel investigating potential violations of U.S. antitrust law by big technology companies. The company confirmed a letter that its attorney sent to members of the House Judiciary Committee saying Amazon had cooperated with the probe. "This includes making Jeff Bezos available to testify at a hearing with the other CEOs this summer," said the letter from Robert Kelner of Covington and Burling LLP. The big four tech platforms -- Alphabet Inc's Google, Apple Inc, Amazon and Facebook Inc -- are under investigation by a House Judiciary Committee panel and the U.S. Justice Department. The Federal Trade Commission is probing Facebook and Amazon and groups of U.S. state attorneys general are looking at Facebook and Google. Also read: Elon Musk feels it's 'time to break up Amazon'; tweets to Jeff Bezos Kelner said in the letter that Amazon and the committee would need to "resolve a number of questions regarding timing, format, and outstanding document production issues, all necessarily framed by the extraordinary demands of the global pandemic." This would be the first time that Bezos has appeared before Congress, according to a source familiar with the company. Also read: Amazon's Jeff Bezos invests in UK-based company Beacon In early May, the committee wrote the Amazon.com CEO to demand his testimony in the wake of a report that the online retailer uses data from its third-party sellers to create competing products. Amazon's associate general counsel, Nate Sutton, had denied under oath last July that Amazon used sensitive information from its independent sellers to develop Amazon products. Further, the letter also noted that Amazon had given the committee's antitrust panel more than 225,000 pages of documents and notes that the committee has not given a "binding commitment" that they would be confidential.

Amazon says CEO Bezos willing to testify before US Congress

The BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved in five years what the Congress could not in its 55 years' reign, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday.

He&nbsp;was addressing his party's `Jan Samvadvirtual rally' here from Nagpur.

"What the Congress could not do in 55 years, the BJP government under the leadership of Modi has done in just five years," the senior BJP leader said.

Nationalism was his party's priority and ideology, and the Modi government has manifested it in the way it is dealing with Maoists and terrorists, Gadkari said.

Their "appeasement" has now ended and Maoists and terrorists are being dealt with an iron hand, he added.

Under Modi's leadership, nationalism which puts the country's interest above other things is being pursued and vote bank politics is receding, the BJP leader further said.

By annulling Article 370 which gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and clearing the hurdles in the way of the construction of Ram Temple, the BJP has stuck to its ideology, Gadkari said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved in five years what the Congress could not in its 55 years' reign, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday.

The BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved in five years what the Congress could not in its 55 years' reign, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday. He was addressing his party's `Jan Samvadvirtual rally' here from Nagpur. "What the Congress could not do in 55 years, the BJP government under the leadership of Modi has done in just five years," the senior BJP leader said. Nationalism was his party's priority and ideology, and the Modi government has manifested it in the way it is dealing with Maoists and terrorists, Gadkari said. Their "appeasement" has now ended and Maoists and terrorists are being dealt with an iron hand, he added. Under Modi's leadership, nationalism which puts the country's interest above other things is being pursued and vote bank politics is receding, the BJP leader further said. By annulling Article 370 which gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and clearing the hurdles in the way of the construction of Ram Temple, the BJP has stuck to its ideology, Gadkari said. (With inputs from PTI)

BJP achieved in five years what Congress couldn't in 55 years, says Gadkari

Sewa bhav or service remains an important and respected component of India's public life. It has always been acknowledged and reciprocated by the Indian electorate.

Institutions or political parties which regularly uphold&nbsp;sewa&nbsp;bhav end up being more organically connected with the people at large.

It is this element of service which enables political parties to have a special relationship with civil society actors. The biggest reason behind&nbsp;BJP’s success or survival of RSS despite being banned on a number of occasions is the element of service, independent of political action.

RSS, on multiple occasions, has deployed thousands of its workers to help poor people and civil society during national crisis like floods, war, drought or dislocation of the population. Today, RSS is not limited to relief action as its organisational infrastructure includes thousands of people in various institutions involved with schools, forests, tribals, backward communities, students, trade union workers, farmers and multiple study groups.

Congress, perhaps for the first time in the last 40 years, has been able to connect with the civil society during the migrant crisis in India. Congress cadres and leaders, throughout the crisis, organised food camps and helped people to move from one part of the country to another. There was intense politicisation of the event, but the fact is that social action of the Congress was loaded with political message enabling the party to truly behave like an opposition party.

It is through this social action, Congress was able to create a debate on social media in whose absence the coverage of lockdown and pandemic would have remained one-sided and extremely pro-government. Raising the issues on social media would have been one thing, but letting cadres be on the ground to help those who suffered pulled the party out of deep slumber.&nbsp;

It will be too presumptuous to say that the act of working on the ground has revitalised the party, but it has indeed granted a diminished party the national voice.

For long, political parties in India have ignored the importance of social action in politics. Congress, during the independence struggle, was not dedicated solely to political rights. It worked on other fronts as well. The party helped workers, farmers get better benefits and attain dignity in society. Champaran is the case in point, wherein Mahatma Gandhi led the protests to organise better compensation for farmers. It was social action which consolidated the political legitimacy of both Congress and Gandhi.

During the drought in Gujarat, Sardar Pate,l on multiple occasions, organised money and help for the farmers. In post-independent India during 1984, RSS saved many Sikh lives by letting workers go out and help them.

Almost all political parties simply turned into electoral machines after independence. The sewa bhav was reduced to lip service. Help today only means a subsidy from the state.&nbsp;

Congress after decades has walked the path it had pioneered during Indian independence. Congress must continue to engage with civil society and marginal communities on the ground on real issues and in real-time, irrespective of electoral mathematics. Sewa bhav can turn the fortune of the party around as it would&nbsp;reinforce the message that the only party on the ground during the migrant crisis was Congress. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sewa bhav or service remains an important and respected component of India's public life. It has always been acknowledged and reciprocated by the Indian electorate.

Sewa bhav or service remains an important and respected component of India's public life. It has always been acknowledged and reciprocated by the Indian electorate. Institutions or political parties which regularly uphold sewa bhav end up being more organically connected with the people at large. It is this element of service which enables political parties to have a special relationship with civil society actors. The biggest reason behind BJP’s success or survival of RSS despite being banned on a number of occasions is the element of service, independent of political action. RSS, on multiple occasions, has deployed thousands of its workers to help poor people and civil society during national crisis like floods, war, drought or dislocation of the population. Today, RSS is not limited to relief action as its organisational infrastructure includes thousands of people in various institutions involved with schools, forests, tribals, backward communities, students, trade union workers, farmers and multiple study groups. Congress, perhaps for the first time in the last 40 years, has been able to connect with the civil society during the migrant crisis in India. Congress cadres and leaders, throughout the crisis, organised food camps and helped people to move from one part of the country to another. There was intense politicisation of the event, but the fact is that social action of the Congress was loaded with political message enabling the party to truly behave like an opposition party. It is through this social action, Congress was able to create a debate on social media in whose absence the coverage of lockdown and pandemic would have remained one-sided and extremely pro-government. Raising the issues on social media would have been one thing, but letting cadres be on the ground to help those who suffered pulled the party out of deep slumber. It will be too presumptuous to say that the act of working on the ground has revitalised the party, but it has indeed granted a diminished party the national voice. For long, political parties in India have ignored the importance of social action in politics. Congress, during the independence struggle, was not dedicated solely to political rights. It worked on other fronts as well. The party helped workers, farmers get better benefits and attain dignity in society. Champaran is the case in point, wherein Mahatma Gandhi led the protests to organise better compensation for farmers. It was social action which consolidated the political legitimacy of both Congress and Gandhi. During the drought in Gujarat, Sardar Pate,l on multiple occasions, organised money and help for the farmers. In post-independent India during 1984, RSS saved many Sikh lives by letting workers go out and help them. Almost all political parties simply turned into electoral machines after independence. The sewa bhav was reduced to lip service. Help today only means a subsidy from the state. Congress after decades has walked the path it had pioneered during Indian independence. Congress must continue to engage with civil society and marginal communities on the ground on real issues and in real-time, irrespective of electoral mathematics. Sewa bhav can turn the fortune of the party around as it would reinforce the message that the only party on the ground during the migrant crisis was Congress. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Congress must continue to engage with migrant workers in a time of crisis like COVID-19

On the eve of six&nbsp;years of the Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party government,&nbsp;Congress Party demanded that Indian Parliament be convened immediately.

The head of Congress Communication Department, Randeep Surjewalan stated that Centre must convene a virtual Parliament and all the Standing and Select committees must become operational through digital network.

World over Parliaments are being convened through digital technologies. Even House of Commons in London has prepared itself for a complete digital session which was first in its life. Though there exists a proposal to use Parliament’s Central Hall to convene the Parliament and to use it for both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on alternate days, clarity is still awaited on this issue. 
&nbsp; 
Congress alleged government has used Covid19 pandemic as a pretext to come down on civil liberties and muzzle the Opposition parties. Congress also attacked the ruling BJP on economic issues and said that it failed to deliver on the economic package and coming out of the lockdown too has been haphazard.

Congress also cornered the government on the mismanagement of Shramik Express which have been tasked to ferry migrants through India. 
&nbsp; 
The press conference was also attended by the Congress General Secretary Organisation, KC Venugopal who charged the government with not paying enough attention to the ground realities during lockdown withdrawal.

Congress critiqued Modi on national security issues too but remained focused on workers and MSME sector understanding that national security criticism often rebounds in Modi’s case. 
&nbsp; 
Modi government is celebrating six&nbsp;years in power and today Congress is the only national party voicing opinion unlike 15 years back where multiple parties qualified as national parties and would equally criticize the government at the central level.

Congress, on the other hand, has decided to stick to the issue of migrant worker and work as both political party and civil society institution during the crisis. It is for this reason that Congress has been seen distributing food items to migrant&nbsp;workers throughout India for the last 30 days.

On the eve of six years of the Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party government, Congress Party demanded that Indian Parliament be convened immediately. The head of Congress Communication Department, Randeep Surjewalan stated that Centre must convene a virtual Parliament and all the Standing and Select committees must become operational through digital network.

On the eve of six years of the Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party government, Congress Party demanded that Indian Parliament be convened immediately. The head of Congress Communication Department, Randeep Surjewalan stated that Centre must convene a virtual Parliament and all the Standing and Select committees must become operational through digital network. World over Parliaments are being convened through digital technologies. Even House of Commons in London has prepared itself for a complete digital session which was first in its life. Though there exists a proposal to use Parliament’s Central Hall to convene the Parliament and to use it for both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on alternate days, clarity is still awaited on this issue. Congress alleged government has used Covid19 pandemic as a pretext to come down on civil liberties and muzzle the Opposition parties. Congress also attacked the ruling BJP on economic issues and said that it failed to deliver on the economic package and coming out of the lockdown too has been haphazard. Congress also cornered the government on the mismanagement of Shramik Express which have been tasked to ferry migrants through India. The press conference was also attended by the Congress General Secretary Organisation, KC Venugopal who charged the government with not paying enough attention to the ground realities during lockdown withdrawal. Congress critiqued Modi on national security issues too but remained focused on workers and MSME sector understanding that national security criticism often rebounds in Modi’s case. Modi government is celebrating six years in power and today Congress is the only national party voicing opinion unlike 15 years back where multiple parties qualified as national parties and would equally criticize the government at the central level. Congress, on the other hand, has decided to stick to the issue of migrant worker and work as both political party and civil society institution during the crisis. It is for this reason that Congress has been seen distributing food items to migrant workers throughout India for the last 30 days.

BJP should immediately convene a virtual Parliament, says Congress

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.

Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-financial-package-for-msme-sector-294769">Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector</a>

"After the country gained Independence, for the first time, everybody experienced the pain of lakhs of labourers, who were forced to go home barefooted, hungry and without medicines. Their pain was felt by everyone, but not by this govt," Gandhi said in his address.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-launches-a-broadside-against-modi-says-pm-has-gone-into-low-key-mode-301089">Rahul Gandhi launches a broadside against Modi, says PM has gone into low-key mode</a>

"This is why Congress leaders have decided that to strengthen India's voice, we have to run this social media campaign."

She said that Rs 7,500 per month in cash should be given to each family for six months and for the same Rs 10,000 should be released immediately.&nbsp;

"Under MGNREGA, 200 days for work should be given so that employment can be generated in villages," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months.

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months. Also read | Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector "After the country gained Independence, for the first time, everybody experienced the pain of lakhs of labourers, who were forced to go home barefooted, hungry and without medicines. Their pain was felt by everyone, but not by this govt," Gandhi said in his address. Also read | Rahul Gandhi launches a broadside against Modi, says PM has gone into low-key mode "This is why Congress leaders have decided that to strengthen India's voice, we have to run this social media campaign." She said that Rs 7,500 per month in cash should be given to each family for six months and for the same Rs 10,000 should be released immediately. "Under MGNREGA, 200 days for work should be given so that employment can be generated in villages," Gandhi said.

Sonia Gandhi asks Centre to provide Rs 7,500 per month to each family

Congress party has dubbed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation one that gave the country a headline, saying the nation is disappointed by his "failure" to address the woes of millions of migrants.

The Congress remarks came even as the ruling BJP hailed the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's largest holistic package with Home Minister Amit Shah saying that the Modi government took decisions in the interest of the country.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was not just a financial package but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul and a thrust in governance.

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Sorry everybody for the typo: please read as Rs 20 lakh crore. <a href="https://t.co/w3x6p59ifl">https://t.co/w3x6p59ifl</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1260225170976849922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The 21st century will be defined by India, Hon PM's message today has laid foundation stone for implementing this. AatmanirbharBharat is our Mantra for driving country towards this new change," BJP president Nadda tweeted.

"PM has declared the world's largest holistic relief package. The Modi govt has given financial packages of Rs 20 lakh crore to support every section of the society. It is around 10% of Indian GDP. Hon PM's proactive approach will build a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," he added.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the heartbreaking human tragedy of migrants walking back home needed compassion and care.

"Dear PM, What you said today gives the country and the media a HEADLINE," he said on Twitter.

"When the 'blank page' is filled with 'Heartfelt help of people', the nation and Congress party will respond.

"India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity and failure to address the woes of millions of migrant workers," he said on Twitter.

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2/2 
Dear PM, 
 
The mammoth heart breaking human tragedy of migrant workers walking back home needed compassion, care &amp; safe return. 
 
India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity &amp; failure to address the woes of millions of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MigrantWorkers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MigrantWorkers</a> !
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1260237008514908161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His colleague, Manish Tewari, tweeted, "PMs speech can be summed up in one word - HEADLINE HUNTING. A NUMBER -20 LAKH CRORES. NO DETAILS."

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, however, welcomed the package.

"The financial package announced by PM Modiji was much awaited. Better late than never. We welcome this," he tweeted.

In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Modi announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. 
&nbsp;

Congress party has dubbed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation one that gave the country a headline, saying the nation is disappointed by his "failure" to address the woes of millions of migrants.

Congress party has dubbed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation one that gave the country a headline, saying the nation is disappointed by his "failure" to address the woes of millions of migrants. The Congress remarks came even as the ruling BJP hailed the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's largest holistic package with Home Minister Amit Shah saying that the Modi government took decisions in the interest of the country. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was not just a financial package but a reform stimulus, a mindset overhaul and a thrust in governance. Sorry everybody for the typo: please read as Rs 20 lakh crore. https://t.co/w3x6p59ifl — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 12, 2020 × "The 21st century will be defined by India, Hon PM's message today has laid foundation stone for implementing this. AatmanirbharBharat is our Mantra for driving country towards this new change," BJP president Nadda tweeted. "PM has declared the world's largest holistic relief package. The Modi govt has given financial packages of Rs 20 lakh crore to support every section of the society. It is around 10% of Indian GDP. Hon PM's proactive approach will build a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," he added. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the heartbreaking human tragedy of migrants walking back home needed compassion and care. "Dear PM, What you said today gives the country and the media a HEADLINE," he said on Twitter. "When the 'blank page' is filled with 'Heartfelt help of people', the nation and Congress party will respond. "India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity and failure to address the woes of millions of migrant workers," he said on Twitter. 2/2 Dear PM, The mammoth heart breaking human tragedy of migrant workers walking back home needed compassion, care & safe return. India is deeply disappointed by your utter lack of empathy, sensitivity & failure to address the woes of millions of #MigrantWorkers ! — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 12, 2020 × His colleague, Manish Tewari, tweeted, "PMs speech can be summed up in one word - HEADLINE HUNTING. A NUMBER -20 LAKH CRORES. NO DETAILS." Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, however, welcomed the package. "The financial package announced by PM Modiji was much awaited. Better late than never. We welcome this," he tweeted. In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Modi announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world.

BJP says PM's economic package will make India self-reliant, Congress dubs it mere headline

The son of former CM HD Kumaraswamy, Nikhil and grand niece of ex-Congress minister M Krishnappa, Revathi got married on Thursday in Karnataka's Ramnagar.

Before the marriage, sources said that the wedding will remain a low-key affair with the presence of limited guests and all safety precautions would be taken to avoid spread of novel coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kannada-actor-nikhil-gowda-to-marry-revathi-on-april-17-292923">Kannada actor Nikhil Gowda to marry Revathi on April 17</a>

However, in a video, it was seen that the limited guests were standing close to each other with dozens of cameramen surrounding the couple.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twitterati is once again divided over whether the wedding should have taken place or not.&nbsp;

While many people are furious about why permissions were granted to powerful families in times of COVID-19, others congratulated the couple for the wedding.&nbsp;

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So the VIP wedding is on despite <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a> 
 
I wish the couple &amp; all attendees a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> free life ahead 🙏🏼 
 
Now with media blockade from venue let's hope <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hd_kumaraswamy</a> keeps up his word of "just a family affair" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nikhilkumaraswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nikhilkumaraswamy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIPSCovidStories?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIPSCovidStories</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LockdownExtended?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LockdownExtended</a> <a href="https://t.co/o6C5mONITQ">pic.twitter.com/o6C5mONITQ</a>
— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpkBopanna/status/1250985091301437440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jaldi kya thi shaadi karne ki I wonder.. 
I mean you have money - you couldve thrown a lavish wedding after 6 months - not like Nikhil is getting old.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nikhilkumaraswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nikhilkumaraswamy</a>
— Prachi (@mechiemaata) <a href="https://twitter.com/mechiemaata/status/1251015402194272257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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48 cars permission for marriage....<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BSYBJP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> is this lockdown? Middle and low middle class members are suffering lockdown and bjp karnataka govt is playing politics <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nikhilkumaraswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nikhilkumaraswamy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCOVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCOVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCKarnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/DdSdDiV6wF">https://t.co/DdSdDiV6wF</a>
— Naveen V (@NaveenV1984) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaveenV1984/status/1251024549514076161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Happy Married Life ❣️♥️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nikhilkumaraswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nikhilkumaraswamy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Revathi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Revathi</a> <a href="https://t.co/SKOXlgpC8S">pic.twitter.com/SKOXlgpC8S</a>
— Nikhil Kumar Fc (@NikhilKumarFc) <a href="https://twitter.com/NikhilKumarFc/status/1251024797724626944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Thank God for the lockdown, we are spared from Kannada channels live streaming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NikhilKumaraswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NikhilKumaraswamy</a>'s wedding! 
Also, best wishes to the newly-weds. 😉😉
— Akshay Patil (@akshayhoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshayhoy/status/1250988847250337792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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RIP Social distancing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nikhilkumaraswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nikhilkumaraswamy</a> <a href="https://t.co/pjk3DNGhG6">https://t.co/pjk3DNGhG6</a>
— Raj (@raajcar) <a href="https://twitter.com/raajcar/status/1251030057302192130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hope will maintain low profile &amp; within family as people cannot move in lockdown. Generally people do not marry in summers unless there are some desperate ones. Nevertheless, these are family matters &amp; people opinions do not matter in such cases &amp; nor should be <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nikhilkumaraswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nikhilkumaraswamy</a>
— Vijay Chauhan (@Vijay_agneepath) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vijay_agneepath/status/1251031945879842816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the data by Ministery of Health, there are 315 people who tested coronavirus positive, out of which 13 died.&nbsp;

Earlier, Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa allowed closed-door weddings with guests less than 100 in the state in an order released on March 22.&nbsp;

Both the political families were planning a grand wedding, but due to the coronavirus outbreak, it was decided that the ceremony would remain a modest affair as they didn't want to extend the date.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The son of former CM HD Kumaraswamy, Nikhil and grand niece of ex-Congress minister M Krishnappa, Revathi got married on Thursday in Karnataka's Ramnagar. Before the marriage, sources said that the wedding will remain a low-key affair with the presence of limited guests and all safety precautions would be taken to avoid spread of novel coronavirus.

The son of former CM HD Kumaraswamy, Nikhil and grand niece of ex-Congress minister M Krishnappa, Revathi got married on Thursday in Karnataka's Ramnagar. Before the marriage, sources said that the wedding will remain a low-key affair with the presence of limited guests and all safety precautions would be taken to avoid spread of novel coronavirus. Also read | Kannada actor Nikhil Gowda to marry Revathi on April 17 However, in a video, it was seen that the limited guests were standing close to each other with dozens of cameramen surrounding the couple. Twitterati is once again divided over whether the wedding should have taken place or not. While many people are furious about why permissions were granted to powerful families in times of COVID-19, others congratulated the couple for the wedding. So the VIP wedding is on despite #lockdown I wish the couple & all attendees a #Covid_19 free life ahead 🙏🏼 Now with media blockade from venue let's hope @hd_kumaraswamy keeps up his word of "just a family affair" #Nikhilkumaraswamy #VIPSCovidStories #LockdownExtended pic.twitter.com/o6C5mONITQ — Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) April 17, 2020 × Jaldi kya thi shaadi karne ki I wonder.. I mean you have money - you couldve thrown a lavish wedding after 6 months - not like Nikhil is getting old.#Nikhilkumaraswamy — Prachi (@mechiemaata) April 17, 2020 × 48 cars permission for marriage....@PMOIndia @narendramodi @BSYBJP @AmitShah is this lockdown? Middle and low middle class members are suffering lockdown and bjp karnataka govt is playing politics #Nikhilkumaraswamy #IndiaFightsCOVID19 @RahulGandhi @INCKarnataka https://t.co/DdSdDiV6wF — Naveen V (@NaveenV1984) April 17, 2020 × Happy Married Life ❣️♥️#Nikhilkumaraswamy #Revathi pic.twitter.com/SKOXlgpC8S — Nikhil Kumar Fc (@NikhilKumarFc) April 17, 2020 × Thank God for the lockdown, we are spared from Kannada channels live streaming #NikhilKumaraswamy's wedding! Also, best wishes to the newly-weds. 😉😉 — Akshay Patil (@akshayhoy) April 17, 2020 × RIP Social distancing #Nikhilkumaraswamy https://t.co/pjk3DNGhG6 — Raj (@raajcar) April 17, 2020 × Hope will maintain low profile & within family as people cannot move in lockdown. Generally people do not marry in summers unless there are some desperate ones. Nevertheless, these are family matters & people opinions do not matter in such cases & nor should be #Nikhilkumaraswamy — Vijay Chauhan (@Vijay_agneepath) April 17, 2020 × According to the data by Ministery of Health, there are 315 people who tested coronavirus positive, out of which 13 died. Earlier, Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa allowed closed-door weddings with guests less than 100 in the state in an order released on March 22. Both the political families were planning a grand wedding, but due to the coronavirus outbreak, it was decided that the ceremony would remain a modest affair as they didn't want to extend the date.

Some furious, others congratulate: Netizens react to marriage of Kumaraswamy's son during coronavirus lockdown

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport.

According to the complaint filed with the police, around 30 people showed black flags to Scindia and tried to stop his motorcade in Kamala Park area here on Friday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-will-help-in-strengthening-bjp-says-rajnath-singh-285802">Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh</a>

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan had alleged that there was an attempt to attack Scindia and demanded an investigation into the incident.

"Law and order has totally collapsed in the state. There was an attempt to attack him by stopping his car and throwing stones at it," said Chouhan.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scindia-supporting-mlas-go-incommunicado-as-factional-fighting-intensifies-in-congress-in-mp-285345">Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP</a>

This comes after 22 Congress legislators resigned from the party following Scindia`s resignation earlier this week, putting the Kamal Nath-led government in crisis.

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport.

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport. According to the complaint filed with the police, around 30 people showed black flags to Scindia and tried to stop his motorcade in Kamala Park area here on Friday. Also read: Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan had alleged that there was an attempt to attack Scindia and demanded an investigation into the incident. "Law and order has totally collapsed in the state. There was an attempt to attack him by stopping his car and throwing stones at it," said Chouhan. Also see: Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP This comes after 22 Congress legislators resigned from the party following Scindia`s resignation earlier this week, putting the Kamal Nath-led government in crisis.

Case registered against unknown persons for showing black flags to Jyotiraditya Scindia

The resignation letter of Mr. Scindia, dated March 9, 2020 and addressed to party president Sonia Gandhi, stated "this was a path that has been drawing itself out over the last year."

Jyotiraditya Scindia jumps cong ship, joins BJP

The departure of Jyotiraditya Scindia from the Congress party could trigger the collapse of the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh. This report tells you more about the latest crisis in India's Grand Old Party.

India: Congress could lose power in another state | Gravitas

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday morning met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the company of Home Minister Amit Shah, strengthening speculation that he is set to cross over to the BJP a day after he flew out 17 of his loyalist party MLAs.

Jyotiraditya Scindia quits Congress, meets PM Modi, may join BJP today

The 15-month-old Madhya Pradesh government plunged into crisis on Monday with the shock rebellion of Congress general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia and his faction. Congress is making all attempts to negotiate a compromise with Scindia.

MP Political Drama: Cong leader Scindia switiching loyalties to BJP?

It is not the first time that Indian Opposition is confronting a hegemonic power in New Delhi. Congress party enjoyed this hegemonic status for nearly 35 years, till it was overtaken by the combined Opposition. The general election of 1977 was the completion of an exercise which the entire Opposition had experimented with. From 1947-2014, Opposition in Indian politics took important decisions to check power hegemony. It is post- 2014 that Opposition has failed to experiment and take important&nbsp;political decisions to stop hegemonic power in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The primary reason for this is the civil war which is taking place within the Indian National Congress and inability of the biggest Opposition party to reconstitute itself democratically. It has failed to create an independent Congress Working Committee and has a stop-gap reluctant President to run the show. Today’s state is far removed from the vigour leaders in Opposition demonstrated to creatively engage and block ruling parties from stifling democracy.

To begin with, the formation of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) in 1951 was first such experiment in Indian politics which was supported by RSS and functioned as an electoral front of an organisation which was operating from sidelines after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Jan Sangh could not alter the political framework but played a very crucial role in 1967 and 1977. The first president of BJS was Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Indian Opposition remained vibrant in the 1950s and also saw Communists coming to power in the state of Kerala which was quickly dismissed by the Congress Party in 1959. But the second big political decision was taken by political doyen C Rajagopalachari who broke away from the Congress in 1959 to form Swatantra Party so that Indian politics could get a viable Opposition.&nbsp;

The party functioned till 1974 but played a crucial role in voicing dissent despite its limited size in Lok Sabha. Swatantra party provided a national platform to the right of centre economic politics. Swatantra Party was finished after Indira Gandhi swept to power in 1971. But even before that another political decision swept India and created shockwaves in Indian politics. This was the rise of Swatantra Vidhayak Dal. It comprised of PSP, BJS, BKD, PSP and SSD. For the first time, ideological differences were kept aside within the Opposition to form a government against the Congress in a number of Indian states.&nbsp;

Socialists who dominated Indian politics took help from BJS to form the government. Ram Manohar Lohia was its architect and the political decision he took redefined Indian politics for the next 40 years.&nbsp;

This experiment was repeated again. The entire Opposition resurrected retired JP Narayan and made him the face of anti-Indira agitation post-1971 war. The Opposition parties came together and formed Janata Party to fight combined elections against Indira Gandhi in 1977. Indira was defeated and the experiment to come together succeeded. Though the Janata Party government fell under its own contradiction and controversy over dual membership of BJS members who were part of JP, but also remained members of RSS. The government fell but it did not create a political limbo.

In the 1980s, BJP came into the picture. RSS did away with Jan Sangh and also adopted Gandhian philosophy in its constitution. Older leaders gave away and India saw the emergence of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. Then came another important political decision of the Opposition. Both Left parties and BJP came together to support VP Singh’s government to keep Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress out of power. This decision was a repeat of 1967 and 1977 which worked for a short period of time. 
 
The government did not last. In the 90s, another important decision was taken by BJP which ultimately led to the emergence of NDA. LK Advani stepped aside for Vajpayee for want of acceptance. This political decision created stability and first proper non-Congress politician went on to become the Prime Minister as before 1996 every non-Congress PM was a former Congressman. This political decision created another repercussion. It pushed Congress in the Opposition to hunt for alliance partner which it had always avoided. This decision of Congress led to the creation of UPA and defeat of NDA in 2004. Congress continues to hold on to alliances and has refrained from fighting any national election without an alliance. 
 
The last big political decision within the Opposition eco-system was pushed by RSS. The decision was to retire LK Advani and create space for Narendra Modi to become the Prime Ministerial candidate. It led to the defeat of the Congress. It is for this particular reason, the Opposition must experiment with new ideas and faces.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

It is not the first time that Indian Opposition is confronting a hegemonic power in New Delhi. Congress party enjoyed this hegemonic status for nearly 35 years, till it was overtaken by the combined Opposition.

It is not the first time that Indian Opposition is confronting a hegemonic power in New Delhi. Congress party enjoyed this hegemonic status for nearly 35 years, till it was overtaken by the combined Opposition. The general election of 1977 was the completion of an exercise which the entire Opposition had experimented with. From 1947-2014, Opposition in Indian politics took important decisions to check power hegemony. It is post- 2014 that Opposition has failed to experiment and take important political decisions to stop hegemonic power in New Delhi. The primary reason for this is the civil war which is taking place within the Indian National Congress and inability of the biggest Opposition party to reconstitute itself democratically. It has failed to create an independent Congress Working Committee and has a stop-gap reluctant President to run the show. Today’s state is far removed from the vigour leaders in Opposition demonstrated to creatively engage and block ruling parties from stifling democracy. To begin with, the formation of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) in 1951 was first such experiment in Indian politics which was supported by RSS and functioned as an electoral front of an organisation which was operating from sidelines after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Jan Sangh could not alter the political framework but played a very crucial role in 1967 and 1977. The first president of BJS was Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Indian Opposition remained vibrant in the 1950s and also saw Communists coming to power in the state of Kerala which was quickly dismissed by the Congress Party in 1959. But the second big political decision was taken by political doyen C Rajagopalachari who broke away from the Congress in 1959 to form Swatantra Party so that Indian politics could get a viable Opposition. The party functioned till 1974 but played a crucial role in voicing dissent despite its limited size in Lok Sabha. Swatantra party provided a national platform to the right of centre economic politics. Swatantra Party was finished after Indira Gandhi swept to power in 1971. But even before that another political decision swept India and created shockwaves in Indian politics. This was the rise of Swatantra Vidhayak Dal. It comprised of PSP, BJS, BKD, PSP and SSD. For the first time, ideological differences were kept aside within the Opposition to form a government against the Congress in a number of Indian states. Socialists who dominated Indian politics took help from BJS to form the government. Ram Manohar Lohia was its architect and the political decision he took redefined Indian politics for the next 40 years. This experiment was repeated again. The entire Opposition resurrected retired JP Narayan and made him the face of anti-Indira agitation post-1971 war. The Opposition parties came together and formed Janata Party to fight combined elections against Indira Gandhi in 1977. Indira was defeated and the experiment to come together succeeded. Though the Janata Party government fell under its own contradiction and controversy over dual membership of BJS members who were part of JP, but also remained members of RSS. The government fell but it did not create a political limbo. In the 1980s, BJP came into the picture. RSS did away with Jan Sangh and also adopted Gandhian philosophy in its constitution. Older leaders gave away and India saw the emergence of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. Then came another important political decision of the Opposition. Both Left parties and BJP came together to support VP Singh’s government to keep Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress out of power. This decision was a repeat of 1967 and 1977 which worked for a short period of time. The government did not last. In the 90s, another important decision was taken by BJP which ultimately led to the emergence of NDA. LK Advani stepped aside for Vajpayee for want of acceptance. This political decision created stability and first proper non-Congress politician went on to become the Prime Minister as before 1996 every non-Congress PM was a former Congressman. This political decision created another repercussion. It pushed Congress in the Opposition to hunt for alliance partner which it had always avoided. This decision of Congress led to the creation of UPA and defeat of NDA in 2004. Congress continues to hold on to alliances and has refrained from fighting any national election without an alliance. The last big political decision within the Opposition eco-system was pushed by RSS. The decision was to retire LK Advani and create space for Narendra Modi to become the Prime Ministerial candidate. It led to the defeat of the Congress. It is for this particular reason, the Opposition must experiment with new ideas and faces. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opposition must experiment again to contain BJP

A Delegation of Congress leaders submitted Memorandum to President over Delhi's on going situation. Party chief Sonia Gandhi, on Thursday, urged President Ram Nath Kovind to call for Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation.

Delhi Remains Tense: Congress attack on Delhi CM,Police and HM

In the last one week, the South India state of Karnataka has witnessed three cases of rash driving - all involving luxury cars and powerful people.&nbsp;

While two incidents took place in the heart of Bengaluru city, the IT capital of India, the latest incident is reported from Ballari district.&nbsp;

On Monday, in Ballari district's Hospet Taluk, two were killed and three got injured when a luxury car went out of control and overturned on NH 50. The deceased were identified as 19-year-old Ravi Naik, a pedestrian who was sipping tea at a roadside stall and 27-year-old Sachin was inside the car. Ravi was said to have been dragged for about a 100 metres after the collision and died on the spot. The three injured have been identified as Shivakumar, Rakesh and Varun, all residents of Bengaluru. However, on Thursday Congress leaders alleged that the man behind the vehicle was Sharat, son of Revenue Minister R Ashoka.&nbsp;

"The incident occurred 4-days back and an FIR has already been filed. It family who lost their kin have filed a complaint against those who were present on location. The inquiry is ongoing and as a minister I have no involvement. Law is different and we respect law. Hundreds of people have witnessed the accident." said Ashoka.&nbsp;

Upon being asked whether Sharat was present on location during the incident the minister merely stated that he will not comment on an ongoing enquiry.&nbsp;

Sources claim that the car is registered in the name of a prominent chain of school and R Ashoka is associated with the school management as well. It is also being said that Sharat who was injured in the incident is undergoing treatment at home.&nbsp;

But this is not the only incident. Former Congress Minister NA Harris' son, Mohammed Nalapad surrendered before the police on Wednesday as he was accused of driving a Bentley that swerved out of control in Bengaluru's Mekri Circle. Three people, including a six-year-old boy were injured in the incident. Interestingly the police issued a notice Nalapad despite one Balakrishna claiming responsibility for the incident. The police said that they had evidence to prove that Nalapad was behind the wheels of the Bentley.&nbsp;

'We have questioned him(Nalapad) and then granted bail. Investigations are ongoing. We will collect all the required evidence against the accused.' said Dr Ravikante Gowda, Addl CP(Traffic), Bengaluru. However, Nalapad has alleged that the development is a conspiracy against him. 'If there is evidence, let them prove it. I am going to court. I will fight it out till I can. I know there are people behind this and they are trying to frame me.' said the Congress leader's son who is out on bail in a pub assault case. &nbsp;

Another such case of lawlessness was witnessed on Sunday when three Lamborghinis were attempting to race in the crowded Central business district of the city. A dramatic 6-second video that emerged showed the brightly coloured green Lamborghini swerve out of control and ram into a traffic police post. The man behind the wheel, businessman Sunny Sabarwal, even took a picture with the damaged traffic police post and uploaded it on his social media profile. Sunny Sabarwal is the son of a co-owner of a famous amusement park in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Three different incidents, involving(allegedly) three rich kids in three luxurious vehicles. Entitled arrogance, is sure on display on the streets in Karnataka. Will these powerful culprits be brought to book?

In the last one week, the South India state of Karnataka has witnessed three cases of rash driving - all involving luxury cars and powerful people. While two incidents took place in the heart of Bengaluru city, the IT capital of India, the latest incident is reported from Ballari district.

In the last one week, the South India state of Karnataka has witnessed three cases of rash driving - all involving luxury cars and powerful people. While two incidents took place in the heart of Bengaluru city, the IT capital of India, the latest incident is reported from Ballari district. On Monday, in Ballari district's Hospet Taluk, two were killed and three got injured when a luxury car went out of control and overturned on NH 50. The deceased were identified as 19-year-old Ravi Naik, a pedestrian who was sipping tea at a roadside stall and 27-year-old Sachin was inside the car. Ravi was said to have been dragged for about a 100 metres after the collision and died on the spot. The three injured have been identified as Shivakumar, Rakesh and Varun, all residents of Bengaluru. However, on Thursday Congress leaders alleged that the man behind the vehicle was Sharat, son of Revenue Minister R Ashoka. "The incident occurred 4-days back and an FIR has already been filed. It family who lost their kin have filed a complaint against those who were present on location. The inquiry is ongoing and as a minister I have no involvement. Law is different and we respect law. Hundreds of people have witnessed the accident." said Ashoka. Upon being asked whether Sharat was present on location during the incident the minister merely stated that he will not comment on an ongoing enquiry. Sources claim that the car is registered in the name of a prominent chain of school and R Ashoka is associated with the school management as well. It is also being said that Sharat who was injured in the incident is undergoing treatment at home. But this is not the only incident. Former Congress Minister NA Harris' son, Mohammed Nalapad surrendered before the police on Wednesday as he was accused of driving a Bentley that swerved out of control in Bengaluru's Mekri Circle. Three people, including a six-year-old boy were injured in the incident. Interestingly the police issued a notice Nalapad despite one Balakrishna claiming responsibility for the incident. The police said that they had evidence to prove that Nalapad was behind the wheels of the Bentley. 'We have questioned him(Nalapad) and then granted bail. Investigations are ongoing. We will collect all the required evidence against the accused.' said Dr Ravikante Gowda, Addl CP(Traffic), Bengaluru. However, Nalapad has alleged that the development is a conspiracy against him. 'If there is evidence, let them prove it. I am going to court. I will fight it out till I can. I know there are people behind this and they are trying to frame me.' said the Congress leader's son who is out on bail in a pub assault case. Another such case of lawlessness was witnessed on Sunday when three Lamborghinis were attempting to race in the crowded Central business district of the city. A dramatic 6-second video that emerged showed the brightly coloured green Lamborghini swerve out of control and ram into a traffic police post. The man behind the wheel, businessman Sunny Sabarwal, even took a picture with the damaged traffic police post and uploaded it on his social media profile. Sunny Sabarwal is the son of a co-owner of a famous amusement park in Bengaluru. Three different incidents, involving(allegedly) three rich kids in three luxurious vehicles. Entitled arrogance, is sure on display on the streets in Karnataka. Will these powerful culprits be brought to book?

Three accidents, three powerful kids, three luxurious vehicles

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party registered a resounding victory in the Delhi assembly elections 2020 and retained power for a third term by winning 63 seats, hours after counting of votes began on February 11, 2020. AAP bigwigs Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendra Jain, Raghav Chadha, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Amanatulah Khan won etc over their nearest rivals in their respective assembly constituencies.

WION Special Broadcast: Arvind Kejriwal's AAP wins big in Delhi Assembly Elections 2020

The BJP, which strived hard to counter the AAP, is predicted be once again remain the runner up according to all the exit polls, while the Congress is once again facing a wipeout.

Delhi Exit Polls predict Kejriwal's 2nd term as CM, final results on February 11

The polling for Delhi Assembly election is currently underway. Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates. The polling began at 8 am and will end at 6 pm, according to an official.

Delhi Election 2020: Top Union Ministers cast their vote

Delhi Election 2020: PM Modi urges people to go out & vote

Today, in one phase all the assembly seats will be voted for the new government in Delhi. Voting in all 70 constituencies has begun at 8 AM & will end up at 6 PM.

Delhi Election 2020: Around 1.43 Cr voters to decide between AAP, BJP & Congress for their next CM

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