Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Bharatsinh Solanki on Monday resigned from his post.

As per information obtained from sources, Solanki met Congress President Rahul Gandhi earlier in the morning today and submitted his resignation.

The reason behind Solanki&#39;s resignation is unknown.

Solanki was holding the post of state party president since December 2015.

He was Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation (Independent Charge) in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) - 2 government and has also served as Secretary at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) from 2004 to 2006.

The reason behind Solanki's resignation is unknown

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Bharatsinh Solanki on Monday resigned from his post. As per information obtained from sources, Solanki met Congress President Rahul Gandhi earlier in the morning today and submitted his resignation. The reason behind Solanki's resignation is unknown. Solanki was holding the post of state party president since December 2015. He was Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation (Independent Charge) in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) - 2 government and has also served as Secretary at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) from 2004 to 2006.

Bharatsinh Solanki resigns as Congress Gujarat chief

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Russia's Putin wins yet another term but what happens in 2024? In power for almost two decades, Vladimir Putin predictably won a fourth Kremlin term in Russia's presidential election on Sunday, extending his long rule for another six years. YSR Congress, TDP to pitch for no-trust vote against government today The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings. Kim Jong-un 'has given his word' on denuclearisation: South Korea North Korea's Kim Jong-un has "given his word" that he is committed to denuclearisation, South Korea's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha was quoted as saying on Sunday. Ola, Uber on strike today, demand better earnings App-based cabs Ola and Uber will begin with a strike in Mumbai on Monday for an indefinite period. The strike has been called by Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena, the transport wing of Raj Thackeray led MNS. US President Donald Trump sharpens attacks on Russia probe President Donald Trump Sunday intensified his attacks on Robert Mueller's Russia investigation as biased against him, but stopped just short of targeting the special counsel — whose ouster lawmakers warned would cross a "massive red line."

WION Morning News Brief, March 19, 2018

The Congress today accused the Modi government of &quot;destroying&quot;&nbsp;the economy and said growth can be achieved only if the country is rescued from &quot;incompetent economic managers&quot;.

The party, at its 84th plenary session here, adopted a resolution on the economy which said sustained economic growth was the path towards becoming a middle-income developed country.

This path, the Congress said, can lift the people out of poverty and create a large, vibrant and productive middle class.

It will also create wealth and generate government revenues that will enable the state to spend adequately to attain social and redistributive justice, the party said.

&quot;Such sustained economic growth can be achieved only if the country can be rescued from the hands of incompetent economic managers and entrusted to those who have for many years nurtured the economy and guided it on the path of all-round economic development,&quot; the resolution said.

&quot;We have heard the clamour for change. It is now time for a change,&quot;&nbsp;it said.

Moving the resolution, former Finance minister P Chidambaram said, &quot;We have done it before and we will do it again.&quot;

He accused the Modi government of squandering a golden opportunity to catapult India&#39;s growth after economic gains during the previous UPA government, through its mismanagement and flawed policies.

The country faces a crisis and will go into a deeper crisis in the last year of this government as this budget has provided no answers, Chidambaram claimed.

&quot;This budget is the handiwork of a government which is completely helpless, clueless and directionless. I am afraid, 12 months from today, whoever comes into the government, will face a major crisis,&quot; he said.

&quot;The one party which can bring this country out of the crisis is the Congress. Why do I say that? I say that not out of arrogance, not out of conceit, I say this because we have done it before and we can do it again beginning next year,&quot;&nbsp;the former Union minister said.

Promising the industry that there will be no tax &quot;terrorism&quot;, no veiled threats, no &quot;midnight knocks&quot; on doors, he said, &quot;We will lift fear and we will allow you to create wealth.&quot;

The resolution said that the tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government was replete with governance and management misadventures and mistakes.

&quot;The most colossal failure has been its mismanagement of the economy,&quot;&nbsp;it said.

The Modi government was presented with a golden opportunity to catapult India&#39;s economic growth to a new high through a near perfect alignment of stars, an upswing in the economy, macro-economic stability after the upheaval of the 2008 global financial crisis, the resolution said.

&quot;The Congress reiterates that the abysmal economic management of the Modi government has resulted in lack of jobs for millions of India&#39;s youth, stagnant real incomes for hundreds of millions of farmers, collapse of the manufacturing sector, destruction of micro, small and medium businesses, paralysis of India&#39;s banking sector,&quot; it said

These have severely dented business confidence and expectations of households, the resolution said.

&quot;The economy is in the hands of ignorant and incompetent policy-makers who have derailed economic growth through reckless and bizarre policies such as demonetisation and a hasty imposition of a flawed Goods and Services Tax regime,&quot;&nbsp;it said.

Citing the economic survey, Chidambaram said there were three main challenges which were not addressed in the last four years, education, health, agriculture and employment .

&quot;And then the most severe indictment in the last four years, real agricultural GDP and real agricultural income as have remained stagnant,&quot; he said.

&quot;I want to ask the BJP, I want to ask the prime minister, if in four years you did not address the challenge of education or health or agriculture or employment, if in four years the farm sector has become relatively poorer, if in four years the average farmer has become relatively poorer, what have you been doing in the last four years? This is a question the prime minister must answer,&quot;&nbsp;he said.

Chidambaram said that the note ban was a ?big lie, there cannot be a greater lie than demonetisation&quot;.

&quot;They said we will abolish black money, we will put an end to corruption. We will stop fake currency. Have they put an end to black money? Every rally, every public meeting of the prime minister is financed by any money other than black money,&quot; he said.

&quot;Have they put an end to corruption, fake currency?&quot;&nbsp;Chidambaram asked.&nbsp;

The party, at its 84th plenary session here, adopted a resolution on the economy which said sustained economic growth was the path towards becoming a middle-income developed country

The Congress today accused the Modi government of "destroying" the economy and said growth can be achieved only if the country is rescued from "incompetent economic managers". The party, at its 84th plenary session here, adopted a resolution on the economy which said sustained economic growth was the path towards becoming a middle-income developed country. This path, the Congress said, can lift the people out of poverty and create a large, vibrant and productive middle class. It will also create wealth and generate government revenues that will enable the state to spend adequately to attain social and redistributive justice, the party said. "Such sustained economic growth can be achieved only if the country can be rescued from the hands of incompetent economic managers and entrusted to those who have for many years nurtured the economy and guided it on the path of all-round economic development," the resolution said. "We have heard the clamour for change. It is now time for a change," it said. Moving the resolution, former Finance minister P Chidambaram said, "We have done it before and we will do it again." He accused the Modi government of squandering a golden opportunity to catapult India's growth after economic gains during the previous UPA government, through its mismanagement and flawed policies. The country faces a crisis and will go into a deeper crisis in the last year of this government as this budget has provided no answers, Chidambaram claimed. "This budget is the handiwork of a government which is completely helpless, clueless and directionless. I am afraid, 12 months from today, whoever comes into the government, will face a major crisis," he said. "The one party which can bring this country out of the crisis is the Congress. Why do I say that? I say that not out of arrogance, not out of conceit, I say this because we have done it before and we can do it again beginning next year," the former Union minister said. Promising the industry that there will be no tax "terrorism", no veiled threats, no "midnight knocks" on doors, he said, "We will lift fear and we will allow you to create wealth." The resolution said that the tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government was replete with governance and management misadventures and mistakes. "The most colossal failure has been its mismanagement of the economy," it said. The Modi government was presented with a golden opportunity to catapult India's economic growth to a new high through a near perfect alignment of stars, an upswing in the economy, macro-economic stability after the upheaval of the 2008 global financial crisis, the resolution said. "The Congress reiterates that the abysmal economic management of the Modi government has resulted in lack of jobs for millions of India's youth, stagnant real incomes for hundreds of millions of farmers, collapse of the manufacturing sector, destruction of micro, small and medium businesses, paralysis of India's banking sector," it said These have severely dented business confidence and expectations of households, the resolution said. "The economy is in the hands of ignorant and incompetent policy-makers who have derailed economic growth through reckless and bizarre policies such as demonetisation and a hasty imposition of a flawed Goods and Services Tax regime," it said. Citing the economic survey, Chidambaram said there were three main challenges which were not addressed in the last four years, education, health, agriculture and employment . "And then the most severe indictment in the last four years, real agricultural GDP and real agricultural income as have remained stagnant," he said. "I want to ask the BJP, I want to ask the prime minister, if in four years you did not address the challenge of education or health or agriculture or employment, if in four years the farm sector has become relatively poorer, if in four years the average farmer has become relatively poorer, what have you been doing in the last four years? This is a question the prime minister must answer," he said. Chidambaram said that the note ban was a ?big lie, there cannot be a greater lie than demonetisation". "They said we will abolish black money, we will put an end to corruption. We will stop fake currency. Have they put an end to black money? Every rally, every public meeting of the prime minister is financed by any money other than black money," he said. "Have they put an end to corruption, fake currency?" Chidambaram asked.

'Incompetent economic managers' have destroyed economy: Congress

The biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh was that 14 crore people were lifted out of poverty. BJP govt pushed people into poverty, said Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram.

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It&#39;s the biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh that 14 Cr people were listed out of poverty. BJP govt pushed people into poverty. Number of people below poverty line went up. It&#39;s the greatest disservice BJP govt did to people of India: P Chidambaram at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPlenarySession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPlenarySession</a> <a href="https://t.co/gDtkIU1Rci">pic.twitter.com/gDtkIU1Rci</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975268455917244416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Addressing the 84th Congress plenary session in New Delhi on Sunday he said that the biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh that 14 Cr people were lifted out of poverty. BJP government pushed people into poverty. The number of people below poverty line went up. It&#39;s the greatest disservice BJP govt did to people of India, he said.&nbsp;

Praising former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi for sowing the seeds of liberalisation, he said that move gained momentum under Manmohan Singh. 
&nbsp; 
&#39;&#39;The current phase of economic growth started in the 1990s when Rajiv Gandhi sowed seeds of liberalisation. This gained momentum under Dr Manmohan Singh. Whatever the BJP, the NDA may say, records speak for itself,&#39;&#39; Chidambaram said during his speech.&nbsp;

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I would like to tell the RBI officials why don&#39;t you go to Hundi collectors in Tirupati? They count money faster than you - P Chidambaram on demonetisation at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPlenarySession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPlenarySession</a> <a href="https://t.co/oA5e58GMvv">pic.twitter.com/oA5e58GMvv</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975265140550627328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On&nbsp;demonetisation, he said &#39;&#39;I would like to tell the RBI officials why don&#39;t you go to Hundi collectors in Tirupati? They count money faster than you.&#39;&#39;&nbsp;

Praising former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi for sowing the seeds of liberalisation, he said that move gained momentum under Manmohan Singh.

The biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh was that 14 crore people were lifted out of poverty. BJP govt pushed people into poverty, said Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram. It's the biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh that 14 Cr people were listed out of poverty. BJP govt pushed people into poverty. Number of people below poverty line went up. It's the greatest disservice BJP govt did to people of India: P Chidambaram at #CongressPlenarySession pic.twitter.com/gDtkIU1Rci — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × Addressing the 84th Congress plenary session in New Delhi on Sunday he said that the biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh that 14 Cr people were lifted out of poverty. BJP government pushed people into poverty. The number of people below poverty line went up. It's the greatest disservice BJP govt did to people of India, he said. Praising former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi for sowing the seeds of liberalisation, he said that move gained momentum under Manmohan Singh. ''The current phase of economic growth started in the 1990s when Rajiv Gandhi sowed seeds of liberalisation. This gained momentum under Dr Manmohan Singh. Whatever the BJP, the NDA may say, records speak for itself,'' Chidambaram said during his speech. I would like to tell the RBI officials why don't you go to Hundi collectors in Tirupati? They count money faster than you - P Chidambaram on demonetisation at #CongressPlenarySession pic.twitter.com/oA5e58GMvv — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × On demonetisation, he said ''I would like to tell the RBI officials why don't you go to Hundi collectors in Tirupati? They count money faster than you.''

Hundi collectors in Tirupati count money faster than RBI: P Chidambaram

Minister of State for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh has questioned the Congress over their frequent allegations of EVM tempering.&nbsp;

He asked why the Congress did not object to EVMs when they were winning elections back to back.

He further said that despite losing the deposits of its candidate the&nbsp;Congress party was celebrating the loss of BJP in UP.

He said, &quot;Congress and Rahul Gandhi have lost the plot. Why didn&#39;t they object to EVM when they were winning elections back to back? Their mindset is evident from the fact that they&#39;re celebrating UP result because BJP didn&#39;t win. Their own candidates lost their deposit there&quot;.

The Congress and the opposition have&nbsp;time and again blamed the BJP of EVM tempering.

Speaking on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-civilians-killed-in-pakistan-firing-in-poonchs-balakote-sector-36209" target="_blank">ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Balakote sector</a>, in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Poonch district he said that the security forces were retaliating and assured that an appropriate action will be taken.&nbsp;

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The defence ministry and home ministry will take cognizance of such things. our security forces are also retaliating, we should be rest assured that appropriate action will be taken: Jitendra Singh,MoS,PMO on five civilians killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/hSIF84GKxQ">pic.twitter.com/hSIF84GKxQ</a>
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&nbsp;

Minister of State for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh said that the despite losing the deposits of its candidate the Congress party was celebrating the loss of BJP in UP

Minister of State for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh has questioned the Congress over their frequent allegations of EVM tempering. He asked why the Congress did not object to EVMs when they were winning elections back to back. He further said that despite losing the deposits of its candidate the Congress party was celebrating the loss of BJP in UP. He said, "Congress and Rahul Gandhi have lost the plot. Why didn't they object to EVM when they were winning elections back to back? Their mindset is evident from the fact that they're celebrating UP result because BJP didn't win. Their own candidates lost their deposit there". The Congress and the opposition have time and again blamed the BJP of EVM tempering. Speaking on the ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Balakote sector, in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district he said that the security forces were retaliating and assured that an appropriate action will be taken. The defence ministry and home ministry will take cognizance of such things. our security forces are also retaliating, we should be rest assured that appropriate action will be taken: Jitendra Singh,MoS,PMO on five civilians killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan pic.twitter.com/hSIF84GKxQ — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 ×

Why Congress did not object to EVMs when they were winning elections: MoS Jitendra Singh

The gloves were off when Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed the Congress Plenary at the end of the Session. Throughout his speech, he kept on attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS.

He likened BJP to Kauravas and Congress as Pandavas. Rahul Gandhi accused BJP as a party &#39;&#39;drunk on power&#39;&#39;. Launching a blistering attack on BJP president Amit Shah, he&nbsp;said that BJP has made a person charged with murder as president of its party. He said,&rdquo; When Gandhi was spending time in jail, Savarkar was busy writing mercy petitions.&rdquo; Savarkar is a BJP icon and Port Blair airport is named after Savarkar.

He also attacked RSS on a number of issues associated them. &ldquo;Ambedkar went thirsty because RSS supports such ideas. His sister had to cut her own hair because RSS supports such ideas,&rdquo; said Rahul Gandhi. His attack on RSS came from the position of lynching which took place last years against people in the name of cow protection where Dalits were at the receiving end. Rahul Gandhi basically tried to challenge the popular narrative around which BJP&rsquo;s campaign of cultural nationalism has functioned throughout 2016-17. In his speech, he tried to create an opposing binary between Dalit politics and RSS worldview.

His speech also addressed projects and promises associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even challenged PM&rsquo;s foreign policy initiatives in South Asia.

&ldquo;China is in Doklam, in our shops (as all fancy products are made by them) in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. China is everywhere,&rdquo; said Rahul Gandhi. He mentioned that as of now there exists US Vision and a China vision but he hopes there comes a time when there can be an Indian vision.

He even accused the government of maintaining silence on important issues. &ldquo; Government protects crony capitalism in the country,&rdquo; he said.

He also addressed internal issues plaguing Congress Party. He admitted that his party could not stand up to people&rsquo;s expectation in the last tenure of UPA which led to its complete wash out in the Lok Sabha elections. He requested party members to not to fight before Lok Sabha elections and reassured the senior leadership that they would be carried along in decision making.

He said that first he would break the wall between workers and leaders and then between youth and political parties. He has been harping on this theme since the beginning of his career. His experiment to do so failed in Youth Congress where he ended up introducing elections for the posts. The elections turned so expensive that poor candidates were unable to participate.

He also clarified his temple run in Gujarat and said that he had been visiting temple even before though the fact is that Congress monetized his temple run in Gujarat as an electoral strategy.

Throughout his speech, Rahul Gandhi kept attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS

The gloves were off when Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed the Congress Plenary at the end of the Session. Throughout his speech, he kept on attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS. He likened BJP to Kauravas and Congress as Pandavas. Rahul Gandhi accused BJP as a party ''drunk on power''. Launching a blistering attack on BJP president Amit Shah, he said that BJP has made a person charged with murder as president of its party. He said,” When Gandhi was spending time in jail, Savarkar was busy writing mercy petitions.” Savarkar is a BJP icon and Port Blair airport is named after Savarkar. He also attacked RSS on a number of issues associated them. “Ambedkar went thirsty because RSS supports such ideas. His sister had to cut her own hair because RSS supports such ideas,” said Rahul Gandhi. His attack on RSS came from the position of lynching which took place last years against people in the name of cow protection where Dalits were at the receiving end. Rahul Gandhi basically tried to challenge the popular narrative around which BJP’s campaign of cultural nationalism has functioned throughout 2016-17. In his speech, he tried to create an opposing binary between Dalit politics and RSS worldview. His speech also addressed projects and promises associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even challenged PM’s foreign policy initiatives in South Asia. “China is in Doklam, in our shops (as all fancy products are made by them) in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. China is everywhere,” said Rahul Gandhi. He mentioned that as of now there exists US Vision and a China vision but he hopes there comes a time when there can be an Indian vision. He even accused the government of maintaining silence on important issues. “ Government protects crony capitalism in the country,” he said. He also addressed internal issues plaguing Congress Party. He admitted that his party could not stand up to people’s expectation in the last tenure of UPA which led to its complete wash out in the Lok Sabha elections. He requested party members to not to fight before Lok Sabha elections and reassured the senior leadership that they would be carried along in decision making. He said that first he would break the wall between workers and leaders and then between youth and political parties. He has been harping on this theme since the beginning of his career. His experiment to do so failed in Youth Congress where he ended up introducing elections for the posts. The elections turned so expensive that poor candidates were unable to participate. He also clarified his temple run in Gujarat and said that he had been visiting temple even before though the fact is that Congress monetized his temple run in Gujarat as an electoral strategy.

At Congress plenary Rahul takes gloves off, launches trenchant attack on BJP

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for&nbsp;future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of &quot;misgivings on misuse&quot; of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session.

The Congress, along with other political parties, alleged that EVMs were tampered with and manipulated during polls.&nbsp;

According to the Congress, the traditional practice of paper ballots was adopted by major world democracies to help restore the credibility of the electoral process.

The party also moved a resolution today in this regard, during the plenary session, mentioning that the BJP&#39;s move of simultaneous elections is misplaced, impractical and incompatible with the Constitution.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been vocal about the idea of holding simultaneous Parliament and state assembly elections to save money and time.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The party also moved a resolution today in this regard during its plenary session

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of "misgivings on misuse" of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session. The Congress, along with other political parties, alleged that EVMs were tampered with and manipulated during polls. According to the Congress, the traditional practice of paper ballots was adopted by major world democracies to help restore the credibility of the electoral process. The party also moved a resolution today in this regard, during the plenary session, mentioning that the BJP's move of simultaneous elections is misplaced, impractical and incompatible with the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been vocal about the idea of holding simultaneous Parliament and state assembly elections to save money and time. (With inputs from PTI)

Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a spirited defence of much beleaguered Congress Party and accused the Modi government of doing everything to destroy the Congress Party.

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions.

She also reminded her colleagues that Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s victory in Chikmanglur by election paved the way to success as she won the 1980 Lok Sabha elections with a solid majority.&nbsp;

Though she did not mention Gorakhpur and Phoolpur bye-elections, the message was not missed. Strong words like &quot;draamebazi&quot; were used by Sonia Gandhi to target the government. She even accused the government of the day to weaken projects started by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Congress Party&rsquo;s political resolution also echoed the similar sentiment. Out of 12 pages, one and a half were dedicated to RSS-BJP. The resolution accused the government of systematically attacking the foundational principles of the constitution.&nbsp;

The Political resolution also charged the government subverting educational, cultural and historical institutions facilitating their capture by BJP&rsquo;s ideological affiliates. The draft also accused the government of misusing the office Governors in the state.

The resolution also stated that Congress remains opposed to simultaneous elections as it goes against the grain of the Constitution.&nbsp;Surprisingly, even the media made way for the Political Resolution.

The plenary also devoted an hour to media which was discussed by Randeep Surjewala, Kumar Ketkar, Divya Spandana, Rajeev Gowda, Sushmita Sen and Mrinal Pande. The resolution said that government is muzzling the voice of the media whereas the panelist during plenary debated the issue of neutrality and media.

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a spirited defence of much beleaguered Congress Party and accused the Modi government of doing everything to destroy the Congress Party. Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions. She also reminded her colleagues that Indira Gandhi’s victory in Chikmanglur by election paved the way to success as she won the 1980 Lok Sabha elections with a solid majority. Though she did not mention Gorakhpur and Phoolpur bye-elections, the message was not missed. Strong words like "draamebazi" were used by Sonia Gandhi to target the government. She even accused the government of the day to weaken projects started by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress Party’s political resolution also echoed the similar sentiment. Out of 12 pages, one and a half were dedicated to RSS-BJP. The resolution accused the government of systematically attacking the foundational principles of the constitution. The Political resolution also charged the government subverting educational, cultural and historical institutions facilitating their capture by BJP’s ideological affiliates. The draft also accused the government of misusing the office Governors in the state. The resolution also stated that Congress remains opposed to simultaneous elections as it goes against the grain of the Constitution. Surprisingly, even the media made way for the Political Resolution. The plenary also devoted an hour to media which was discussed by Randeep Surjewala, Kumar Ketkar, Divya Spandana, Rajeev Gowda, Sushmita Sen and Mrinal Pande. The resolution said that government is muzzling the voice of the media whereas the panelist during plenary debated the issue of neutrality and media.

Sonia accuses Modi government of 'tinkering with constitutional propriety'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his first address to the&nbsp;party&#39;s plenary session on Saturday said that the&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;will&nbsp;work&nbsp;for all.

He said, &quot;The nation is tired and looking for a way out, only Congress can show the way ahead&quot;.

The major focus of his address today was&nbsp;targetting&nbsp;the Modi government. He said that the youth of the country does not see&nbsp;their future with PM Modi.&nbsp;

He said, &quot;This is the only symbol (Congress party symbol) that can unite the nation and take it forward&quot;.

Referring to the BJP led NDA government, the Congress president said&nbsp;that while &quot;Congress uses love, they use&nbsp;anger&quot;.

The&nbsp;open session started today in the presence of AICC and PCC delegates and workers.&nbsp;

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Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi &amp; Manmohan Singh at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Indira Gandhi Stadium for Congress&#39; plenary session. <a href="https://t.co/0QtEdWENym">pic.twitter.com/0QtEdWENym</a>
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The session organised will focus on party workers than its leaders.The Congress workers will get a chance to speak in the session and&nbsp;will also be motivated to win public support for the 2019 elections.

The Congress party will unveil its political roadmap and vision for the next five years at the session.

The plenary&nbsp;session was organised at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi said, 'The nation is tired and looking for a way out, only Congress can show the way ahead'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his first address to the party's plenary session on Saturday said that the Congress will work for all. He said, "The nation is tired and looking for a way out, only Congress can show the way ahead". The major focus of his address today was targetting the Modi government. He said that the youth of the country does not see their future with PM Modi. He said, "This is the only symbol (Congress party symbol) that can unite the nation and take it forward". Referring to the BJP led NDA government, the Congress president said that while "Congress uses love, they use anger". The open session started today in the presence of AICC and PCC delegates and workers. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi & Manmohan Singh at #Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium for Congress' plenary session. pic.twitter.com/0QtEdWENym — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × The session organised will focus on party workers than its leaders.The Congress workers will get a chance to speak in the session and will also be motivated to win public support for the 2019 elections. The Congress party will unveil its political roadmap and vision for the next five years at the session. The plenary session was organised at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi.

Youth does not see future with PM Modi: Rahul Gandhi at Plenary session

Congress Plenary was inaugurated in a new avatar on Saturday which started with the Twitter handle of Rahul Gandhi changing to Rahul Gandhi from office of Rahul Gandhi; lending a missing touch to his twitter handle.

The Session also showcased much reconciled Congress President who at the beginning of the Session acknowledged the role which seniors will have to play in rebuilding the party. Though he has been stressing the importance of coordination between junior and senior leaders after 2014 Lok Sabha election, its importance was not lost on anyone when he said that seniors are very much required by the Congress Party.

Perhaps for this reason, Former Speaker of Lok Sabha, senior Dalit leader and daughter of late Dalit icon Babu Jagjivan Ram was first to speak after Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s attack on BJP remained brief perhaps reserving the ammunition for the last day. Though he did build the binary between politics of divisiveness and politics of love, differentiating BJP from the Congress, he did not get into the detail. But what caught the eye was that unlike previous AICC Session, Congress leadership was not accommodated on the dais. Congress decided to keep the dais empty to give the message that this plenary is less about leaders and more about workers. The idea looked fresh and did away with the images of dais associated with the old Congress which today&rsquo;s generation found very feudal.

Unlike previous sessions, AICC session this year also decided to have TV panel discussion format on pre-chosen themes rather than long monologues of leaders and workers which bored everyone to death in the past. For this reason, for the first day, subjects like media, communication and common heritage were picked up.

Sources in the Congress say that the new format was chosen to give fresh life to Sessions which used to be long and tiring. Though the Session is all about the assertion of Rahul Gandhi as a leader of United Congress, the purpose was also to connect the younger audience with freedom movement and Congress. It is for this reason, the Plenary started with a black and white video of Mahatma Gandhi leading the freedom struggle.

Congress Plenary was inaugurated in a new avatar on Saturday which started with the Twitter handle of Rahul Gandhi changing to Rahul Gandhi from office of Rahul Gandhi; lending a missing touch to his twitter handle

Congress Plenary was inaugurated in a new avatar on Saturday which started with the Twitter handle of Rahul Gandhi changing to Rahul Gandhi from office of Rahul Gandhi; lending a missing touch to his twitter handle. The Session also showcased much reconciled Congress President who at the beginning of the Session acknowledged the role which seniors will have to play in rebuilding the party. Though he has been stressing the importance of coordination between junior and senior leaders after 2014 Lok Sabha election, its importance was not lost on anyone when he said that seniors are very much required by the Congress Party. Perhaps for this reason, Former Speaker of Lok Sabha, senior Dalit leader and daughter of late Dalit icon Babu Jagjivan Ram was first to speak after Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi’s attack on BJP remained brief perhaps reserving the ammunition for the last day. Though he did build the binary between politics of divisiveness and politics of love, differentiating BJP from the Congress, he did not get into the detail. But what caught the eye was that unlike previous AICC Session, Congress leadership was not accommodated on the dais. Congress decided to keep the dais empty to give the message that this plenary is less about leaders and more about workers. The idea looked fresh and did away with the images of dais associated with the old Congress which today’s generation found very feudal. Unlike previous sessions, AICC session this year also decided to have TV panel discussion format on pre-chosen themes rather than long monologues of leaders and workers which bored everyone to death in the past. For this reason, for the first day, subjects like media, communication and common heritage were picked up. Sources in the Congress say that the new format was chosen to give fresh life to Sessions which used to be long and tiring. Though the Session is all about the assertion of Rahul Gandhi as a leader of United Congress, the purpose was also to connect the younger audience with freedom movement and Congress. It is for this reason, the Plenary started with a black and white video of Mahatma Gandhi leading the freedom struggle.

AICC Session goes for a drastic change

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-skip-wto-meet-in-new-delhi-36145">Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi</a>

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonias-strong-attack-on-modi-government-36152">Sonia accuses Modi government of &#39;tinkering with constitutional propriety&#39;</a>

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ditch-evms-and-go-back-to-paper-ballots-congress-urges-ec-36159">Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC</a>

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of &quot;misgivings on misuse&quot; of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">Russia expels 23 British diplomats as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">crisis</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    "> over nerve toxin attack deepens&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-story-could-end-with-mass-unemployment-nobel-winner-paul-krugman-36154">India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman</a>

&ldquo;India&rsquo;s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn&#39;t have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,&rdquo; he said

Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation. Sonia accuses Modi government of 'tinkering with constitutional propriety' Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of "misgivings on misuse" of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session. Russia expels 23 British diplomats as crisis over nerve toxin attack deepens Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England. India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman “India’s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn't have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,” he said

WION Evening News Brief, March 17, 2018

Congress leader Ripun Bora moved a private member&#39;s resolution in Rajya Sabha on Friday, seeking amendment of the National Anthem and replacing the word &quot;Sindh&quot; with &quot;Northeast India.&quot;

The lawmaker hailing from Assam directed that the National Anthem of India &quot;Jana Gana Mana&quot; mentions &quot;Sindh&quot; which is no longer a part of India, further adding that Northeast India, a very important part of India, finds no mention in the anthem.&nbsp;

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Congress&#39; Ripun Bora moves private member&#39;s resolution in Rajya Sabha, seeking amendment of the National Anthem &amp; replacing the word &#39;Sindh&#39; with &#39;Northeast India.&#39; <a href="https://t.co/iqEWI9ADOz">pic.twitter.com/iqEWI9ADOz</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974575516081631232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bora said that Sindh is a part of Pakistan, which is a &quot;hostile country.&quot; The state became a part of Pakistan following the bifurcation of India in 1947.&nbsp;

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North East is important part of India, it is unfortunate that it is not part of national anthem on other hand Sindh is mentioned, which is no longer part of India but part of Pakistan, which is a hostile country: Ripun Bora,Cong MP on his resolution in RS to amend National Anthem <a href="https://t.co/3X72VJMCMK">pic.twitter.com/3X72VJMCMK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974580096089690112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In 2016, a similar demand was made by &nbsp;Shiv Sena member Arvind Sawant - the word &#39;Sindh&#39; in the national anthem be removed and replaced with an appropriate word, saying there was no state by that name in the country.

The issue was raised during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, he said that as the national anthem was adopted by Parliament, it should initiate action to remove the word.

Sawant said a correct word with appropriate pronunciation should replace the word &#39;Sindh&#39;.

National anthem &#39;Jana Gana Mana&#39;, composed by Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore in 1911, was adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1950. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Congress leader Ripun Bora moved a private member's resolution in Rajya Sabha on Friday, seeking amendment of the National Anthem

Congress leader Ripun Bora moved a private member's resolution in Rajya Sabha on Friday, seeking amendment of the National Anthem and replacing the word "Sindh" with "Northeast India." The lawmaker hailing from Assam directed that the National Anthem of India "Jana Gana Mana" mentions "Sindh" which is no longer a part of India, further adding that Northeast India, a very important part of India, finds no mention in the anthem. Congress' Ripun Bora moves private member's resolution in Rajya Sabha, seeking amendment of the National Anthem & replacing the word 'Sindh' with 'Northeast India.' pic.twitter.com/iqEWI9ADOz — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Bora said that Sindh is a part of Pakistan, which is a "hostile country." The state became a part of Pakistan following the bifurcation of India in 1947. North East is important part of India, it is unfortunate that it is not part of national anthem on other hand Sindh is mentioned, which is no longer part of India but part of Pakistan, which is a hostile country: Ripun Bora,Cong MP on his resolution in RS to amend National Anthem pic.twitter.com/3X72VJMCMK — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × In 2016, a similar demand was made by Shiv Sena member Arvind Sawant - the word 'Sindh' in the national anthem be removed and replaced with an appropriate word, saying there was no state by that name in the country. The issue was raised during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, he said that as the national anthem was adopted by Parliament, it should initiate action to remove the word. Sawant said a correct word with appropriate pronunciation should replace the word 'Sindh'. National anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', composed by Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore in 1911, was adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.

Replace Sindh with Northeast in national anthem: Congress MP

Political obituaries are easy to write but political events are far more difficult to predict.&nbsp;

Political parties rebound from losses and state elections are not the key to understanding the prevalent mood in the country. The BJP misunderstood the verdict of the assembly elections and called early national elections, only to lose them to the UPA in 2004. Similarly,&nbsp; the AAP misunderstood its resurgence and failed terribly in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

But that does not mean that verdicts have no meaning at all.&nbsp;

Byelections indicate a trend and if capitalised on, can turn into tsunamis. Whether it was the re-election of Indira Gandhi from Medak in 1980 or of VP Singh from Allahabad in 1987, those byelections demonstrated the mood of the nation and the complacency of a party in a particular area.

In one case, it foretold the return of Indira and in the other, showcased the unity of the Opposition and the undoing of the Congress. The former ended Indira&rsquo;s political isolation while the latter led to Rajiv Gandhi&rsquo;s isolation the numbers being with him.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-up-shocker-sp-wins-both-yogi-bastion-of-gorakhpur-and-phulpur-seat-35824" target="_blank">Gorakhpur byelection</a> points in this direction.

The incumbent government is getting politically isolated. Political isolation is often a prelude to intense electoral Opposition directed against an individual.

The first time such phenomena was witnessed in India was while Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister.

Already rattled by the call of total revolution and an adverse court judgement, Indira imposed the Emergency. It united the Opposition and from Congress vs the rest, the battle turned into Indira vs the rest. Similarly, Rajiv Gandhi too faced an onslaught from his former colleagues on the charge of corruption and the entire Opposition fell in line, turning that tussle into Rajiv Gandhi vs the rest.&nbsp;

The same phenomenon is being witnessed today.

In both cases, before the loss at the hustings, Indira and Rajiv were politically isolated and bereft of any sympathy or support outside their own parties. Both times, senior leaders of the Congress jumped ship and joined the Opposition. Despite having the numbers and their achievements, those governments became lame-duck ones. And Indira and Rajiv became the target&nbsp;of ridicule and caustic campaigns which eroded their gravitas in public life. The results&nbsp;were mandates which ousted them from power.

The incumbent government also faces the spectre of political isolation from not only the Opposition but also its own allies.

The problem stems from its strength and not its weakness. Its allies are worried the BJP has not participated in the&nbsp;give-and-take that is part of a coalition government. For the Opposition meanwhile, it is matter of survival. And in all of this, Prime Minister Modi stands alone.

The general election is still a year away and the ideological contradictions of regional parties that band together may repel the electorate. The electorate may even stay with the BJP because of the lack of an Opposition prime ministerial candidate matching Modi&rsquo;s stature but that does not belie the fact that the BJP stands alone today.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The BJP stands alone today, isolated not only from the Opposition but also its own allies

Political obituaries are easy to write but political events are far more difficult to predict. Political parties rebound from losses and state elections are not the key to understanding the prevalent mood in the country. The BJP misunderstood the verdict of the assembly elections and called early national elections, only to lose them to the UPA in 2004. Similarly, the AAP misunderstood its resurgence and failed terribly in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. But that does not mean that verdicts have no meaning at all. Byelections indicate a trend and if capitalised on, can turn into tsunamis. Whether it was the re-election of Indira Gandhi from Medak in 1980 or of VP Singh from Allahabad in 1987, those byelections demonstrated the mood of the nation and the complacency of a party in a particular area. In one case, it foretold the return of Indira and in the other, showcased the unity of the Opposition and the undoing of the Congress. The former ended Indira’s political isolation while the latter led to Rajiv Gandhi’s isolation the numbers being with him. The Gorakhpur byelection points in this direction. The incumbent government is getting politically isolated. Political isolation is often a prelude to intense electoral Opposition directed against an individual. The first time such phenomena was witnessed in India was while Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister. Already rattled by the call of total revolution and an adverse court judgement, Indira imposed the Emergency. It united the Opposition and from Congress vs the rest, the battle turned into Indira vs the rest. Similarly, Rajiv Gandhi too faced an onslaught from his former colleagues on the charge of corruption and the entire Opposition fell in line, turning that tussle into Rajiv Gandhi vs the rest. The same phenomenon is being witnessed today. In both cases, before the loss at the hustings, Indira and Rajiv were politically isolated and bereft of any sympathy or support outside their own parties. Both times, senior leaders of the Congress jumped ship and joined the Opposition. Despite having the numbers and their achievements, those governments became lame-duck ones. And Indira and Rajiv became the target of ridicule and caustic campaigns which eroded their gravitas in public life. The results were mandates which ousted them from power. The incumbent government also faces the spectre of political isolation from not only the Opposition but also its own allies. The problem stems from its strength and not its weakness. Its allies are worried the BJP has not participated in the give-and-take that is part of a coalition government. For the Opposition meanwhile, it is matter of survival. And in all of this, Prime Minister Modi stands alone. The general election is still a year away and the ideological contradictions of regional parties that band together may repel the electorate. The electorate may even stay with the BJP because of the lack of an Opposition prime ministerial candidate matching Modi’s stature but that does not belie the fact that the BJP stands alone today.

Will Modi be able to beat what seems like impending political isolation?

Congress president Rahul Gandhi&#39;s meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar hours after the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Lok Sabha bypoll results were announced, shows that the Congress leadership is serious on forging a bigger alliance of opposition parties, the NCP said today.

In a major blow to the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party was trounced in the bypolls to three Lok Sabha seats, including the citadel of Yogi Adityanath&#39;s Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

&quot;Rahul Gandhi has started meeting various party leaders and began this practice by meeting Pawar saheb. The Congress president is meeting party presidents who are senior to him,&quot; NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said.

&quot;Despite the Congress being the bigger party, Rahul Gandhi has started meeting leaders of other parties. This shows they (Congress) are serious on making a bigger alliance,&quot; Malik, a former Maharashtra minister, told PTI here.

The NCP leader said, &quot;Rahul Gandhi wants that Pawar saheb should bring in more people (parties) in the country under the UPA fold.&quot;

Adityanath, who termed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samajwadi Party alliance as one of &quot;snake and mongoose&quot;, had said over-confidence and inability to understand the electoral understanding between the SP and the BSP led to the defeat in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats.

In Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal retained Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jehanabad Assembly constituency, while the BJP held on to Bhabua.

Rahul Gandhi had received some praise from Pawar last month, who said the Congress party chief was showing an inclination to &quot;learn and understand&quot; the issues facing the nation.

Asked if the Shiv Sena, the BJP&#39;s bickering alliance partner, will withdraw support to the Narendra Modi government, like the TDP did, Malik said, the &quot;Sena won&#39;t part ways with the BJP-led government.&quot;

&quot;They (Sena) are just bargaining. They don&#39;t have the courage to go solo,&quot; the NCP leader said.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today ended its four-year-old alliance with the BJP and walked out of the NDA, eight days after two of its Union ministers resigned over the Centre&#39;s refusal to grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

'Rahul Gandhi has started meeting various party leaders and began this practice by meeting Pawar saheb. The Congress president is meeting party presidents who are senior to him,' NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar hours after the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Lok Sabha bypoll results were announced, shows that the Congress leadership is serious on forging a bigger alliance of opposition parties, the NCP said today. In a major blow to the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party was trounced in the bypolls to three Lok Sabha seats, including the citadel of Yogi Adityanath's Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. "Rahul Gandhi has started meeting various party leaders and began this practice by meeting Pawar saheb. The Congress president is meeting party presidents who are senior to him," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said. "Despite the Congress being the bigger party, Rahul Gandhi has started meeting leaders of other parties. This shows they (Congress) are serious on making a bigger alliance," Malik, a former Maharashtra minister, told PTI here. The NCP leader said, "Rahul Gandhi wants that Pawar saheb should bring in more people (parties) in the country under the UPA fold." Adityanath, who termed the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samajwadi Party alliance as one of "snake and mongoose", had said over-confidence and inability to understand the electoral understanding between the SP and the BSP led to the defeat in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats. In Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal retained Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jehanabad Assembly constituency, while the BJP held on to Bhabua. Rahul Gandhi had received some praise from Pawar last month, who said the Congress party chief was showing an inclination to "learn and understand" the issues facing the nation. Asked if the Shiv Sena, the BJP's bickering alliance partner, will withdraw support to the Narendra Modi government, like the TDP did, Malik said, the "Sena won't part ways with the BJP-led government." "They (Sena) are just bargaining. They don't have the courage to go solo," the NCP leader said. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today ended its four-year-old alliance with the BJP and walked out of the NDA, eight days after two of its Union ministers resigned over the Centre's refusal to grant Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh.

Rahul meeting Pawar shows Congress serious about forming bigger alliance: NCP

Opposition Congress today protested against former minister Y S Chowdary&#39;s remarks on the previous UPA regime over the division of Andhra Pradesh, forcing adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha till 3 pm.

Congress members trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans after TDP MP Chowdhary said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was carried out in a &quot;hasty, unjust and unscientific&quot; manner.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the former minister had been allowed permission under Rule 241 to make a statement on reasons for quitting the Union Cabinet.

The TDP&#39;s two ministers had resigned after the party pulled out of the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh.

Chowdary began by thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party leader N Chandrababu Naidu for giving him an opportunity to be part of the Cabinet and then went on to state that he was making the statement to set the perspective right and &quot;separate truth from propaganda&quot;.

He said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was done in a &quot;hasty, unjust and unscientific manner&quot; and the government of the time should have kept to states at par for 10 years.

The comment drew a sharp reaction from the Congress members who shouted in protest and started moving into the Well.

Naidu asked Chowdary not to deviate from the approved text of the statement and anything that he said beyond it would not go on record.

But this did not satisfy the Congress members who started to move into the Well with some holding placard supporting a special package for Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu said the House was not a place to play politics and adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.

Earlier the House mourned the death of its former member Hamida Habibullah.

Hamida, a qualified nurse who served in the military hospital in Lucknow till World War-II, died on March 13 at the age of 101 years.

A social worker, she represented the state of Uttar Pradesh from April 1976 to April 1982, Naidu said.

&quot;In passing away of Shrimati Hamida Habibullah, the country has lost a distinguished Parliamentarian, an able administrator and a dedicated social worker,&quot; Naidu said reading an obituary reference. 
Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.&nbsp;

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said that the House was not a place to play politics and adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm

Opposition Congress today protested against former minister Y S Chowdary's remarks on the previous UPA regime over the division of Andhra Pradesh, forcing adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha till 3 pm. Congress members trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans after TDP MP Chowdhary said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was carried out in a "hasty, unjust and unscientific" manner. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the former minister had been allowed permission under Rule 241 to make a statement on reasons for quitting the Union Cabinet. The TDP's two ministers had resigned after the party pulled out of the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. Chowdary began by thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party leader N Chandrababu Naidu for giving him an opportunity to be part of the Cabinet and then went on to state that he was making the statement to set the perspective right and "separate truth from propaganda". He said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was done in a "hasty, unjust and unscientific manner" and the government of the time should have kept to states at par for 10 years. The comment drew a sharp reaction from the Congress members who shouted in protest and started moving into the Well. Naidu asked Chowdary not to deviate from the approved text of the statement and anything that he said beyond it would not go on record. But this did not satisfy the Congress members who started to move into the Well with some holding placard supporting a special package for Andhra Pradesh. Naidu said the House was not a place to play politics and adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm. Earlier the House mourned the death of its former member Hamida Habibullah. Hamida, a qualified nurse who served in the military hospital in Lucknow till World War-II, died on March 13 at the age of 101 years. A social worker, she represented the state of Uttar Pradesh from April 1976 to April 1982, Naidu said. "In passing away of Shrimati Hamida Habibullah, the country has lost a distinguished Parliamentarian, an able administrator and a dedicated social worker," Naidu said reading an obituary reference. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

Rajya Sabha adjourned over TDP MP's remarks

The upcoming Congress plenary session in Delhi will feature both continuity and discontinuity.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi as Congress President has decided to dedicate the plenary to the party&#39;s workers but UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi may not officially address the session. This may then be the first Congress plenary session that Sonia Gandhi will refrain from addressing after joining politics. &nbsp;

Secondly, unlike PV Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesari, Rahul Gandhi will not in go for an election to the CWC. Elections had in the past led to open warfare within the party when Rao and Kesari were at the helm of affairs. Rahul had earlier advocated and allowed elections to the Youth Congress, which too had led to infighting and adverse results.

Under Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s presidentship, Manmohan Singh will hold a meeting on March 16 of the party&#39;s Steering Committee at the Constitution Club.

Rahul has told his colleagues that the session should be about the party&#39;s workers and not about him becoming president of the Congress.

The Congress will pass five resolutions during the session. The political resolution will focus on the RSS but that said, the focus will be on Rahul.

There will also be a separate resolution on the farmers&#39; issue.&nbsp;

Priyanka is expected to come to the session too but like in the past, is expected keep to back-room preparations.&nbsp;

Rahul himself will speak on the last day of the session, March 18.

Earler elections to the Congress Working Committee had led to open warfare within the Congress

The upcoming Congress plenary session in Delhi will feature both continuity and discontinuity. Rahul Gandhi as Congress President has decided to dedicate the plenary to the party's workers but UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi may not officially address the session. This may then be the first Congress plenary session that Sonia Gandhi will refrain from addressing after joining politics. Secondly, unlike PV Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesari, Rahul Gandhi will not in go for an election to the CWC. Elections had in the past led to open warfare within the party when Rao and Kesari were at the helm of affairs. Rahul had earlier advocated and allowed elections to the Youth Congress, which too had led to infighting and adverse results. Under Rahul Gandhi’s presidentship, Manmohan Singh will hold a meeting on March 16 of the party's Steering Committee at the Constitution Club. Rahul has told his colleagues that the session should be about the party's workers and not about him becoming president of the Congress. The Congress will pass five resolutions during the session. The political resolution will focus on the RSS but that said, the focus will be on Rahul. There will also be a separate resolution on the farmers' issue. Priyanka is expected to come to the session too but like in the past, is expected keep to back-room preparations. Rahul himself will speak on the last day of the session, March 18.

Rahul Gandhi to not hold elections to CWC

Counting of votes for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-gorakhpur-voter-turnout-reaches-43-phulpur-38-by-5-pm-35404">Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha </a>byelections began today amid tight security.&nbsp;

All eyes are on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-to-collectively-fight-against-bjp-in-up-bypolls-34617"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-to-collectively-fight-against-bjp-in-up-bypolls-34617">Gorkahpur</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-to-collectively-fight-against-bjp-in-up-bypolls-34617"> as it is the home constituency</a> of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath from where&nbsp;he had won five times as an MP. It is also a test for the SP-BSP tie-up which has come into existence to take on the BJP, the result could point towards a nationwide third front thrust in the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

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Counting for Gorakhpur by-polls to start at 8 am today; security deployed at Gorakhpur university where counting will be held <a href="https://t.co/dpcGXELpDd">pic.twitter.com/dpcGXELpDd</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/973730224130215937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP has fielded Upendra Dutt Shukla from Gorakhpur while the SP has put Pravin Nishad in the fray, the Congress had nominated Sureetha Kareem for Gorakhpur.

The bypolls took place after CM Yogi Adityanath and Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya vacated their seats after being elected to the state assembly.

Phulpur which was once the constituency of Jawaharlal Nehru is also locked in battle between the SP, Congress and the BJP.

In a three-cornered battle, Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel is fighting on a BJP ticket from Phulpur while the Manish Mishra is fighting for the Congress and Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel has taken on the poll fight for the SP.

The bypolls took place after CM Yogi Adityanath and Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya vacated their seats after being elected to the state assembly.

Counting of votes for the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha byelections began today amid tight security. All eyes are on Gorkahpur as it is the home constituency of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath from where he had won five times as an MP. It is also a test for the SP-BSP tie-up which has come into existence to take on the BJP, the result could point towards a nationwide third front thrust in the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Counting for Gorakhpur by-polls to start at 8 am today; security deployed at Gorakhpur university where counting will be held pic.twitter.com/dpcGXELpDd — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 14, 2018 × The BJP has fielded Upendra Dutt Shukla from Gorakhpur while the SP has put Pravin Nishad in the fray, the Congress had nominated Sureetha Kareem for Gorakhpur. The bypolls took place after CM Yogi Adityanath and Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya vacated their seats after being elected to the state assembly. Phulpur which was once the constituency of Jawaharlal Nehru is also locked in battle between the SP, Congress and the BJP. In a three-cornered battle, Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel is fighting on a BJP ticket from Phulpur while the Manish Mishra is fighting for the Congress and Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel has taken on the poll fight for the SP.

Gorakhpur, Phulpur Bypoll results: Counting underway amid heavy security

The Samajwadi Party&#39;s Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second.&nbsp;

In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP&#39;s Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes

The BSP did not put up any candidates, so as to not split the anti-BJP vote.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accepted the defeats, saying after the loss:&nbsp;&quot;We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings. I congratulate the winning candidates.&quot; &nbsp;

Remember, UP CM Yogi Adityanath was elected MP from Gorakhpur five times before this. He had to vacate the Lok Sabha seat after becoming chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, the Phulpur seat was vacated by Keshav Prasad Maurya after he became deputy chief minister.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&quot;Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> UP CM Yogi Adityanath says &#39;Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPByPoll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPByPoll</a> <a href="https://t.co/DtyHvLeJqH">pic.twitter.com/DtyHvLeJqH</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/973899298382450689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Patel meanwhile thanked BSP chief Mayawati after his win:&nbsp;

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Behenji ka bhi bahot aashirwad tha. Ek hi vichaardhara ke sabhi parties ek huyin aur humaari jeet huyi. Jeet ka shrey Akhilesh ji, Behenji Mayawati ji aur Phulpur ki janta ko deta hoon: Nagendra Singh Patel, Samajwadi Party&#39;s winning candidate. <a href="https://t.co/kqjqGSvmen">pic.twitter.com/kqjqGSvmen</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/973886924632051713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress meanwhile fared poorly in the polls, with its candidates from both Phulpur and Gorakhpur losing their deposits.&nbsp;

That however did not stop Congress President Rahul Gandhi from proclaiming that the BJP losses showed that voters are angry with the BJP.&nbsp;

&quot;It is clear from the bypoll results that voters are angry with BJP and they will vote for the non-BJP candidate who has strongest chance of winning. As far as Congress is concerned, we are committed towards rebuilding the party in UP, and it does not happen overnight,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

'We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings,' UP CM Yogi Adityanath said after the defeat

The Samajwadi Party's Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second. In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP's Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes The BSP did not put up any candidates, so as to not split the anti-BJP vote. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accepted the defeats, saying after the loss: "We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings. I congratulate the winning candidates." Remember, UP CM Yogi Adityanath was elected MP from Gorakhpur five times before this. He had to vacate the Lok Sabha seat after becoming chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, the Phulpur seat was vacated by Keshav Prasad Maurya after he became deputy chief minister. "Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge," he added. #WATCH UP CM Yogi Adityanath says 'Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge' #UPByPoll pic.twitter.com/DtyHvLeJqH — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 14, 2018 × Patel meanwhile thanked BSP chief Mayawati after his win: Behenji ka bhi bahot aashirwad tha. Ek hi vichaardhara ke sabhi parties ek huyin aur humaari jeet huyi. Jeet ka shrey Akhilesh ji, Behenji Mayawati ji aur Phulpur ki janta ko deta hoon: Nagendra Singh Patel, Samajwadi Party's winning candidate. pic.twitter.com/kqjqGSvmen — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 14, 2018 × The Congress meanwhile fared poorly in the polls, with its candidates from both Phulpur and Gorakhpur losing their deposits. That however did not stop Congress President Rahul Gandhi from proclaiming that the BJP losses showed that voters are angry with the BJP. "It is clear from the bypoll results that voters are angry with BJP and they will vote for the non-BJP candidate who has strongest chance of winning. As far as Congress is concerned, we are committed towards rebuilding the party in UP, and it does not happen overnight," he said.

Uttar Pradesh bypolls: UP shocker; SP wins both Yogi bastion of Gorakhpur and Phulpur seat

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will host a dinner tomorrow which is likely to be attended by leaders of 17 opposition parties, amid talk of forging a broader front against the BJP-led NDA ahead of the 2019 general elections.

According to Congress sources, leaders of Andhra Pradesh&#39;s ruling Telugu Desam Party, which recently pulled out its ministers in the Modi government but continues to be a constituent of the NDA, BJD, and the TRS have not been invited. The BJD and TRS rule Odisha and Telangana respectively.

They said former chief ministers of Jharkhand Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and Hemant Soren (JMM) will attend the dinner, along with former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, who recently quit the NDA and joined forces with Lalu Prasad&#39;s RJD, which is an ally of the Congress.

Lalu&#39;s son and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav is also likely to attend, but there was no immediate confirmation.

Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK&#39;s Kanimozhi and Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party are likely to be present, and so would be leaders of left parties - CPI-M&#39;s Sitaram Yechury and CPI&#39;s D Raja. Leaders of other parties like JD-S and Kerala Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, Revolutionary Socialist Party and RLD are also likely to attend.

Sources said while BSP has been invited, its leader Mayawati may not send a representative as her party has aligned with JD-S for the Karnataka polls likely in April/March this year.

The dinner being hosted at the 10, Janpath residence of Sonia Gandhi, is expected to set the tone for opposition unity in the run up to the next general elections.

Sonia Gandhi has called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Congress sources said former CMs of Jharkhand Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and Hemant Soren (JMM) will attend the dinner, along with former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will host a dinner tomorrow which is likely to be attended by leaders of 17 opposition parties, amid talk of forging a broader front against the BJP-led NDA ahead of the 2019 general elections. According to Congress sources, leaders of Andhra Pradesh's ruling Telugu Desam Party, which recently pulled out its ministers in the Modi government but continues to be a constituent of the NDA, BJD, and the TRS have not been invited. The BJD and TRS rule Odisha and Telangana respectively. They said former chief ministers of Jharkhand Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and Hemant Soren (JMM) will attend the dinner, along with former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, who recently quit the NDA and joined forces with Lalu Prasad's RJD, which is an ally of the Congress. Lalu's son and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav is also likely to attend, but there was no immediate confirmation. Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's Kanimozhi and Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party are likely to be present, and so would be leaders of left parties - CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury and CPI's D Raja. Leaders of other parties like JD-S and Kerala Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, Revolutionary Socialist Party and RLD are also likely to attend. Sources said while BSP has been invited, its leader Mayawati may not send a representative as her party has aligned with JD-S for the Karnataka polls likely in April/March this year. The dinner being hosted at the 10, Janpath residence of Sonia Gandhi, is expected to set the tone for opposition unity in the run up to the next general elections. Sonia Gandhi has called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

17 opposition leaders to attend Sonia's dinner amid talk of broad front against BJP in 2019

Two Congress MLAs were expelled from the Telangana assembly a day after Koatireddy Venkat Reddy, threw&nbsp;headphone on state Legislative assembly Chairman Swamy Goud.

While&nbsp;Koatireddy Venkat Reddy and Sampath Kumar were expelled from the assembly, 9 other MLAs were suspended.

The&nbsp;suspended members included Leader of the Opposition K Jana Reddy.&nbsp;

The suspension came amidst the ongoing Budget session in the assembly.

The MLAs were protesting during the Governor&#39;s address to the joint sitting of the Legislature.

A day before, Reddy threw headphones on the chairman of the Telangana Legislative assembly, Swamy Goud, following which Goud was immediately taken to a hospital.

Reports say that the minister was hit in his right eye and has partially damaged his cornea.&nbsp;

The headphone was apparently targeted at the governor and mistakingly it&nbsp;hit Swamy&nbsp;Goud.

Congress was protesting in the assembly&nbsp;over &quot;government&#39;s poor response in handling farmers&#39; issue&quot;.

The speaker&nbsp;today expressed his disappointment over the incident that took place in the assembly yesterday.

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A day before, Reddy threw headphones on the chairman of the Telangana Legislative assembly, Swamy Goud, following which Goud was immediately taken to a hospital

Two Congress MLAs were expelled from the Telangana assembly a day after Koatireddy Venkat Reddy, threw headphone on state Legislative assembly Chairman Swamy Goud. While Koatireddy Venkat Reddy and Sampath Kumar were expelled from the assembly, 9 other MLAs were suspended. The suspended members included Leader of the Opposition K Jana Reddy. The suspension came amidst the ongoing Budget session in the assembly. The MLAs were protesting during the Governor's address to the joint sitting of the Legislature. A day before, Reddy threw headphones on the chairman of the Telangana Legislative assembly, Swamy Goud, following which Goud was immediately taken to a hospital. Reports say that the minister was hit in his right eye and has partially damaged his cornea. The headphone was apparently targeted at the governor and mistakingly it hit Swamy Goud. Congress was protesting in the assembly over "government's poor response in handling farmers' issue". The speaker today expressed his disappointment over the incident that took place in the assembly yesterday.

Telangana: 2 Congress MLAs expelled, 9 suspended after lawmaker throws headphones at Vidhan Sabha chairman

Former Uttar Pradesh minister and Congress leader Begum Hamida Habibullah passed away on Tuesday at her residence in Lucknow after a prolonged illness. She was 102.

Habibullah, former Rajya Sabha member, was the daughter of late Nawab Nazir Jung Bahadur, Chief Justice of the Hyderabad High Court.

She was married to General Inayat Habibullah, the founder commandant of the National Defence Academy(NDA), Khadakvasla, Pune. Their son Wajahat Habibullah became the first Chief Information Commissioner of India.

After her husband retired from the army in 1965, Begum Habibullah joined politics with the Congress party. She was elected as the MLA from Haidergarh (Barabanki) and was state minister of social and Harijan welfare, national integration and civil defence from 1971 to 1973 and tourism minister from 1971 to 1974.

She served as a member of the Executive Committee of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) till 1980 and as an elected member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) from 1969.

She also served as the president of Mahila Congress, UPCC, from 1972 to 1976. She served as the member of Rajya Sabha from 1976 to 1982.

Begum Habibullah was often seen as a pioneer in women&#39;s empowerment, especially in her native state.

She completed her Teachers Training course from Whiteland College, London she returned home and thereafter played a major role in further women&#39;s education in her home state where she became the president of the Avad Girls Degree College (AGDC) for girls in 1975.

Her burial will reportedly take place later today at Saidanpur her native village in Barabanki.

Begum Habibullah was often seen as a pioneer in women's empowerment, especially in her native state

Former Uttar Pradesh minister and Congress leader Begum Hamida Habibullah passed away on Tuesday at her residence in Lucknow after a prolonged illness. She was 102. Habibullah, former Rajya Sabha member, was the daughter of late Nawab Nazir Jung Bahadur, Chief Justice of the Hyderabad High Court. She was married to General Inayat Habibullah, the founder commandant of the National Defence Academy(NDA), Khadakvasla, Pune. Their son Wajahat Habibullah became the first Chief Information Commissioner of India. After her husband retired from the army in 1965, Begum Habibullah joined politics with the Congress party. She was elected as the MLA from Haidergarh (Barabanki) and was state minister of social and Harijan welfare, national integration and civil defence from 1971 to 1973 and tourism minister from 1971 to 1974. She served as a member of the Executive Committee of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) till 1980 and as an elected member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) from 1969. She also served as the president of Mahila Congress, UPCC, from 1972 to 1976. She served as the member of Rajya Sabha from 1976 to 1982. Begum Habibullah was often seen as a pioneer in women's empowerment, especially in her native state. She completed her Teachers Training course from Whiteland College, London she returned home and thereafter played a major role in further women's education in her home state where she became the president of the Avad Girls Degree College (AGDC) for girls in 1975. Her burial will reportedly take place later today at Saidanpur her native village in Barabanki.

Congress' Begum Hamida Habibullah passes away at 102

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday claimed that the act of Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi forgiving the killers of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, raised suspicion of &quot;supari killing&quot; or a plotted murder for financial gains.

Speaking to the media, Swamy urged that a probe be conducted into the death of the former Prime Minister.

&quot;The reason given by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the assassination was that the Indian Army was sent to Sri Lanka to fight them. However, he (Rajiv Gandhi) was only acting upon a motion passed in Parliament stating that Sri Lanka had asked for assistance to fight the LTTE, as they could not do so alone,&quot; he said.

The Congress President in an earlier interaction with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) alumni in Singapore had reportedly stated that he and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, have &quot;completely forgiven&quot; his father&#39;s killers, as they found it difficult to hate people, although the assassination had deeply angered and hurt them for several years.

In this regard, Swamy, while launching a scathing attack at Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the leniency given to the killers of Rajiv Gandhi gave rise to suspicions about the latter&#39;s assassination, and added that the Congress President&#39;s statement on forgiving the accused lacked patriotism.

&quot;He (Rajiv) was a true nationalist, and those responsible for killing him in the prime of his life should be shown no leniency. Initially, Nalini, one of the killers, was awarded a death sentence, but this was reduced to life imprisonment. I fail to understand why we should be lenient towards someone who collaborated with foreigners to kill our former Prime Minister. Rahul&#39;s statement lacks patriotism; he should understand that the punishment was awarded to the killers of the former Prime Minister, not his father,&quot; he said.

The senior BJP leader further alleged that there was some &quot;understanding&quot; with the LTTE, and therefore, urged a probe into the matter.

&quot;Why did Priyanka (Gandhi) visit the convicts in jail; only the relatives of convicts are allowed to visit them, which she is not. Furthermore, Sonia (Gandhi) took care of Nalini&#39;s daughter&#39;s education in England. Nalini was also awarded a scholarship to study computer science at the Indira Gandhi University. I don&#39;t understand why they are showing such sympathy. I suspect there is something wrong,&quot; he added.

For the unversed, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suspected LTTE suicide bomber, during an election rally in Tamil Nadu&#39;s Sriperumbudur in May 1991.

Speaking to the media, Swamy urged that a probe be conducted into the death of the former Prime Minister

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday claimed that the act of Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi forgiving the killers of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, raised suspicion of "supari killing" or a plotted murder for financial gains. Speaking to the media, Swamy urged that a probe be conducted into the death of the former Prime Minister. "The reason given by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the assassination was that the Indian Army was sent to Sri Lanka to fight them. However, he (Rajiv Gandhi) was only acting upon a motion passed in Parliament stating that Sri Lanka had asked for assistance to fight the LTTE, as they could not do so alone," he said. The Congress President in an earlier interaction with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) alumni in Singapore had reportedly stated that he and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, have "completely forgiven" his father's killers, as they found it difficult to hate people, although the assassination had deeply angered and hurt them for several years. In this regard, Swamy, while launching a scathing attack at Rahul Gandhi, alleged that the leniency given to the killers of Rajiv Gandhi gave rise to suspicions about the latter's assassination, and added that the Congress President's statement on forgiving the accused lacked patriotism. "He (Rajiv) was a true nationalist, and those responsible for killing him in the prime of his life should be shown no leniency. Initially, Nalini, one of the killers, was awarded a death sentence, but this was reduced to life imprisonment. I fail to understand why we should be lenient towards someone who collaborated with foreigners to kill our former Prime Minister. Rahul's statement lacks patriotism; he should understand that the punishment was awarded to the killers of the former Prime Minister, not his father," he said. The senior BJP leader further alleged that there was some "understanding" with the LTTE, and therefore, urged a probe into the matter. "Why did Priyanka (Gandhi) visit the convicts in jail; only the relatives of convicts are allowed to visit them, which she is not. Furthermore, Sonia (Gandhi) took care of Nalini's daughter's education in England. Nalini was also awarded a scholarship to study computer science at the Indira Gandhi University. I don't understand why they are showing such sympathy. I suspect there is something wrong," he added. For the unversed, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suspected LTTE suicide bomber, during an election rally in Tamil Nadu's Sriperumbudur in May 1991.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Subramanian Swamy suspects 'supari killing', demands probe

Stressing the need to &quot;rise above politics&quot;, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today called for an all-party meeting at his residence on Tuesday to find solutions to problems being faced by traders because of an ongoing sealing drive in the national capital.

Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken thanked Kejriwal for the move, while the BJP said it would decide on its participation after consulting state unit chief Manoj Tiwari, who is currently abroad.

&quot;We should rise above politics and come together to find a solution to the problems that have risen due to sealing,&quot; the chief minister said in letters sent today to Tiwari and Maken.

Maken, who had written a letter to Kejriwal on Saturday, offering to share with the chief minister what he felt could be a solution to the drive, thanked him for accepting his request.

Praising Kejriwal for inviting the BJP, which rules the three Delhi municipal corporations carrying out the drive, the Congress leader expressed the hope the saffron party would participate in the meet.

The situation demands &quot;positive politics&quot;, he said.

The Delhi BJP said Tiwari was abroad as part of a delegation accompanying President Ram Nath Kovind and would be back by March 15.

An office-bearer of the party said a decision on Kejriwal&#39;s invitation would be taken after a consultation with Tiwari.

Kejriwal also suggested that not more than three people from each party be present at the meeting for its smooth functioning.

In January, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta had alleged that Aad Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers had &quot;misbehaved&quot; with members of a BJP delegation at Kejriwal&#39;s residence when they had gone there to discuss relief to traders hit by the sealing drive.

A case was registered in the matter and some AAP MLAs were booked.

The Delhi chief minister had yesterday written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi seeking appointments with them to discuss the sealing issue and stressed the need to bring a Bill in Parliament to stop the drive.

The sealing is being undertaken by the municipal corporations on the directions of a Supreme Court-appointed committee. Hundreds of commercial establishments have been closed so far for non-payment of conversion charges and violation of the Delhi Master Plan.

Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken thanked Kejriwal for the move, while the BJP said it would decide on its participation after consulting state unit chief Manoj Tiwari

Stressing the need to "rise above politics", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today called for an all-party meeting at his residence on Tuesday to find solutions to problems being faced by traders because of an ongoing sealing drive in the national capital. Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken thanked Kejriwal for the move, while the BJP said it would decide on its participation after consulting state unit chief Manoj Tiwari, who is currently abroad. "We should rise above politics and come together to find a solution to the problems that have risen due to sealing," the chief minister said in letters sent today to Tiwari and Maken. Maken, who had written a letter to Kejriwal on Saturday, offering to share with the chief minister what he felt could be a solution to the drive, thanked him for accepting his request. Praising Kejriwal for inviting the BJP, which rules the three Delhi municipal corporations carrying out the drive, the Congress leader expressed the hope the saffron party would participate in the meet. The situation demands "positive politics", he said. The Delhi BJP said Tiwari was abroad as part of a delegation accompanying President Ram Nath Kovind and would be back by March 15. An office-bearer of the party said a decision on Kejriwal's invitation would be taken after a consultation with Tiwari. Kejriwal also suggested that not more than three people from each party be present at the meeting for its smooth functioning. In January, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta had alleged that Aad Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers had "misbehaved" with members of a BJP delegation at Kejriwal's residence when they had gone there to discuss relief to traders hit by the sealing drive. A case was registered in the matter and some AAP MLAs were booked. The Delhi chief minister had yesterday written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi seeking appointments with them to discuss the sealing issue and stressed the need to bring a Bill in Parliament to stop the drive. The sealing is being undertaken by the municipal corporations on the directions of a Supreme Court-appointed committee. Hundreds of commercial establishments have been closed so far for non-payment of conversion charges and violation of the Delhi Master Plan.

Arvind Kejriwal's all-party meet invite: Congress says thanks, BJP to RSVP

The Congress party on Saturday again targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it is turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean.

The comments came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emannuel Macron.

The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone.

&quot;People are asking in whose pockets this money has gone&quot;, he added.&nbsp;

Vadakkan said his party had been raising the issue for the last three days but not a word from the government or the BJP was heard in response. Not even a denial, he said.

The BJP yesterday rejected the Congress&#39; charge, claiming the party was spreading lies and confusion to mislead the nation.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said it is irresponsible and anti-national to allege corruption in the Euro 7.5 billion deal with France to supply the fighter jets.

&quot;Where is the corruption? It is irresponsible and anti-national to make such allegations,&quot; he said speaking at a media event.

The Congress, however, again raised the issue today and likened the government&#39;s stand to a cat drinking milk with its eyes shut in the belief that nobody will watch it.

&quot;The government, the defence ministry must come clean. What are they trying to hide?. You called the UPA corrupt. If this is not corruption then what is. It is turning out to be a mother scam on which the NDA must come clean,&quot; he said.

"People are asking in whose pockets this money has gone", Congress asked.

The Congress party on Saturday again targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it is turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean. The comments came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emannuel Macron. The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone. "People are asking in whose pockets this money has gone", he added. Vadakkan said his party had been raising the issue for the last three days but not a word from the government or the BJP was heard in response. Not even a denial, he said. The BJP yesterday rejected the Congress' charge, claiming the party was spreading lies and confusion to mislead the nation. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said it is irresponsible and anti-national to allege corruption in the Euro 7.5 billion deal with France to supply the fighter jets. "Where is the corruption? It is irresponsible and anti-national to make such allegations," he said speaking at a media event. The Congress, however, again raised the issue today and likened the government's stand to a cat drinking milk with its eyes shut in the belief that nobody will watch it. "The government, the defence ministry must come clean. What are they trying to hide?. You called the UPA corrupt. If this is not corruption then what is. It is turning out to be a mother scam on which the NDA must come clean," he said.

Modi government should come clean on Rafale deal: Congress

Responding to a question in Malaysia&nbsp;on how the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank">Congress </a>would have rolled out demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi said he would have thrown the proposal for demonetisation in a dustbin.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank">Rahul Gandhi discusses jobs, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank">economy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-discusses-jobs-economy-in-singapore-35059" target="_blank"> in Singapore</a>

He said that demonetisation was &quot;not a good&quot; initiative and if he were the prime minister he would have thrown the proposal in a dustbin.

Gandhi was speaking in Malaysia with an &quot;enthusiastic gathering&quot; of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.

Asked how he would have rolled out demonetisation differently, Gandhi said: &quot;if I was the Prime Minister and somebody would have given me a file with demonetisation written on it, I would thrown it in the dustbin, out of the door and into the junkyard.&quot;

&quot;That is how I would have rolled it out because that is what I think should have been done with the demonetisation which was not good at all,&quot; he said.

Congress has been very critical of Demonetisation since its roll-out.&nbsp;

Earlier at the University of California, Gandhi had called the move as &quot; reckless and dangerous&quot; decision taken by Prime Minister Modi.

Rahul Gandhi is on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-author-questions-rahul-gandhi-on-family-rule-twitter-on-fire-35211" target="_blank">five-day trip to the Southeast Asian countries</a>.

(With inputs from PTI)

Responding to a question in Malaysia, on how the Congress would have rolled out demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi said he would have thrown the proposal for demonetisation in a dustbin

Responding to a question in Malaysia on how the Congress would have rolled out demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi said he would have thrown the proposal for demonetisation in a dustbin. Also read: Rahul Gandhi discusses jobs, economy in Singapore He said that demonetisation was "not a good" initiative and if he were the prime minister he would have thrown the proposal in a dustbin. Gandhi was speaking in Malaysia with an "enthusiastic gathering" of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. Asked how he would have rolled out demonetisation differently, Gandhi said: "if I was the Prime Minister and somebody would have given me a file with demonetisation written on it, I would thrown it in the dustbin, out of the door and into the junkyard." "That is how I would have rolled it out because that is what I think should have been done with the demonetisation which was not good at all," he said. Congress has been very critical of Demonetisation since its roll-out. Earlier at the University of California, Gandhi had called the move as " reckless and dangerous" decision taken by Prime Minister Modi. Rahul Gandhi is on a five-day trip to the Southeast Asian countries. (With inputs from PTI)

If I were PM, would have thrown demonetisation proposal in dustbin: Rahul Gandhi

Launching a scathing attack on Modi and BJP, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that Aadhaar is being turned into an intrusive instrument of control while the judiciary is in turmoil.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Sonia said RTI was brought to bring transparency, but today that law is in &#39;&#39;cold storage&#39;&#39;. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sonia noted that Congress was out-marketed and added that the party has to develop a new style of connecting with people.

&#39;&#39;We were out-marketed. We have to really develop a new style of connecting with people. We have to look how we project our programs and policies,&#39;&#39; said the Congress leader.&nbsp;

&quot;Was India really a giant black hole before May 16, 2014?&quot; a combative Sonia Gandhi asked, adding, &quot;Is this claim not an insult to the intelligence of our people?&quot;

That claim refers to Modi&#39;s - and the BJP&#39;s - frequent attacks on the Congress, blaming the party for doing nothing in the past 60-70 years that it has been in power.

She also alleged that BJP has managed to persuade people that Congress is a Muslim party.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;We have always been to temples. When I travelled with Rajiv Gandhi, wherever we used to go, there was always a major temple that we used to visit. But we never made a show of it,&#39;&#39; she noted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sonia noted that Congress was out-marketed and added that the party has to develop a new style of connecting with people.

Launching a scathing attack on Modi and BJP, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that Aadhaar is being turned into an intrusive instrument of control while the judiciary is in turmoil. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Sonia said RTI was brought to bring transparency, but today that law is in ''cold storage''. Sonia noted that Congress was out-marketed and added that the party has to develop a new style of connecting with people. ''We were out-marketed. We have to really develop a new style of connecting with people. We have to look how we project our programs and policies,'' said the Congress leader. "Was India really a giant black hole before May 16, 2014?" a combative Sonia Gandhi asked, adding, "Is this claim not an insult to the intelligence of our people?" That claim refers to Modi's - and the BJP's - frequent attacks on the Congress, blaming the party for doing nothing in the past 60-70 years that it has been in power. She also alleged that BJP has managed to persuade people that Congress is a Muslim party. ''We have always been to temples. When I travelled with Rajiv Gandhi, wherever we used to go, there was always a major temple that we used to visit. But we never made a show of it,'' she noted.

Sonia tears into Modi, says Aadhaar being 'turned into intrusive instrument of control'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met Indian-origin CEOs of various companies in Singapore and discussed issues such as jobs, investments, and the prevalent economic condition in India.

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&quot;We are seeing the biggest migration of rural people in India. We have challenges. Broadly our view is we want a peaceful transition that carries everybody together,&quot; Congress twitter handle quoted Gandhi as saying.

The Congress President will also address Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, the National University of Singapore, another tweet said.

Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Singapore and Malaysia from March 8 to 10. 
&nbsp;

Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Singapore and Malaysia from March 8 to 10

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met Indian-origin CEOs of various companies in Singapore and discussed issues such as jobs, investments, and the prevalent economic condition in India. × "We are seeing the biggest migration of rural people in India. We have challenges. Broadly our view is we want a peaceful transition that carries everybody together," Congress twitter handle quoted Gandhi as saying. The Congress President will also address Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, the National University of Singapore, another tweet said. Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Singapore and Malaysia from March 8 to 10.

Rahul Gandhi discusses jobs, economy in Singapore

The Congress Wednesday said that the TDP&#39;s decision to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre was &quot;too little, too late&quot; as it &quot;has done nothing&quot; to protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh in the past four years.

&#39;&#39;This is too little and too late. The TDP has been an ally of the BJP for four years now and has done nothing to protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh,&quot; senior Congress leader from Andhra Pradesh and former union minister MM Pallam Raju said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-promises-funds-equivalent-of-special-status-to-andhra-pradesh-35020">Will give money equivalent </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-promises-funds-equivalent-of-special-status-to-andhra-pradesh-35020">of</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-promises-funds-equivalent-of-special-status-to-andhra-pradesh-35020"> special status to Andhra Pradesh says Arun Jaitley</a>

His remarks came soon after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu, in a late night press conference, announced that his party&#39;s two central ministers -- Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology Y S Chowdary -- would resign from the government tomorrow.

Raju said the TDP has &quot;abandoned&quot; the interests of the state and that &#39;&#39;this is political posturing in view of the prevailing public mood&#39;&#39;.

Another Congress leader, when asked if the TDP pull-out of the NDA could create any potential of understanding with the Congress, said there was no such possibility.

For all these years the Congress has been struggling to secure what is rightfully the due of the state and the TDP has &quot;sacrificed&quot; the state&#39;s interests and is now indulging in political posturing. &quot;Pulling out ministers from the government means nothing,&quot; the party leader said.

Commenting on the development, CPI leader D Raja said, &quot;This clearly shows cracks have appeared in NDA...It needs to be seen what Naidu does after this.&quot;

Political parties in Andhra Pradesh have been demanding special category status for the state after Telangana was carved out of it in 2014.

Naidu&#39;s announcement came barely hours after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi this evening that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra

Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money.

We have now come out of the NDA. Party-to-party (TDP-BJP ties) issue will be decided later,&nbsp;Naidu added, hinting that their alliance may continue in the future.

&quot;When the intended purpose (of joining the Union Cabinet) has not been served, there is no point in continuing. For me the sole agenda is to safeguard the interests of the state,&nbsp;he said.

The remarks came soon after N Chandrababu Naidu announced that his party's two central ministers -- Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology Y S Chowdary -- would resign from the government

The Congress Wednesday said that the TDP's decision to pull out of the NDA government at the Centre was "too little, too late" as it "has done nothing" to protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh in the past four years. ''This is too little and too late. The TDP has been an ally of the BJP for four years now and has done nothing to protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh," senior Congress leader from Andhra Pradesh and former union minister MM Pallam Raju said. Also read: Will give money equivalent of special status to Andhra Pradesh says Arun Jaitley His remarks came soon after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu, in a late night press conference, announced that his party's two central ministers -- Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology Y S Chowdary -- would resign from the government tomorrow. Raju said the TDP has "abandoned" the interests of the state and that ''this is political posturing in view of the prevailing public mood''. Another Congress leader, when asked if the TDP pull-out of the NDA could create any potential of understanding with the Congress, said there was no such possibility. For all these years the Congress has been struggling to secure what is rightfully the due of the state and the TDP has "sacrificed" the state's interests and is now indulging in political posturing. "Pulling out ministers from the government means nothing," the party leader said. Commenting on the development, CPI leader D Raja said, "This clearly shows cracks have appeared in NDA...It needs to be seen what Naidu does after this." Political parties in Andhra Pradesh have been demanding special category status for the state after Telangana was carved out of it in 2014. Naidu's announcement came barely hours after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference in New Delhi this evening that funds equivalent to what a special category state receives would be extended to Andhra Pradesh, but drew a line saying politics cannot increase the quantum of money. We have now come out of the NDA. Party-to-party (TDP-BJP ties) issue will be decided later, Naidu added, hinting that their alliance may continue in the future. "When the intended purpose (of joining the Union Cabinet) has not been served, there is no point in continuing. For me the sole agenda is to safeguard the interests of the state, he said.

TDP pull-out of Modi government too little, too late: Congress

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/conrad-sangma-to-take-oath-as-meghalaya-chief-minister-today-34798">BJP of grabbing power</a> in Meghalaya through proxy and &nbsp;&quot;showing utter disregard for the mandate of the people&quot;.

The Congress president wrote on Twitter:

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With just 2 seats, the BJP has usurped power in Meghalaya, through a proxy. 
 
Like in Manipur &amp; Goa, showing utter disregard for the mandate of the people. Obsessed instead with grabbing power, using big money to create an opportunistic alliance.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DemocracyDemonetised?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DemocracyDemonetised</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/970641578715951104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress had emerged as the single largest party in the state assembly elections, winning 21 of the 59 seats that went to polls and 10 short of a simple majority. The figure is marginally ahead of its rival, the National Peoples 
Party (NPP), an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur which won 19 seats.

The BJP retaliated to Rahul Gandhi&#39;s remarks by saying that the Congress president was &quot;desperate&quot; as his party&#39;s &quot;moneybags&quot; had failed to deliver a government in the state.

BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao wrote on Twitter that the BJP understood Rahul Gandhi&#39;s frustration. 
&nbsp;

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We understand your frustration RahulG. Congress party&#39;s moneybags and the architects of infamous &quot;Cash for Votes&quot; scandal whom 
you despatched to Meghalaya have failed to deliver a govt to you in Meghalaya. In New India, &nbsp;Congress&#39;s old corrupt ways won&#39;t succeed. Think better!! <a href="https://t.co/jHdLWDt15E">https://t.co/jHdLWDt15E</a>
&mdash; GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GVLNRAO/status/970666934386663424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We understand your desperation as you shrink in political space and face the prospect of being reduced to power only in Puducherry,&quot; he said.

The Congress party had on Saturday staked its claim to form the government in the state at a meeting with the governor. A delegation of three senior leaders of the Congress -- Kamal Nath, Ahmed Patel and CP Joshi had met the governor.

However, the governor invited the National People&#39;s Party-led alliance to form the government in the state.

The alliance includes the BJP, United Democratic Party (UDP), the Hill State People&#39;s Democratic Party (HSPDP) , People&#39;s Democratic Front (PDF), and an independent.

 
&nbsp;

The BJP retaliated by saying that the Congress president was 'desperate' as his party's 'moneybags' had failed to deliver a government in the state.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP of grabbing power in Meghalaya through proxy and "showing utter disregard for the mandate of the people". The Congress president wrote on Twitter: With just 2 seats, the BJP has usurped power in Meghalaya, through a proxy. Like in Manipur & Goa, showing utter disregard for the mandate of the people. Obsessed instead with grabbing power, using big money to create an opportunistic alliance.#DemocracyDemonetised — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 5, 2018 × The Congress had emerged as the single largest party in the state assembly elections, winning 21 of the 59 seats that went to polls and 10 short of a simple majority. The figure is marginally ahead of its rival, the National Peoples Party (NPP), an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur which won 19 seats. The BJP retaliated to Rahul Gandhi's remarks by saying that the Congress president was "desperate" as his party's "moneybags" had failed to deliver a government in the state. BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao wrote on Twitter that the BJP understood Rahul Gandhi's frustration. We understand your frustration RahulG. Congress party's moneybags and the architects of infamous "Cash for Votes" scandal whom you despatched to Meghalaya have failed to deliver a govt to you in Meghalaya. In New India, Congress's old corrupt ways won't succeed. Think better!! https://t.co/jHdLWDt15E — GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) March 5, 2018 × "We understand your desperation as you shrink in political space and face the prospect of being reduced to power only in Puducherry," he said. The Congress party had on Saturday staked its claim to form the government in the state at a meeting with the governor. A delegation of three senior leaders of the Congress -- Kamal Nath, Ahmed Patel and CP Joshi had met the governor. However, the governor invited the National People's Party-led alliance to form the government in the state. The alliance includes the BJP, United Democratic Party (UDP), the Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) , People's Democratic Front (PDF), and an independent.

BJP has usurped power in Meghalaya through proxy: Rahul Gandhi

Congress has decided to stay away from the &lsquo;Third Front&rsquo; experiment mooted by some regional parties, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) are making efforts to stitch together a &#39;non-Congress, non-BJP&#39; front bringing together like-minded parties.

But sources in the Congress say that such talks are a result of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee nursing prime ministerial ambitions, and TRS president KCR trying to fight the heat of incumbency in his state.

Many senior leaders in the Congress are of the opinion that most of the regional leaders will come around by election time but Congress cannot become a casualty of a tie-up where its organisation is further impacted.

&quot;Everyone is free to pursue their agenda and ambition. KCR for four years considered Modi as the only leader and aligned with him. Now Congress has put heat on him and his party is taking a nose dive so he wants to create an alternative,&quot; Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told WION.

Though it targets KCR, Congress officially remains diplomatic on Mamata and maintains that both parties will resolve their differences to come together on issues of national importance.

However, Mamata and KCR have received support from regional players. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi told WION that since Congress has not taken the initiative, other parties are filling the vacuum. Even DMK has been contacted on this issue which has decided to discuss the proposal.

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi spoke to KCR over phone on Monday and expressed support for the plan to float a Third Front-like formation. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also extended support to the proposal.

Congress, for now, is focussing on nourishing the organisation amid fears that the party will wither away completely after humiliating losses in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland assembly elections. It is for this reason that Congress has kept away from joining the SP-BSP combine to fight the Phoolpur and Gorakhpur bypolls in Uttar Pradesh.

&quot;Parties are free to contest but we will not withdraw our candidates from the fray,&quot; Surjewala said.

The idea, sources say, is to have a front which is led by the Grand Old Party. And Sonia Gandhi&#39;s invitation to leaders of opposition parties for a dinner on March 13 points to that, they say.

Several leaders have confirmed their attendance, a Congress leader said, declining to go into spcifics. However, he said Sonia Gandhi is keen to have all top opposition party leaders, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to confirm.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao are making efforts to stitch together a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' front bringing together like-minded parties

Congress has decided to stay away from the ‘Third Front’ experiment mooted by some regional parties, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) are making efforts to stitch together a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' front bringing together like-minded parties. But sources in the Congress say that such talks are a result of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee nursing prime ministerial ambitions, and TRS president KCR trying to fight the heat of incumbency in his state. Many senior leaders in the Congress are of the opinion that most of the regional leaders will come around by election time but Congress cannot become a casualty of a tie-up where its organisation is further impacted. "Everyone is free to pursue their agenda and ambition. KCR for four years considered Modi as the only leader and aligned with him. Now Congress has put heat on him and his party is taking a nose dive so he wants to create an alternative," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told WION. Though it targets KCR, Congress officially remains diplomatic on Mamata and maintains that both parties will resolve their differences to come together on issues of national importance. However, Mamata and KCR have received support from regional players. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi told WION that since Congress has not taken the initiative, other parties are filling the vacuum. Even DMK has been contacted on this issue which has decided to discuss the proposal. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi spoke to KCR over phone on Monday and expressed support for the plan to float a Third Front-like formation. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also extended support to the proposal. Congress, for now, is focussing on nourishing the organisation amid fears that the party will wither away completely after humiliating losses in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland assembly elections. It is for this reason that Congress has kept away from joining the SP-BSP combine to fight the Phoolpur and Gorakhpur bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. "Parties are free to contest but we will not withdraw our candidates from the fray," Surjewala said. The idea, sources say, is to have a front which is led by the Grand Old Party. And Sonia Gandhi's invitation to leaders of opposition parties for a dinner on March 13 points to that, they say. Several leaders have confirmed their attendance, a Congress leader said, declining to go into spcifics. However, he said Sonia Gandhi is keen to have all top opposition party leaders, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to confirm.

Congress cold-shoulders idea of 'Third Front'

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist&nbsp;Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He also blamed the Congress&nbsp;for the&nbsp;PNB Scam&nbsp;saying that UPA helped&nbsp;Mehul Choksi&nbsp;in&nbsp;2014.

He added that the corruption was&nbsp;planted in the Congress regime.

Prasad also said that the Congress party has issues with technology since technology brings transparency.&nbsp;

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Under the so called economist Prime Minister Manomhan Singh, the entire banking system went haywire due to all kinds of interference with it: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/Uz0N1C3x5H">pic.twitter.com/Uz0N1C3x5H</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970604658665361409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Referring to the 80:20 Gold scheme, he said that the Congress must come clean in the loot. &nbsp;

He said &quot;There was a Scheme 80:20 introduced in August 2013 and repealed in November 2014. On 16th May 2014, the date of the declaration of results, the then Finance Minister gave &#39;aashirvaad&#39; to 7 private companies under 80:20 Scheme. One of those companies was Gitanjali.&quot;

He further said &quot;Chidambaram and Rahul Gandhi must answer why was this passed on the day of results to benefit these 7 private companies?

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Congress has been indulging in the politics of fear and confusion in the last 4 years: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/kRNuRMNbhd">pic.twitter.com/kRNuRMNbhd</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970603779807698944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Replying to the Congress&#39; accusations of corruption in Rafale deal, he said: &quot;&nbsp;It is very surprising that Congress party which is drowned in corruption in Bofors among other purchases of weapons system, is raising questions on Rafale deal&quot;.&nbsp; He added that Congress could not execute Rafale deal for 10 years.&nbsp;

Prasad claimed that not a single loan given&nbsp;under the BJP government is Non-performing Asset.&nbsp;

He said &quot;Time and again we have stated that not a single loan given under our government is NPA. In 2008, the total advance to people given by the banks was Rs 18.06 Lakh Crores. By March 2014 amount went up to Rs 52.15 Lakh Crore. The stressed asset identified out of this was only 36 per cent&quot;.

He added &quot;Now the stressed asset has risen to 82 per cent out of that advances made in the UPA government. This means for more than one occasions the correct data could not make it to the records of the banks under UPA government&quot;.&nbsp;

Speaking about the party&#39;s historic victory in Tripura he said the win was very difficult for the country.&nbsp;

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Tripura ki jeet desh ke liye ek bahut doorgaami jeet hai: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/RIVpAV0zm3">pic.twitter.com/RIVpAV0zm3</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970603067191291904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said that they did not expect Congress to lose in North East where the party had a stronghold. However, the Congres&nbsp;lost in Tripura and Nagaland also.&nbsp;

He added that his party won in a region where 88 per cent&nbsp;population is majorly&nbsp;occupied by Christians.&nbsp;

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Congress UP, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kashmir mein haari. Hum ummid karte the ki North-East mein Cong ki pakad hai. Par Cong Tripura aur Nagaland mein 0. Nagaland mein BJP ne 20 candidates utare, aur 12 jeete. Hume 15% vote mile, aise pradesh mein jahan 88% Christians hain: RS Prasad <a href="https://t.co/ksqp6waYzZ">pic.twitter.com/ksqp6waYzZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970610180093194240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He added that the corruption was planted in the Congress regime

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress saying that the entire banking system was out of control under the leadership of Economist Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He also blamed the Congress for the PNB Scam saying that UPA helped Mehul Choksi in 2014. He added that the corruption was planted in the Congress regime. Prasad also said that the Congress party has issues with technology since technology brings transparency. Under the so called economist Prime Minister Manomhan Singh, the entire banking system went haywire due to all kinds of interference with it: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/Uz0N1C3x5H — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × Referring to the 80:20 Gold scheme, he said that the Congress must come clean in the loot. He said "There was a Scheme 80:20 introduced in August 2013 and repealed in November 2014. On 16th May 2014, the date of the declaration of results, the then Finance Minister gave 'aashirvaad' to 7 private companies under 80:20 Scheme. One of those companies was Gitanjali." He further said "Chidambaram and Rahul Gandhi must answer why was this passed on the day of results to benefit these 7 private companies? Congress has been indulging in the politics of fear and confusion in the last 4 years: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/kRNuRMNbhd — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × Replying to the Congress' accusations of corruption in Rafale deal, he said: " It is very surprising that Congress party which is drowned in corruption in Bofors among other purchases of weapons system, is raising questions on Rafale deal". He added that Congress could not execute Rafale deal for 10 years. Prasad claimed that not a single loan given under the BJP government is Non-performing Asset. He said "Time and again we have stated that not a single loan given under our government is NPA. In 2008, the total advance to people given by the banks was Rs 18.06 Lakh Crores. By March 2014 amount went up to Rs 52.15 Lakh Crore. The stressed asset identified out of this was only 36 per cent". He added "Now the stressed asset has risen to 82 per cent out of that advances made in the UPA government. This means for more than one occasions the correct data could not make it to the records of the banks under UPA government". Speaking about the party's historic victory in Tripura he said the win was very difficult for the country. Tripura ki jeet desh ke liye ek bahut doorgaami jeet hai: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/RIVpAV0zm3 — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × He said that they did not expect Congress to lose in North East where the party had a stronghold. However, the Congres lost in Tripura and Nagaland also. He added that his party won in a region where 88 per cent population is majorly occupied by Christians. Congress UP, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kashmir mein haari. Hum ummid karte the ki North-East mein Cong ki pakad hai. Par Cong Tripura aur Nagaland mein 0. Nagaland mein BJP ne 20 candidates utare, aur 12 jeete. Hume 15% vote mile, aise pradesh mein jahan 88% Christians hain: RS Prasad pic.twitter.com/ksqp6waYzZ — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 ×

Chidambaram helped Mehul Choksi in 2014: Ravi Shankar Prasad

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