<p>Minister of State for Prime Minister&#39;s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Sunday said Gujarat is one of the safest states for women to live in.</p>

<p>Reacting over Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi&#39;s tweets to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on safety and education of women in Gujarat, Singh told ANI, &quot;As far as women are concerned, the whole country knows that one of the safest places for women to live in happens to be Gujarat. You can find young women walking back home late after night shifts and festivities without any risk, threat or insecurity. I don&#39;t know which part of Gujarat Rahul Gandhi has been to.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">22 ????? ?? ?????,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#??????_?????_????</a><br />
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&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/937141069191438337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>He added that such questions don&#39;t merit a response and suggested Gandhi to change his scriptwriters.</p>

<p>Singh, also denied senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh remarks that November 8 was a black day for Indian economy and democracy.</p>

<p>&quot;I am constrained to say that this is factually and statistically incorrect. The figures point out evidently that as a result of demonetisation the terror funding came down by almost 90 per cent. This has prevented large number of killings that would have otherwise happened, particularly in Kashmir valley where incidents of stone pelting and hawala-funded terrors attacks have come down,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday had expressed grief over the death of more than 100 people while standing in queues outside banks days after demonetisation, labeling&nbsp;November 8 as black day for India&#39;s economy and democracy.&nbsp;</p>


'As far as women are concerned, the whole country knows that one of the safest places for women to live in happens to be Gujarat,' Singh said

Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Sunday said Gujarat is one of the safest states for women to live in. Reacting over Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's tweets to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on safety and education of women in Gujarat, Singh told ANI, "As far as women are concerned, the whole country knows that one of the safest places for women to live in happens to be Gujarat. You can find young women walking back home late after night shifts and festivities without any risk, threat or insecurity. I don't know which part of Gujarat Rahul Gandhi has been to." 22 ????? ?? ?????,#??????_?????_???? ??????????????- 5??? ????: ? ???????, ? ??????, ? ????, ??????? ?? ???? ?? ?????? ????, ????????? ????? ?? ???, ???? ?? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ????, ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ?????? pic.twitter.com/yXvCRbxsXW — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 3, 2017 × He added that such questions don't merit a response and suggested Gandhi to change his scriptwriters. Singh, also denied senior Congress leader Manmohan Singh remarks that November 8 was a black day for Indian economy and democracy. "I am constrained to say that this is factually and statistically incorrect. The figures point out evidently that as a result of demonetisation the terror funding came down by almost 90 per cent. This has prevented large number of killings that would have otherwise happened, particularly in Kashmir valley where incidents of stone pelting and hawala-funded terrors attacks have come down," he said. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday had expressed grief over the death of more than 100 people while standing in queues outside banks days after demonetisation, labeling November 8 as black day for India's economy and democracy.

Gujarat safe for women: Jitendra Singh responds to Rahul Gandhi accusation

<p>Subramanian Swamy, senior BJP leader has assured the devotees of Lord Ram that they will be able to celebrate next Diwali in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the construction of Ram Temple will commence soon and it will be complete by next Diwali in October.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;The&nbsp;next Diwali will be celebrated in the newly constructed temple.&quot;</p>

<p>He also assured that everything needed for the construction&nbsp;of the Ram temple was ready.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Emphasising that there is no need to make a new law he said that the Narasimha Rao government had issued an affidavit to the Supreme Court which stated that the land will be given to Hindus if it is proven that there was a temple at the place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;it was just the matter of attaching it like the Swami Narayan Mandir&quot;.</p>

<p>Claiming that the existence of the temple was already proven, he was confident of winning the case. He further said that although they can bring the law, it was not needed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that the Sunni Waqf Board has nothing for rebuttal.</p>

<p>Swamy has&nbsp;presented an additional argument that offering prayers in that land is the fundamental right of Hindus. Muslims do not have that right and they&nbsp;are just interested in the property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


He said that everything needed for the construction?of the Ram temple was ready

Subramanian Swamy, senior BJP leader has assured the devotees of Lord Ram that they will be able to celebrate next Diwali in Ayodhya. He said that the construction of Ram Temple will commence soon and it will be complete by next Diwali in October. He said, "The next Diwali will be celebrated in the newly constructed temple." He also assured that everything needed for the construction of the Ram temple was ready. Emphasising that there is no need to make a new law he said that the Narasimha Rao government had issued an affidavit to the Supreme Court which stated that the land will be given to Hindus if it is proven that there was a temple at the place. He said, "it was just the matter of attaching it like the Swami Narayan Mandir". Claiming that the existence of the temple was already proven, he was confident of winning the case. He further said that although they can bring the law, it was not needed. He also said that the Sunni Waqf Board has nothing for rebuttal. Swamy has presented an additional argument that offering prayers in that land is the fundamental right of Hindus. Muslims do not have that right and they are just interested in the property.

Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be built by Diwali, says Subramanian Swamy

<p>Reacting to Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi&#39;s remark that &quot;development has gone mad&quot;, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that &quot;unke dimaag par taras aata hai&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Development can slow down,&nbsp;it can speed up, it can stop, but does it ever go mad?&quot; Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;And what do you call someone who says that?&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Rahul kehte hain vikas pagal ho gaya hai. Mujhe unke dimag par taras aata hai. Vikas kabhi dhima ho sakta hai, kabhi tez ho sakta hai, kabhi ruk sakta hai, par vikas pagal bhi kabhi hota hai? Koi yeh keh de ki ye pagal hai to ye kehne waale ko kya kaha jaaye?: Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/Ju0TDBsF8D">pic.twitter.com/Ju0TDBsF8D</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937216474589958144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi had made his remark in October.</p>

<p>He had also said the &quot;Gujarat model&quot; -- which has been accused of creating high growth but not jobs -- is a failure.</p>

<p>Rajnath, who was addressing a rally in Chaurasi, Gujarat on Sunday, also accused the Congress of playing divisive politics for the sake of votes.</p>

<p>&quot;A terrorist has no religion, but for votes, they (Congress) want to divide the people on the basis of caste and religion, so that they may form a government,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Aatankvadi aatankwadi hota hai, na Hindu hota hai, na Musalman hota hai, na Isai hota hai, uska koi mazhab nahi hota. Lekin keval vote ke chakkar mein jaat-paat mazhab ke aadhar par baant ke ye sarkaar banana chahte hain: Rajnath Singh on Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/3KySy20o8S">pic.twitter.com/3KySy20o8S</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937214654182387712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi meanwhile had on Sunday blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;of not providing the women of poll-bound Gujarat with security, education, or nutrition.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">22 ????? ?? ?????,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#??????_?????_????</a><br />
<br />
??????????????- 5??? ????:<br />
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? ???????, ? ??????, ? ????,<br />
??????? ?? ???? ?? ?????? ????,<br />
????????? ????? ?? ???,<br />
???? ?? ?? ???????<br />
<br />
?????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ????,<br />
???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ?????? <a href="https://t.co/yXvCRbxsXW">pic.twitter.com/yXvCRbxsXW</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/937141069191438337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>A political slugfest has erupted ahead of the Gujarat elections -- the state goes to the polls on December 9 and 14 -- with the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party attacking each other over several issues like development in Gujarat, demonetisation, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was addressing a rallyin Chaurasia, Gujarat

Reacting to Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's remark that "development has gone mad", Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that "unke dimaag par taras aata hai". "Development can slow down, it can speed up, it can stop, but does it ever go mad?" Singh said. "And what do you call someone who says that?" he added. Rahul kehte hain vikas pagal ho gaya hai. Mujhe unke dimag par taras aata hai. Vikas kabhi dhima ho sakta hai, kabhi tez ho sakta hai, kabhi ruk sakta hai, par vikas pagal bhi kabhi hota hai? Koi yeh keh de ki ye pagal hai to ye kehne waale ko kya kaha jaaye?: Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/Ju0TDBsF8D — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × Gandhi had made his remark in October. He had also said the "Gujarat model" -- which has been accused of creating high growth but not jobs -- is a failure. Rajnath, who was addressing a rally in Chaurasi, Gujarat on Sunday, also accused the Congress of playing divisive politics for the sake of votes. "A terrorist has no religion, but for votes, they (Congress) want to divide the people on the basis of caste and religion, so that they may form a government," he said. Aatankvadi aatankwadi hota hai, na Hindu hota hai, na Musalman hota hai, na Isai hota hai, uska koi mazhab nahi hota. Lekin keval vote ke chakkar mein jaat-paat mazhab ke aadhar par baant ke ye sarkaar banana chahte hain: Rajnath Singh on Congress #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/3KySy20o8S — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × Gandhi meanwhile had on Sunday blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not providing the women of poll-bound Gujarat with security, education, or nutrition. 22 ????? ?? ?????,#??????_?????_???? ??????????????- 5??? ????: ? ???????, ? ??????, ? ????, ??????? ?? ???? ?? ?????? ????, ????????? ????? ?? ???, ???? ?? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ????, ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ?????? pic.twitter.com/yXvCRbxsXW — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 3, 2017 × A political slugfest has erupted ahead of the Gujarat elections -- the state goes to the polls on December 9 and 14 -- with the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party attacking each other over several issues like development in Gujarat, demonetisation, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

'Unke dimaag par taras aata hai': Rajnath Singh on Rahul Gandhi's 'development has gone mad' remark

<p>The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday ridiculed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its chief Amit Shah and said the party should bring an amendment in the constitution following which an individual will be certified as a Hindu.</p>

<p>&quot;Mr. Amit Shah and the BJP should bring an amendment to the constitution which says in order to qualify to be a Hindu every claimant must visit temples at this frequency per day, per week, per month, per year. Only then will Mr. Amit Shah certify if one is a Hindu or not,&quot; JDU leader Pavan Varma told ANI.</p>

<p>A heated controversy on religion emerged after the BJP raised a question on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi after his name was allegedly listed as a non-Hindu visitor in the visitor-book during his visit at Gujarat&#39;s Somnath Temple.</p>

<p>The controversy started when party&#39;s media coordinator Manoj Tyagi allegedly entered names of Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Ahmed Patel in the special register for non-Hindus visiting the temple.</p>

<p>Later, Rahul Gandhi had said his family is devotee of Lord Shiva, but does not believe in using it for political gain.The Congress also issued a clarification on Twitter saying, &quot;There is only one visitor&#39;s book at Somnath Temple that was signed by Congress VP Rahul Gandhi. Any other image being circulated is fabricated. Desperate times call for desperate measures.&#39;&#39;</p>


The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday ridiculed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its chief Amit Shah and said the party should bring an amendment in the constitution following which an individual will be certified as a Hindu

The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday ridiculed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its chief Amit Shah and said the party should bring an amendment in the constitution following which an individual will be certified as a Hindu. "Mr. Amit Shah and the BJP should bring an amendment to the constitution which says in order to qualify to be a Hindu every claimant must visit temples at this frequency per day, per week, per month, per year. Only then will Mr. Amit Shah certify if one is a Hindu or not," JDU leader Pavan Varma told ANI. A heated controversy on religion emerged after the BJP raised a question on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi after his name was allegedly listed as a non-Hindu visitor in the visitor-book during his visit at Gujarat's Somnath Temple. The controversy started when party's media coordinator Manoj Tyagi allegedly entered names of Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Ahmed Patel in the special register for non-Hindus visiting the temple. Later, Rahul Gandhi had said his family is devotee of Lord Shiva, but does not believe in using it for political gain.The Congress also issued a clarification on Twitter saying, "There is only one visitor's book at Somnath Temple that was signed by Congress VP Rahul Gandhi. Any other image being circulated is fabricated. Desperate times call for desperate measures.''

JDU takes on BJP over Rahul Gandhi temple entry row

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is campaigning in Bharuch in Gujarat for the upcoming state elections, said Sunday that Bharuch and Kutch have significant Muslim populations -- and that they developed rapidly under the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then went on to attack the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Do you remember the poor law and order situation in Bharuch when Congress was in power?&quot; Modi asked. Adding, &quot;Curfews and violence was common here. BJP changed this, not only in Bharuch but all over Gujarat.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;My problem with Congress politics is simple -- they oppose us just for the sake of opposing,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They oppose things like (the) bullet train only because they could not take this initiative forward and are envious someone else is,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also referred to the recent municipal elections in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP won 14 of 16 seats. The remaining two seats were won by the BSP, with the Congress and SP failing to win any.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress also lost the Gandhi bastion of Amethi. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In UP, where Congress ruled for decades, the state from where generations of top Congress leaders belong. We saw what happened there in the local elections. Congress was wiped out. UP knows the Congress well and so does Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi in Bharuch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/sttfzaJXgp">pic.twitter.com/sttfzaJXgp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937227476438212608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When there were floods in Banaskantha, Congress leaders were in Bengaluru to save 1 leader from losing a Rajya Sabha poll. That same leader is topmost Congress leader but what did he do for Bharuch? He was unable to work for Narmada,neither did he think about ro-ro ferry: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/CMJK0nqUxk">pic.twitter.com/CMJK0nqUxk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937228520383639558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Modi is campaigning in Bharuch for the upcoming state elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is campaigning in Bharuch in Gujarat for the upcoming state elections, said Sunday that Bharuch and Kutch have significant Muslim populations -- and that they developed rapidly under the BJP. He then went on to attack the Congress. "Do you remember the poor law and order situation in Bharuch when Congress was in power?" Modi asked. Adding, "Curfews and violence was common here. BJP changed this, not only in Bharuch but all over Gujarat." "My problem with Congress politics is simple -- they oppose us just for the sake of opposing," he said. "They oppose things like (the) bullet train only because they could not take this initiative forward and are envious someone else is," he added. He also referred to the recent municipal elections in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP won 14 of 16 seats. The remaining two seats were won by the BSP, with the Congress and SP failing to win any. The Congress also lost the Gandhi bastion of Amethi. In UP, where Congress ruled for decades, the state from where generations of top Congress leaders belong. We saw what happened there in the local elections. Congress was wiped out. UP knows the Congress well and so does Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi in Bharuch #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/sttfzaJXgp — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × When there were floods in Banaskantha, Congress leaders were in Bengaluru to save 1 leader from losing a Rajya Sabha poll. That same leader is topmost Congress leader but what did he do for Bharuch? He was unable to work for Narmada,neither did he think about ro-ro ferry: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/CMJK0nqUxk — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 ×

Bharuch and Kutch have significant Muslim populations, developed rapidly under BJP: PM Modi in Gujarat

<p>Countering Maharashtra Congress Secretary Shehzad Poonawalla&#39;s allegations that election&nbsp;for the post of Congress party president is &quot;rigged&quot;, Congress Karnataka&nbsp;chief,&nbsp;Dinesh Gundu&nbsp;Rao on Saturday said Congress is the only party which conducted an election for the post of president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poonawalla had earlier sarcastically remarked that the upcoming presidential election in the Congress party was a &quot;selection&quot; rather than an &quot;election&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;The upcoming Congress president election is a selection and not an election. It&#39;s a sham election process,&quot; Poonawalla had said and added that&nbsp;he had information that the delegates who would vote for party president had been appointed for their loyalty. He also suggested that there should be one ticket in one family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to these allegations, Gundu&nbsp;Rao defended his party&#39;s&nbsp;stand and said, &quot; Congress is the only party which had polls for President.Even when Sonia Gandhi contested, Jitendra Prasad was the opponent.&quot;</p>

<p>The entire party wants Rahul Gandhi to become president, he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress is only party which had polls for President. Even when Sonia Gandhi contested, Jitendra Prasad was opponent. Somebody asking him (Shehzad Poonawalla) to do it to create distractions. Entire party wants Rahul Gandhi to become president: Dinesh Gundu Rao, Cong K&#39;taka chief <a href="https://t.co/4lTdzpMMR5">pic.twitter.com/4lTdzpMMR5</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936899348310274048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress Working Committee (CWC)&nbsp;on November 20 had&nbsp;passed a resolution to make Rahul Gandhi the party&#39;s president.</p>

<p>The party has decided to set December 16th as the date of polls &quot;if necessary&quot;. The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on December 19.</p>

<p>The last date of filing nominations is December 4, while December 5 is the day of scrutiny of nominations. In case there is no candidate apart from Rahul Gandhi, Congress will announce his candidature on the last date of scrutiny.</p>


Responding?to Shehzad Poonawala's comments that claimed 'selection of Congress party president',? the party's Karnataka Chief?has come out with a defending?statement

Countering Maharashtra Congress Secretary Shehzad Poonawalla's allegations that election for the post of Congress party president is "rigged", Congress Karnataka chief, Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday said Congress is the only party which conducted an election for the post of president. Poonawalla had earlier sarcastically remarked that the upcoming presidential election in the Congress party was a "selection" rather than an "election". "The upcoming Congress president election is a selection and not an election. It's a sham election process," Poonawalla had said and added that he had information that the delegates who would vote for party president had been appointed for their loyalty. He also suggested that there should be one ticket in one family. In response to these allegations, Gundu Rao defended his party's stand and said, " Congress is the only party which had polls for President.Even when Sonia Gandhi contested, Jitendra Prasad was the opponent." The entire party wants Rahul Gandhi to become president, he said. Congress is only party which had polls for President. Even when Sonia Gandhi contested, Jitendra Prasad was opponent. Somebody asking him (Shehzad Poonawalla) to do it to create distractions. Entire party wants Rahul Gandhi to become president: Dinesh Gundu Rao, Cong K'taka chief pic.twitter.com/4lTdzpMMR5 — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on November 20 had passed a resolution to make Rahul Gandhi the party's president. The party has decided to set December 16th as the date of polls "if necessary". The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on December 19. The last date of filing nominations is December 4, while December 5 is the day of scrutiny of nominations. In case there is no candidate apart from Rahul Gandhi, Congress will announce his candidature on the last date of scrutiny.

'Entire party wants Rahul Gandhi to become President': Karnataka Congress chief

<p>Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday tore into the Opposition parties which have, time and again, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of tampering with the Electric Voting Machines (EVMs), saying they were making excuses for their defeat.</p>

<p>&quot;While the BJP has maintained its credibility, the Congress is slowly becoming extinct. The results haven&#39;t been out yet and they have already started making excuses for their defeat,&quot; the senior BJP leader said, while addressing a press conference here.</p>

<p>In the wake of the upcoming assembly polls in Gujarat, national general secretary of Congress, Mohan Prakash, had reportedly said the BJP would lose in Gujarat, if the elections were carried out in a fair manner, that is, without the use of EVMs.</p>

<p>Earlier today, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said the BJP tampered with the EVMs in the UP civil body polls.</p>

<p>&quot;If the BJP is honest and believes in democracy then they should discard the EVMs and conduct voting on ballot papers. The general elections are due in 2019. If the BJP believes people are with them, they must implement it. I can guarantee if ballot papers are used, the BJP won&#39;t come to power,&quot; Mayawati said.</p>

<p>The BJP secured a massive victory in the civic polls in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.</p>

<p>The BSP won the mayoral posts in Aligarh and Meerut. Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party failed to win a single mayoral seat.</p>

<p>Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan said there was no tampering but a &#39;setting&#39; in the civic polls.</p>

<p>&quot;The BJP won wherever the EVMs were used, and the SP won wherever ballot papers were used,&quot; Khan said, alluding to the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls earlier this year.</p>

<p>The two-phase Gujarat assembly elections will take place on December 9 and 14, while the results will be out on December 18.</p>


Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday tore into the Opposition parties which have, time and again, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of tampering with the Electric Voting Machines (EVMs), saying they were making excuses for their defeat

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday tore into the Opposition parties which have, time and again, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of tampering with the Electric Voting Machines (EVMs), saying they were making excuses for their defeat. "While the BJP has maintained its credibility, the Congress is slowly becoming extinct. The results haven't been out yet and they have already started making excuses for their defeat," the senior BJP leader said, while addressing a press conference here. In the wake of the upcoming assembly polls in Gujarat, national general secretary of Congress, Mohan Prakash, had reportedly said the BJP would lose in Gujarat, if the elections were carried out in a fair manner, that is, without the use of EVMs. Earlier today, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said the BJP tampered with the EVMs in the UP civil body polls. "If the BJP is honest and believes in democracy then they should discard the EVMs and conduct voting on ballot papers. The general elections are due in 2019. If the BJP believes people are with them, they must implement it. I can guarantee if ballot papers are used, the BJP won't come to power," Mayawati said. The BJP secured a massive victory in the civic polls in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. The BSP won the mayoral posts in Aligarh and Meerut. Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party failed to win a single mayoral seat. Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan said there was no tampering but a 'setting' in the civic polls. "The BJP won wherever the EVMs were used, and the SP won wherever ballot papers were used," Khan said, alluding to the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls earlier this year. The two-phase Gujarat assembly elections will take place on December 9 and 14, while the results will be out on December 18.

Jaitley says EVM-tampering allegations are 'excuses for defeat'

<p>BJP which swept <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-civic-polls-bjp-ahead-in-16-mayor-seats-bsp-2-25597">the Uttar Pradesh civic polls won</a> a politically significant seat today - Amethi, which is the parliamentary constituency of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>BJP&#39;s Chandrama Devi clinched the Amethi Nagar Panchayat by 1,035 votes in Rahul Gandhi&#39;s family bastion.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amethi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amethi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936514673695846400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amethi Nagarpalika trends: SP leading in Gauriganj, BJP leading in Jais</p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936479328744833025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had undertaken a whirlwind campaign criss-crossing the state to power the BJP, however, the opposition leaders did not campaign much with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati staying away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi&#39;s twitter handle had no reference to the UP civic polls even though it generated a lot of political heat throughout the day.</p>

<p>The Congress vice-president&#39;s twitter handle had this message today:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">22 ????? ?? ?????,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#??????_?????_????</a><br />
<br />
?????????????? ?? ????? ????:<br />
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2002-16 ?? ??? ?62,549 Cr ?? ????? ????? ?? 4 ???? ???????? ?? ??? ????? ????<br />
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?????? ????? ????????? ?? ?????? 62% ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?3/ ????? ?? ????? ?24 ?? ????? ???????<br />
<br />
???? ?? ????, ????? ??????</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/936413023211679744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


BJP's Chandrama Devi clinched the Amethi Nagar Panchayat by 1,035 votes

BJP which swept the Uttar Pradesh civic polls won a politically significant seat today - Amethi, which is the parliamentary constituency of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. BJP's Chandrama Devi clinched the Amethi Nagar Panchayat by 1,035 votes in Rahul Gandhi's family bastion. Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in #Amethi — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Amethi Nagarpalika trends: SP leading in Gauriganj, BJP leading in Jais — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats today. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had undertaken a whirlwind campaign criss-crossing the state to power the BJP, however, the opposition leaders did not campaign much with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati staying away. Rahul Gandhi's twitter handle had no reference to the UP civic polls even though it generated a lot of political heat throughout the day. The Congress vice-president's twitter handle had this message today: 22 ????? ?? ?????,#??????_?????_???? ?????????????? ?? ????? ????: 2002-16 ?? ??? ?62,549 Cr ?? ????? ????? ?? 4 ???? ???????? ?? ??? ????? ???? ?????? ????? ????????? ?? ?????? 62% ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?3/ ????? ?? ????? ?24 ?? ????? ??????? ???? ?? ????, ????? ?????? — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 1, 2017 ×

Amethi: Rahul Gandhi's family bastion falls to BJP in UP civic falls

<p><br />
The ruling BJP established early leads in the Uttar Pradesh civic polls as counting of votes was in progress for all the 652 urban local bodies.</p>

<p>Out of 16 mayor seats, the BJP has won 14 mayoral seats while the BSP has won two seats. BJP&#39;s mayor candidates have won in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad, Bareilly, Agra, Firozabad, Ayodhya, Mathura, Lucknow, Kanpur, Saharanpur Jhansi and Bareilly, and Moradabad. The BSP has won in Aligarh and Meerut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and said development has triumphed once again in the country.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Development has triumphed once again in the country. Thank people of the state for this grand victory. Many congratulations to CM Yogi Adityanath &amp; all party workers. This win motivates us to work even harder for people&#39;s betterment, tweets PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a> (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/7g6T3THlNq">pic.twitter.com/7g6T3THlNq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936545768277622785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a> Out of 16 mayor seats, BJP ahead in 14 and BSP in 2 <a href="https://t.co/Yf9kOpYvJN">pic.twitter.com/Yf9kOpYvJN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936517480603729920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uttar Pradesh: Celebration outside BJP office in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lucknow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lucknow</a> following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a> results <a href="https://t.co/Nn1tUjMESw">pic.twitter.com/Nn1tUjMESw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936535444489093121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a major blow to Congress, the BJP has won the Amethi Nagar Panchayat elections. Amethi is the constituency of Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi and is considered a bastion of the party.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amethi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amethi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936514673695846400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The final results are expected by this evening. Results will be communicated to the candidates through SMS on their registered mobile numbers.</p>

<p>Official sources said no procession would be allowed during the counting process and following the announcement of the results.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP&#39;s Maya Tripathi loses ward no 68 in Gorakhpur. Independent candidate Nadira wins. Gorakhnath Temple is situated in this ward <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPCivicPolls2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPCivicPolls2017</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/936525203118612481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats with an average turnout of all the three phases estimated at 52.5 per cent of the 3.32 crore voters.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Aam Aadmi Party has won one civic body seat in Rae Bareli

The ruling BJP established early leads in the Uttar Pradesh civic polls as counting of votes was in progress for all the 652 urban local bodies. Out of 16 mayor seats, the BJP has won 14 mayoral seats while the BSP has won two seats. BJP's mayor candidates have won in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad, Bareilly, Agra, Firozabad, Ayodhya, Mathura, Lucknow, Kanpur, Saharanpur Jhansi and Bareilly, and Moradabad. The BSP has won in Aligarh and Meerut. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and said development has triumphed once again in the country. Development has triumphed once again in the country. Thank people of the state for this grand victory. Many congratulations to CM Yogi Adityanath & all party workers. This win motivates us to work even harder for people's betterment, tweets PM Modi #UPCivicPolls2017 (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/7g6T3THlNq — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2017 × #UPCivicPolls2017 Out of 16 mayor seats, BJP ahead in 14 and BSP in 2 pic.twitter.com/Yf9kOpYvJN — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Uttar Pradesh: Celebration outside BJP office in #Lucknow following #UPCivicPolls2017 results pic.twitter.com/Nn1tUjMESw — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × In a major blow to Congress, the BJP has won the Amethi Nagar Panchayat elections. Amethi is the constituency of Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi and is considered a bastion of the party. Bharatiya Janta Party wins Nagar Panchayat in #Amethi — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × The final results are expected by this evening. Results will be communicated to the candidates through SMS on their registered mobile numbers. Official sources said no procession would be allowed during the counting process and following the announcement of the results. BJP's Maya Tripathi loses ward no 68 in Gorakhpur. Independent candidate Nadira wins. Gorakhnath Temple is situated in this ward #UPCivicPolls2017 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 1, 2017 × Polling was held for 16 nagar nigams, 198 nagar palika parishads and 438 nagar panchayats with an average turnout of all the three phases estimated at 52.5 per cent of the 3.32 crore voters.

UP civic polls: BJP wins 14 mayor seats, BSP 2

<p>Randip Surjewala, Chairman, Congress Media Cell tells WION&#39;s <strong><em>Kartikeya Sharma</em></strong> Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion and perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor&rsquo;s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted. Excerpts &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Q: Why is your party in contest in Gujarat this time around?</strong><br />
A: People of Gujarat are fed up with BJP and there is a deep yearning for change. BJP has been high on rhetoric and less on the delivery of promises. We have also changed our strategy. We have fanned out at grass root level and ensured that people from neighbouring states help our party in Gujarat. We also ensured that social media is used effectively and it has worked in our favour this time around.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: If you are so confident, then where is the manifesto? It is being said that party will have to clarify its position on Patidar quota issue?</strong><br />
A: No. Even BJP has not released the manifesto but the outline of our manifesto has been made public by Rahul Gandhi in his speeches. In next 72 hours, we will be releasing the manifesto. The document will not be a manifesto in the traditional sense of the word but a layout of what we intend to do in terms of development.<br />
<strong>&nbsp;<br />
Q: Is there a crisis of leadership in Gujarat as no one leader was projected as the CM candidate?</strong><br />
A: Every state has a different strategy. There are states where we declare CM candidates and there are states we go with collective leadership. We have a young leadership in Gujarat. We will go with our collective leadership in the state. We have to see what are the aspirations of people in the state. BJP didn&rsquo;t portray anyone as a CM candidate in Uttar Pradesh but still won the elections.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: Off </strong><strong>late</strong><strong> the election in Gujarat has become all about </strong><strong>asmita</strong><strong>. Your comments?</strong><br />
A: Gujarati asmita is extremely important. But the question is as to who attacked Gujarati asmita and took away the jobs and good life from people both in urban and rural areas. BJP leadership has been insensitive towards Gujarati people. Look at the way the BJP leadership removed a woman Chief Minister of Gujarat. This conspiracy was hatched by BJP leaders to remove Anandiben Patel as the CM.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: Why did you use the word Janeyudhari Hindu?</strong><br />
A: Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion. They perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor&rsquo;s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Q: My question was that why did you use the word Janyeudhari?</strong><br />
A: In our culture, certain rituals require janeyu. It is customary on some occasions but please remember that Rahul Gandhi has said that he respects all religion that his country and his flag is his religion. So, his commitment it to his belief, country and the flag.</p>


Even BJP has not released the manifesto but the outline of our manifesto has been made public by Rahul Gandhi in his speeches.

Randip Surjewala, Chairman, Congress Media Cell tells WION's Kartikeya Sharma Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion and perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor’s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted. Excerpts Q: Why is your party in contest in Gujarat this time around? A: People of Gujarat are fed up with BJP and there is a deep yearning for change. BJP has been high on rhetoric and less on the delivery of promises. We have also changed our strategy. We have fanned out at grass root level and ensured that people from neighbouring states help our party in Gujarat. We also ensured that social media is used effectively and it has worked in our favour this time around. Q: If you are so confident, then where is the manifesto? It is being said that party will have to clarify its position on Patidar quota issue? A: No. Even BJP has not released the manifesto but the outline of our manifesto has been made public by Rahul Gandhi in his speeches. In next 72 hours, we will be releasing the manifesto. The document will not be a manifesto in the traditional sense of the word but a layout of what we intend to do in terms of development. Q: Is there a crisis of leadership in Gujarat as no one leader was projected as the CM candidate? A: Every state has a different strategy. There are states where we declare CM candidates and there are states we go with collective leadership. We have a young leadership in Gujarat. We will go with our collective leadership in the state. We have to see what are the aspirations of people in the state. BJP didn’t portray anyone as a CM candidate in Uttar Pradesh but still won the elections. Q: Off late the election in Gujarat has become all about asmita. Your comments? A: Gujarati asmita is extremely important. But the question is as to who attacked Gujarati asmita and took away the jobs and good life from people both in urban and rural areas. BJP leadership has been insensitive towards Gujarati people. Look at the way the BJP leadership removed a woman Chief Minister of Gujarat. This conspiracy was hatched by BJP leaders to remove Anandiben Patel as the CM. Q: Why did you use the word Janeyudhari Hindu? A: Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu but BJP wants to polarize the election on the basis of religion. They perpetrated a fraud in Somnath Temple. Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor’s register and wrote that he was inspired by the spirituality in the Somnath Temple. In a register which was signed by a colleague of ours in the media department for the entry of the journalists, it was used to prove that Rahul Gandhi has converted. Q: My question was that why did you use the word Janyeudhari? A: In our culture, certain rituals require janeyu. It is customary on some occasions but please remember that Rahul Gandhi has said that he respects all religion that his country and his flag is his religion. So, his commitment it to his belief, country and the flag.

There is a deep yearning for change in Gujarat: Randip Surjewala

<p>The Congress party on Sunday released the third list of 76 candidates for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly Elections.</p>

<p>In a press statement, the party released the names of 76 candidates for the second phase of elections.</p>

<p>Earlier on November 21, the Congress party released its second list of 13 candidates for the upcoming elections.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress releases its third List of 76 Candidates of Gujarat polls. <a href="https://t.co/hvJD0Mz26Z">pic.twitter.com/hvJD0Mz26Z</a></p>
&mdash; Gujarat Congress (@INCGujarat) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCGujarat/status/934868521468674048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The list was released by senior party leader Oscar Fernandes. Apart from revealing candidates for nine constituencies, the Congress party has replaced four candidates previously announced in the first list, for Junagadh, Bharuch, Kamrej, and Varachha Road.</p>

<p>Earlier, the party also released its first list of 77 candidates.</p>

<p>The elections in Gujarat will be held in two phases on December 9 and 14.</p>


The elections in Gujarat will be held in two phases on December 9 and 14

The Congress party on Sunday released the third list of 76 candidates for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly Elections. In a press statement, the party released the names of 76 candidates for the second phase of elections. Earlier on November 21, the Congress party released its second list of 13 candidates for the upcoming elections. Congress releases its third List of 76 Candidates of Gujarat polls. pic.twitter.com/hvJD0Mz26Z — Gujarat Congress (@INCGujarat) November 26, 2017 × The list was released by senior party leader Oscar Fernandes. Apart from revealing candidates for nine constituencies, the Congress party has replaced four candidates previously announced in the first list, for Junagadh, Bharuch, Kamrej, and Varachha Road. Earlier, the party also released its first list of 77 candidates. The elections in Gujarat will be held in two phases on December 9 and 14.

Gujarat elections: Congress releases third list of 76 candidates

<p>Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani said Monday that he would contest the upcoming Gujarat elections as an independent candidate from Banaskantha&#39;s Vadgam&nbsp;district. He tweeted :&nbsp;&lsquo;Friends, I&rsquo;m contesting from Vadgam-11 seat of Banaskantha district of Gujarat as an independent candidate. We shall fight, we shall win.&rsquo;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Friends, I m contesting from Vadgam-11 seat of Banaskantha district of Gujarat as an independent candidate. We shall fight, we shall win.</p>
&mdash; Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) <a href="https://twitter.com/jigneshmevani80/status/934985861464072197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a Facebook post, the 35-year-old requested the Congress and other opposition parties not to field a candidate from Vadgam, so that he can make it a direct contest with the ruling BJP.&nbsp;&ldquo;We need to expose the 22-year-old misrule of the BJP and hence should be a direct&nbsp;fight between me and the BJP,&rdquo; he wrote.</p>

<p>The Dalit leader maintained that he had no plans to join any political party.</p>

<p>The Gujarat Congress has asked its sitting MLA Manibhai Vaghela to not contest from Vadgam&nbsp;&ldquo;as a part of an agreement&rdquo; with Mevani. &ldquo;The party&nbsp;has asked me not to contest from the Vadgam seat this time. Though Mevani will contest the polls as an Independent, he will have Congress&rsquo; support. Thus, there won&rsquo;t be any Congress candidate on this seat,&rdquo; Vaghela told PTI.</p>

<p>The BJP on Friday had named Vijaybhai Chakravarti as its candidate from Vadgam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amongst his early supporters, Jignesh can count Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who&nbsp;was quick to wish him on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best wishes Jignesh <a href="https://t.co/y8jnU5HfUH">https://t.co/y8jnU5HfUH</a></p>
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/934996768718127104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mewani made the announcement hours after the Congress party released its third list of 76 candidates. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Jignesh Mevani had a meeting with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi during the latter&rsquo;s visit to south Gujarat. After the meeting, Mevani had said that the opposition party gave him an assurance that more than 90 per cent of his demands will be incorporated in its manifesto.</p>

<p>Stopping short of declaring an open support to the Congress after the meeting, Mevani had said that he would ask his community members to defeat BJP in the Gujarat polls.</p>

<p>Jignesh Mevani, who has been critical of the ruling BJP in the state and shot to fame after the Una Dalit flogging incident last year, had discussed 17 demands of his community in the meeting with Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>Of the three young caste leaders, OBC leader Alpesh Thakor has already joined the Congress, while Patidar community leader Hardik Patel recently announced his decision to back the opposition party after accepting its proposed reservation formula.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-alpesh-thakores-main-drawback-is-lack-of-credibility-25233" target="_blank">Opinion: Alpesh Thakore&#39;s main drawback is lack of credibility</a></p>

<p>He said he would not join the party, but that all Dalit organisations and activists would work to defeat the BJP. &nbsp;</p>

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<p>Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor (ANI)</p>
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The announcement came hours after the Congress party released its third list of 76 candidates for the second phase of the Gujarat Assembly election

Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani said Monday that he would contest the upcoming Gujarat elections as an independent candidate from Banaskantha's Vadgam district. He tweeted : ‘Friends, I’m contesting from Vadgam-11 seat of Banaskantha district of Gujarat as an independent candidate. We shall fight, we shall win.’ Friends, I m contesting from Vadgam-11 seat of Banaskantha district of Gujarat as an independent candidate. We shall fight, we shall win. — Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) November 27, 2017 × In a Facebook post, the 35-year-old requested the Congress and other opposition parties not to field a candidate from Vadgam, so that he can make it a direct contest with the ruling BJP. “We need to expose the 22-year-old misrule of the BJP and hence should be a direct fight between me and the BJP,” he wrote. The Dalit leader maintained that he had no plans to join any political party. The Gujarat Congress has asked its sitting MLA Manibhai Vaghela to not contest from Vadgam “as a part of an agreement” with Mevani. “The party has asked me not to contest from the Vadgam seat this time. Though Mevani will contest the polls as an Independent, he will have Congress’ support. Thus, there won’t be any Congress candidate on this seat,” Vaghela told PTI. The BJP on Friday had named Vijaybhai Chakravarti as its candidate from Vadgam. Amongst his early supporters, Jignesh can count Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who was quick to wish him on Twitter. Best wishes Jignesh https://t.co/y8jnU5HfUH — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 27, 2017 × Mewani made the announcement hours after the Congress party released its third list of 76 candidates. Earlier this month, Jignesh Mevani had a meeting with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi during the latter’s visit to south Gujarat. After the meeting, Mevani had said that the opposition party gave him an assurance that more than 90 per cent of his demands will be incorporated in its manifesto. Stopping short of declaring an open support to the Congress after the meeting, Mevani had said that he would ask his community members to defeat BJP in the Gujarat polls. Jignesh Mevani, who has been critical of the ruling BJP in the state and shot to fame after the Una Dalit flogging incident last year, had discussed 17 demands of his community in the meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Of the three young caste leaders, OBC leader Alpesh Thakor has already joined the Congress, while Patidar community leader Hardik Patel recently announced his decision to back the opposition party after accepting its proposed reservation formula. Opinion: Alpesh Thakore's main drawback is lack of credibility He said he would not join the party, but that all Dalit organisations and activists would work to defeat the BJP. Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor (ANI) ×

Gujarat elections: Jignesh Mewani to contest as independent from Vadgam

<p>Congress party workers on Sunday vandalised property at the party office in Gandhinagar. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The workers reportedly created a havoc and broke chairs and television sets in the office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They had been protesting ticket distribution by the party in the upcoming Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress workers vandalised property at party office over ticket distribution issue in Gandhinagar yesterday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElections2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElections2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/bDRNJP1Jlr">pic.twitter.com/bDRNJP1Jlr</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934979814401884160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Rekhaben Chaudhary submitted her resignation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gujarat Congress spokesperson Rekhaben Chaudhary resigned from the party (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/fB2uNhr9RY">pic.twitter.com/fB2uNhr9RY</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934862711665565696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The reason for her resignation is still not clear but media reports said she too was unhappy over ticket distribution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gujarat elections will be held in two phases on December 9 and 14.</p>

<p>The result&nbsp;will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;</p>


Rekhaben Chaudhary was reportedly upset over ticket distribution

Congress party workers on Sunday vandalised property at the party office in Gandhinagar. The workers reportedly created a havoc and broke chairs and television sets in the office. They had been protesting ticket distribution by the party in the upcoming Gujarat elections. Congress workers vandalised property at party office over ticket distribution issue in Gandhinagar yesterday #GujaratElections2017 pic.twitter.com/bDRNJP1Jlr — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × Meanwhile, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Rekhaben Chaudhary submitted her resignation. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Rekhaben Chaudhary resigned from the party (File pic) pic.twitter.com/fB2uNhr9RY — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2017 × The reason for her resignation is still not clear but media reports said she too was unhappy over ticket distribution. The Gujarat elections will be held in two phases on December 9 and 14. The result will be announced on December 18.

Gujarat elections: Congress spokesperson resigns, workers vandalise Gandhinagar party office

<p>&quot;I am grateful for all the &#39;kichad&#39; being thrown at me,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while launching his campaign for&nbsp;Gujarat assembly elections on&nbsp;Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;After all, a lotus blooms only in &#39;kichad&#39;, so I don&#39;t mind if more is thrown at me,&quot; Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ro"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi address a public meeting in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>&#39;s Bhuj <a href="https://t.co/Et530PU8mv">https://t.co/Et530PU8mv</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935024863596519424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi was addressing a public gathering in Bhuj - the start of his campaigning in the state for the upcoming Gujarat polls.</p>

<p>Modi added that &quot;Gujarat is my soul and mother&quot; and that my relationship with you is that of equality since you call me brother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi also said that the Congress had insulted Sardar Patel but the people of Gujarat still forgave them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But he added that they (the people of Gujarat) would no longer tolerate any attack on their prestige.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Officers did not want to get posted to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kutch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kutch</a> region as the water here was black in colour. Congress did not allow Narmada water to come to Kutch region. What if the Narmada waters had come to Kutch 30 years earlier? It would have made such a big different: PM Modi in Kutch <a href="https://t.co/FFdzeys1wF">pic.twitter.com/FFdzeys1wF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935030255714156544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kutch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kutch</a> ek aisi jagah hai jahan ek taraf registaan hai aur doosri taraf Pakistan hai. Kisi ne socha nahi tha ki yahan kheti bhi ho sakti hai par yahan dariya tak le aaye: PM Modi in Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/GAKpXBswwn">pic.twitter.com/GAKpXBswwn</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935031262867218432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When big earthquakes take place ppl say see this building has fell but in Kutch ppl say this school, this hospital, these buildings were made after the earthquake. All this was done on war footing by the army of Kutch which consists of its ppl: PM in Bhuj <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/oOPhNKY01J">pic.twitter.com/oOPhNKY01J</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935031523467657216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


'After all, a lotus blooms only in 'kichad', so I don't mind if more is thrown at me,' Modi added.?

"I am grateful for all the 'kichad' being thrown at me," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while launching his campaign for Gujarat assembly elections on Monday. "After all, a lotus blooms only in 'kichad', so I don't mind if more is thrown at me," Modi added. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi address a public meeting in #Gujarat's Bhuj https://t.co/Et530PU8mv — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × Modi was addressing a public gathering in Bhuj - the start of his campaigning in the state for the upcoming Gujarat polls. Modi added that "Gujarat is my soul and mother" and that my relationship with you is that of equality since you call me brother. Modi also said that the Congress had insulted Sardar Patel but the people of Gujarat still forgave them. But he added that they (the people of Gujarat) would no longer tolerate any attack on their prestige. Officers did not want to get posted to #Kutch region as the water here was black in colour. Congress did not allow Narmada water to come to Kutch region. What if the Narmada waters had come to Kutch 30 years earlier? It would have made such a big different: PM Modi in Kutch pic.twitter.com/FFdzeys1wF — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × #Kutch ek aisi jagah hai jahan ek taraf registaan hai aur doosri taraf Pakistan hai. Kisi ne socha nahi tha ki yahan kheti bhi ho sakti hai par yahan dariya tak le aaye: PM Modi in Gujarat pic.twitter.com/GAKpXBswwn — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × When big earthquakes take place ppl say see this building has fell but in Kutch ppl say this school, this hospital, these buildings were made after the earthquake. All this was done on war footing by the army of Kutch which consists of its ppl: PM in Bhuj #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/oOPhNKY01J — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 ×

Watch: I am grateful for all the 'kichad' being thrown at me, says PM Modi

<p>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Ramesh said Gandhi was &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39; (Others)</p>
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<p>Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; and executed it in a rightful manner.</p>

<p>&quot;Gandhi also was a great believer in &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, but her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; was a listening &#39;mann ki baat&#39; not a speaking &#39;mann ki baat&#39;. When she did &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, she listened, she didn&#39;t pontificate,&quot; said Mr Ramesh.</p>

<p>&quot;She didn&#39;t tell the other person that she had all the answers to all the world&#39;s problem... entire environmental odyssey was a &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, but a listening &#39;mann ki baat&#39;,&quot; he said, he added without mentioning Modi.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; on Sunday morning.</p>

<p>Modi also tweeted about&nbsp;the 38th edition of his monthly radio programme and asked the people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> will take place tomorrow at 11 AM. Do tune in. <a href="https://t.co/dfIeEtMRpg">pic.twitter.com/dfIeEtMRpg</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/934386818132389888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In his last address, Modi talked about how people needed to give more importance to children&#39;s health, considering the low-level&nbsp;of immunity among the younger children&nbsp;due to &#39;lifestyle disorder.&#39;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The programme will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and the Narendra Modi mobile application.</p>


Modi also posted a tweet and motivated people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.' Ramesh said Gandhi was 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.' (Others) × Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her 'mann ki baat' and executed it in a rightful manner. "Gandhi also was a great believer in 'mann ki baat', but her 'mann ki baat' was a listening 'mann ki baat' not a speaking 'mann ki baat'. When she did 'mann ki baat', she listened, she didn't pontificate," said Mr Ramesh. "She didn't tell the other person that she had all the answers to all the world's problem... entire environmental odyssey was a 'mann ki baat', but a listening 'mann ki baat'," he said, he added without mentioning Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday morning. Modi also tweeted about the 38th edition of his monthly radio programme and asked the people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application. #MannKiBaat will take place tomorrow at 11 AM. Do tune in. pic.twitter.com/dfIeEtMRpg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2017 × In his last address, Modi talked about how people needed to give more importance to children's health, considering the low-level of immunity among the younger children due to 'lifestyle disorder.' The programme will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and the Narendra Modi mobile application.

Indira Gandhi believed in people's 'Mann ki Baat': Jairam Ramesh

<p>Minister of State for the PMO Jitendra Singh spoke with WION&#39;s Kartikeya Sharma about the upcoming Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh said GST had been very well accepted in the trading community, that the BJP&#39;s rallies in Patidar-dominated areas have been big, and that the elections will be a one-sided contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How is the BJP positioned in the state elections? The BJP has been in power in Gujarat for 22 years.</strong><br />
We are comfortable. With each passing day, we are consolidating our position and I can say with confidence that it is going to be a one-sided contest.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>How is the BJP dealing with the resentment over GST in the trading community?</strong><br />
Contrary to the opinion in certain parts, GST has been very well accepted all over the country and Gujarat. Opposition is raking up this issue to provoke the industry and traders but the fact is that they are okay with it. Yes, they have some issues and Finance Ministry is openly receiving the feedback. It is sensitively dealing with the situation. Certain issues related to GST which are primarily procedural in nature will also be addressed. At end of the day, business community knows that their interests are only protected by a BJP government. They will not go for any other option.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>A lot of traders in Surat say GST has worked perfectly for big business with a permanent infrastructure but not for small and medium traders?</strong><br />
These are transitional issues not specific to Surat. These are general issues. These issues too will be taken care off. Business community has confidence in us.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>How is your party tackling the Patel issue? They were dedicated BJP voters.</strong><br />
Mark my word, as Gujarat has been a model for organisational discipline, the state will also send a strong message of the beginning of the end of caste politics in India. It is unfortunate that Congress, which is the oldest party and claims to be a pan-India party, is trying to stoke caste passions for political mileage. They will not succeed. BJP rallies in Patidar-dominated constituencies have been big and phenomenal.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>You spoke of the Gujarat development model but the critics say that only big businesses have benefitted. Your response?</strong><br />
Gujarat went through revolutionary transformation when Narendra Modi was at (the) helm of affairs in the state. It is a case study in its self. Kutch was a desert but today it is an international destination for tourists. Many other states are suffering from (a) power deficit but Gujarat is a power surplus state.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Are you saying that Gujarat can throw up a surprise like the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections?</strong><br />
As far as we are concerned, we can sense a comfortable win with an improvement in the tally. It may surprise those who have created a perception that BJP is not doing well.</p>


Singh said, contrary to opinion, GST had been very well accepted in Gujarat and the country

Minister of State for the PMO Jitendra Singh spoke with WION's Kartikeya Sharma about the upcoming Gujarat elections. Singh said GST had been very well accepted in the trading community, that the BJP's rallies in Patidar-dominated areas have been big, and that the elections will be a one-sided contest. How is the BJP positioned in the state elections? The BJP has been in power in Gujarat for 22 years. We are comfortable. With each passing day, we are consolidating our position and I can say with confidence that it is going to be a one-sided contest. How is the BJP dealing with the resentment over GST in the trading community? Contrary to the opinion in certain parts, GST has been very well accepted all over the country and Gujarat. Opposition is raking up this issue to provoke the industry and traders but the fact is that they are okay with it. Yes, they have some issues and Finance Ministry is openly receiving the feedback. It is sensitively dealing with the situation. Certain issues related to GST which are primarily procedural in nature will also be addressed. At end of the day, business community knows that their interests are only protected by a BJP government. They will not go for any other option. A lot of traders in Surat say GST has worked perfectly for big business with a permanent infrastructure but not for small and medium traders? These are transitional issues not specific to Surat. These are general issues. These issues too will be taken care off. Business community has confidence in us. How is your party tackling the Patel issue? They were dedicated BJP voters. Mark my word, as Gujarat has been a model for organisational discipline, the state will also send a strong message of the beginning of the end of caste politics in India. It is unfortunate that Congress, which is the oldest party and claims to be a pan-India party, is trying to stoke caste passions for political mileage. They will not succeed. BJP rallies in Patidar-dominated constituencies have been big and phenomenal. You spoke of the Gujarat development model but the critics say that only big businesses have benefitted. Your response? Gujarat went through revolutionary transformation when Narendra Modi was at (the) helm of affairs in the state. It is a case study in its self. Kutch was a desert but today it is an international destination for tourists. Many other states are suffering from (a) power deficit but Gujarat is a power surplus state. Are you saying that Gujarat can throw up a surprise like the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections? As far as we are concerned, we can sense a comfortable win with an improvement in the tally. It may surprise those who have created a perception that BJP is not doing well.

Gujarat elections will be one-sided contest: Union Minister Jitendra Singh tells WION

<p>Condemning the terror attack in Egypt, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said attacks like these are a reminder that terrorism remains the biggest challenge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Expressing her concern over terrorists attack, the Congress leader called for a&nbsp; sustained response from global communities for attacks like this. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack took place in Egypt near the provincial capital of El-Arish during weekly prayers in a mosque when attackers hit the mosque with bombs and fired at people. The death toll rose to 235 while over 125 injured.</p>

<p>Congress president voiced unanimity with the citizens of Egypt and said that it was a vicious act of terror against innocent Egyptians and said that terrorism is a crime against the innocent people of the world for where there can never be a justification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;This cowardly attack is a stark reminder that the persisting menace of terrorism remains a formidable challenge that calls for a concerted and sustained response from the global community,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Hours after the killing of over 230 worshippers in a deadly attack at the mosque in Egypt&#39;s North Sinai, the country&#39;s air force has launched a retaliatory attack on terror hideouts in the surrounding.&nbsp;</p>


The attack took place in Egypt near the provincial capital of El-Arish during weekly prayers in a mosque when attackers hit the mosque with bombs and fired at people

Condemning the terror attack in Egypt, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said attacks like these are a reminder that terrorism remains the biggest challenge. Expressing her concern over terrorists attack, the Congress leader called for a sustained response from global communities for attacks like this. The attack took place in Egypt near the provincial capital of El-Arish during weekly prayers in a mosque when attackers hit the mosque with bombs and fired at people. The death toll rose to 235 while over 125 injured. Congress president voiced unanimity with the citizens of Egypt and said that it was a vicious act of terror against innocent Egyptians and said that terrorism is a crime against the innocent people of the world for where there can never be a justification. "This cowardly attack is a stark reminder that the persisting menace of terrorism remains a formidable challenge that calls for a concerted and sustained response from the global community," she said. Hours after the killing of over 230 worshippers in a deadly attack at the mosque in Egypt's North Sinai, the country's air force has launched a retaliatory attack on terror hideouts in the surrounding.

Sonia Gandhi calls for response from global community after Egypt mosque attack

<p>Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday lashed out at the Prime Minister and state Chief Minister Vijay Goel over &#39;Gujarat model&#39; and termed it as &#39;Narendra Modi marketing model&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;Using the power of women in Gujarat, small and medium businesses and utilizing the power of youth after educating them is real &#39;Gujarat model&#39;. What has been done by the BJP government in the past 22 years is not Gujarat model, instead it is &#39;&#39;Narendra Modi marketing model&#39;&#39; and now it has become Vijay Rupani model,&quot; Rahul said.</p>

<p>While addressing a crowd in Ahmedabad, Rahul said that the real Gujarat model is in the utilization of the power of women, small and medium businesses and educated youths.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that the Congress has questioned the state&#39;s model of development.</p>

<p>&quot;Gujarat doesn&#39;t just belong to 5-10 big industrialists. The state belongs to the farmers, the labourers and the small-scale businessmen,&quot; said Rahul, who is on a two-day tour to Gujarat and is interacting with fishermen in Porbandar, Dalits in Sanand and pharmaceutical industrialists, doctors and teachers at separate events in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>He also criticised the BJP-led government in Gujarat for stopping the subsidy given to fishermen to buy diesel for their boats.Rahul also claimed that Gujarat during the tenure of Narendra Modi as chief minister gave away Rs 33,000 crore to Tata Motors for its Nano car plant.</p>

<p>His scathing remark comes a month after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed doubt on the development in Gujarat under the saffron party.</p>

<p>Gujarat will be going to polls in two phases - on December 9 and 14, respectively and counting of votes will take place on December 18.</p>

<p>Subsequently, Prime Minister Modi is all set to visit Gujarat and address eight rallies in different parts of Saurashtra and south Gujarat between November 27 and 29.</p>


While addressing a crowd in Ahmedabad, Rahul said that the real Gujarat model is in the utilisation of power of women, small and medium businesses and educated youths

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday lashed out at the Prime Minister and state Chief Minister Vijay Goel over 'Gujarat model' and termed it as 'Narendra Modi marketing model'. "Using the power of women in Gujarat, small and medium businesses and utilizing the power of youth after educating them is real 'Gujarat model'. What has been done by the BJP government in the past 22 years is not Gujarat model, instead it is ''Narendra Modi marketing model'' and now it has become Vijay Rupani model," Rahul said. While addressing a crowd in Ahmedabad, Rahul said that the real Gujarat model is in the utilization of the power of women, small and medium businesses and educated youths. This is not the first time that the Congress has questioned the state's model of development. "Gujarat doesn't just belong to 5-10 big industrialists. The state belongs to the farmers, the labourers and the small-scale businessmen," said Rahul, who is on a two-day tour to Gujarat and is interacting with fishermen in Porbandar, Dalits in Sanand and pharmaceutical industrialists, doctors and teachers at separate events in Ahmedabad. He also criticised the BJP-led government in Gujarat for stopping the subsidy given to fishermen to buy diesel for their boats.Rahul also claimed that Gujarat during the tenure of Narendra Modi as chief minister gave away Rs 33,000 crore to Tata Motors for its Nano car plant. His scathing remark comes a month after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed doubt on the development in Gujarat under the saffron party. Gujarat will be going to polls in two phases - on December 9 and 14, respectively and counting of votes will take place on December 18. Subsequently, Prime Minister Modi is all set to visit Gujarat and address eight rallies in different parts of Saurashtra and south Gujarat between November 27 and 29.

Gujarat model is 'Narendra Modi marketing model': Rahul Gandhi

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that democracy is under threat in the country under the BJP rule and called upon Opposition parties to work together for the greater interest of the people before the next Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state.</p>

<p>&quot;Democracy is under threat in this country under the present central government. It is a super emergency that is going on in the country. I have been an MP for nearly two decades but I have never seen such a government at the Centre,&quot; she said at the India Today Conclave East here.</p>

<p>&quot;I believe in collective leadership. At present all are working together and that is the best policy. Let us work together,&quot; Banerjee said about the Opposition, adding she shares good relations with the DMK, the SP, the BSP and the BJD and is working with the Congress inside Parliament on various issues.</p>

<p>When asked whether she is hinting at a broader opposition coalition with the Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, she said, &quot;In Bengal, the Congress and the Left are working with the BJP at the state level. But at the national level for greater interests I think we should work together.&quot;</p>

<p>To a question whether the country would see a grand opposition coalition ahead of 2019, she said, &quot;It depends. We are working together in Parliament. I went to (RJD chief) Lalu Prasadji&#39;s programme in Patna.&quot;</p>

<p>Banerjee said, &quot;I have a good relationship with (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh ji and (BSP chief) Mayawati ji in Uttar Pradesh, with Stalin ji (DMK), Naveen ji (BJD). I maintain the best of relations with so many other people. Even, within the BJP, I maintain good relation with some people, but not with all.&quot;</p>

<p>Bengal will never accept divide and rule politics of the BJP, she asserted and dismissed that it was a challenger to the ruling (TMC) Trinamool Congress government.</p>

<p>&quot;The BJP is nowhere in Bengal but only on media and social media. They only shout. Let the BJP shout along with their bike vahini, but they cannot do anything in Bengal,&quot; Banerjee said. The BJP is trying to position itself as the main opposition in the state.</p>


She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that democracy is under threat in the country under the BJP rule and called upon Opposition parties to work together for the greater interest of the people before the next Lok Sabha polls. She accused the NDA government of trying to halt the developmental process in her state. "Democracy is under threat in this country under the present central government. It is a super emergency that is going on in the country. I have been an MP for nearly two decades but I have never seen such a government at the Centre," she said at the India Today Conclave East here. "I believe in collective leadership. At present all are working together and that is the best policy. Let us work together," Banerjee said about the Opposition, adding she shares good relations with the DMK, the SP, the BSP and the BJD and is working with the Congress inside Parliament on various issues. When asked whether she is hinting at a broader opposition coalition with the Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, she said, "In Bengal, the Congress and the Left are working with the BJP at the state level. But at the national level for greater interests I think we should work together." To a question whether the country would see a grand opposition coalition ahead of 2019, she said, "It depends. We are working together in Parliament. I went to (RJD chief) Lalu Prasadji's programme in Patna." Banerjee said, "I have a good relationship with (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh ji and (BSP chief) Mayawati ji in Uttar Pradesh, with Stalin ji (DMK), Naveen ji (BJD). I maintain the best of relations with so many other people. Even, within the BJP, I maintain good relation with some people, but not with all." Bengal will never accept divide and rule politics of the BJP, she asserted and dismissed that it was a challenger to the ruling (TMC) Trinamool Congress government. "The BJP is nowhere in Bengal but only on media and social media. They only shout. Let the BJP shout along with their bike vahini, but they cannot do anything in Bengal," Banerjee said. The BJP is trying to position itself as the main opposition in the state.

Democracy under threat, Opposition should work together: Mamata Banerjee

<p>The government on Friday announced the dates for winter session of Parliament. The session will begin from December 15, a day after the second phase of the Gujarat Assembly polls, and will continue till January 5.</p>

<p>&quot;This will be a 14-day session. December 25 and 26 will be Christmas holidays,&quot; Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar said.</p>

<p>The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, had earlier this week deliberated upon the dates of the session.</p>

<p>The opposition had attacked the government for delaying the winter session, claiming that it was being done to avoid a debate on scams, including the Rafale deal, ahead of Gujarat Assembly polls.</p>

<p>The BJP, however, rejected the Congress&#39;s tirade as a &quot;chorus of baseless allegations&quot; and insisted that previous governments, including the UPA, had also scheduled sessions after state polls as politicians were busy campaigning.</p>

<p>Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had said the winter session, which generally starts from November&#39;s third week, would be convened in December.</p>


The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, had earlier this week deliberated upon the dates of the session.

The government on Friday announced the dates for winter session of Parliament. The session will begin from December 15, a day after the second phase of the Gujarat Assembly polls, and will continue till January 5. "This will be a 14-day session. December 25 and 26 will be Christmas holidays," Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar said. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, had earlier this week deliberated upon the dates of the session. The opposition had attacked the government for delaying the winter session, claiming that it was being done to avoid a debate on scams, including the Rafale deal, ahead of Gujarat Assembly polls. The BJP, however, rejected the Congress's tirade as a "chorus of baseless allegations" and insisted that previous governments, including the UPA, had also scheduled sessions after state polls as politicians were busy campaigning. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had said the winter session, which generally starts from November's third week, would be convened in December.

Winter Session of Parliament to be held from December 15 to January 5

<p>Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki&nbsp;on Thursday alleged that BJP is responsible for the&nbsp;&#39;&#39;fake&nbsp;resignation letter with my&nbsp;signature on it&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just a week after the fake candidate list surfaced, Solanki&#39;s resignation letter with&nbsp;his signature on it --&nbsp;addressed to Congress president Sonia Gandhi -- has gone viral on social media, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Solanki also took to Twitter to clarify that the letter was fake, and blamed the ruling BJP for &quot;spreading lies on social media&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;A fake resignation letter is going around on social media with my signature, claiming that I have resigned from the presidentship of Gujarat Congress. It is completely fake and I have issued no such letter,&quot; Solanki tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Fake resignation letter is going around on Social Media with my signature, claiming that I have resigned from the Presidentship of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCGujarat</a>. It is completely fake &amp; I have issued no such letter. I am a loyal soldier of the party &amp; will always remain so. 1/2</p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/933694934472843264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Solanki added that this was BJP&#39;s doing since they were &#39;nervous, scared and rattled&#39; by the Gujrat elections and are spreading wrong information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress said it will file a complaint with the Election Commission on this issue. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The BJP is nervous and rattled by the surging popularity of Gujarat Congress. We will meet the Election Commission tomorrow regarding this issue and to lodge a complaint against the BJP,&quot; Solanki said in another tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP is nervous &amp; rattled by the surging popularity of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCGujarat</a> &amp; as people of all section are coming together to root out its Anti-People Govt out of sheer desperation they are spreading such lies on Social media to deflect from the real issues. 2/2</p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/933695286144245760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Just a week after the fake candidate list surfaced around, Solanki's resignation letter with his signature on it - addressed to Congress president Sonia Gandhi - has become viral on social media, reports said.

Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki on Thursday alleged that BJP is responsible for the ''fake resignation letter with my signature on it''. Just a week after the fake candidate list surfaced, Solanki's resignation letter with his signature on it -- addressed to Congress president Sonia Gandhi -- has gone viral on social media, reports said. Solanki also took to Twitter to clarify that the letter was fake, and blamed the ruling BJP for "spreading lies on social media". "A fake resignation letter is going around on social media with my signature, claiming that I have resigned from the presidentship of Gujarat Congress. It is completely fake and I have issued no such letter," Solanki tweeted. A Fake resignation letter is going around on Social Media with my signature, claiming that I have resigned from the Presidentship of @INCGujarat. It is completely fake & I have issued no such letter. I am a loyal soldier of the party & will always remain so. 1/2 — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 23, 2017 × Solanki added that this was BJP's doing since they were 'nervous, scared and rattled' by the Gujrat elections and are spreading wrong information. The Congress said it will file a complaint with the Election Commission on this issue. "The BJP is nervous and rattled by the surging popularity of Gujarat Congress. We will meet the Election Commission tomorrow regarding this issue and to lodge a complaint against the BJP," Solanki said in another tweet. BJP is nervous & rattled by the surging popularity of @INCGujarat & as people of all section are coming together to root out its Anti-People Govt out of sheer desperation they are spreading such lies on Social media to deflect from the real issues. 2/2 — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 23, 2017 ×

BJP responsible for my fake resignation letter: Gujarat Congress chief

<p>The Congress has accused the government of delaying the winter session of Parliament &ldquo;without ascribing any justification for doing so&rdquo; and approached President Ram Nath Kovind, urging him to direct the Centre to summon the Houses at the earliest.</p>

<p>The Congress Parliamentary Party, in its November 21, 2017, letter to the President, claimed that not convening the Parliament session on time would set an &ldquo;unhealthy precedent&rdquo;. The party accused the NDA government of delaying the session &ldquo;without ascribing any justification for doing so&ldquo;.</p>

<p>It claimed that the apparent reason informally mentioned by the government for &ldquo;delaying&rdquo; the session is the Gujarat Assembly election. The Congress argued that the session was convened &ldquo;as per the established practice and convention&rdquo; and not the poll schedule.</p>

<p>The letter was signed by the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress&rsquo; leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, party&rsquo;s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma, its chief whip in the Lower House Jyotiraditya Scindia and whip Deependra Hooda.</p>

<p>They also reiterated the party&rsquo;s allegation that the government was avoiding facing Parliament and answering questions on its &ldquo;flawed and unpopular&rdquo; policies an &ldquo;rampant corruption&rdquo;.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We seek to draw your attention to the inordinate delay by the government in convening the Winter Session of Parliament without ascribing any justification for doing so,&rdquo; they said in the letter.</p>

<p>The leaders said the 2012 Assembly polls in the State were held on December 13 and December 17. Parliament session, however, was duly convened on November 22 &ldquo;as per practice&rdquo; and adjourned on December 20 of that year.</p>

<p>&ldquo;It is also pertinent to mention, that Winter Session is preceded by the longest inter-session break after the Monsoon Session vis-?is all other inter-session breaks. Thus, not convening of Winter Session on time will set an unhealthy precedent,&rdquo; they added.</p>

<p>Claiming the government was avoiding facing questions on the floor of the Houses, the leaders said it was a &ldquo;matter of serious concern&rdquo; that the members of Parliament were allegedly being denied timely opportunity to discharge their duties.</p>

<p>&ldquo;It also undermines the institution of Parliament itself and calls for honorable president&rsquo;s urgent intervention as the custodian of the Constitution,&rdquo; they said.</p>


The Congress has accused the government of delaying the winter session of Parliament ?without ascribing any justification for doing so? and approached President Ram Nath Kovind, urging him to direct the Centre to summon the Houses at the earliest

The Congress has accused the government of delaying the winter session of Parliament “without ascribing any justification for doing so” and approached President Ram Nath Kovind, urging him to direct the Centre to summon the Houses at the earliest. The Congress Parliamentary Party, in its November 21, 2017, letter to the President, claimed that not convening the Parliament session on time would set an “unhealthy precedent”. The party accused the NDA government of delaying the session “without ascribing any justification for doing so“. It claimed that the apparent reason informally mentioned by the government for “delaying” the session is the Gujarat Assembly election. The Congress argued that the session was convened “as per the established practice and convention” and not the poll schedule. The letter was signed by the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress’ leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma, its chief whip in the Lower House Jyotiraditya Scindia and whip Deependra Hooda. They also reiterated the party’s allegation that the government was avoiding facing Parliament and answering questions on its “flawed and unpopular” policies an “rampant corruption”. “We seek to draw your attention to the inordinate delay by the government in convening the Winter Session of Parliament without ascribing any justification for doing so,” they said in the letter. The leaders said the 2012 Assembly polls in the State were held on December 13 and December 17. Parliament session, however, was duly convened on November 22 “as per practice” and adjourned on December 20 of that year. “It is also pertinent to mention, that Winter Session is preceded by the longest inter-session break after the Monsoon Session vis-?is all other inter-session breaks. Thus, not convening of Winter Session on time will set an unhealthy precedent,” they added. Claiming the government was avoiding facing questions on the floor of the Houses, the leaders said it was a “matter of serious concern” that the members of Parliament were allegedly being denied timely opportunity to discharge their duties. “It also undermines the institution of Parliament itself and calls for honorable president’s urgent intervention as the custodian of the Constitution,” they said.

Congress urges President to direct government to convene Parliament

<p>In the post-independence period, Patidars became the social force behind Gujarat&rsquo;s industrial push. By the 1960s and &lsquo;70s, they dominated large sectors of agricultural, industrial and commercial activities.</p>

<p>Patidars consolidated their economic and social standing through affiliating with ruling political parties, first the Congress and then the BJP. &nbsp;The Patidars in sum were the mascots of success in Gujarat and the &lsquo;prosperous Patel&rsquo; became a familiar figure in popular culture and national imagination.</p>

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<h5>The Patidars in sum were the mascots of success in Gujarat and the &lsquo;prosperous Patel&rsquo; became a familiar figure in popular culture and national imagination.</h5>
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<p>Yet for all this picture of success, it has to be noted that more than a third of the Patidars are still small and marginal farmers, often inhabiting the less fertile regions of north Gujarat. As the sociologist, Ghanshyam Shah, observed in one of his interviews to the magazine Frontline, that with the onset of a phase of agricultural distress in Gujarat induced by a steep increase in input cost for cultivation most of these poor farmers no longer have resources to access to timely credit for investment.</p>

<p>With agriculture becoming difficult and un-remunerative, the young Patidars are forced to find alternative employment in urban areas. It is here that they encounter the deep disconnect between their abilities and their expectations. In Prof Shah&rsquo; words, &ldquo;it is this lot &nbsp;that forms the spine of the Patidar agitation.&rdquo;</p>

<p>This is a complex situation within a community that&rsquo;s aspirational but structurally disadvantaged not by its caste position, but by a neo-liberal economic order that offers them little recourse to cope with the demands of the job market or look to the state for protection. Once spearheading the anti-reservation movement of the 1980s and now faced with the challenges thrown up by the &lsquo;merit&rsquo; imperative in an unequal social order, the demand for reservations seem to be the sole way out.</p>

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<h5>The demand for reservations is less for jobs than for opportunities in higher education, particularly in engineering and medicine.</h5>
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<p>Yet, as the political scientist Amit Dholakia argues, the demand for reservations is less for jobs than for opportunities in higher education, particularly in engineering and medicine. With the large-scale privatisation of higher education and the proliferation of deemed universities and colleges often demanding high capitation fees and offering a quality of education that rarely meets market demands, the younger Patidars rearing to move out of farming and small enterprise, feel deeply betrayed.</p>

<p>Hemmed in by a lack of educational and social capital and the difficulties of access to the modern sectors of employment, this section of the young Patidars, unlike an older generation, are also finding it increasingly hard to emigrate or seek opportunities in the west. Little wonder then that a &nbsp;2012 film titled &ldquo;Kevi rite jaish?&rdquo; or &ldquo;How do I go?&rdquo; spoofing the Patel aspiration to emigrate resonated with the predicament of the Gujarati youth and became one the most successful regional language films made in recent times.</p>

<p>Alice Tilche a young researcher studying the problems of Patidar discontent makes the astute observation that the problems of Patidar youth have much in common with young people in the newly depleted economies of southern Europe where expectations driven by the promise of education and emigration have been belied by the tightening of international borders and the increasing demands for skilled migrants.</p>

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<h5>Their demand for reservations within the Other Backward Class category is a poignant statement of their willingness to be marked &lsquo;down&rsquo; in order to &lsquo;move up&rsquo;.</h5>
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<p>The villages of Gujarat she concluded have become dismal &ldquo;waiting rooms&rdquo; for a generation of young people who are Patels, but not quite. Their demand for reservations within the Other Backward Class category is a poignant statement of their willingness to be marked &lsquo;down&rsquo; in order to &lsquo;move up&rsquo;.</p>

<p>Hardik&rsquo;s &nbsp;supporters who are bent on defeating the BJP this time constantly remind us that the policemen deployed to brutalise them on the night of his arrest 2015 belonged to the OBCs. They feel that the reservations for caste groups &lsquo;lower&rsquo; than they have left them both deprived and vulnerable.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s a perception that makes their alliance with the OBCs and the Congress a particularly troubled one.</p>

<p>It is likely that the BJP will win the elections and subdue the angry Patidars, but it remains to be seen if it can sustain Gujarat&rsquo;s developmental model in its existing form. The angry young men from the OBC, Dalit and Patidar communities have a compelling story to tell about the social strains, the human costs and economic limits of a market-led model of economic growth. Any party that wins these elections may be well advised to heed these stories and craft an alternative and more genuinely humane model of development for Gujarat.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


Once spearheading the anti-reservation movement of the 1980s, and now faced with the challenges thrown up by the ?merit? imperative in an unequal social order, the demand for reservations seem to be the sole way out for the Patidar community.

In the post-independence period, Patidars became the social force behind Gujarat’s industrial push. By the 1960s and ‘70s, they dominated large sectors of agricultural, industrial and commercial activities. Patidars consolidated their economic and social standing through affiliating with ruling political parties, first the Congress and then the BJP. The Patidars in sum were the mascots of success in Gujarat and the ‘prosperous Patel’ became a familiar figure in popular culture and national imagination. The Patidars in sum were the mascots of success in Gujarat and the ‘prosperous Patel’ became a familiar figure in popular culture and national imagination. × Yet for all this picture of success, it has to be noted that more than a third of the Patidars are still small and marginal farmers, often inhabiting the less fertile regions of north Gujarat. As the sociologist, Ghanshyam Shah, observed in one of his interviews to the magazine Frontline, that with the onset of a phase of agricultural distress in Gujarat induced by a steep increase in input cost for cultivation most of these poor farmers no longer have resources to access to timely credit for investment. With agriculture becoming difficult and un-remunerative, the young Patidars are forced to find alternative employment in urban areas. It is here that they encounter the deep disconnect between their abilities and their expectations. In Prof Shah’ words, “it is this lot that forms the spine of the Patidar agitation.” This is a complex situation within a community that’s aspirational but structurally disadvantaged not by its caste position, but by a neo-liberal economic order that offers them little recourse to cope with the demands of the job market or look to the state for protection. Once spearheading the anti-reservation movement of the 1980s and now faced with the challenges thrown up by the ‘merit’ imperative in an unequal social order, the demand for reservations seem to be the sole way out. The demand for reservations is less for jobs than for opportunities in higher education, particularly in engineering and medicine. × Yet, as the political scientist Amit Dholakia argues, the demand for reservations is less for jobs than for opportunities in higher education, particularly in engineering and medicine. With the large-scale privatisation of higher education and the proliferation of deemed universities and colleges often demanding high capitation fees and offering a quality of education that rarely meets market demands, the younger Patidars rearing to move out of farming and small enterprise, feel deeply betrayed. Hemmed in by a lack of educational and social capital and the difficulties of access to the modern sectors of employment, this section of the young Patidars, unlike an older generation, are also finding it increasingly hard to emigrate or seek opportunities in the west. Little wonder then that a 2012 film titled “Kevi rite jaish?” or “How do I go?” spoofing the Patel aspiration to emigrate resonated with the predicament of the Gujarati youth and became one the most successful regional language films made in recent times. Alice Tilche a young researcher studying the problems of Patidar discontent makes the astute observation that the problems of Patidar youth have much in common with young people in the newly depleted economies of southern Europe where expectations driven by the promise of education and emigration have been belied by the tightening of international borders and the increasing demands for skilled migrants. Their demand for reservations within the Other Backward Class category is a poignant statement of their willingness to be marked ‘down’ in order to ‘move up’. × The villages of Gujarat she concluded have become dismal “waiting rooms” for a generation of young people who are Patels, but not quite. Their demand for reservations within the Other Backward Class category is a poignant statement of their willingness to be marked ‘down’ in order to ‘move up’. Hardik’s supporters who are bent on defeating the BJP this time constantly remind us that the policemen deployed to brutalise them on the night of his arrest 2015 belonged to the OBCs. They feel that the reservations for caste groups ‘lower’ than they have left them both deprived and vulnerable. It’s a perception that makes their alliance with the OBCs and the Congress a particularly troubled one. It is likely that the BJP will win the elections and subdue the angry Patidars, but it remains to be seen if it can sustain Gujarat’s developmental model in its existing form. The angry young men from the OBC, Dalit and Patidar communities have a compelling story to tell about the social strains, the human costs and economic limits of a market-led model of economic growth. Any party that wins these elections may be well advised to heed these stories and craft an alternative and more genuinely humane model of development for Gujarat. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Harsh reality drives Patidar's demand for reservation

<p>Robert Vadra today dismissed<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-mallya-extradition-hearing-confirmed-for-8-days-from-dec-4-6832"> Vijay Mallya&#39;s comment after the ex-boss</a> of Kingfisher Airlines said he was a &quot;political victim&quot;&nbsp;just like Congress chief Sonia Gandhi&#39;s son-in-law&nbsp;and Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vadra said that he &quot;was a political victim&quot;, but never misused his&nbsp;position.</p>

<p>&quot;Yet again, I came across in the news, where somebody or the other is using my name as crutches, for their personal benefits... This time, none other than Vijay Mallya citing my reference&nbsp;in the UK courts. I would like to remind Mallya, yes I am a political victim, but I never misused my position and have full faith in my country&#39;s judicial system...I never ran away with anyone&#39;s money from the country like him,&quot; Vadra said.</p>

<p>Vadra stated that Mallya should think of coming back to India and face&nbsp;all the legal charges against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;My piece of advice to him is please return to India and face all pending legal matters and to clear his dues to the people owed, and last but not the least, please avoid using my name, I do not wish to be associated with you in any matter,&quot; Vadra said.</p>

<p>Vadra has been under the scanner for alleged land deals made in Haryana when the Congress was in power for 10 years.</p>

<p>According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that rather than talking about the case, Mallya&nbsp;tried to distract the officials by stating unsubstantiated reports by the media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India for financial irregularities involving a total amount of Rs 9,000 crore as well as money laundering.</p>

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<p>The businessman appeared before the UK court on Monday where his trial was confirmed for eight days beginning from December 4.</p>

<p>The ED and the CBI have given the necessary documents to the court for his plea against deportation to show that Mallya allegedly duped banks using forged documentation.</p>

<p>In his defense, Mallya said all the money was used for lawful business activities.</p>


Mallya has also claimed that he was subject to 'inhuman jail conditions' and said that members of Congress party are targeting Vadra and Singh for political discord.?

Robert Vadra today dismissed Vijay Mallya's comment after the ex-boss of Kingfisher Airlines said he was a "political victim" just like Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law and Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh. Vadra said that he "was a political victim", but never misused his position. "Yet again, I came across in the news, where somebody or the other is using my name as crutches, for their personal benefits... This time, none other than Vijay Mallya citing my reference in the UK courts. I would like to remind Mallya, yes I am a political victim, but I never misused my position and have full faith in my country's judicial system...I never ran away with anyone's money from the country like him," Vadra said. Vadra stated that Mallya should think of coming back to India and face all the legal charges against him. "My piece of advice to him is please return to India and face all pending legal matters and to clear his dues to the people owed, and last but not the least, please avoid using my name, I do not wish to be associated with you in any matter," Vadra said. Vadra has been under the scanner for alleged land deals made in Haryana when the Congress was in power for 10 years. According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that rather than talking about the case, Mallya tried to distract the officials by stating unsubstantiated reports by the media. Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India for financial irregularities involving a total amount of Rs 9,000 crore as well as money laundering. Mallaya has been staying in the UK for over a year now. (Zee News Network) × The businessman appeared before the UK court on Monday where his trial was confirmed for eight days beginning from December 4. The ED and the CBI have given the necessary documents to the court for his plea against deportation to show that Mallya allegedly duped banks using forged documentation. In his defense, Mallya said all the money was used for lawful business activities.

Mr Mallya, I am a political victim, but never misused my position: Robert Vadra

<p>&quot;When I gave the taxi driver at Ahmedabad airport the name of a nondescript hotel as my address, he looked at me pityingly and asked, &ldquo;Chota-mota dhanda hai (Are you engaged in petty business)? I readily agreed and said I was in the business of journalism and had come to study the election; I had been there in 2012 also. He perked up and in the course of the 40-minute journey assured me that change would happen in Gujarat. &ldquo;The BJP will be voted out. Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakore will ensure that.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Is Hardik Patel really a challenge, I asked. Does he command the majority support of the Patidar community, I wondered. The taxi driver responded, &ldquo;If he were not a challenge, why is the BJP doing so much to discredit him? And why has the party launched a desperate drive to retain the Patel votes?&rdquo; Across north Gujarat and Saurashtra, he claimed, the Patidars were backing Hardik Patel&rsquo;s reservation agenda and would vote against the BJP.</p>

<p>I assumed by his stiff defence of the young Patel leader that he was a votary of reservation for the Patidar community in the State. His answer was surprising. &ldquo;The Patidars don&rsquo;t deserve reservation. They are financially, educationally and socially well off.&rdquo; Before I could respond, he added, &ldquo;You must be amazed. I am backing Hardik Patel because he is today in my community leader Alpesh Thakore&rsquo;s side.&quot;</p>

<p>The Thakores belong to the Other Backward Class (OBC), and the taxi driver was a Thakore. He strongly suggested that I move around extensively in Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha and other parts of north Gujarat, and Ahmedabad too. &ldquo; You will realise that I am right. The BJP will lose this time. You came five years ago, but things are very different today.&rdquo; I assured him that I would visit as many of the places he had advised.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>But after moving around throughout the day across the length and breadth of Ahmedabad (Thaltej, Vastrapur, Naranpur etc) and in Patan and Mehsana, the impression I had was far from the kind the taxi driver had predicted. The driver represented one kind of extreme outcome which found resonance among a clutch of people on the streets &mdash; the BJP&rsquo;s rout. A few others I spoke to in these towns and adjoining villages presented another extreme &mdash; that the ruling party would return to power with even more seats than it had in 2012.</p>

<p>Most of the people with whom I interacted on the subject foresaw a &lsquo;moderate&rsquo; outcome. They were agreed on three conclusions. The first is that the Hardik Patel factor has gained some traction for the Congress. The second is that the Patidar leader will cut into the Patel vote-bank of the BJP. The third is that, despite these setbacks, the BJP will emerge with a simple majority (100-plus seats) and form the Government yet again.</p>

<p>What also became evident through my interactions in Ahmedabad, Patan and Mehsana is that, at the ground level the Patidar and the Thakore communities do not see eye to eye. This is easy to understand. The Thakores belonging to the OBC resent the prospect of having to share the quota pie with the dominant Patels. It&rsquo;s not ideology that binds them together now; the desire to oust the BJP compels them to share the tent.</p>

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<p>The turning point for the Patidars, according to a resident of Thaltej locality in Ahmedabad, was the crackdown by the State police on Patidar agitators in August 2015. Fourteen people had died in the violence. The subsequent action against Hardik Patel, including his incarceration and banishment from Gujarat for a while, was viewed as a humiliation of a proud community which had stood by the BJP for decades.</p>

<p>Or at least this is how the Patidar community led by Hardik Patel presented it before his people. The sentiment is echoed by Babubhai Patel, an elderly local in Mehsana. &ldquo;The BJP Government really brutalised the Patidar community through its action. The lathi-charge cannot be forgotten. We would not have turned against the party but for this act of atrocity.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The Thaltej resident, who belongs to the OBC and did not wish to be named, remarked, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not that the Congress is liked by us. It has been disastrous for Gujarat in the past. But if it can manage Hardik Patel properly, it can gain significantly.&rdquo; The anti-BJP sentiment, according to him, the taxi driver and a few&nbsp;other spoken to, is such that the voters are willing to ignore the development work BJP regimes have done over the years, and the failures of the Congress too.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Was this an all-pervasive mood? Not really. The manager of the hotel I stayed in, and who appeared politically well-informed, smirked at the proposition. &ldquo;Do not over-estimate Hardik Patel,&rdquo; he warned. &ldquo;Because of his youth and enthusiasm and Congress support, he has begun to look larger-than-life. The Patidar outfit he heads is not the only Patel organisation that exists. There are others and those are as important. They are with the BJP. The Patidar votes will split, true, but not to the extent that the divide can harm the ruling party greatly.&rdquo;</p>

<p>He said that the Patels were an educated lot and socially aware, and they realise that Hardik Patel was leading them up the garden path with his promise of reservation. &ldquo;How can he ensure his community reservation? The 50 per cent mark is already touched. The Congress&rsquo;s assurance is only on paper. It cannot be implemented.&rdquo; This line or reasoning was incidentally shared by several middle-aged and senior citizens.</p>

<p>But everyone is agreed upon the fact that Hardik Patel has taken a big risk and that things can go wrong. If the Congress fails to give the Patidars a credible and actionable plan of action for reservations, for instance. Or, if the Patels, who have been inextricably linked to the BJP for their socio-economic development and who now back Hardik Patel, develop cold feet over the disruption that may happen in case they vote against the BJP, keep themselves away from the polling booth. Or, if the Congress does not give the Hardik Patel-led organisation, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) a fair number of seats to contest.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>There is another danger, which even Hardik Patel&rsquo;s supporters acknowledge, even if grudgingly: That of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s ability to swing fence-sitting Patidar votes in his party&rsquo;s favour through a series of aggressive campaigns in the region. A 65-year old voter in Patan town remarked, &ldquo;Modi sabka magaj ghuma dega (Modi can change people&rsquo;s minds in his favour), adding, &ldquo;Also, don&rsquo;t forget the Gujarati pride (which the Prime Minister symbolises) issue.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Although Mehsana had been the focal point of the Patidar agitation, opinion there is not overwhelmingly against the BJP &mdash; or at least not as decisively as one might have expected. A 25-something (Patel) civil engineer who has ventured into the construction business said that while Hardik Patel was shrewd and manipulative, the BJP led by Modi &ldquo;can manage things at the last moment&rdquo;. He supported Hardik Patel&rsquo;s demand for reservation. &ldquo;Patidars need quota not so much in Government employment (we Patels either have land or are engaged in business or are salaried employees) but in educational institutions.</p>

<p>Why should we lose out to those who are less merited but get through because of quotas?&rdquo; On the other hand, a shop-keeper, vociferously supported by a bunch of youngsters around him, bluntly said, &ldquo;Hardik Patel cannot be trusted. He is neither mature nor responsible.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The sense of ambivalence that was reflected across Ahmedabad and in Patan and Mehsana towns, was replaced by clarity in the small Pimpal village, situated on the Mehsana-Patan road. Phulabhai Jeevabhai Rabari is a 30-year old who is engaged in the dairy business. The Rabari community belongs to the OBC and is a beneficiary of the quota system.</p>

<p>He made light of the benefit and claimed that it made no difference to youngsters like him. &ldquo;We live by our skills and hard work. I don&rsquo;t like the reservation business.&rdquo; The Congress and the Hardik Patel-led Patidars, he said, represented the privileged system, while the BJP under Modi stood for inclusive development. &ldquo;The 2017 election is about development versus reservation&rdquo;, Phulabhai stated. A motley group of villagers seconded the opinion.</p>

<p>Perhaps Phulabhai hit the nail on the head. It does appear that the Assembly poll is just that.</p>


The Congress and the Hardik Patel-led Patidars represented the privileged system, while the BJP under Modi stood for inclusive development.

"When I gave the taxi driver at Ahmedabad airport the name of a nondescript hotel as my address, he looked at me pityingly and asked, “Chota-mota dhanda hai (Are you engaged in petty business)? I readily agreed and said I was in the business of journalism and had come to study the election; I had been there in 2012 also. He perked up and in the course of the 40-minute journey assured me that change would happen in Gujarat. “The BJP will be voted out. Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakore will ensure that.” Across north Gujarat and Saurashtra, the Patidars were backing Hardik Patel’s reservation agenda and would vote against the BJP. × Is Hardik Patel really a challenge, I asked. Does he command the majority support of the Patidar community, I wondered. The taxi driver responded, “If he were not a challenge, why is the BJP doing so much to discredit him? And why has the party launched a desperate drive to retain the Patel votes?” Across north Gujarat and Saurashtra, he claimed, the Patidars were backing Hardik Patel’s reservation agenda and would vote against the BJP. I assumed by his stiff defence of the young Patel leader that he was a votary of reservation for the Patidar community in the State. His answer was surprising. “The Patidars don’t deserve reservation. They are financially, educationally and socially well off.” Before I could respond, he added, “You must be amazed. I am backing Hardik Patel because he is today in my community leader Alpesh Thakore’s side." The Thakores belong to the Other Backward Class (OBC), and the taxi driver was a Thakore. He strongly suggested that I move around extensively in Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha and other parts of north Gujarat, and Ahmedabad too. “ You will realise that I am right. The BJP will lose this time. You came five years ago, but things are very different today.” I assured him that I would visit as many of the places he had advised. BJP will emerge with a simple majority (100-plus seats) and form the Government yet again. × But after moving around throughout the day across the length and breadth of Ahmedabad (Thaltej, Vastrapur, Naranpur etc) and in Patan and Mehsana, the impression I had was far from the kind the taxi driver had predicted. The driver represented one kind of extreme outcome which found resonance among a clutch of people on the streets — the BJP’s rout. A few others I spoke to in these towns and adjoining villages presented another extreme — that the ruling party would return to power with even more seats than it had in 2012. Most of the people with whom I interacted on the subject foresaw a ‘moderate’ outcome. They were agreed on three conclusions. The first is that the Hardik Patel factor has gained some traction for the Congress. The second is that the Patidar leader will cut into the Patel vote-bank of the BJP. The third is that, despite these setbacks, the BJP will emerge with a simple majority (100-plus seats) and form the Government yet again. What also became evident through my interactions in Ahmedabad, Patan and Mehsana is that, at the ground level the Patidar and the Thakore communities do not see eye to eye. This is easy to understand. The Thakores belonging to the OBC resent the prospect of having to share the quota pie with the dominant Patels. It’s not ideology that binds them together now; the desire to oust the BJP compels them to share the tent. The turning point for the Patidars, according to a resident of Thaltej locality in Ahmedabad, was the crackdown by the State police on Patidar agitators in August 2015. × The turning point for the Patidars, according to a resident of Thaltej locality in Ahmedabad, was the crackdown by the State police on Patidar agitators in August 2015. Fourteen people had died in the violence. The subsequent action against Hardik Patel, including his incarceration and banishment from Gujarat for a while, was viewed as a humiliation of a proud community which had stood by the BJP for decades. Or at least this is how the Patidar community led by Hardik Patel presented it before his people. The sentiment is echoed by Babubhai Patel, an elderly local in Mehsana. “The BJP Government really brutalised the Patidar community through its action. The lathi-charge cannot be forgotten. We would not have turned against the party but for this act of atrocity.” The Thaltej resident, who belongs to the OBC and did not wish to be named, remarked, “It’s not that the Congress is liked by us. It has been disastrous for Gujarat in the past. But if it can manage Hardik Patel properly, it can gain significantly.” The anti-BJP sentiment, according to him, the taxi driver and a few other spoken to, is such that the voters are willing to ignore the development work BJP regimes have done over the years, and the failures of the Congress too. Although Mehsana had been the focal point of the Patidar agitation, opinion there is not overwhelmingly against the BJP × Was this an all-pervasive mood? Not really. The manager of the hotel I stayed in, and who appeared politically well-informed, smirked at the proposition. “Do not over-estimate Hardik Patel,” he warned. “Because of his youth and enthusiasm and Congress support, he has begun to look larger-than-life. The Patidar outfit he heads is not the only Patel organisation that exists. There are others and those are as important. They are with the BJP. The Patidar votes will split, true, but not to the extent that the divide can harm the ruling party greatly.” He said that the Patels were an educated lot and socially aware, and they realise that Hardik Patel was leading them up the garden path with his promise of reservation. “How can he ensure his community reservation? The 50 per cent mark is already touched. The Congress’s assurance is only on paper. It cannot be implemented.” This line or reasoning was incidentally shared by several middle-aged and senior citizens. But everyone is agreed upon the fact that Hardik Patel has taken a big risk and that things can go wrong. If the Congress fails to give the Patidars a credible and actionable plan of action for reservations, for instance. Or, if the Patels, who have been inextricably linked to the BJP for their socio-economic development and who now back Hardik Patel, develop cold feet over the disruption that may happen in case they vote against the BJP, keep themselves away from the polling booth. Or, if the Congress does not give the Hardik Patel-led organisation, the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) a fair number of seats to contest. The Congress and the Hardik Patel-led Patidars, he said, represented the privileged system, while the BJP under Modi stood for inclusive development. × There is another danger, which even Hardik Patel’s supporters acknowledge, even if grudgingly: That of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ability to swing fence-sitting Patidar votes in his party’s favour through a series of aggressive campaigns in the region. A 65-year old voter in Patan town remarked, “Modi sabka magaj ghuma dega (Modi can change people’s minds in his favour), adding, “Also, don’t forget the Gujarati pride (which the Prime Minister symbolises) issue.” Although Mehsana had been the focal point of the Patidar agitation, opinion there is not overwhelmingly against the BJP — or at least not as decisively as one might have expected. A 25-something (Patel) civil engineer who has ventured into the construction business said that while Hardik Patel was shrewd and manipulative, the BJP led by Modi “can manage things at the last moment”. He supported Hardik Patel’s demand for reservation. “Patidars need quota not so much in Government employment (we Patels either have land or are engaged in business or are salaried employees) but in educational institutions. Why should we lose out to those who are less merited but get through because of quotas?” On the other hand, a shop-keeper, vociferously supported by a bunch of youngsters around him, bluntly said, “Hardik Patel cannot be trusted. He is neither mature nor responsible.” The sense of ambivalence that was reflected across Ahmedabad and in Patan and Mehsana towns, was replaced by clarity in the small Pimpal village, situated on the Mehsana-Patan road. Phulabhai Jeevabhai Rabari is a 30-year old who is engaged in the dairy business. The Rabari community belongs to the OBC and is a beneficiary of the quota system. He made light of the benefit and claimed that it made no difference to youngsters like him. “We live by our skills and hard work. I don’t like the reservation business.” The Congress and the Hardik Patel-led Patidars, he said, represented the privileged system, while the BJP under Modi stood for inclusive development. “The 2017 election is about development versus reservation”, Phulabhai stated. A motley group of villagers seconded the opinion. Perhaps Phulabhai hit the nail on the head. It does appear that the Assembly poll is just that.

2017 Gujarat election: Development vs reservation

<p style="text-align: justify;">Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said Parliament sessions were often rescheduled to ensure they did not overlap with elections and claimed the Congress had done so too in the past.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">On Congress president Sonia Gandhi&#39;s allegation that the government was &quot;sabotaging&quot; the Winter session of Parliament, Jaitley said the opposition party had also delayed a session in 2011 and even earlier because the sittings coincided with election campaigns.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;It has been a tradition and it has happened several times that Parliament sessions are rescheduled when an election is happening,&quot; he told reporters here.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">He also said the session would be held and the Congress &quot;totally exposed&quot;.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;The Congress has given the most corrupt government in its ten years of rule, while Narendra Modi has given the most honest government. By forcibly saying that a truth is a lie does not make it a lie,&quot; Jaitley said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">He said the Congress had itself rescheduled Parliament sessions several times.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;(The) timing is decided such that they do not overlap with election campaigns. (Congress) did so in 2011, and even before that,&quot; the senior BJP leader said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Winter session of Parliament usually starts in the third week of November and lasts until the third week of December.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">&quot;Parliament session will be held for sure and on all subjects, and the Congress will be totally exposed,&quot; Jaitley said.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Sources said the government was considering a truncated Winter session of around 10 days starting from the second week of December.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee in New Delhi today, Sonia Gandhi said, &quot;The Modi government in its arrogance has cast a dark shadow on India&#39;s Parliamentary democracy by sabotaging the Winter session of Parliament on flimsy grounds.&quot;</p>


Congress President Sonia Gandhi had made the allegation

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said Parliament sessions were often rescheduled to ensure they did not overlap with elections and claimed the Congress had done so too in the past. On Congress president Sonia Gandhi's allegation that the government was "sabotaging" the Winter session of Parliament, Jaitley said the opposition party had also delayed a session in 2011 and even earlier because the sittings coincided with election campaigns. "It has been a tradition and it has happened several times that Parliament sessions are rescheduled when an election is happening," he told reporters here. He also said the session would be held and the Congress "totally exposed". "The Congress has given the most corrupt government in its ten years of rule, while Narendra Modi has given the most honest government. By forcibly saying that a truth is a lie does not make it a lie," Jaitley said. He said the Congress had itself rescheduled Parliament sessions several times. "(The) timing is decided such that they do not overlap with election campaigns. (Congress) did so in 2011, and even before that," the senior BJP leader said. The Winter session of Parliament usually starts in the third week of November and lasts until the third week of December. "Parliament session will be held for sure and on all subjects, and the Congress will be totally exposed," Jaitley said. Sources said the government was considering a truncated Winter session of around 10 days starting from the second week of December. Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee in New Delhi today, Sonia Gandhi said, "The Modi government in its arrogance has cast a dark shadow on India's Parliamentary democracy by sabotaging the Winter session of Parliament on flimsy grounds."

Not sabotaging winter session of Parliament: Arun Jaitley

<p>Senior Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, who was in a coma since 2008, today passed away at a hospital here. He was 72.</p>

<p>&quot;He had been critically ill since the past one month and succumbed to the illness at 12.10 pm. His family members including wife Deepa Dasmunsi and their son were at his bedside at that time,&quot; Apollo hospital authorities said.</p>

<p>The former Union minister had suffered a stroke in 2008 and was hospitalized since then.</p>

<p>Dasmunsi was heading the All India Football Federation (AIFF) when he was taken ill.&nbsp;</p>


'He had been critically ill since the past one month and succumbed to the illness at 12.10 pm,' hospital authorities said

Senior Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, who was in a coma since 2008, today passed away at a hospital here. He was 72. "He had been critically ill since the past one month and succumbed to the illness at 12.10 pm. His family members including wife Deepa Dasmunsi and their son were at his bedside at that time," Apollo hospital authorities said. The former Union minister had suffered a stroke in 2008 and was hospitalized since then. Dasmunsi was heading the All India Football Federation (AIFF) when he was taken ill.

Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, in coma since 2008, dies at 72

<p>Sonia Gandhi,70, wife of Rajiv Gandhi&nbsp;born as&nbsp;&quot;Edvige Antonia Albina M&agrave;ino&quot;&nbsp;in Lusiana&nbsp;Veneto, a little known Italian village is the longest-serving Congress president in the history of the 132-year old Congress party.</p>

<p>Next month she will relinquish her position as party chief to her son Rahul Gandhi as the grand old party sets a new path under a&nbsp;new president. Rahul though will be hard-pressed to match his mother who took over the reins of the party when the Congress was seen to be in decline in the late 90s with a resurgent BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee set to take over power at the Centre.</p>

<p>The steely Sonia not only fought her way beating Sitaram Kesri in 1998 but also took up the unenviable task of putting the party back on track without much political experience to bank upon. The BJP was quick to raise the &quot;foreign origin&quot; banner against her, with some even in her own party namely Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot keen to &quot;expose&quot; her Indian credentials.</p>

<p>Sonia began building the party as Pawar left and other leaders fell away, even as the party continued to decline, however, the leader of India&#39;s biggest opposition began work at the grassroots as the BJP came to power under Atal Bihari&#39;s prime ministership in 1999. Sonia&#39;s struggle&nbsp;officially lasted for the next five years.</p>

<p>Sonia&#39;s biggest political blunder in her early years was misreading the late AIADMK leader Jayalalitha&#39;s mind in 1999 after the Vajpayee government failed the confidence vote. Sonia declared she had the numbers to form the government with AIADMK&#39;s support but in a historic volte-face Jayalalitha decided not to support Sonia, leaving the Congress president red-faced plunging the party into political abyss.</p>

<p>Sonia rose like a colossus during the 2004 elections despite Advani&#39;s &quot;India Shining&quot; campaign and political pundits declaring the Congress had no chance against a well-entrenched BJP. The saffron party&#39;s&nbsp;defeat in May 2004 not only stunned the nation, it meant Vajpayee left the political stage forever&nbsp;with the &quot;queen of Indian politics&quot;&nbsp;Sonia Gandhi stealing the limelight.</p>

<p>Sonia&#39;s decision to put Manmohan Singh&#39;s name as prime minister led to a firestorm in the Congress, however, her act of &quot;renunciation&quot;&nbsp;won her political points and shielded her against possible &quot;foreign origin&quot; attacks which trailed her for most of her career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the &quot;tallest leader&quot; in the Congress from 2004 to 2014, the Congress and the Indian government was virtually led by the &quot;Sonia factor&quot; which was seized upon by Modi accusing the Congress of remote controlling events at 10, Race Course.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi will still have to mentor her son Rahul Gandhi as he takes over the Congress party, with time against her, Sonia is set to write the last page in her&nbsp;political chapter her own way as she decides to fade into the sunset.</p>


Next month she will relinquish her position as party chief to her son Rahul Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi,70, wife of Rajiv Gandhi born as "Edvige Antonia Albina Màino" in Lusiana Veneto, a little known Italian village is the longest-serving Congress president in the history of the 132-year old Congress party. Next month she will relinquish her position as party chief to her son Rahul Gandhi as the grand old party sets a new path under a new president. Rahul though will be hard-pressed to match his mother who took over the reins of the party when the Congress was seen to be in decline in the late 90s with a resurgent BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee set to take over power at the Centre. The steely Sonia not only fought her way beating Sitaram Kesri in 1998 but also took up the unenviable task of putting the party back on track without much political experience to bank upon. The BJP was quick to raise the "foreign origin" banner against her, with some even in her own party namely Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot keen to "expose" her Indian credentials. Sonia began building the party as Pawar left and other leaders fell away, even as the party continued to decline, however, the leader of India's biggest opposition began work at the grassroots as the BJP came to power under Atal Bihari's prime ministership in 1999. Sonia's struggle officially lasted for the next five years. Sonia's biggest political blunder in her early years was misreading the late AIADMK leader Jayalalitha's mind in 1999 after the Vajpayee government failed the confidence vote. Sonia declared she had the numbers to form the government with AIADMK's support but in a historic volte-face Jayalalitha decided not to support Sonia, leaving the Congress president red-faced plunging the party into political abyss. Sonia rose like a colossus during the 2004 elections despite Advani's "India Shining" campaign and political pundits declaring the Congress had no chance against a well-entrenched BJP. The saffron party's defeat in May 2004 not only stunned the nation, it meant Vajpayee left the political stage forever with the "queen of Indian politics" Sonia Gandhi stealing the limelight. Sonia's decision to put Manmohan Singh's name as prime minister led to a firestorm in the Congress, however, her act of "renunciation" won her political points and shielded her against possible "foreign origin" attacks which trailed her for most of her career. As the "tallest leader" in the Congress from 2004 to 2014, the Congress and the Indian government was virtually led by the "Sonia factor" which was seized upon by Modi accusing the Congress of remote controlling events at 10, Race Course. Sonia Gandhi will still have to mentor her son Rahul Gandhi as he takes over the Congress party, with time against her, Sonia is set to write the last page in her political chapter her own way as she decides to fade into the sunset.

Sonia Gandhi: Congress president set to turn 'political page'

<p>The Congress on Sunday released its first list of 77 candidates for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections. The list was released by senior party leader Oscar Fernandes.</p>

<p>The list includes Shaktisinh Gohil, Indranil RajyaGuru, Dilipsinh A Gohil, Vallab Dharadiya, Arjunbhai Modhvadiya and many more.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is our 1st Candidate list of 77 Candidates for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a>.<br />
<br />
Congratulations &amp; Best wishes to all the 77 Candidates. ???????? ??? ??, ??????? ???? ??! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NavsarjanGujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NavsarjanGujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/C8OCsbTavR">pic.twitter.com/C8OCsbTavR</a></p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/932295612686467073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Senior Gujarat Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil is contesting from Mandvi constituency. Indranil Rajyaguru is pitted against Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from Rajkot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dilipsinh A Gohil will clash with BJP state president Jitu Vaghani from Bhavnagar West. Earlier in the day, Congress state Bharatsinh Solanki confirmed that a reservation policy has been worked out with the Patidars.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP is nervous &amp; rattled by the surging popularity of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCGujarat</a> &amp; Response Rahulji&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NavsarjanYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NavsarjanYatra</a> got from People.<br />
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Thus, They are resorting to what they do the best, Spreading lies on Social Media but none of this will help as ppl have decided to boot out BJP from Gujarat! <a href="https://t.co/qeXAJMP62v">https://t.co/qeXAJMP62v</a></p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/932289484086960129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the first list, there are three Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) contestants __ Lalit Basoya (Dhoraji), Nilesh Kumbani (Kamrej) and Amit Thummar (Junagadh). Out of the 77 candidates, there are 11 ST candidates and 7 SC candidates.</p>

<p>The Congress earlier released a list of candidates on it&#39;s Twitter handle which was later retracted as the list was incorrect, Congress said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP circulated a list of Congress candidates on social media. Upon investigation by Congress IT cell, it was found the phone used for BJP&#39;s website was used to circulate the list, Gujarat Congress said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Fake list of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCGujarat</a> Candidates is going around on Social Media with my signature. It is fake &amp; We have released no such list.<br />
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Authority to declare the candidates completely lies with Central Election Committee &amp; List of Candidates is always declared from Delhi by AICC.</p>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/932286270906155008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;BJP must answer people why did it resort to such gimmick and circulated the false list. It must apologize to the public,&#39;&#39; said Manish Doshi, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Letter pad of Congress and signatures of our President have been misused to circulate false list on social media,&#39;&#39; Doshi alleged.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In the first list, there are three Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) contestants. Out of the 77 candidates, there are 11 ST candidates and 7 SC candidates.

The Congress on Sunday released its first list of 77 candidates for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections. The list was released by senior party leader Oscar Fernandes. The list includes Shaktisinh Gohil, Indranil RajyaGuru, Dilipsinh A Gohil, Vallab Dharadiya, Arjunbhai Modhvadiya and many more. This is our 1st Candidate list of 77 Candidates for #GujaratElection2017. Congratulations & Best wishes to all the 77 Candidates. ???????? ??? ??, ??????? ???? ??! #NavsarjanGujarat pic.twitter.com/C8OCsbTavR — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 19, 2017 × Senior Gujarat Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil is contesting from Mandvi constituency. Indranil Rajyaguru is pitted against Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from Rajkot. Dilipsinh A Gohil will clash with BJP state president Jitu Vaghani from Bhavnagar West. Earlier in the day, Congress state Bharatsinh Solanki confirmed that a reservation policy has been worked out with the Patidars. BJP is nervous & rattled by the surging popularity of @INCGujarat & Response Rahulji's #NavsarjanYatra got from People. Thus, They are resorting to what they do the best, Spreading lies on Social Media but none of this will help as ppl have decided to boot out BJP from Gujarat! https://t.co/qeXAJMP62v — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 19, 2017 × In the first list, there are three Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) contestants __ Lalit Basoya (Dhoraji), Nilesh Kumbani (Kamrej) and Amit Thummar (Junagadh). Out of the 77 candidates, there are 11 ST candidates and 7 SC candidates. The Congress earlier released a list of candidates on it's Twitter handle which was later retracted as the list was incorrect, Congress said. Meanwhile, BJP circulated a list of Congress candidates on social media. Upon investigation by Congress IT cell, it was found the phone used for BJP's website was used to circulate the list, Gujarat Congress said. A Fake list of @INCGujarat Candidates is going around on Social Media with my signature. It is fake & We have released no such list. Authority to declare the candidates completely lies with Central Election Committee & List of Candidates is always declared from Delhi by AICC. — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) November 19, 2017 × ''BJP must answer people why did it resort to such gimmick and circulated the false list. It must apologize to the public,'' said Manish Doshi, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson. ''Letter pad of Congress and signatures of our President have been misused to circulate false list on social media,'' Doshi alleged. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat election: Congress releases first list of candidates

<p>Rahul Gandhi is all set to take over as the Congress President. The change is happening at a&nbsp;time when Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s media campaign has started to make an impression on the public. How deep and lasting the impression will be is a question whose answer will only be available&nbsp;in the results of upcoming elections.&nbsp; It is difficult to assess public figures in sub-continental politics as political structures remain feudal but Rahul&rsquo;s assessment will have to be done on what he did and what he seems to be doing.</p>

<p>The real Gandhi is a mystery. His actions will tell us the real story. Whether he is a misunderstood leader or a flawed one, his actions will define him as he stands on the cusp of change.</p>

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<h5>Rahul Gandhi is a leader in search of a victory. His party has seen many but he hasn&rsquo;t tasted one which can solely be attributed to his abilities.</h5>
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<p>On the first look, he is a leader in search of a victory. His party has seen many but he hasn&rsquo;t tasted one which can solely be attributed to his abilities. He tried his luck in Uttar Pradesh but failed thrice. He is giving his best in Gujarat but the jury is still out on it. In every politics, leaders are foremost defined by their victories and mass appeal. The ability of a leader to deliver elections make or break him.</p>

<p>This rule also applies to Rahul Gandhi. Any victory attributed to him will redefine him. He is in search of his. He is in search of his mass appeal which runs bigger than his party. In our feudal sub-continent, a leader is considered &lsquo;arrived&rsquo; when his footprint exceeds that of his party. Sonia delivered 2004 Lok Sabha elections and Manmohan Singh 2009. They were loved and rewarded for it. Sonia as a coalition builder and Mr Singh as Singh is King. Both Sonia and Manmohan Singh changed with the time and so has Rahul Gandhi.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Whether it is a lasting tilak on his forehead or multiple temple visits, he has made those rituals public for the larger body to see that he understands the diversity of Hinduism and is keen to participate in it. Earlier, he wanted to change the party and today he wants to be the glue which brings everyone together. His earlier version of secularism was rooted in his European experience but today it travels a civilisational path where the state remains secular but civil society&rsquo;s behaviour gets moderated by the largest majority of the country.</p>

<p>Obviously, he doesn&rsquo;t accept its zealotry but accepts that there nothing wrong in expressing political thought through classical religious or cultural idioms like &#39;machli ki aankh&#39; which did in monday&rsquo;s CWC which is associated with Arjuna&rsquo;s &lsquo;focus&rsquo; in Mahabharat.</p>

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<h5>Rahul is both weakness and strength of the Congress party. He unites the party but also ensures that mobility is restricted to the second tier.</h5>
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<p>He has a very well entrenched and sophisticated opponent in Modi. He represents the worst fears of the Congress. PM cut from the traditional cloth of RSS against whom the founding fathers of the Congress battled. His life too will be full of contradictions. Rahul is both weakness and strength of the Congress party. He unites the party but also ensures that mobility is restricted to the second tier.</p>

<p>He can allow families greater political space than BJP but cannot stop them for the sake of organisational parity. YSR Reddy&rsquo;s legacy is a classic example of it when his son Jagan Mohan Reddy rebelled against the Congress.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s journey has been that of privilege but it brought in its own set of contradictions. Rahul was new and untainted. He was fresh with ideas. The Congress party was set in the ways and since Rahul Gandhi came top down, the changes became even more difficult to effect. His ideas drew legitimacy from his lineage and not popular appeal. Things Kejriwal and Modi did Rahul could not because he had to deal with a well-placed power arrangement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He wanted to do surgery on a system which enabled Congress to stay in power but also corroded its organisational base. Congress had the freedom of alliance but the very openness became its bane as regional powers profited at their expense.&nbsp;Congress stuck to the status quo, fearing that BJP would come to power. The very right enabled the regime but became an extra baggage as Opposition lumped it as feudal and slow on the industry.</p>

<p>The division of power which propelled Sonia as &#39;tyaag ki devi&#39; (goddess of sacrifice) was turned into a slogan of PM without authority and Sonia with power but without accountability. These are the paradoxes which affected Rahul Gandhi in the last 13 years. He wanted to be an outsider in a system controlled by her family but got rejected as good pedigree became a bad word. Politics by that time was already controlled by multiple outsiders.</p>

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<h5>Sonia&rsquo;s Congress was different from that of Rajiv. Indira&rsquo;s Congress was vastly different from that of Jawaharlal Nehru and that of Lal Bahadur Shastri.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

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<p>It is not known what Rahul thinks of it. He has no choice but to accept the disability and fight with It. In today&rsquo;s world, the face of an individual defines the body politics of a party. Rahul who was conceived as a part-time politician today has become a full-time consummate politician. He has shown the ability to fight back. He has shown the ability even to force changes in PM&rsquo;s strategy. It is for no reason that &#39;suit boot ki Sarkar&#39; - a slogan coined by Rahul riled the BJP government the most.</p>

<p>Every Congress president has refashioned the party in their own image. Sonia&rsquo;s Congress was different from that of Rajiv. Indira&rsquo;s Congress was vastly different from that of Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri. India will now see Rahul&rsquo;s Congress. Lastly, elevation is a foregone conclusion and easy, but running the party would be the where the real challenge lies.</p>


Rahul Gandhi, who was conceived as a part-time politician, has today become a consummate, full-time one

Rahul Gandhi is all set to take over as the Congress President. The change is happening at a time when Rahul Gandhi’s media campaign has started to make an impression on the public. How deep and lasting the impression will be is a question whose answer will only be available in the results of upcoming elections. It is difficult to assess public figures in sub-continental politics as political structures remain feudal but Rahul’s assessment will have to be done on what he did and what he seems to be doing. The real Gandhi is a mystery. His actions will tell us the real story. Whether he is a misunderstood leader or a flawed one, his actions will define him as he stands on the cusp of change. Rahul Gandhi is a leader in search of a victory. His party has seen many but he hasn’t tasted one which can solely be attributed to his abilities. × On the first look, he is a leader in search of a victory. His party has seen many but he hasn’t tasted one which can solely be attributed to his abilities. He tried his luck in Uttar Pradesh but failed thrice. He is giving his best in Gujarat but the jury is still out on it. In every politics, leaders are foremost defined by their victories and mass appeal. The ability of a leader to deliver elections make or break him. This rule also applies to Rahul Gandhi. Any victory attributed to him will redefine him. He is in search of his. He is in search of his mass appeal which runs bigger than his party. In our feudal sub-continent, a leader is considered ‘arrived’ when his footprint exceeds that of his party. Sonia delivered 2004 Lok Sabha elections and Manmohan Singh 2009. They were loved and rewarded for it. Sonia as a coalition builder and Mr Singh as Singh is King. Both Sonia and Manmohan Singh changed with the time and so has Rahul Gandhi. Whether it is a lasting tilak on his forehead or multiple temple visits, he has made those rituals public for the larger body to see that he understands the diversity of Hinduism and is keen to participate in it. Earlier, he wanted to change the party and today he wants to be the glue which brings everyone together. His earlier version of secularism was rooted in his European experience but today it travels a civilisational path where the state remains secular but civil society’s behaviour gets moderated by the largest majority of the country. Obviously, he doesn’t accept its zealotry but accepts that there nothing wrong in expressing political thought through classical religious or cultural idioms like 'machli ki aankh' which did in monday’s CWC which is associated with Arjuna’s ‘focus’ in Mahabharat. Rahul is both weakness and strength of the Congress party. He unites the party but also ensures that mobility is restricted to the second tier. × He has a very well entrenched and sophisticated opponent in Modi. He represents the worst fears of the Congress. PM cut from the traditional cloth of RSS against whom the founding fathers of the Congress battled. His life too will be full of contradictions. Rahul is both weakness and strength of the Congress party. He unites the party but also ensures that mobility is restricted to the second tier. He can allow families greater political space than BJP but cannot stop them for the sake of organisational parity. YSR Reddy’s legacy is a classic example of it when his son Jagan Mohan Reddy rebelled against the Congress. Rahul Gandhi’s journey has been that of privilege but it brought in its own set of contradictions. Rahul was new and untainted. He was fresh with ideas. The Congress party was set in the ways and since Rahul Gandhi came top down, the changes became even more difficult to effect. His ideas drew legitimacy from his lineage and not popular appeal. Things Kejriwal and Modi did Rahul could not because he had to deal with a well-placed power arrangement. He wanted to do surgery on a system which enabled Congress to stay in power but also corroded its organisational base. Congress had the freedom of alliance but the very openness became its bane as regional powers profited at their expense. Congress stuck to the status quo, fearing that BJP would come to power. The very right enabled the regime but became an extra baggage as Opposition lumped it as feudal and slow on the industry. The division of power which propelled Sonia as 'tyaag ki devi' (goddess of sacrifice) was turned into a slogan of PM without authority and Sonia with power but without accountability. These are the paradoxes which affected Rahul Gandhi in the last 13 years. He wanted to be an outsider in a system controlled by her family but got rejected as good pedigree became a bad word. Politics by that time was already controlled by multiple outsiders. Sonia’s Congress was different from that of Rajiv. Indira’s Congress was vastly different from that of Jawaharlal Nehru and that of Lal Bahadur Shastri. × It is not known what Rahul thinks of it. He has no choice but to accept the disability and fight with It. In today’s world, the face of an individual defines the body politics of a party. Rahul who was conceived as a part-time politician today has become a full-time consummate politician. He has shown the ability to fight back. He has shown the ability even to force changes in PM’s strategy. It is for no reason that 'suit boot ki Sarkar' - a slogan coined by Rahul riled the BJP government the most. Every Congress president has refashioned the party in their own image. Sonia’s Congress was different from that of Rajiv. Indira’s Congress was vastly different from that of Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri. India will now see Rahul’s Congress. Lastly, elevation is a foregone conclusion and easy, but running the party would be the where the real challenge lies.

On cusp of change, can Rahul Gandhi lead Congress?

<p>In their response to&nbsp;Subramanian Swamy&#39;s complaint in connection with the National Herald case,&nbsp;Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi stated that the application filed by the BJP leader was not bonafide.</p>

<p>Calling the complaint a &quot;lifeless case&quot; they said that the application has been filled with the sole object of &quot;delaying the proceedings&quot;.</p>

<p>They also said in their&nbsp;response that the complainant and BJP leader has used various tactics to delay his appearance in the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They said that the application was filed with &quot;most casual manner&quot;. It failed to call witnesses and documents within a&nbsp;specified period of time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mother-son duo called for an immediate rejection of the complaint.</p>

<p>Subramanian Swamy had filed a complaint against the newspaper National Herald in 2012. The complaint was filed against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Congress treasurer Motilal Vora, party leaders Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda.</p>

<p>In the complaint, he alleged that the Congress granted an interest-free loan of Rs 90.25 crore to the owner of National Herald-Associated Journal Limited (AJL). It further stated&nbsp;that Congress had mismanaged the loan which remained outstanding. Sonia and Rahul were made directors of the company, Young India, in 2010. The company acquired all the shareholdings of the AJL amounting to Rs 5,000 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court will hear the matter on January 20.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Calling the complaint a 'lifeless case' they said that the application has been filled with the sole object of 'delaying the proceedings'

In their response to Subramanian Swamy's complaint in connection with the National Herald case, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi stated that the application filed by the BJP leader was not bonafide. Calling the complaint a "lifeless case" they said that the application has been filled with the sole object of "delaying the proceedings". They also said in their response that the complainant and BJP leader has used various tactics to delay his appearance in the court. They said that the application was filed with "most casual manner". It failed to call witnesses and documents within a specified period of time. The mother-son duo called for an immediate rejection of the complaint. Subramanian Swamy had filed a complaint against the newspaper National Herald in 2012. The complaint was filed against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Congress treasurer Motilal Vora, party leaders Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda. In the complaint, he alleged that the Congress granted an interest-free loan of Rs 90.25 crore to the owner of National Herald-Associated Journal Limited (AJL). It further stated that Congress had mismanaged the loan which remained outstanding. Sonia and Rahul were made directors of the company, Young India, in 2010. The company acquired all the shareholdings of the AJL amounting to Rs 5,000 crore. The court will hear the matter on January 20.

Sonia, Rahul respond to National Herald case, call for its dismissal

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