Sri Lanka and New Zealand were forced to share the points in their Women's World Cup fixture after heavy rain had the final say in Colombo on Tuesday, washing out play after the innings break.&nbsp;The hosts had done the hard yards, posting a competitive 258-6 and fancying their chances with a spin-heavy attack on a pitch made for the slow bowlers. The total was also the highest in the Colombo leg of the competition so far.&nbsp;"I thought Sri Lanka batted particularly well," said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.&nbsp;"It was a good cricket wicket... Shame that the weather had to play its part in it. It would have been a really exciting chase."&nbsp;The innings belonged to lower order dynamo Nilakshika Silva, who threw caution to the wind to smash the fastest half-century of this World Cup.&nbsp;Coming in at number six, she turned the tide with a whirlwind knock, reaching her fifty in just 26 balls, bettering the previous mark of 34 deliveries set by Bangladesh's Shorna Akter earlier in the week.&nbsp;It was also a new Sri Lankan record, eclipsing Nilakshika's own milestone of 28 balls.&nbsp;It was her fourth half-century in ODIs and she crossed the 1,000 run mark in the process, becoming only the eighth Sri Lankan to do so.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;For once, the hosts didn't have to lean solely on Chamari Athapaththu's broad shoulders.However, the captain returned to form with her 20th ODI fifty and stitched together an opening stand of 101 with Vishmi Gunaratne, who made a fluent 42.&nbsp;That solid foundation allowed Hasini Perera (44) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (26) to consolidate before Nilakshika's late fireworks took the innings from steady to sizzling.&nbsp;Sri Lanka plundered 80 runs in the last 10 overs, with 16 coming off the final over as they finished with a flourish.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;"We played good cricket. Unfortunately, we can't complete the game," Sri Lanka skipper Athapaththu said.&nbsp;"Nilakshika is an experienced player. Last 12 months, she has been playing good cricket."New Zealand captain Devine picked up three wickets, but may have missed a trick by under bowling left-armer Bree Illing, who extracted lively bounce and pace to claim two scalps in just seven overs.&nbsp;The Kiwis will stay in Colombo to face Pakistan on Saturday while Sri Lanka take on an in-form South Africa on Friday.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka had done the hard yards, posting a competitive 258-6 and fancying their chances with a spin-heavy attack on a pitch made for the slow bowlers. The total was also the highest in the Colombo leg of the competition so far.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand were forced to share the points in their Women's World Cup fixture after heavy rain had the final say in Colombo on Tuesday, washing out play after the innings break. The hosts had done the hard yards, posting a competitive 258-6 and fancying their chances with a spin-heavy attack on a pitch made for the slow bowlers. The total was also the highest in the Colombo leg of the competition so far. "I thought Sri Lanka batted particularly well," said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine. "It was a good cricket wicket... Shame that the weather had to play its part in it. It would have been a really exciting chase." The innings belonged to lower order dynamo Nilakshika Silva, who threw caution to the wind to smash the fastest half-century of this World Cup. Coming in at number six, she turned the tide with a whirlwind knock, reaching her fifty in just 26 balls, bettering the previous mark of 34 deliveries set by Bangladesh's Shorna Akter earlier in the week. It was also a new Sri Lankan record, eclipsing Nilakshika's own milestone of 28 balls. It was her fourth half-century in ODIs and she crossed the 1,000 run mark in the process, becoming only the eighth Sri Lankan to do so. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history For once, the hosts didn't have to lean solely on Chamari Athapaththu's broad shoulders. However, the captain returned to form with her 20th ODI fifty and stitched together an opening stand of 101 with Vishmi Gunaratne, who made a fluent 42. That solid foundation allowed Hasini Perera (44) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (26) to consolidate before Nilakshika's late fireworks took the innings from steady to sizzling. Sri Lanka plundered 80 runs in the last 10 overs, with 16 coming off the final over as they finished with a flourish. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more "We played good cricket. Unfortunately, we can't complete the game," Sri Lanka skipper Athapaththu said. "Nilakshika is an experienced player. Last 12 months, she has been playing good cricket." New Zealand captain Devine picked up three wickets, but may have missed a trick by under bowling left-armer Bree Illing, who extracted lively bounce and pace to claim two scalps in just seven overs. The Kiwis will stay in Colombo to face Pakistan on Saturday while Sri Lanka take on an in-form South Africa on Friday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka had done the hard yards, posting a competitive 258-6 and fancying their chances with a spin-heavy attack on a pitch made for the slow bowlers. The total was also the highest in the Colombo leg of the competition so far.

ICC Women's ODI World Cup: Rain stops Sri Lanka's momentum in New Zealand washout

Pakistan have registered back-to-back wins in the ODI World Cup as Abdullah Shafique (113) and Mohammad Rizwan (unbeaten 134) led the charge against Sri Lanka, chasing a massive 345-run target at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India. The contest played on Tuesday (Oct 10) saw the Pakistan duo register tons that paved the way for the 1992 champions to register consecutive wins.

Sri Lanka on the other hand have endured a tough start and have lost both their opening matches at the ODI World Cup.

This is also the record chase in a World Cup game, having surpassed Ireland’s tally from 2011 vs England.&nbsp;

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Tons from Abdullah Shafique and Mohammed Rizwan guide Pakistan to the most successful chase in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup history 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSL</a> 📝: <a href="https://t.co/oVVBdMbGPN">https://t.co/oVVBdMbGPN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y9xq0o3WOj">pic.twitter.com/Y9xq0o3WOj</a>
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1711789620785013111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Pakistan ride high</h2>

Pakistan won the contest by six wickets as Shafique and Rizwan proved instrumental in the monster chase. On his World Cup debut, Shafique scored 113 which consisted of three sixes and 10 fours, while Rizwan played 134-run knock that consisted of three sixes and eight fours. His innings is the joint-third best in a successful run chase in the World Cup alongside former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming.

This is a record run chase in a World Cup match as they surpassed Ireland’s win against England in 2011. Ireland chased 329 vs England, but the tally was surpassed by Pakistan to underline their credentials as contenders for the World title.

Record Run Chase in World Cup history

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Team
			</td>
			<td>
			Total
			</td>
			<td>
			Opponent
			</td>
			<td>
			Edition
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Ireland
			</td>
			<td>
			329/7
			</td>
			<td>
			England
			</td>
			<td>
			2011
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Bangladesh
			</td>
			<td>
			322/4
			</td>
			<td>
			Scotland
			</td>
			<td>
			2015
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Bangladesh
			</td>
			<td>
			322/3
			</td>
			<td>
			West Indies
			</td>
			<td>
			2019
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Sri Lanka
			</td>
			<td>
			313/7
			</td>
			<td>
			Zimbabwe
			</td>
			<td>
			1992
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Sri Lanka
			</td>
			<td>
			312/1
			</td>
			<td>
			England
			</td>
			<td>
			2015
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fia-to-look-at-f1-calendar-changes-after-drivers-puke-faint-at-qatar-grand-prix-644930">FIA to look at F1 calendar changes after drivers puke, faint at Qatar Grand Prix</a>

Apart from Shafique and Rizwan, Saud Shakeel (31) and Iftikhar Ahmed (22) contributed to Pakistan’s winning charge.

There were a staggering 26 extra runs in the innings, underlining Sri Lanka’s sloppiness on the field. Dilshan Madushanka ended with two scalps while Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana got one wicket each.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were flying high on tons from Kusal Mendis (122) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108) as they posted 344/9 in their 50 overs.

Pathum Nissanka also contributed to the team’s excellent run with the bat as he scored 51 before falling victim to Shadab Khan. For Pakistan, Hasan scalped four wickets with Haris Rauf getting two.

Pakistan will next take on India in the ODI World Cup high-voltage contest on Saturday (Oct 14) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They have never beaten India in the ODI World Cup in seven meetings and will look to break the duck on Saturday. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will look to bounce back against Australia when they meet the five-time champions on Monday.

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Pakistan have registered back-to-back wins in the ODI World Cup as Abdullah Shafique (113) and Mohammad Rizwan (unbeaten 134) led the charge against Sri Lanka, chasing a massive 345-run target at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India.

Pakistan have registered back-to-back wins in the ODI World Cup as Abdullah Shafique (113) and Mohammad Rizwan (unbeaten 134) led the charge against Sri Lanka, chasing a massive 345-run target at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India. The contest played on Tuesday (Oct 10) saw the Pakistan duo register tons that paved the way for the 1992 champions to register consecutive wins. Sri Lanka on the other hand have endured a tough start and have lost both their opening matches at the ODI World Cup. This is also the record chase in a World Cup game, having surpassed Ireland’s tally from 2011 vs England. Tons from Abdullah Shafique and Mohammed Rizwan guide Pakistan to the most successful chase in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup history 🔥#CWC23 #PAKvSL 📝: https://t.co/oVVBdMbGPN pic.twitter.com/Y9xq0o3WOj — ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 10, 2023 × Pakistan ride high Pakistan won the contest by six wickets as Shafique and Rizwan proved instrumental in the monster chase. On his World Cup debut, Shafique scored 113 which consisted of three sixes and 10 fours, while Rizwan played 134-run knock that consisted of three sixes and eight fours. His innings is the joint-third best in a successful run chase in the World Cup alongside former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming. This is a record run chase in a World Cup match as they surpassed Ireland’s win against England in 2011. Ireland chased 329 vs England, but the tally was surpassed by Pakistan to underline their credentials as contenders for the World title. Record Run Chase in World Cup history Team Total Opponent Edition Ireland 329/7 England 2011 Bangladesh 322/4 Scotland 2015 Bangladesh 322/3 West Indies 2019 Sri Lanka 313/7 Zimbabwe 1992 Sri Lanka 312/1 England 2015 ALSO READ | FIA to look at F1 calendar changes after drivers puke, faint at Qatar Grand Prix Apart from Shafique and Rizwan, Saud Shakeel (31) and Iftikhar Ahmed (22) contributed to Pakistan’s winning charge. There were a staggering 26 extra runs in the innings, underlining Sri Lanka’s sloppiness on the field. Dilshan Madushanka ended with two scalps while Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana got one wicket each. Earlier, Sri Lanka were flying high on tons from Kusal Mendis (122) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (108) as they posted 344/9 in their 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka also contributed to the team’s excellent run with the bat as he scored 51 before falling victim to Shadab Khan. For Pakistan, Hasan scalped four wickets with Haris Rauf getting two. Pakistan will next take on India in the ODI World Cup high-voltage contest on Saturday (Oct 14) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They have never beaten India in the ODI World Cup in seven meetings and will look to break the duck on Saturday. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will look to bounce back against Australia when they meet the five-time champions on Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI World Cup 2023: Shafique, Rizwan demonstrate Pak's credentials in record-breaking run chase against SL

PAK vs SL Live Streaming for free:&nbsp;On October 10, Tuesday, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all set to clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Men in Green weren't at their best against the Netherlands but managed to win the match. Meanwhile, this match is crucial for Sri Lanka as the team was hammered by South Africa in their opening fixture match where they were beaten by a margin of 102 runs.&nbsp;

The Men In Green are now looking to avenge their Asia Cup loss last month. Moreover, Dasun Shanaka's men are plagued by problems of their own with injuries and key players missing.

Here are the live streaming details of PAK vs SL World Cup 2023:

&nbsp;

<h3>Where to watch the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match live in India?</h3>

Star Sports Network will telecast the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 8th World Cup match, live in India.&nbsp;

<h2>How to watch PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match live for free in India?</h2>

Disney+ Hotstar will broadcast the Pakistan vs Netherlands, 8th World Cup match, live in India.&nbsp;

<h3>When is the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match?</h3>

Pakistan will clash with Sri Lanka in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, October 10.&nbsp;

<h3>What time will the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match start?</h3>

The PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match will commence at 02:00 pm IST on Tuesday, October 10.&nbsp;

<h3>What is the venue for the PAK vs SL&nbsp;World Cup 2023 match?</h3>

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, will host the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

<h3>PAK vs SL Probable Playing XI for ODI World Cup 2023:</h3>

<h3>Pakistan</h3>

Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

<h3>Sri Lanka</h3>

Probable XI: Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara/Maheesh Theekshana

(With inputs from agencies) 
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PAK vs SL Live Streaming for free: On October 10, Tuesday, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all set to clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Men in Green weren't at their best against the Netherlands but managed to win the match.

PAK vs SL Live Streaming for free: On October 10, Tuesday, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all set to clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Men in Green weren't at their best against the Netherlands but managed to win the match. Meanwhile, this match is crucial for Sri Lanka as the team was hammered by South Africa in their opening fixture match where they were beaten by a margin of 102 runs. The Men In Green are now looking to avenge their Asia Cup loss last month. Moreover, Dasun Shanaka's men are plagued by problems of their own with injuries and key players missing. Here are the live streaming details of PAK vs SL World Cup 2023: Where to watch the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match live in India? Star Sports Network will telecast the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 8th World Cup match, live in India. How to watch PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match live for free in India? Disney+ Hotstar will broadcast the Pakistan vs Netherlands, 8th World Cup match, live in India. When is the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match? Pakistan will clash with Sri Lanka in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, October 10. What time will the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match start? The PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match will commence at 02:00 pm IST on Tuesday, October 10. What is the venue for the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match? Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, will host the PAK vs SL World Cup 2023 match. PAK vs SL Probable Playing XI for ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf Sri Lanka Probable XI: Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara/Maheesh Theekshana (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PAK vs SL Live Streaming for free: How to watch World Cup 2023 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka LIVE on mobile APP, TV

Pakistan started their CWC 2023 preparations in India by locking horns with New Zealand in their first warm-up game, on Friday (Sep&nbsp;29), at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Despite making a mammoth 345&nbsp;for 5, riding on Mohammed Rizwan's 103, the Babar Azam-led Men in Green failed to defend the score as the Black Caps won by five wickets, with 38 balls to spare, courtesy of fifties from Rachin Ravindra (97), Darly Mitchell (59), Kane Williamson (54) and Mark Chapman (65*)

After Pakistan's big loss, former captain-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja has made a big claim. Ramiz was quick to point out that he wasn't&nbsp;pleased with the national side's&nbsp;approach. The veteran stated that Pakistan need to bat according to the nature of pitches in India, insisting that Babar &amp; Co. will have to score more freely and aim for totals&nbsp;over '400.'

Ramiz said while talking to the broadcasters, "I know it was just a practice game, but a win is a win. And winning becomes a habit. But I feel Pakistan are now getting a habit of losing. First they lost in Asia Cup, and now here. Pakistan scored 345 and it was a great run-chase. If these are the pitches – and you will get such pitches in India – you will have to score 400 if your bowling keeps misfiring like this. You will have to change your tactics, take risks. And we don't do that. We play defensively for first 10-15 overs and then shift gears."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc-2023-big-claim-gautam-gambhir-makes-century-prediction-for-pakistan-captain-babar-azam-641725">CWC 2023: BIG CLAIM! Gautam Gambhir makes 'century' prediction for Pakistan captain Babar Azam</a>

It is to be noted that while their bowlers had an off day, they were without Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan (who batted but opted not to bowl).&nbsp;

Now, it will&nbsp;be interesting to see if Pakistan change their approach in their remaining warm-up game, where they lock horns with Australia on October 3 in Hyderabad.

The 1992 winners open their campaign in the ODI World Cup on Friday (October 6) when they face the Netherlands. Babar &amp; Co. will then meet Sri Lanka with their opening two games at the same venue in Hyderabad before travelling to Ahmedabad for the marquee clash versus India on October 14.&nbsp;

Pakistan squad for World Cup: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali

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Pakistan started their CWC 2023 preparations in India by locking horns with New Zealand in their first warm-up game, on Friday (Sep 29), at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Pakistan started their CWC 2023 preparations in India by locking horns with New Zealand in their first warm-up game, on Friday (Sep 29), at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Despite making a mammoth 345 for 5, riding on Mohammed Rizwan's 103, the Babar Azam-led Men in Green failed to defend the score as the Black Caps won by five wickets, with 38 balls to spare, courtesy of fifties from Rachin Ravindra (97), Darly Mitchell (59), Kane Williamson (54) and Mark Chapman (65*) After Pakistan's big loss, former captain-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja has made a big claim. Ramiz was quick to point out that he wasn't pleased with the national side's approach. The veteran stated that Pakistan need to bat according to the nature of pitches in India, insisting that Babar & Co. will have to score more freely and aim for totals over '400.' Ramiz said while talking to the broadcasters, "I know it was just a practice game, but a win is a win. And winning becomes a habit. But I feel Pakistan are now getting a habit of losing. First they lost in Asia Cup, and now here. Pakistan scored 345 and it was a great run-chase. If these are the pitches – and you will get such pitches in India – you will have to score 400 if your bowling keeps misfiring like this. You will have to change your tactics, take risks. And we don't do that. We play defensively for first 10-15 overs and then shift gears." Also read: CWC 2023: BIG CLAIM! Gautam Gambhir makes 'century' prediction for Pakistan captain Babar Azam It is to be noted that while their bowlers had an off day, they were without Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan (who batted but opted not to bowl). Now, it will be interesting to see if Pakistan change their approach in their remaining warm-up game, where they lock horns with Australia on October 3 in Hyderabad. The 1992 winners open their campaign in the ODI World Cup on Friday (October 6) when they face the Netherlands. Babar & Co. will then meet Sri Lanka with their opening two games at the same venue in Hyderabad before travelling to Ahmedabad for the marquee clash versus India on October 14. Pakistan squad for World Cup: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan will have to score 400: Ramiz Raja's take after Babar & Co.'s CWC '23 warm-up loss vs NZ

Indian National Congress (INC) on Sunday (August 20) reshuffled its intra-party top decision-making body. There were some notable inclusions in the Congress Working Committee (CWC). Sachin Pilot, a leader from the younger ranks in the Congress, has been included in the CWC. So was former Union minister Shashi Tharoor. The Congress party has been trying to placate Sachin Pilot, who is former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan, the state which will soon face assembly elections.&nbsp;

In addition to these two, Syed Nasser Hussain and Deepa Das Munshi are the new entrants to the CWC.

Das Munshi was a Member of Parliament from West Bengal and is wife of veteran Congress leader the late Priya Ranjan Das Munshi. Syed Nasser Hussian is member of the Rajya Sabha, the higher chamber of Parliament of India. He has previously served as Congress' national media panellist.&nbsp;

Media reports suggest that Sachin Pilot is likely to be made party in-charge of a prominent Indian state.

Shashi Tharoor, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), said that he was 'honoured' by his inclusion in the CWC.

"I am honoured by the decision of the @INCIndia President Shri Mallikarjun @Kharge ji and the Congress central leadership to nominate me to the Working Committee. As one who is aware of the historic role played by the CWC in guiding the party over the last 138 years, I am humbled and grateful to be part of this institution, and look forward to the opportunity to serve the party alongside my dedicated colleagues. None of us can accomplish anything without the lakhs of committed workers who are the lifeblood of the party. Today, above all, I bow to them. The countless Indians who seek a more inclusive and accepting India deserve the best from us," wrote Tharoor.

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I am honoured by the decision of the <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> President Shri Mallikarjun <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kharge</a> ji and the Congress central leadership to nominate me to the Working Committee. As one who is aware of the historic role played by the CWC in guiding the party over the last 138 years, I am humbled…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1693182125489422631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Sachin Pilot has also posted in Hindi on X as well. He has thanked the Congress Party

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कांग्रेस वर्किंग कमेटी (CWC) का सदस्य बनाए जाने पर मैं आदरणीय कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे जी, CPP चेयरपर्सन श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी एवं पूर्व अध्यक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी जी का आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। 
 
हम सभी कांग्रेस की रीति-नीति व विचारधारा को सशक्त करते हुए उसे और अधिक… <a href="https://t.co/LjK7N8WF4s">https://t.co/LjK7N8WF4s</a>
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) <a href="https://twitter.com/SachinPilot/status/1693196341151932606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Here is the full list of CWC members

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Just this year, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal had said that the group of leaders bearing offices of the party should have half the leaders under the age of 50. Currently, only 3 of 39 CWC members are under 50 years of age. These are, Sachin Pilot, Gourav Gogoi and Kamaleshwar Patel.

Media reports have said citing sources that Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi who was previously in-charge of state of Uttar Pradesh will not be made party in-charge of any state.

 
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Indian National Congress (INC) on Sunday (August 20) reshuffled its intra-party top decision-making body. There were some notable inclusions in the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

Indian National Congress (INC) on Sunday (August 20) reshuffled its intra-party top decision-making body. There were some notable inclusions in the Congress Working Committee (CWC). Sachin Pilot, a leader from the younger ranks in the Congress, has been included in the CWC. So was former Union minister Shashi Tharoor. The Congress party has been trying to placate Sachin Pilot, who is former deputy chief minister of Rajasthan, the state which will soon face assembly elections. In addition to these two, Syed Nasser Hussain and Deepa Das Munshi are the new entrants to the CWC. Das Munshi was a Member of Parliament from West Bengal and is wife of veteran Congress leader the late Priya Ranjan Das Munshi. Syed Nasser Hussian is member of the Rajya Sabha, the higher chamber of Parliament of India. He has previously served as Congress' national media panellist. Media reports suggest that Sachin Pilot is likely to be made party in-charge of a prominent Indian state. Shashi Tharoor, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), said that he was 'honoured' by his inclusion in the CWC. "I am honoured by the decision of the @INCIndia President Shri Mallikarjun @Kharge ji and the Congress central leadership to nominate me to the Working Committee. As one who is aware of the historic role played by the CWC in guiding the party over the last 138 years, I am humbled and grateful to be part of this institution, and look forward to the opportunity to serve the party alongside my dedicated colleagues. None of us can accomplish anything without the lakhs of committed workers who are the lifeblood of the party. Today, above all, I bow to them. The countless Indians who seek a more inclusive and accepting India deserve the best from us," wrote Tharoor. I am honoured by the decision of the @INCIndia President Shri Mallikarjun @Kharge ji and the Congress central leadership to nominate me to the Working Committee. As one who is aware of the historic role played by the CWC in guiding the party over the last 138 years, I am humbled… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 20, 2023 × Sachin Pilot has also posted in Hindi on X as well. He has thanked the Congress Party कांग्रेस वर्किंग कमेटी (CWC) का सदस्य बनाए जाने पर मैं आदरणीय कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री मल्लिकार्जुन खरगे जी, CPP चेयरपर्सन श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी एवं पूर्व अध्यक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी जी का आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। हम सभी कांग्रेस की रीति-नीति व विचारधारा को सशक्त करते हुए उसे और अधिक… https://t.co/LjK7N8WF4s — Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 20, 2023 × Here is the full list of CWC members Just this year, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal had said that the group of leaders bearing offices of the party should have half the leaders under the age of 50. Currently, only 3 of 39 CWC members are under 50 years of age. These are, Sachin Pilot, Gourav Gogoi and Kamaleshwar Patel. Media reports have said citing sources that Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi who was previously in-charge of state of Uttar Pradesh will not be made party in-charge of any state. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Congress party reconstitutes CWC, Shashi Tharoor and Sachin Pilot included

Indian women's cricket team have made rapid strides in recent years. It all began in 2017 when the Mithali Raj-led Indian eves had a stunning run in the ICC ODI World Cup, in England and Wales. Before that, the popularity of the women's team wasn't at its peak but everything changed following the Women in Blue's inspiring run in the marquee event where they finished&nbsp;second.

Mithali &amp; Co. beat Australia in the semi-finals to enter the final, where they met Heather Knight-led England and&nbsp;lost by nine runs at Lord's. Recently, India great Jhulan Goswami -- who ended her international career last year with most ODI wickets by a woman (255) -- recalled the heartbreaking loss while interacting with Anjum Chopra.

In Jhulan's last international game, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India created history as they whitewashed England in a three-match ODI series, in England. It was India's first-ever ODI series triumph in the country. Thus, Anjum asked Jhulan whether&nbsp;there could have been a better script&nbsp;as she ended&nbsp;with a victory at the same venue and against the same opponent who defeated India in the CWC'17 final.&nbsp;

<h2>'2017 was a great opportunity for us'</h2>

To this, Jhulan said, "No, it couldn't have been better. Remember 2001, we had gone to England to watch a match. I never thought I am going to play at that Lord's ground. Both of us played at Lord's for the first time in 2006. 2017 was a great opportunity for us. That was a great platform, we played well as a team in that World Cup, but unfortunately in the final at the last moment we couldn't take the last step and that was a very sad moment."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-3rd-test-centurion-mitchell-marsh-recalls-day-1-heroics-says-worked-hard-to-control-nerves-612986">Ashes, 3rd Test: Centurion Mitchell Marsh recalls Day 1 heroics, says 'worked hard to control nerves'</a>

<h2>'In&nbsp;2017, there was a lot of passion&nbsp;to win&nbsp;because women's cricket was getting stagnant'</h2>

Jhulan further stated, "2005 (ODI WC -- where India ended second as well), because there were quality players, and sharing the dressing room with them was a great learning experience. 2017 was different, the quality was less but there was a lot of passion, that we have to win this tournament for women's cricket because we were getting stagnant."

She added, "No one was believing that we could reach the top four. A doubt had come there because we didn't play well in the 2013 World Cup at home, then we had back-to-back bad two or three T20 World Cups. So this World Cup was like proving ourselves that we are in the top four in the world."

In 2017, India beat the likes of England -- in the tournament-opener -- West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, etc. but came second by a whisker in chase of 229 in the finale at Lord's. Jhulan ended the tournament as the third-highest wicket-taker (10).

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Indian women's cricket team have made rapid strides in recent years. It all began in 2017 when the Mithali Raj-led Indian eves had a stunning run in the ICC ODI World Cup, in England and Wales.

Indian women's cricket team have made rapid strides in recent years. It all began in 2017 when the Mithali Raj-led Indian eves had a stunning run in the ICC ODI World Cup, in England and Wales. Before that, the popularity of the women's team wasn't at its peak but everything changed following the Women in Blue's inspiring run in the marquee event where they finished second. Mithali & Co. beat Australia in the semi-finals to enter the final, where they met Heather Knight-led England and lost by nine runs at Lord's. Recently, India great Jhulan Goswami -- who ended her international career last year with most ODI wickets by a woman (255) -- recalled the heartbreaking loss while interacting with Anjum Chopra. In Jhulan's last international game, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India created history as they whitewashed England in a three-match ODI series, in England. It was India's first-ever ODI series triumph in the country. Thus, Anjum asked Jhulan whether there could have been a better script as she ended with a victory at the same venue and against the same opponent who defeated India in the CWC'17 final. '2017 was a great opportunity for us' To this, Jhulan said, "No, it couldn't have been better. Remember 2001, we had gone to England to watch a match. I never thought I am going to play at that Lord's ground. Both of us played at Lord's for the first time in 2006. 2017 was a great opportunity for us. That was a great platform, we played well as a team in that World Cup, but unfortunately in the final at the last moment we couldn't take the last step and that was a very sad moment." Also Read: Ashes, 3rd Test: Centurion Mitchell Marsh recalls Day 1 heroics, says 'worked hard to control nerves' 'In 2017, there was a lot of passion to win because women's cricket was getting stagnant' Jhulan further stated, "2005 (ODI WC -- where India ended second as well), because there were quality players, and sharing the dressing room with them was a great learning experience. 2017 was different, the quality was less but there was a lot of passion, that we have to win this tournament for women's cricket because we were getting stagnant." She added, "No one was believing that we could reach the top four. A doubt had come there because we didn't play well in the 2013 World Cup at home, then we had back-to-back bad two or three T20 World Cups. So this World Cup was like proving ourselves that we are in the top four in the world." In 2017, India beat the likes of England -- in the tournament-opener -- West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, etc. but came second by a whisker in chase of 229 in the finale at Lord's. Jhulan ended the tournament as the third-highest wicket-taker (10). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'That was a very sad moment': Jhulan Goswami recalls Mithali Raj-led India's CWC'17 final loss

India and Pakistan squared off in the ICC ODI World Cup 2011 semi-finals in Mohali on March 30. The momentum shifted from one team to the other before MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue won by 29 runs to book a place in the final, where they defeated Sri Lanka to win the World Cup at home.&nbsp;

Talking about the match, India opted to bat first and rode on Sachin Tendulkar's 85, Suresh Raina's handy 36* and Virender Sehwag's quickfire 38 to post 260 for 9. In reply, Shahid Afridi-led Men in Green were bundled out for 231 to bow out. During the Indian innings, Tendulkar gave plenty of chances to the opposition but their sloppy fielding cost them dearly. In addition, the Master Blaster seemed lbw off Saeed Ajmal, in the 11th over, but they reviewed and survived a close call.&nbsp;

A lot has been said and written about the controversial lbw appeal. Post the semi-final loss in 2011, Ajmal,&nbsp;after reaching Lahore, had said, "I don't know how the television replays showed my delivery turning towards the leg side because I had bowled an arm ball and it went straight."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc23-india-pakistan-matches-lack-quality-its-just-about-hype-ganguly-opines-ahead-of-showdown-clash-611352">CWC'23: India-Pakistan matches lack quality, it's just about hype: Ganguly opines ahead of showdown clash</a>

12 years have gone by since the epic Indo-Pak World Cup semi-final. However, the former Pakistan spinner Ajmal once again recalled the lbw appeal, which went against his side and made a big claim.

<h2>'They had cut two frames to make it look like ball missed the stumps'</h2>

Speaking on the&nbsp;Nadir Ali Podcast, Ajmal recalled,&nbsp;"We played the 2011 World Cup, you must remember the incident with Sachin Tendulkar. The LBW decision that was overturned. The controversy about it is still going on. It was out. Both, umpire and I knew it was out. They had cut two frames to make it look like ball missed the stumps. Otherwise, it would've hit the stumps in the middle."

Later this year, India will host the ODI World Cup -- after 2011 -- and lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Pakistan will be desperate to settle scores this time around and win their first game versus their neighbours in the tournament history whereas Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will look to maintain their clean slate versus the Men in Green. Currently, India lead Pakistan 7-0 in ODI WC history.

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India and Pakistan squared off in the ICC ODI World Cup 2011 semi-finals in Mohali on March 30. The momentum shifted from one team to the other before MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue won by 29 runs to book a place in the final, where they defeated Sri Lanka to win the World Cup at home.

India and Pakistan squared off in the ICC ODI World Cup 2011 semi-finals in Mohali on March 30. The momentum shifted from one team to the other before MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue won by 29 runs to book a place in the final, where they defeated Sri Lanka to win the World Cup at home. Talking about the match, India opted to bat first and rode on Sachin Tendulkar's 85, Suresh Raina's handy 36* and Virender Sehwag's quickfire 38 to post 260 for 9. In reply, Shahid Afridi-led Men in Green were bundled out for 231 to bow out. During the Indian innings, Tendulkar gave plenty of chances to the opposition but their sloppy fielding cost them dearly. In addition, the Master Blaster seemed lbw off Saeed Ajmal, in the 11th over, but they reviewed and survived a close call. A lot has been said and written about the controversial lbw appeal. Post the semi-final loss in 2011, Ajmal, after reaching Lahore, had said, "I don't know how the television replays showed my delivery turning towards the leg side because I had bowled an arm ball and it went straight." Also Read: CWC'23: India-Pakistan matches lack quality, it's just about hype: Ganguly opines ahead of showdown clash 12 years have gone by since the epic Indo-Pak World Cup semi-final. However, the former Pakistan spinner Ajmal once again recalled the lbw appeal, which went against his side and made a big claim. 'They had cut two frames to make it look like ball missed the stumps' Speaking on the Nadir Ali Podcast, Ajmal recalled, "We played the 2011 World Cup, you must remember the incident with Sachin Tendulkar. The LBW decision that was overturned. The controversy about it is still going on. It was out. Both, umpire and I knew it was out. They had cut two frames to make it look like ball missed the stumps. Otherwise, it would've hit the stumps in the middle." Later this year, India will host the ODI World Cup -- after 2011 -- and lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Pakistan will be desperate to settle scores this time around and win their first game versus their neighbours in the tournament history whereas Rohit Sharma & Co. will look to maintain their clean slate versus the Men in Green. Currently, India lead Pakistan 7-0 in ODI WC history. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'They cut 2 frames so that...': BIG CLAIM! Ajmal recalls lbw appeal vs Tendulkar in CWC'11 semi-final

On Sunday (April 02), India celebrated the 12th anniversary of the senior men's cricket team's historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Back in 2011, MS Dhoni-led Team India won the 50-over World Cup after 28 years and became the first nation to win the tournament on home soil. It was Sachin Tendulkar's final CWC and the team gave their all to win the coveted title for the first time after 1983.&nbsp;

Recently,&nbsp;Star Sports conducted&nbsp;a special show recalling the CWC'11 which featured members of the then Indian team such as Virender Sehwag, S Sreesanth, Harbhajan Singh and Yusuf Pathan. During the show, Sehwag -- who played a key role in India's campaign with a hundred versus Bangladesh and blistering knocks against South Africa, England and Pakistan -- revealed how Sreesanth complained of not being able to breathe during the tournament finale, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai where Men in Blue faced Kumar Sangakkara's Sri Lanka.

“You didn't even bowl half your quota. You were complaining 'I'm not being able to breathe' just after bowling 2 to 3 overs and went out," said Sehwag. To this, Sreesanth responded, "I did get a heatstroke because I went to the gym earlier that morning as I felt I won't get a chance in the playing XI. Harbhajan told me to stay ready but he was doing this since quarterfinals, so I felt he can make the cut straight into the finals. But Jai Mata Di I got a chance."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-historic-feat-ms-dhoni-becomes-seventh-player-to-enter-5k-run-club-in-mega-event-578694">IPL 2023: HISTORIC FEAT! MS Dhoni becomes seventh player to enter 5k-run club in mega event - Watch</a>

The former Indian opener then revealed the ultimatum given to Sreesanth. he said, "We got him back on the field after saying if you don't bowl now then please don't play cricket ever in the future."

The ex-speedster then recalled Sachin's words and said, "When I was inside the dressing room, Sachin came during the drinks break. He said ‘Sree chupchap andar aaja aur bowl daal. Mahi bula raha hain’. (Dhoni has asked you to return so come back and bowl without saying anything) and I went."

In the CWC'11 final, India took on Sri Lanka as the Islanders opted to bat first. Sl rode on Mahela Jayawardene's 103 to post 274-6 and India were reduced to 31 for 2 before Gautam Gambhir's 97 and Dhoni's 91 took India to 277 for 4 to win by six wickets. Taking about the guests who featuered in Star's show, Sreesanth ended with 8-0-52-0 whereas Sehwag fell for a golden duck in the summit clash. Harbhajan managed to take a wicket whereas Yusuf Pathan was replaced by Suresh Raina in the knockouts of the mega event.

On Sunday (April 02), India celebrated the 12th anniversary of the senior men's cricket team's historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Back in 2011, MS Dhoni-led Team India won the 50-over World Cup after 28 years and became the first nation to win the tournament on home soil.

On Sunday (April 02), India celebrated the 12th anniversary of the senior men's cricket team's historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Back in 2011, MS Dhoni-led Team India won the 50-over World Cup after 28 years and became the first nation to win the tournament on home soil. It was Sachin Tendulkar's final CWC and the team gave their all to win the coveted title for the first time after 1983. Recently, Star Sports conducted a special show recalling the CWC'11 which featured members of the then Indian team such as Virender Sehwag, S Sreesanth, Harbhajan Singh and Yusuf Pathan. During the show, Sehwag -- who played a key role in India's campaign with a hundred versus Bangladesh and blistering knocks against South Africa, England and Pakistan -- revealed how Sreesanth complained of not being able to breathe during the tournament finale, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai where Men in Blue faced Kumar Sangakkara's Sri Lanka. “You didn't even bowl half your quota. You were complaining 'I'm not being able to breathe' just after bowling 2 to 3 overs and went out," said Sehwag. To this, Sreesanth responded, "I did get a heatstroke because I went to the gym earlier that morning as I felt I won't get a chance in the playing XI. Harbhajan told me to stay ready but he was doing this since quarterfinals, so I felt he can make the cut straight into the finals. But Jai Mata Di I got a chance." Also Read: IPL 2023: HISTORIC FEAT! MS Dhoni becomes seventh player to enter 5k-run club in mega event - Watch The former Indian opener then revealed the ultimatum given to Sreesanth. he said, "We got him back on the field after saying if you don't bowl now then please don't play cricket ever in the future." The ex-speedster then recalled Sachin's words and said, "When I was inside the dressing room, Sachin came during the drinks break. He said ‘Sree chupchap andar aaja aur bowl daal. Mahi bula raha hain’. (Dhoni has asked you to return so come back and bowl without saying anything) and I went." In the CWC'11 final, India took on Sri Lanka as the Islanders opted to bat first. Sl rode on Mahela Jayawardene's 103 to post 274-6 and India were reduced to 31 for 2 before Gautam Gambhir's 97 and Dhoni's 91 took India to 277 for 4 to win by six wickets. Taking about the guests who featuered in Star's show, Sreesanth ended with 8-0-52-0 whereas Sehwag fell for a golden duck in the summit clash. Harbhajan managed to take a wicket whereas Yusuf Pathan was replaced by Suresh Raina in the knockouts of the mega event.

Just come and bowl, MS Dhoni has asked you to return: S Sreesanth reveals untold tale from CWC'11 final

The race for the semi-finals have intensified with each passing day in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup in New Zealand. While Meg Lenning-led Australia were the first team to book a slot in the semis, they have been joined by South Africa as the Proteas Women made it to the top four following their washout encounter versus West Indies on Thursday (March 24).

Talking about the West Indies-South Africa clash, only 10.5 overs of play was possible before rain played spoilsport to allow the South Africans to go through. West Indies also moved up to occupy the third spot in the points table and remain alive in the semi-finals race, however, they&nbsp;will need either India or England to lose a game to qualify. Before talking about Mithali Raj-led India's chances for the semi-finals, here's a look at the points table:

<img alt="CWC'22 Points Table" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61873224-f1e6-424d-912b-fada43be29c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CWC%20PT.PNG" />

With Australia and South Africa already through to the semis, the remaining two spots have three contenders in the form of West Indies, England and India. Pakistan is&nbsp;out of the tournament whereas Bangladesh&nbsp;have an almost impossible task even if they win both games (against Australia and England, respectively) as their NRR is very poor. Hosts New Zealand need a humongous win and, hence, are almost out.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc-2022-yastika-bhatias-anchoring-innings-was-important-says-mithali-raj-as-india-beat-bangladesh-464598">CWC 2022: Yastika Bhatia's 'anchoring innings' was important, says Mithali Raj as India beat Bangladesh</a>

Defending champions England need to win their remaining game to get to 8 points and hope India lose to South Africa. Finally coming to the two-time runners-up Women in Blue, the result in the West Indies-South Africa game is&nbsp;a huge blow to India's chances. They not only need a win in their last league stage encounter -- versus South Africa -- but&nbsp;even with a victory, India might lose out on a semi-final slot as England have a better NRR after a thumping&nbsp;win versus Pakistan.&nbsp;A defeat against the Proteas and England's win will knockout Mithali &amp; Co.

The race for the semi-finals have intensified with each passing day in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup in New Zealand. While Meg Lenning-led Australia were the first team to book a slot in the semis, they have been joined by South Africa as the Proteas Women made it to the top four following their washout encounter versus West Indies on Thursday (March 24).

The race for the semi-finals have intensified with each passing day in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup in New Zealand. While Meg Lenning-led Australia were the first team to book a slot in the semis, they have been joined by South Africa as the Proteas Women made it to the top four following their washout encounter versus West Indies on Thursday (March 24). Talking about the West Indies-South Africa clash, only 10.5 overs of play was possible before rain played spoilsport to allow the South Africans to go through. West Indies also moved up to occupy the third spot in the points table and remain alive in the semi-finals race, however, they will need either India or England to lose a game to qualify. Before talking about Mithali Raj-led India's chances for the semi-finals, here's a look at the points table: With Australia and South Africa already through to the semis, the remaining two spots have three contenders in the form of West Indies, England and India. Pakistan is out of the tournament whereas Bangladesh have an almost impossible task even if they win both games (against Australia and England, respectively) as their NRR is very poor. Hosts New Zealand need a humongous win and, hence, are almost out. ALSO READ | CWC 2022: Yastika Bhatia's 'anchoring innings' was important, says Mithali Raj as India beat Bangladesh Defending champions England need to win their remaining game to get to 8 points and hope India lose to South Africa. Finally coming to the two-time runners-up Women in Blue, the result in the West Indies-South Africa game is a huge blow to India's chances. They not only need a win in their last league stage encounter -- versus South Africa -- but even with a victory, India might lose out on a semi-final slot as England have a better NRR after a thumping win versus Pakistan. A defeat against the Proteas and England's win will knockout Mithali & Co.

EXPLAINED! How things have complicated for India in CWC 2022 semi-finals race after SA-WI washout

Yastika Bhatia`s 50-run knock against Bangladesh turned out to be crucial in India`s must-win game here at the Seddon Park. At one stage India were in a spot of bother at 108 for 4 and from there on Yastika Bhatia`s half-century helped India score 229/7 in 50 overs. Her gritty knock earned the praise of her skipper Mithali Raj. "The anchoring innings by Yastika was important. The partnership from Sneh Rana and Pooja was crucial to get to 230," said India Women`s Team captain Mithali Raj on Yastika Bhatia`s knock.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on 74 runs for the opening wicket but after that India lost three wickets in quick succession. India from 74 for no loss were reduced to 74/3 "Happy with the win. It does happen sometimes. I remember the last time I was inconsistent was in 2012. So, it does happen. But we had a good opening partnership. On a wicket like this, it`s hard for an incoming batter to get runs, " said Mithali Raj during the post-match presentation ceremony.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-heres-how-india-can-qualify-for-cwc-2022-semi-finals-after-big-win-vs-bangladesh-464509">EXPLAINED! Here's how India can qualify for CWC 2022 semi-finals after big win vs Bangladesh</a>

At the start of the innings openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma scored 30 and 42 respectively. Small yet important cameos from Richa Ghosh (26), Pooja Vastrakar (30*) and Sneh Rana (27) helped India go past the 200-run mark."It`s a good effort from the batting line-up to get there despite the loss of wickets. electors have also been on the same page in bringing more all-rounders. For a long time, we`ve always banked on our spinners and we have quality spinners. Today`s surface did help them a lot too. Wouldn`t say we are spin-dominant, it also depends on the opposition we`re playing," said Mithali Raj.

Mithali Raj and company will now take on South Africa Women`s team in their next league match in Christchurch. "We haven`t played a game in Christchurch yet, so that`s a challenge. It`s an important game for India and we would want to do well in all departments," said Mithali Raj on facing South Africa.&nbsp;

Yastika Bhatia`s 50-run knock against Bangladesh turned out to be crucial in India`s must-win game here at the Seddon Park. At one stage India were in a spot of bother at 108 for 4 and from there on Yastika Bhatia`s half-century helped India score 229/7 in 50 overs.

Yastika Bhatia`s 50-run knock against Bangladesh turned out to be crucial in India`s must-win game here at the Seddon Park. At one stage India were in a spot of bother at 108 for 4 and from there on Yastika Bhatia`s half-century helped India score 229/7 in 50 overs. Her gritty knock earned the praise of her skipper Mithali Raj. "The anchoring innings by Yastika was important. The partnership from Sneh Rana and Pooja was crucial to get to 230," said India Women`s Team captain Mithali Raj on Yastika Bhatia`s knock. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on 74 runs for the opening wicket but after that India lost three wickets in quick succession. India from 74 for no loss were reduced to 74/3 "Happy with the win. It does happen sometimes. I remember the last time I was inconsistent was in 2012. So, it does happen. But we had a good opening partnership. On a wicket like this, it`s hard for an incoming batter to get runs, " said Mithali Raj during the post-match presentation ceremony. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED! Here's how India can qualify for CWC 2022 semi-finals after big win vs Bangladesh At the start of the innings openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma scored 30 and 42 respectively. Small yet important cameos from Richa Ghosh (26), Pooja Vastrakar (30*) and Sneh Rana (27) helped India go past the 200-run mark."It`s a good effort from the batting line-up to get there despite the loss of wickets. electors have also been on the same page in bringing more all-rounders. For a long time, we`ve always banked on our spinners and we have quality spinners. Today`s surface did help them a lot too. Wouldn`t say we are spin-dominant, it also depends on the opposition we`re playing," said Mithali Raj. Mithali Raj and company will now take on South Africa Women`s team in their next league match in Christchurch. "We haven`t played a game in Christchurch yet, so that`s a challenge. It`s an important game for India and we would want to do well in all departments," said Mithali Raj on facing South Africa.

CWC 2022: Yastika Bhatia's 'anchoring innings' was important, says Mithali Raj as India beat Bangladesh

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked a section of the party during the Congress Working Committee meet&nbsp;for going public against the leadership, and charged that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leadership-crisis-split-wide-open-322596">Also Read:&nbsp;Also Read - Congress leadership crisis: Split wide open</a>

The charge invited sharp rebuttals from former ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal. Azad said he would resign if any such link is established.

In his brief speech at the CWC, Rahul Gandhi also questioned the timing of the letter, which was sent when Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised.

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Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ 
 
Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party 
 
Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. 
 
Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue 
 
Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal/status/1297794831096459265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Azad, who is one of the signatories read out the contents of the letter, saying the leaders are not questioning Sonia Gandhi and only wanted organisational reform in the larger interest of the party.

Echoes of the fiery CWC meeting which is underway, were also heard outside with former minister Kapil Sibal, another signatory to the letter, publicly questioning Rahul's accusations of a BJP link to the letter seeking sweeping changes to party organisation and elections to the CWC.

"Rahul Gandhi says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!," he tweeted.

Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul Gandhi said Sonia Gandhi had accepted the party presidentship only after the committee last year urged her to take responsibility.

He took on the leaders who went public with their complaints saying, "it is the CWC where we discuss our differences and put out our thoughts, not the media,".

Questioning the timing of Azad's letter, the former Congress chief said the letter was sent when Sonia Gandhi was unwell and was admitted to a hospital and at a time when the Congress was fighting the crisis in Rajasthan. 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked a section of the party during the Congress Working Committee meet for going public against the leadership, and charged that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked a section of the party during the Congress Working Committee meet for going public against the leadership, and charged that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP. Also Read: Also Read - Congress leadership crisis: Split wide open The charge invited sharp rebuttals from former ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal. Azad said he would resign if any such link is established. In his brief speech at the CWC, Rahul Gandhi also questioned the timing of the letter, which was sent when Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised. Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “! — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 × Azad, who is one of the signatories read out the contents of the letter, saying the leaders are not questioning Sonia Gandhi and only wanted organisational reform in the larger interest of the party. Echoes of the fiery CWC meeting which is underway, were also heard outside with former minister Kapil Sibal, another signatory to the letter, publicly questioning Rahul's accusations of a BJP link to the letter seeking sweeping changes to party organisation and elections to the CWC. "Rahul Gandhi says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!," he tweeted. Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul Gandhi said Sonia Gandhi had accepted the party presidentship only after the committee last year urged her to take responsibility. He took on the leaders who went public with their complaints saying, "it is the CWC where we discuss our differences and put out our thoughts, not the media,". Questioning the timing of Azad's letter, the former Congress chief said the letter was sent when Sonia Gandhi was unwell and was admitted to a hospital and at a time when the Congress was fighting the crisis in Rajasthan.

Rahul questions timing of letter to Sonia; alleges written in cahoots with BJP

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi during at Congress Working Committee(CWC)&nbsp;meeting today asked the party committee to relieve her as interim party chief even as former prime minister Manmohan Singh urged her to continue, sources said.

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Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ 
 
Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party 
 
Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. 
 
Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue 
 
Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal/status/1297794831096459265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sonia Gandhi referred to a letter by Ghulam Nabi Azad and others while offering to quit, sources said. Sonia Gandhi handed over the letter to KC Venugopal while replying to the note sent by dissidents. The contents of the letter were read out at the party meeting. Sonia Gandhi asked the party leaders to start the process to select a new party chief.

Rahul Gandhi criticised the letter by some leaders and questioned its timing. After Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he will the quit party if found of colluding with the BJP, the sources added.

"Rahul Gandhi says we are colluding with BJP, I have never made a statement in favour of BJP in last 30 years," Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.&nbsp;

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi during at Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting today asked the party committee to relieve her as interim party chief even as former prime minister Manmohan Singh urged her to continue, sources said.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi during at Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting today asked the party committee to relieve her as interim party chief even as former prime minister Manmohan Singh urged her to continue, sources said. Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “! — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 × Sonia Gandhi referred to a letter by Ghulam Nabi Azad and others while offering to quit, sources said. Sonia Gandhi handed over the letter to KC Venugopal while replying to the note sent by dissidents. The contents of the letter were read out at the party meeting. Sonia Gandhi asked the party leaders to start the process to select a new party chief. Rahul Gandhi criticised the letter by some leaders and questioned its timing. After Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he will the quit party if found of colluding with the BJP, the sources added. "Rahul Gandhi says we are colluding with BJP, I have never made a statement in favour of BJP in last 30 years," Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.

Rahul Gandhi says we are colluding with BJP, never made a statement in favour of BJP: Kapil Sibal at CWC meeting

2019 is not 1998. Sonia Gandhi's appointment as interim Congress president may unite the party for some time but it fails to address the root question of its decline and shrinking in various states. Yes, Sonia Gandhi will continue as the president for longer than what people think but she too stares at a hard road ahead. Though she has been made interim president, there will be no hurry in calling the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. There is unlikely to be any challenger either. The reason is simple: Those who ensured that Sonia came back will also ensure that arrangement continues till she can function as the president. This arrangement makes (as I mentioned in my <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-return-of-ahmed-patel-233039">previous write up</a>) Ahmed Patel a very important person in the scheme of things. 
&nbsp; 
There is no doubt that Mr Patel did not have cosy relationship with Rahul Gandhi but he does enjoy a rapport with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Sonia's coming back and Rahul Gandhi functioning as a common MP will lead to re-consolidation of the team which worked with Sonia Gandhi from 1998 onwards. Another impact of the decision would be partial marginalisation of the office managers of Rahul Gandhi who enjoyed disproportionate power within the Congress party. 
&nbsp; 
Another major change would be toning down of difference between the old and young Congress as the young will to be more flexible with Sonia's team. Though many believe they would still have ears of Priyanka Gandhi, if closely observed, the older leadership feels at home with Priyanka and would not mind accommodating the new faces brought in by Rahul Gandhi on her insistence. This move also marks entry of Priyanka Gandhi in the larger scheme of things. Now, Congress leaders are openly talking about Priyanka as a natural successor to Sonia than Rahul Gandhi. There are senior leaders in the Congress who believe that a particular section always preferred Priyanka over Rahul but had to keep quiet because of Sonia's insistence as Rahul taking over the party. But with Rahul staying firm on his decision, the equation has changed within the Congress, till sibling rivalry comes to fore. 
&nbsp; 
The flip side is that Sonia Gandhi cannot be as active as she used to be in late 1990s. Sonia only focussed from 2010 onwards in projecting Rahul Gandhi as the real inheritor of the Congress. She will have to divert all her attention on bread and butter issues. She was brought in as the Congress president because the leaders at that point of time felt that Sitaram Kesari is not the totem pole around which Congress can fight BJP. This time Sonia's comeback is based more on internal power distribution in the party which lost its equilibrium after Rahul's entry into the mainstream organisation.

Priyanka Gandhi too has been politically exposed in the Lok Sabha elections. She will have to prove herself again in the next assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh if she wants to be taken seriously at the national level.

On the other hand, Congress is also all set to do badly again for next two years. There is no hope in hell for the Congress when it comes to assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have workers but decisive leadership at the state does not exist.

More so, selection of Sonia Gandhi as the president shows Congress as a political outfit has become intellectually hollow and weak. It does not have a strong ideological foundation anymore. Karan Singh, who did a press conference 48 hours before abrogation of Article 370, praised it once it was passed. The Chief Whip of the Congress party in Rajya Sabha resigned after issuing a three-line whip.

Senior leaders spoke in different voice on this issue. The travesty is that CWC was called after BJP was able to successfully pass the bill in Rajya Sabha. 
&nbsp; 
It showed that ideas do not bind Congress party together. It has forgotten what it used to be. Its institutional memory is limited to a family. On Saturday evening, it once again failed to show courage and demonstrate intellectual depth. It could not select a non-Gandhi. The old clique ensured that Sonia comes back so that it could function easily once again as Rahul Gandhi wanted to create a new at their expense. Rahul's venture would have worked in any other party but because he himself is a product of entitlement, his measures were never seen as convincing. 
&nbsp; 
Congress today is behaving like an old conglomerate which has not understood that business of politics has changed in India. Congress cannot wait for BJP to make mistake. Congress feels that BJP has made a big mistake in Kashmir whereas rest of India feels that Modi has done the right thing. The message in rest of India is that nation is not a soft state which can be harassed by politicians who have sustained the idea of persecution and difference for decades in the Valley.

Congress also should not suffer from selective amnesia. It arrested and jailed the popularly elected chief minister Sheikh Abdullah throughout 50s and 60s. He returned to a normal life as a broken man. It can take a leaf out of BJP's book. When Indira reigned as a supreme leader, Jan Sangh was reborn as BJP in 1980. At its centre, there was a collegium of leaders and powerful satraps. It made BJP survive Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh and Narsimha Rao. Congress need a collegium of leaders at the centre rather than the cult of Gandhis and Congress needs to understand this because as the biggest Opposition party, it is answerable to us, common citizens rather than one family.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

2019 is not 1998. Sonia Gandhi's appointment as interim Congress president may unite the party for some time but it fails to address the root question of its decline and shrinking in various states.

2019 is not 1998. Sonia Gandhi's appointment as interim Congress president may unite the party for some time but it fails to address the root question of its decline and shrinking in various states. Yes, Sonia Gandhi will continue as the president for longer than what people think but she too stares at a hard road ahead. Though she has been made interim president, there will be no hurry in calling the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. There is unlikely to be any challenger either. The reason is simple: Those who ensured that Sonia came back will also ensure that arrangement continues till she can function as the president. This arrangement makes (as I mentioned in my previous write up) Ahmed Patel a very important person in the scheme of things. There is no doubt that Mr Patel did not have cosy relationship with Rahul Gandhi but he does enjoy a rapport with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Sonia's coming back and Rahul Gandhi functioning as a common MP will lead to re-consolidation of the team which worked with Sonia Gandhi from 1998 onwards. Another impact of the decision would be partial marginalisation of the office managers of Rahul Gandhi who enjoyed disproportionate power within the Congress party. Another major change would be toning down of difference between the old and young Congress as the young will to be more flexible with Sonia's team. Though many believe they would still have ears of Priyanka Gandhi, if closely observed, the older leadership feels at home with Priyanka and would not mind accommodating the new faces brought in by Rahul Gandhi on her insistence. This move also marks entry of Priyanka Gandhi in the larger scheme of things. Now, Congress leaders are openly talking about Priyanka as a natural successor to Sonia than Rahul Gandhi. There are senior leaders in the Congress who believe that a particular section always preferred Priyanka over Rahul but had to keep quiet because of Sonia's insistence as Rahul taking over the party. But with Rahul staying firm on his decision, the equation has changed within the Congress, till sibling rivalry comes to fore. The flip side is that Sonia Gandhi cannot be as active as she used to be in late 1990s. Sonia only focussed from 2010 onwards in projecting Rahul Gandhi as the real inheritor of the Congress. She will have to divert all her attention on bread and butter issues. She was brought in as the Congress president because the leaders at that point of time felt that Sitaram Kesari is not the totem pole around which Congress can fight BJP. This time Sonia's comeback is based more on internal power distribution in the party which lost its equilibrium after Rahul's entry into the mainstream organisation. Priyanka Gandhi too has been politically exposed in the Lok Sabha elections. She will have to prove herself again in the next assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh if she wants to be taken seriously at the national level. On the other hand, Congress is also all set to do badly again for next two years. There is no hope in hell for the Congress when it comes to assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have workers but decisive leadership at the state does not exist. More so, selection of Sonia Gandhi as the president shows Congress as a political outfit has become intellectually hollow and weak. It does not have a strong ideological foundation anymore. Karan Singh, who did a press conference 48 hours before abrogation of Article 370, praised it once it was passed. The Chief Whip of the Congress party in Rajya Sabha resigned after issuing a three-line whip. Senior leaders spoke in different voice on this issue. The travesty is that CWC was called after BJP was able to successfully pass the bill in Rajya Sabha. It showed that ideas do not bind Congress party together. It has forgotten what it used to be. Its institutional memory is limited to a family. On Saturday evening, it once again failed to show courage and demonstrate intellectual depth. It could not select a non-Gandhi. The old clique ensured that Sonia comes back so that it could function easily once again as Rahul Gandhi wanted to create a new at their expense. Rahul's venture would have worked in any other party but because he himself is a product of entitlement, his measures were never seen as convincing. Congress today is behaving like an old conglomerate which has not understood that business of politics has changed in India. Congress cannot wait for BJP to make mistake. Congress feels that BJP has made a big mistake in Kashmir whereas rest of India feels that Modi has done the right thing. The message in rest of India is that nation is not a soft state which can be harassed by politicians who have sustained the idea of persecution and difference for decades in the Valley. Congress also should not suffer from selective amnesia. It arrested and jailed the popularly elected chief minister Sheikh Abdullah throughout 50s and 60s. He returned to a normal life as a broken man. It can take a leaf out of BJP's book. When Indira reigned as a supreme leader, Jan Sangh was reborn as BJP in 1980. At its centre, there was a collegium of leaders and powerful satraps. It made BJP survive Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh and Narsimha Rao. Congress need a collegium of leaders at the centre rather than the cult of Gandhis and Congress needs to understand this because as the biggest Opposition party, it is answerable to us, common citizens rather than one family. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress needs to do more, 2019 is not 1998

Provisional Congress President to be elected today. His name would be ratification from AICC. The internal election is likely to take place. Sonia Gandhi will continue as CPP leader in the Parliament.

CWC meeting to choose Congress President today

A crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is the party's top decision-making body, has begun for a second time to take a call on who would succeed Rahul Gandhi as the party chief. Watch this video to know more.

India: Congress president to be chosen today by CWC

The crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet again today at 8pm to chose the party chief. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have opted out of the process.

Emerging from the meeting, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi are not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief.

"Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," former party chief Sonia Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi told reporters: "I am going to Wayanad tomorrow for two days as the condition is very disturbing there."

The CWC, the party`s top decision-making body, met to elect a new party chief after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following the party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

According to sources, the front runners for the position are general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge.

Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019.&nbsp;

The CWC has been divided into five region-wise groups to hold further talks with the state in-charges, state party chiefs, AICC department chairman, party MPs and CLPs to build a consensus on the name of the new party chief.

Besides Rahul and Sonia, the meeting of the CWC was attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, senior party leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Anand Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Ahmed Patel, P Chidambaram and several others.

The CWC will meet again at 8.30 pm to get final recommendations from the five groups. The new Congress chief`s name will be finalised on Sunday, said a senior party leader.

The crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet again today at 8pm to chose the party chief. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have opted out of the process. Emerging from the meeting, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi are not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief.

The crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet again today at 8pm to chose the party chief. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have opted out of the process. Emerging from the meeting, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi are not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief. "Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," former party chief Sonia Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi told reporters: "I am going to Wayanad tomorrow for two days as the condition is very disturbing there." The CWC, the party`s top decision-making body, met to elect a new party chief after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following the party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, the front runners for the position are general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge. Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019. The CWC has been divided into five region-wise groups to hold further talks with the state in-charges, state party chiefs, AICC department chairman, party MPs and CLPs to build a consensus on the name of the new party chief. Besides Rahul and Sonia, the meeting of the CWC was attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, senior party leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Anand Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Ahmed Patel, P Chidambaram and several others. The CWC will meet again at 8.30 pm to get final recommendations from the five groups. The new Congress chief`s name will be finalised on Sunday, said a senior party leader.

CWC to meet again at 8:30pm today to choose new party chief as Rahul refuses to budge 

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public.

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-working-committee-to-meet-after-parliament-session-randeep-singh-surjewala-239881">the CWC </a>is likely to select a provisional chief to replace Rahul Gandhi and may form a panel also to look for the new party president.

Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC.

Meanwhile, party leader Abhishek Singhvi on Friday said that any further delay in the selection of the new chief is not an option.

"On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In a lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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On Sat, a consensus builder party pres <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INC</a> must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vatican?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vatican</a> locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAMSinghvi/status/1159683285796048897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-hurting-us-giving-impression-of-drift-indecision-tharoor-on-appointment-of-congress-president-239220">Shashi Tharoor</a> too had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision."&nbsp;

Some Congressmen also made a call for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra </a>to take over from her brother Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public. According to reports, the CWC is likely to select a provisional chief to replace Rahul Gandhi and may form a panel also to look for the new party president. Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC. Meanwhile, party leader Abhishek Singhvi on Friday said that any further delay in the selection of the new chief is not an option. "On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In a lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections," he tweeted. On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections. — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) August 9, 2019 × Congress leader Shashi Tharoor too had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." Some Congressmen also made a call for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to take over from her brother Rahul Gandhi. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress Working Committee to meet on Saturday, likely to select provisional party chief

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session.

Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting.

Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of&nbsp;the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh</a> also said that only CWC is authorised to decide on the issue. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said.

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-hurting-us-giving-impression-of-drift-indecision-tharoor-on-appointment-of-congress-president-239220">Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration </a>over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision."&nbsp;

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session. Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session. Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting. Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC. On Monday, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also said that only CWC is authorised to decide on the issue. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid leadership crisis, Congress Working Committee to meet after Parliament Session

Shortly after asking the Congress to decide the new chief, Rahul Gandhi tweeted his resignation letter as party president.

"It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. Jai Hind," he said in his tweet which also has a copy of his resignation letter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. 
 
I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. 
 
Jai Hind 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/WWGYt5YG4V">pic.twitter.com/WWGYt5YG4V</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1146359704815194112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As president of the Congress party, I am responsible for the loss of the 2019 election, Rahul has said in his letter sent to the Congress Working Committee, the party's highest decision-making body. The Congress won just 52 of the 542 Lok Sabha seats in the April-May general elections.

Rahul also removed his designation as Congress president from his official Twitter handle.

Earlier on Wednesday, he had said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/party-should-decide-on-the-new-congress-president-quickly-says-rahul-gandhi-232690">Congress should elect</a> a new president without any further delay.

"Party should decide on the new president quickly without further delay, I'm nowhere in this process. I have already submitted my resignation and I am no longer the party president. CWC should convene a meeting at the earliest and decide," he told reporters.

The crisis in Congress has been going on for week as Rahul has refused to listen to calls from party leaders to reconsider his decision to resign.

On Tuesday, party workers and leaders staged a sit-in outside Congress headquarters and urged an unrelenting Rahul Gandhi to withdraw his resignation.

Rahul Gandhi had offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

Shortly after asking the Congress to decide the new chief, Rahul Gandhi tweeted his resignation letter as party president. "It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation.

Shortly after asking the Congress to decide the new chief, Rahul Gandhi tweeted his resignation letter as party president. "It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. Jai Hind," he said in his tweet which also has a copy of his resignation letter. It is an honour for me to serve the Congress Party, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of our beautiful nation. I owe the country and my organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love. Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/WWGYt5YG4V — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 3, 2019 × As president of the Congress party, I am responsible for the loss of the 2019 election, Rahul has said in his letter sent to the Congress Working Committee, the party's highest decision-making body. The Congress won just 52 of the 542 Lok Sabha seats in the April-May general elections. Rahul also removed his designation as Congress president from his official Twitter handle. Earlier on Wednesday, he had said that Congress should elect a new president without any further delay. "Party should decide on the new president quickly without further delay, I'm nowhere in this process. I have already submitted my resignation and I am no longer the party president. CWC should convene a meeting at the earliest and decide," he told reporters. The crisis in Congress has been going on for week as Rahul has refused to listen to calls from party leaders to reconsider his decision to resign. On Tuesday, party workers and leaders staged a sit-in outside Congress headquarters and urged an unrelenting Rahul Gandhi to withdraw his resignation. Rahul Gandhi had offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections. However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

Honour for me to serve Congress party: Rahul Gandhi tweets his resignation letter

Apart from the drama of absurd which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cms-of-congress-ruled-states-to-meet-rahul-gandhi-today-to-urge-against-the-resignation-decision-231881">Congress party may witness</a> on Tuesday, Congress Working Committee (CWC) is all set to meet either on Wednesday or Thursday to discuss the future of the party.&nbsp;

Despite young office holders planning to go in an indefinite strike in AICC to persuade Rahul Gandhi to remain as Congress president, two names have emerged as front runners for the position of the party president.&nbsp;

Two names are - former home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and former leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. Though Shinde lost the elections and also came under political storm because of the saffron terror controversy, he remains a Gandhi loyalist.&nbsp;

Shinde has also served in various positions in his forty-year career which includes the position of a governor and union minister. Mallikarjun Kharge's too is a very senior leader who started his career in 1972 but his stint at the Centre started in 2014 when he was appointed as the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

As a last-ditch move, Congress chief ministers are meeting Rahul Gandhi to impress upon him that he should continue as the president of the party.

Sources also say that Rahul Gandhi remains firm on his decision and may join his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with his mother Sonia Gandhi by end of the week in the United States where Robert Vadra is undergoing surgery.

It is a matter of debate as to what will happen inside the Congress Working Committee, but senior leaders have confirmed that the only way to end the crisis in the party is to convene the CWC. Only the CWC can pass a resolution for a particular person, as the name can only be ratified by the AICC. As per the rule, senior most general secretary of AICC can convene a CWC in the absence of a president.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a related development, an open rift has opened between junior and senior leaders. A source in the Congress confirmed that leaders going on protest have been told that they must not name senior leaders from the podium to resign. A point to be noted is that as of now no senior leader, CWC member or chief minister has offered to resign.

Apart from the drama of absurd which Congress party may witness on Tuesday, Congress Working Committee (CWC) is all set to meet either on Wednesday or Thursday to discuss the future of the party.

Apart from the drama of absurd which Congress party may witness on Tuesday, Congress Working Committee (CWC) is all set to meet either on Wednesday or Thursday to discuss the future of the party. Despite young office holders planning to go in an indefinite strike in AICC to persuade Rahul Gandhi to remain as Congress president, two names have emerged as front runners for the position of the party president. Two names are - former home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and former leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. Though Shinde lost the elections and also came under political storm because of the saffron terror controversy, he remains a Gandhi loyalist. Shinde has also served in various positions in his forty-year career which includes the position of a governor and union minister. Mallikarjun Kharge's too is a very senior leader who started his career in 1972 but his stint at the Centre started in 2014 when he was appointed as the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha. As a last-ditch move, Congress chief ministers are meeting Rahul Gandhi to impress upon him that he should continue as the president of the party. Sources also say that Rahul Gandhi remains firm on his decision and may join his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with his mother Sonia Gandhi by end of the week in the United States where Robert Vadra is undergoing surgery. It is a matter of debate as to what will happen inside the Congress Working Committee, but senior leaders have confirmed that the only way to end the crisis in the party is to convene the CWC. Only the CWC can pass a resolution for a particular person, as the name can only be ratified by the AICC. As per the rule, senior most general secretary of AICC can convene a CWC in the absence of a president. Meanwhile, in a related development, an open rift has opened between junior and senior leaders. A source in the Congress confirmed that leaders going on protest have been told that they must not name senior leaders from the podium to resign. A point to be noted is that as of now no senior leader, CWC member or chief minister has offered to resign.

Sushil Kumar Shinde emerges frontrunner as CWC set to meet this week

The massive mandate of BJP sweeps away whole opposition in a blow. The nation's oldest party is feeling the heat as Congress President Rahul gandhi insists of resigning from the position. The party is under great depression, dilemma and before coming to any decisions holding various meeting for the same.

Rahul insists on resigning as Cong President; CWC to hold another meeting

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-draws-a-blank-in-18-states-and-union-territories-221310">facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections</a>, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said.

Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle.

However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results.

In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections.

Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.&nbsp;

 
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After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle. Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said. Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle. However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results. In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections. Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress may introspect poll debacle in CWC meeting today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nda-lawmakers-meet-in-delhi-to-formally-elect-narendra-modi-as-prime-minister-221557">Modi unanimously elected leader of NDA coalition, to stake claim to form government today</a>

The parliamentary board of the&nbsp;BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)&nbsp;unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition&nbsp;at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi&nbsp;on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-troop-boost-threat-to-international-peace-iran-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-221514">US troop boost 'threat to international peace': Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday a US decision to deploy 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East is a "threat to international peace," state media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-happened-at-the-cwc-meeting-the-inside-story-221561">What happened at the CWC meeting: The inside story</a>

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi offered to resign&nbsp;in the wake of&nbsp;humiliating defeat&nbsp;at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-warns-against-war-in-region-amid-iran-tensions-with-us-saudi-221530">Pakistan PM Imran Khan warns against war in region amid Iran tensions with US, Saudi</a>

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned against the risk of conflict in the region, following a visit to Islamabad by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sexual-favours-charge-hits-afghan-government-221580">'Sexual favours' charge hits Afghan government</a>

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Modi unanimously elected leader of NDA coalition, to stake claim to form government today The parliamentary board of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday.

Modi unanimously elected leader of NDA coalition, to stake claim to form government today The parliamentary board of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leader of NDA coalition at a meeting in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday. US troop boost 'threat to international peace': Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday a US decision to deploy 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East is a "threat to international peace," state media reported. What happened at the CWC meeting: The inside story At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president Rahul Gandhi offered to resign in the wake of humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama. Pakistan PM Imran Khan warns against war in region amid Iran tensions with US, Saudi Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned against the risk of conflict in the region, following a visit to Islamabad by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated. 'Sexual favours' charge hits Afghan government

News brief: Big stories of the day

Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as President of Congress party. CWC unanimously rejected Rahul's rejection. Randeep Surjewala said, CWC expresses its gratitude to 12.13 voters who stood behind Congress in election.

Surjewala: CWC expresses its gratitude to 12.13 crore voters who stood behind Congress in election

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