A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today.

Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation.

"It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here.

However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties.

"Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this.

The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said.

The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday.

He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested."

"There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said.

"The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said. 
Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel.

"However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged.

Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country.

Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man.

He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".&nbsp

'It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' Gandhi told reporters in Mumbai

A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today. Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation. "It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here. However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties. "Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this. The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said. The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday. He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested." "There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said. "The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said. Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel. "However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged. Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country. Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man. He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".

Grand alliance against Modi 'is sentiment of people, not just political parties': Rahul Gandhi

Praful Patel, former Union Cabinet Minister and senior NCP leader spoke on the issue of alliance with the Congress in Maharashtra and Grand Alliance in general. He said that Congress has made a good beginning with them in the state and an alliance can be recreated at the state level again. In the upcoming assembly election, BJP will be defeated, he said and welcomed the idea of a Grand Alliance.

&nbsp

Q: Can a combined opposition take on BJP in Lok Sabha elections?

A: It has become very visible in the results of all by-elections that where ever regional parties have sunk differences, BJP has been defeated. There is a visible disenchantment with BJP. BJP made huge promises during Lok Sabha elections but none of them have been kept. On top of it, political adjustments are taking place to ensure that 2014 is not repeated again at the national level.

 
Q: Has Congress become a big regional party and what role do you expect it to play?

A: Congress understands the new political reality. They have to respect the changed political circumstances. They too have made adjustments. For example, they gave away the position of Chief Minister to JD-U which would not have been possible in past. Even in Uttar Pradesh, Congress vote has become negligible. So it is better to adjust then perish. Having said that I would also say that Congress still remains the largest pan Indian party in the Opposition. Congress will have to play a role here and accordingly build consensus in the non-BJP bloc.

&nbsp

Q: What is Sharad Pawar’s idea of 2019 elections?

A: His understanding is that 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be about political alliances based on least division of votes. For this end, pan India alliances will have to be forged.

&nbsp

Q: Is one candidate, one constituency a good idea?

A: It depends on region to region but as far as possible, one candidate, one constituency is a good idea. All of this will depend on local and regional arrangements. But an arrangement like this in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra can affect BJP adversely.

&nbsp

Q: How significant is NCP’s victory in Gondia?

A: It is a significant victory for us. This seat belonged to us. Even in 2014, we fought elections together in Lok Sabha. Disenchantment against BJP is deep. They put all their money and muscle in Gondia but we ran a soft low-key campaign which worked for us.

&nbsp&nbsp

Q: Has the relationship between Congress and NCP improved?

A: Good beginning has been made which reflected in the byelection. There is more engagement now between both the parties.

&nbsp

Q: Will Congress and NCP fight elections together in Maharashtra?

A: As I said, a good beginning has been made. We had an alliance in past and it can be recreated.

Congress understands the new political reality. They have to respect the changed political circumstances. They too have made adjustments. For example, they gave away the position of Chief Minister to JD-U which would not have been possible in past.

Praful Patel, former Union Cabinet Minister and senior NCP leader spoke on the issue of alliance with the Congress in Maharashtra and Grand Alliance in general. He said that Congress has made a good beginning with them in the state and an alliance can be recreated at the state level again. In the upcoming assembly election, BJP will be defeated, he said and welcomed the idea of a Grand Alliance. Q: Can a combined opposition take on BJP in Lok Sabha elections? A: It has become very visible in the results of all by-elections that where ever regional parties have sunk differences, BJP has been defeated. There is a visible disenchantment with BJP. BJP made huge promises during Lok Sabha elections but none of them have been kept. On top of it, political adjustments are taking place to ensure that 2014 is not repeated again at the national level. Q: Has Congress become a big regional party and what role do you expect it to play? A: Congress understands the new political reality. They have to respect the changed political circumstances. They too have made adjustments. For example, they gave away the position of Chief Minister to JD-U which would not have been possible in past. Even in Uttar Pradesh, Congress vote has become negligible. So it is better to adjust then perish. Having said that I would also say that Congress still remains the largest pan Indian party in the Opposition. Congress will have to play a role here and accordingly build consensus in the non-BJP bloc. Q: What is Sharad Pawar’s idea of 2019 elections? A: His understanding is that 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be about political alliances based on least division of votes. For this end, pan India alliances will have to be forged. Q: Is one candidate, one constituency a good idea? A: It depends on region to region but as far as possible, one candidate, one constituency is a good idea. All of this will depend on local and regional arrangements. But an arrangement like this in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra can affect BJP adversely. Q: How significant is NCP’s victory in Gondia? A: It is a significant victory for us. This seat belonged to us. Even in 2014, we fought elections together in Lok Sabha. Disenchantment against BJP is deep. They put all their money and muscle in Gondia but we ran a soft low-key campaign which worked for us. Q: Has the relationship between Congress and NCP improved? A: Good beginning has been made which reflected in the byelection. There is more engagement now between both the parties. Q: Will Congress and NCP fight elections together in Maharashtra? A: As I said, a good beginning has been made. We had an alliance in past and it can be recreated.

Political adjustments are taking place to ensure 2014 is not repeated: ​​​​​​​Praful Patel

Bihar&#39;s deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav hit out at the BJP saying that the CBI case against him is a conspiracy hatched by the ruling party at the Centre to destabilise the grand alliance in Bihar.

In a comment that was filled with wit and humour, Tejashwi said that in 2004, the year to which the case pertains, he didn&#39;t even have a &quot;mooch&quot; or a moustache as he was only 13-14 years old. The comment reflected that the son matched his father when it comes to witty comments and repartee.

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They are bringing up cases of 2004 against me. I was 13-14 yr old that time. How could a kid do all this?: Tejashwi Yadav <a href="https://t.co/rPf7C1PGMa">pic.twitter.com/rPf7C1PGMa</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/885034621519450112">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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2004 mein to humaare mooch bhi nahi aayi thi, 13-14 saal ka baccha kaise ye sab kar sakta hai?: Tejashwi Yadav on FIR against him
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/885034990035247105">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He went on to assert that the ruling alliance in Bihar is strong and will not break.

Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav&#39;s security&nbsp;staff manhandled media personnel at Bihar secretariat in Patna.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> Media persons manhandled by security personnel of Tejashwi Yadav at Bihar Secretariat (Patna) <a href="https://t.co/efMDg7QdQ2">pic.twitter.com/efMDg7QdQ2</a>
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Bihar&#39;s chief minister Nitish Kumar, on Tuesday, had asked Tejashwi to come clean in a case filed against him, his mother Rabri Devi and father Lalu Yadav in awarding tender for hotels when Lalu Yadav was railway minister in the first UPA government from 2004 to 2009.

&quot;Those facing corruption charges should face the public and come clean on the corruption charges,&quot; said a JD(U) spokesperson.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/enforcement-directorate-summons-lalu-yadavs-son-in-law-in-money-laundring-case-17844">Enforcement Directorate summons Lalu&#39;s son-in-law Shailesh Kumar in money laundering case</a>

On Moday, Lalu Yadav-led RJD, which has more seats in the Bihar legislative assembly, said that Tejashwi won&#39;t resign from his position based on the CBI case filed against him.

Nitish Kumar&#39;s clear signal to his ally that corruption charges against Tejashwi won&#39;t be tolerated has only reinforced what many have been speculating that all is not well in the grand alliance.

&nbsp;

Bihar's chief minister Nitish Kumar Tuesday had asked Tejashwi to come clean on charges pressed against him by the CBI

Bihar's deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav hit out at the BJP saying that the CBI case against him is a conspiracy hatched by the ruling party at the Centre to destabilise the grand alliance in Bihar. In a comment that was filled with wit and humour, Tejashwi said that in 2004, the year to which the case pertains, he didn't even have a "mooch" or a moustache as he was only 13-14 years old. The comment reflected that the son matched his father when it comes to witty comments and repartee. They are bringing up cases of 2004 against me. I was 13-14 yr old that time. How could a kid do all this?: Tejashwi Yadav pic.twitter.com/rPf7C1PGMa — ANI (@ANI_news) July 12, 2017 × 2004 mein to humaare mooch bhi nahi aayi thi, 13-14 saal ka baccha kaise ye sab kar sakta hai?: Tejashwi Yadav on FIR against him — ANI (@ANI_news) July 12, 2017 × He went on to assert that the ruling alliance in Bihar is strong and will not break. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav's security staff manhandled media personnel at Bihar secretariat in Patna. #WATCH Media persons manhandled by security personnel of Tejashwi Yadav at Bihar Secretariat (Patna) pic.twitter.com/efMDg7QdQ2 — ANI (@ANI_news) July 12, 2017 × Bihar's chief minister Nitish Kumar, on Tuesday, had asked Tejashwi to come clean in a case filed against him, his mother Rabri Devi and father Lalu Yadav in awarding tender for hotels when Lalu Yadav was railway minister in the first UPA government from 2004 to 2009. "Those facing corruption charges should face the public and come clean on the corruption charges," said a JD(U) spokesperson. Also Read: Enforcement Directorate summons Lalu's son-in-law Shailesh Kumar in money laundering case On Moday, Lalu Yadav-led RJD, which has more seats in the Bihar legislative assembly, said that Tejashwi won't resign from his position based on the CBI case filed against him. Nitish Kumar's clear signal to his ally that corruption charges against Tejashwi won't be tolerated has only reinforced what many have been speculating that all is not well in the grand alliance.

Tejashwi's defence against corruption charges: "I didn't even have a 'mooch' in 2004"

The talks between the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) on seat sharing for assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh is in the last phase of discussion, with the Congress also wanting the position of deputy CM as part of the deal, sources told WION.

Sources confirmed to WION that talks between all three constituents are taking place at the highest level. &nbsp;The SP has proposed 78 seats to the Congress and 22 seats to RLD which still holds sway in some districts of the western Uttar Pradesh. But well-placed sources confirmed that Congress is still insisting on 100 seats and the final decision on the matter would be taken by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. Sources also say that apart from numbers, there is also a dispute on 15 seats which are being described as &ldquo;prestige seats&rdquo; by all sides. There is the possibility that a friendly fight can take place on these but the Congress wants to avoid it as it would send a wrong signal to the electorate.

The understanding is that if the three parties fail to come together then it would become a straight fight between the BJP and BSP. Even the SP stands to lose a chunk of upper castes in case it fights against all other parties. Even Congress stands to benefit as it has no organisational structure in Uttar Pradesh and with an SP-alliance, its candidate can get the minority votes which as of now lie with Mulayum Singh Yadav. Lastly, RLD&rsquo;s presence would strengthen the SP in western UP where there is often a straight fight between the BSP and the BJP.

Insiders say that alliance should be announced at the earliest for early distribution of election tickets and ample time to project Akhilesh Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate. For now, the ball is in Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s court. 
 
(WION)

Congress also wants the position of deputy chief minister, sources told WION

The talks between the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) on seat sharing for assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh is in the last phase of discussion, with the Congress also wanting the position of deputy CM as part of the deal, sources told WION. Sources confirmed to WION that talks between all three constituents are taking place at the highest level. The SP has proposed 78 seats to the Congress and 22 seats to RLD which still holds sway in some districts of the western Uttar Pradesh. But well-placed sources confirmed that Congress is still insisting on 100 seats and the final decision on the matter would be taken by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. Sources also say that apart from numbers, there is also a dispute on 15 seats which are being described as “prestige seats” by all sides. There is the possibility that a friendly fight can take place on these but the Congress wants to avoid it as it would send a wrong signal to the electorate. The understanding is that if the three parties fail to come together then it would become a straight fight between the BJP and BSP. Even the SP stands to lose a chunk of upper castes in case it fights against all other parties. Even Congress stands to benefit as it has no organisational structure in Uttar Pradesh and with an SP-alliance, its candidate can get the minority votes which as of now lie with Mulayum Singh Yadav. Lastly, RLD’s presence would strengthen the SP in western UP where there is often a straight fight between the BSP and the BJP. Insiders say that alliance should be announced at the earliest for early distribution of election tickets and ample time to project Akhilesh Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate. For now, the ball is in Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi’s court. (WION)

Uttar Pradesh polls: Grand alliance talks between SP, Congress and RLD enter final stretch in India's most populous state

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Grand alliance against Modi 'is sentiment of people, not just political parties': Rahul Gandhi

Political adjustments are taking place to ensure 2014 is not repeated: ​​​​​​​Praful Patel

Tejashwi's defence against corruption charges: "I didn't even have a 'mooch' in 2004"

Uttar Pradesh polls: Grand alliance talks between SP, Congress and RLD enter final stretch in India's most populous state

Political adjustments are taking place to ensure 2014 is not repeated: Praful Patel