New Delhi, India
Following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s clarification on the three different tax slabs for popcorn, Congress called it an “absurdity” and highlighted the system's increasing complexity on Sunday (Dec 22). The party also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Ministry will show the courage to launch a remodelled GST 2.0.
On Saturday (Dec 21), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified the tax breakup of different types of popcorn during the GST Council, a video of which has gone viral on social media, sparking memes.
In the video, Sitharaman explains that ready-to-eat popcorn that has salt and spices is classified as ‘namkeens’ and attracts five per cent GST and 12 per cent on the pre-packaged and labelled ones. However, caramelised popcorn will attract 18 per cent GST as it is mixed with sugar.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/memes-take-social-media-by-storm-as-gst-council-clarifies-18-gst-on-caramelised-popcorn-786150">Memes take social media by storm as GST Council clarifies 18% GST on caramelised popcorn</a>
“When popcorn is mixed with sugar thereby changing its character to sugar confectionary (Ex: caramel popcorn), it would be classifiable under HS 1704 90 90 [sugar confectionary] and attract 18 per cent GST,” Sitharaman said in the press briefing.
“When you talk outside it looks silly… but during discussions with states in Fitment Committee on every item, it is clearly mentioned that things with added sugar are treated differently… be it drinks, carbonated drinks, juice… whatever has added sugar. This is why, till the time popcorn is salted, it attracts five per cent GST. But when it has added caramelised sugar, it is no longer namkeen, hence, its rate is different,” Sitharaman added.
<h2>Congress criticises the GST system</h2>
On Sunday (Dec 22), Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that there is significant GST evasion. He also said that input tax credit fraud is common and many fraudulent companies have come up to “game” the GST system.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-historic-visit-to-kuwait-a-new-era-for-stronger-ties-between-india-kuwait-relations-785961">Indian PM Modi conferred with Kuwait's highest honour, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer</a>
“The absurdity of three different tax slabs for popcorn under GST, which has unleashed a tsunami of memes on social media, only brings to light a deeper issue: the growing complexity of a system that was supposed to be a Good and Simple Tax,” he said in a post on X.
“Tracking of supply chains is weak, the registration process is flawed, advantages are being taken of loopholes in turnover exemptions, compliance requirements are still cumbersome, and misclassification of goods is frequent. Recent data on tax frauds uncovered by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) reveal GST evasion of Rs 2.01 lakh crore in FY24,” he described. 
“With the Union Budget now just 40 days away, will the PM and FM summon the courage to launch a complete overhaul and institute a GST 2.0?” Ramesh asked.
(With inputs from agencies)

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said on Sunday (Dec 22) that there is significant GST evasion. He also said that input tax credit fraud is common and many fraudulent companies have come up to “game” the GST system



New Delhi, India Following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s clarification on the three different tax slabs for popcorn, Congress called it an “absurdity” and highlighted the system's increasing complexity on Sunday (Dec 22). The party also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Ministry will show the courage to launch a remodelled GST 2.0. On Saturday (Dec 21), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified the tax breakup of different types of popcorn during the GST Council, a video of which has gone viral on social media, sparking memes. In the video, Sitharaman explains that ready-to-eat popcorn that has salt and spices is classified as ‘namkeens’ and attracts five per cent GST and 12 per cent on the pre-packaged and labelled ones. However, caramelised popcorn will attract 18 per cent GST as it is mixed with sugar. Also read | Memes take social media by storm as GST Council clarifies 18% GST on caramelised popcorn “When popcorn is mixed with sugar thereby changing its character to sugar confectionary (Ex: caramel popcorn), it would be classifiable under HS 1704 90 90 [sugar confectionary] and attract 18 per cent GST,” Sitharaman said in the press briefing. “When you talk outside it looks silly… but during discussions with states in Fitment Committee on every item, it is clearly mentioned that things with added sugar are treated differently… be it drinks, carbonated drinks, juice… whatever has added sugar. This is why, till the time popcorn is salted, it attracts five per cent GST. But when it has added caramelised sugar, it is no longer namkeen, hence, its rate is different,” Sitharaman added. Congress criticises the GST system On Sunday (Dec 22), Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that there is significant GST evasion. He also said that input tax credit fraud is common and many fraudulent companies have come up to “game” the GST system. Also read | Indian PM Modi conferred with Kuwait's highest honour, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer “The absurdity of three different tax slabs for popcorn under GST, which has unleashed a tsunami of memes on social media, only brings to light a deeper issue: the growing complexity of a system that was supposed to be a Good and Simple Tax,” he said in a post on X. “Tracking of supply chains is weak, the registration process is flawed, advantages are being taken of loopholes in turnover exemptions, compliance requirements are still cumbersome, and misclassification of goods is frequent. Recent data on tax frauds uncovered by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) reveal GST evasion of Rs 2.01 lakh crore in FY24,” he described. “With the Union Budget now just 40 days away, will the PM and FM summon the courage to launch a complete overhaul and institute a GST 2.0?” Ramesh asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress criticises govt over caramel popcorn GST, asks if PM will show courage for GST overhaul

Following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s clarification on the three different tax slabs for popcorn, Congress called it an “absurdity”&nbsp;and highlighted the system's increasing complexity on Sunday (Dec 22). The party also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Ministry will show the courage to launch a remodelled GST 2.0.

On Saturday (Dec 21), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified the tax breakup of different types of popcorn during the GST Council, a video of which has gone viral on social media, sparking memes.

In the video, Sitharaman explains that ready-to-eat popcorn that has salt and spices is classified as ‘namkeens’ and attracts five per cent GST and 12 per cent on the pre-packaged and labelled ones. However, caramelised popcorn will attract 18 per cent GST as it is mixed with sugar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/memes-take-social-media-by-storm-as-gst-council-clarifies-18-gst-on-caramelised-popcorn-786150">Memes take social media by storm as GST Council clarifies 18% GST on caramelised popcorn</a>

“When popcorn is mixed with sugar thereby changing its character to sugar confectionary (Ex: caramel popcorn), it would be classifiable under HS 1704 90 90 [sugar confectionary] and attract 18 per cent GST,” Sitharaman said in the press briefing.

“When you talk outside it looks silly… but during discussions with states in Fitment Committee on every item, it is clearly mentioned that things with added sugar are treated differently… be it drinks, carbonated drinks, juice… whatever has added sugar. This is why, till the time popcorn is salted, it attracts five per cent GST. But when it has added caramelised sugar, it is no longer namkeen, hence, its rate is different,” Sitharaman added.

<h2>Congress criticises the GST system</h2>

On Sunday (Dec 22), Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that there is significant GST evasion. He also said that input tax credit fraud is common and many fraudulent companies have come up to “game” the GST system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-historic-visit-to-kuwait-a-new-era-for-stronger-ties-between-india-kuwait-relations-785961">Indian PM Modi conferred with Kuwait's highest honour, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer</a>

“The absurdity of three different tax slabs for popcorn under GST, which has unleashed a tsunami of memes on social media, only brings to light a deeper issue: the growing complexity of a system that was supposed to be a Good and Simple Tax,” he said in a post on X.

“Tracking of supply chains is weak, the registration process is flawed, advantages are being taken of loopholes in turnover exemptions, compliance requirements are still cumbersome, and misclassification of goods is frequent. Recent data on tax frauds uncovered by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) reveal GST evasion of Rs 2.01 lakh crore in FY24,” he described.&nbsp;

“With the Union Budget now just 40 days away, will the PM and FM summon the courage to launch a complete overhaul and institute a GST 2.0?” Ramesh asked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s clarification on the three different tax slabs for popcorn, Congress called it an “absurdity” and highlighted the system's increasing complexity on Sunday (Dec 22).

Following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s clarification on the three different tax slabs for popcorn, Congress called it an “absurdity” and highlighted the system's increasing complexity on Sunday (Dec 22). The party also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Ministry will show the courage to launch a remodelled GST 2.0. On Saturday (Dec 21), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified the tax breakup of different types of popcorn during the GST Council, a video of which has gone viral on social media, sparking memes. In the video, Sitharaman explains that ready-to-eat popcorn that has salt and spices is classified as ‘namkeens’ and attracts five per cent GST and 12 per cent on the pre-packaged and labelled ones. However, caramelised popcorn will attract 18 per cent GST as it is mixed with sugar. Also read | Memes take social media by storm as GST Council clarifies 18% GST on caramelised popcorn “When popcorn is mixed with sugar thereby changing its character to sugar confectionary (Ex: caramel popcorn), it would be classifiable under HS 1704 90 90 [sugar confectionary] and attract 18 per cent GST,” Sitharaman said in the press briefing. “When you talk outside it looks silly… but during discussions with states in Fitment Committee on every item, it is clearly mentioned that things with added sugar are treated differently… be it drinks, carbonated drinks, juice… whatever has added sugar. This is why, till the time popcorn is salted, it attracts five per cent GST. But when it has added caramelised sugar, it is no longer namkeen, hence, its rate is different,” Sitharaman added. Congress criticises the GST system On Sunday (Dec 22), Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that there is significant GST evasion. He also said that input tax credit fraud is common and many fraudulent companies have come up to “game” the GST system. Also read | Indian PM Modi conferred with Kuwait's highest honour, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer “The absurdity of three different tax slabs for popcorn under GST, which has unleashed a tsunami of memes on social media, only brings to light a deeper issue: the growing complexity of a system that was supposed to be a Good and Simple Tax,” he said in a post on X. “Tracking of supply chains is weak, the registration process is flawed, advantages are being taken of loopholes in turnover exemptions, compliance requirements are still cumbersome, and misclassification of goods is frequent. Recent data on tax frauds uncovered by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) reveal GST evasion of Rs 2.01 lakh crore in FY24,” he described. “With the Union Budget now just 40 days away, will the PM and FM summon the courage to launch a complete overhaul and institute a GST 2.0?” Ramesh asked. (With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea for one week of time extension to substantiate his allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Ramesh had claimed that Shah was calling district magistrates (DMs) and collectors, alleging that he had contacted 150 of them.

The ECI has now demanded that Ramesh provide evidence for his claims by 7 pm on Monday (June 3). In the press briefing held by ECI on Monday ahead of the declaration of the results of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed the allegations.

While saying that the vote counting process is 'absolutely robust',&nbsp;Kumar reacted strongly to Ramesh’s claims saying, “It's not right to spread a rumour and doubt everyone...Can someone influence them (district magistrates/returning officers) all? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it...It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-court-sentences-brahmos-engineer-to-14-years-in-jail-for-spying-for-pakistan-728306">Indian court sentences BrahMos engineer to 14 years in jail for spying for Pakistan</a>

Earlier on Saturday (June 1), in a letter the election body wrote, “You being a responsible experienced and very senior leader of a national party, you must have made such public statement just before the day of counting based on facts, information which you believed to be true. It is requested that details of 150 DMs to whom such calls have been allegedly made by the Home Minister along with the factual matrix basis of your information are shared by 7 pm today so that appropriate action can be taken."&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The commission further clarified that during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, all officers report directly to the ECI and no DM had reported any undue influence.

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The ECI expressed concern that Ramesh's statement could undermine public trust in the electoral process. “As you are aware, the process of counting votes is a sacred duty cast upon every returning officer and such public statements by you tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserves to be addressed in the larger public interest,” the letter had stated.

<h2>'Blatant and brazen intimidation'</h2>

Ramesh on June 1 asserted that Home Minister Amit Shah had been intimidating DMs and collectors.

“The outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors. So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch,” Ramesh wrote on X social media account.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea for one week of time extension to substantiate his allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea for one week of time extension to substantiate his allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Ramesh had claimed that Shah was calling district magistrates (DMs) and collectors, alleging that he had contacted 150 of them. The ECI has now demanded that Ramesh provide evidence for his claims by 7 pm on Monday (June 3). In the press briefing held by ECI on Monday ahead of the declaration of the results of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed the allegations. While saying that the vote counting process is 'absolutely robust', Kumar reacted strongly to Ramesh’s claims saying, “It's not right to spread a rumour and doubt everyone...Can someone influence them (district magistrates/returning officers) all? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it...It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone.” Also Read | Indian court sentences BrahMos engineer to 14 years in jail for spying for Pakistan Earlier on Saturday (June 1), in a letter the election body wrote, “You being a responsible experienced and very senior leader of a national party, you must have made such public statement just before the day of counting based on facts, information which you believed to be true. It is requested that details of 150 DMs to whom such calls have been allegedly made by the Home Minister along with the factual matrix basis of your information are shared by 7 pm today so that appropriate action can be taken." Also Read | Another Indian student mysteriously disappears in US, last seen in Los Angeles The commission further clarified that during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, all officers report directly to the ECI and no DM had reported any undue influence. Watch | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Why is repolling going on in two of West Bengal's booths? × The ECI expressed concern that Ramesh's statement could undermine public trust in the electoral process. “As you are aware, the process of counting votes is a sacred duty cast upon every returning officer and such public statements by you tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserves to be addressed in the larger public interest,” the letter had stated. 'Blatant and brazen intimidation' Ramesh on June 1 asserted that Home Minister Amit Shah had been intimidating DMs and collectors. “The outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors. So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch,” Ramesh wrote on X social media account. (With inputs from agencies)

EC rejects Jairam Ramesh’s request for a week’s time to prove allegations against Shah

After Jairam Ramesh spoke about <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-sultanate-has-gone-but-we-behave-as-if-we-are-sultans-still-jairam-ramesh-on-congress-party-18670" target="_blank">Congress party facing an &quot;existential crisis&quot;</a>, senior party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has asked his fellow Congressmen to look at the reality.

&quot;Congressmen should look at the reality. We have only 44 MPs and faced serious setbacks,&quot; Aiyar told ANI.

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He also said that Ramesh is a true Congressman and what he said should not be ignored.

The former minister said if the party doesn&#39;t &quot;pay attention to different opinions and find out the solution then we cannot go forward&quot;.

On Monday, Jairam Ramesh asserted that the Congress is facing an existential crisis and a collective effort is required to overcome the challenges faced by the party.

Ramesh said that the party has to understand that it faces a&nbsp;challenge from Modi and Shah who think differently&nbsp;and if it isn&#39;t flexible in its approach it will become irrelevant.

He also&nbsp;said that old slogans don&#39;t work anymore as India has changed and the party needs to change. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Aiyar said that the party needs to look at the reality that it has just 44 members of parliament and faced serious setbacks

After Jairam Ramesh spoke about Congress party facing an "existential crisis", senior party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has asked his fellow Congressmen to look at the reality. "Congressmen should look at the reality. We have only 44 MPs and faced serious setbacks," Aiyar told ANI. Congressmen should look at reality. We have only 44 MPs& faced serious setbacks: Mani Shankar Aiyar on Jairam Ramesh's statement on Congress pic.twitter.com/KuYNyubCFH — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2017 × He also said that Ramesh is a true Congressman and what he said should not be ignored. The former minister said if the party doesn't "pay attention to different opinions and find out the solution then we cannot go forward". On Monday, Jairam Ramesh asserted that the Congress is facing an existential crisis and a collective effort is required to overcome the challenges faced by the party. Ramesh said that the party has to understand that it faces a challenge from Modi and Shah who think differently and if it isn't flexible in its approach it will become irrelevant. He also said that old slogans don't work anymore as India has changed and the party needs to change.

Another Congressman joins chorus, Mani Shankar Aiyar says party 'needs to look at reality'

The Congress is facing an &quot;existential crisis&quot;, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh today said and pitched for &quot;a collective effort&quot; by party leaders to &quot;overcome&quot; the challenges it faced from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.

Ramesh also said that business as usual approach will not work against Modi and Shah and advocated for a flexibility in approach to make Congress relevant.

&quot;Yes, the Congress party is facing a very serious crisis,&quot; Ramesh told PTI in an interview.

He said the Congress had faced &quot;electoral crisis&quot; from 1996 to 2004 when it was out of power. The party had also faced &quot;electoral crisis&quot; in 1977 when it lost the elections held soon after the emergency.

&quot;But today, I would say that the Congress is facing an existential crisis. It is not an electoral crisis. The party really is in deep crisis,&quot; he said, when asked whether the threat of &quot;poaching&quot; of MLAs posed by the BJP in Gujarat had forced the party to transport its MLAs to Karnataka to ensure party leader Ahmed Patel&#39;s victory in the Rajya Sabha polls.

He, however, justified the Gujarat Congress&#39;s decision to send 44 of its MLAs to a resort in party-ruled Karnataka on July 29 to fend off the alleged &quot;poaching&quot; attempts by BJP, saying the saffron party had also &quot;transported&quot; MLAs in the past.

He said it was wrong for the Congress party to think that anti-incumbency will work automatically against the Modi-led government in the states being ruled by the BJP in the elections.

&quot;We have to understand we are up against Mr Modi, Mr Shah. And they think differently, they act differently, and if we are not flexible in our approach, we will become irrelevant, frankly,&quot; the Congress leader said.

He said the Congress party must also recognise that India has changed. &quot;Old slogans don&#39;t work, old formulas don&#39;t work, old mantras don&#39;t work. India has changed, the Congress party has to change,&quot; he said.

The former union minister hoped that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi would end the uncertainty over his taking over as the Congress president to make the party ready for crucial electoral battles in key states in 2018 and the Lok Sabha polls scheduled a year later.

&quot;I think in all probability, Rahul Gandhi will take charge (as Congress president) before the end of 2017,&quot; he said.

The senior leader lamented that he had been proved wrong in the past about his prediction about Rahul&#39;s assuming charge of the top party job.

&quot;I thought it will happen in 2015, it didn&#39;t happen. I thought it will happen in 2016, it didn&#39;t happen. So I am the wrong person to ask this question. I feel that it may happen before the end of 2017,&quot; Ramesh said.

He said he had &quot;no&quot; indication about the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as Congress president.

&quot;I have only expectation. That&#39;s all. In 2018 and 2019 you will be busy with elections. State elections, national elections...And this type of thing ...Uncertainty is not good,&quot; and urged the Gandhi scion to &quot;finish it off.&quot;

Asked if there is anyone in the Congress party to give a strong challenge to Modi in 2019 elections, Ramesh said, &quot;I have always maintained that it is the collective strength of the Congress that will overcome Mr Modi not some individual magic wand&quot;.

&quot;It has to be a collective effort,&quot; he said.

Ramesh took potshots at party leaders who still behave as if the party is still in power.

&quot;The sultanate has gone, but we behave as if we are sultans still. We have to completely redo the way of thinking, the way of acting, the way of projecting, the way of communicating.&quot;

&quot;I think there is a lot of goodwill for the Congress, a lot of support for the Congress but people want to see a new Congress. They don&#39;t want to see old mantras, old slogans. We must recognise this is a big challenge. Huge challenge for us,&quot; he said.

He said Nitish Kumar&#39;s return to the Indian fold was a big setback for anti-BJP coalition in the country, describing it as a &quot;completely betrayal of the mandate&quot; given to the Mahagathbandhan by the people of Bihar.

Ramesh, who shares a personal rapport with Kumar, said, &quot;personally, I was aghast, astonished, deeply disappointed, but we have to move on and we don&#39;t have time.&quot;

Ramesh, representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha, expressed hope that the &quot;revival&quot; of Congress will happen in Karnataka next year as it had happened 40 years ago in 1978 in Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat in the state which gave political rebirth to Indira Gandhi who faced defeat in Rae Bareli in the elections held after the Emergency.&nbsp;

Ramesh also said that business as usual approach will not work against Modi and Shah

The Congress is facing an "existential crisis", senior party leader Jairam Ramesh today said and pitched for "a collective effort" by party leaders to "overcome" the challenges it faced from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Ramesh also said that business as usual approach will not work against Modi and Shah and advocated for a flexibility in approach to make Congress relevant. "Yes, the Congress party is facing a very serious crisis," Ramesh told PTI in an interview. He said the Congress had faced "electoral crisis" from 1996 to 2004 when it was out of power. The party had also faced "electoral crisis" in 1977 when it lost the elections held soon after the emergency. "But today, I would say that the Congress is facing an existential crisis. It is not an electoral crisis. The party really is in deep crisis," he said, when asked whether the threat of "poaching" of MLAs posed by the BJP in Gujarat had forced the party to transport its MLAs to Karnataka to ensure party leader Ahmed Patel's victory in the Rajya Sabha polls. He, however, justified the Gujarat Congress's decision to send 44 of its MLAs to a resort in party-ruled Karnataka on July 29 to fend off the alleged "poaching" attempts by BJP, saying the saffron party had also "transported" MLAs in the past. He said it was wrong for the Congress party to think that anti-incumbency will work automatically against the Modi-led government in the states being ruled by the BJP in the elections. "We have to understand we are up against Mr Modi, Mr Shah. And they think differently, they act differently, and if we are not flexible in our approach, we will become irrelevant, frankly," the Congress leader said. He said the Congress party must also recognise that India has changed. "Old slogans don't work, old formulas don't work, old mantras don't work. India has changed, the Congress party has to change," he said. The former union minister hoped that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi would end the uncertainty over his taking over as the Congress president to make the party ready for crucial electoral battles in key states in 2018 and the Lok Sabha polls scheduled a year later. "I think in all probability, Rahul Gandhi will take charge (as Congress president) before the end of 2017," he said. The senior leader lamented that he had been proved wrong in the past about his prediction about Rahul's assuming charge of the top party job. "I thought it will happen in 2015, it didn't happen. I thought it will happen in 2016, it didn't happen. So I am the wrong person to ask this question. I feel that it may happen before the end of 2017," Ramesh said. He said he had "no" indication about the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as Congress president. "I have only expectation. That's all. In 2018 and 2019 you will be busy with elections. State elections, national elections...And this type of thing ...Uncertainty is not good," and urged the Gandhi scion to "finish it off." Asked if there is anyone in the Congress party to give a strong challenge to Modi in 2019 elections, Ramesh said, "I have always maintained that it is the collective strength of the Congress that will overcome Mr Modi not some individual magic wand". "It has to be a collective effort," he said. Ramesh took potshots at party leaders who still behave as if the party is still in power. "The sultanate has gone, but we behave as if we are sultans still. We have to completely redo the way of thinking, the way of acting, the way of projecting, the way of communicating." "I think there is a lot of goodwill for the Congress, a lot of support for the Congress but people want to see a new Congress. They don't want to see old mantras, old slogans. We must recognise this is a big challenge. Huge challenge for us," he said. He said Nitish Kumar's return to the Indian fold was a big setback for anti-BJP coalition in the country, describing it as a "completely betrayal of the mandate" given to the Mahagathbandhan by the people of Bihar. Ramesh, who shares a personal rapport with Kumar, said, "personally, I was aghast, astonished, deeply disappointed, but we have to move on and we don't have time." Ramesh, representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha, expressed hope that the "revival" of Congress will happen in Karnataka next year as it had happened 40 years ago in 1978 in Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat in the state which gave political rebirth to Indira Gandhi who faced defeat in Rae Bareli in the elections held after the Emergency.

'The sultanate has gone, but we behave as if we are sultans still': Jairam Ramesh on Congress party