&nbsp;The RSS today blamed "divisive political forces" for first trying to make former President Pranab Mukherjee "refrain" from attending its event and then for posting a morphed photograph showing him in a prayer position identified with the organisation, reported news agency PTI.

"Some divisive political forces have posted a morphed photo of former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee standing in a prayer position with a folded hand during recitation of Sangha 'prarthana' (prayer) at yesterday's RSS function at Nagpur," the Hindutva organisation's joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya said in a statement.

"These forces initially tried to create an opposition to make Mukherjee refrain from attending this function and now these frustrated forces are indulging in all such dirty tricks to defame the RSS. We denounce and strongly condemn the lowly act of these divisive political forces who are deliberately trying to defame the RSS," he said.

Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee, a Congress leader who had opposed his visit to the RSS event, had highlighted the photograph and said, "See, this is exactly what I was fearing & warned my father about. Not even few hours have passed, but BJP/RSS dirty tricks dept is at work in full swing!".&nbsp;

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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh strongly condemned divisive political forces on deliberately defaming the party over a morphed photo of former president Pranab Mukherjee wearing a black coloured Sangh cap and giving an RSS-style salute 
 
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> Story | <a href="https://t.co/WZ9579c9Pk">https://t.co/WZ9579c9Pk</a> <a href="https://t.co/ycdmg2vp12">pic.twitter.com/ycdmg2vp12</a>
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&nbsp;

"See, this is exactly what I was fearing & warned my father about. Not even few hours have passed, but BJP/RSS dirty tricks dept is at work in full swing!" Mukherjee's daughter said

The RSS today blamed "divisive political forces" for first trying to make former President Pranab Mukherjee "refrain" from attending its event and then for posting a morphed photograph showing him in a prayer position identified with the organisation, reported news agency PTI. "Some divisive political forces have posted a morphed photo of former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee standing in a prayer position with a folded hand during recitation of Sangha 'prarthana' (prayer) at yesterday's RSS function at Nagpur," the Hindutva organisation's joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya said in a statement. "These forces initially tried to create an opposition to make Mukherjee refrain from attending this function and now these frustrated forces are indulging in all such dirty tricks to defame the RSS. We denounce and strongly condemn the lowly act of these divisive political forces who are deliberately trying to defame the RSS," he said. Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee, a Congress leader who had opposed his visit to the RSS event, had highlighted the photograph and said, "See, this is exactly what I was fearing & warned my father about. Not even few hours have passed, but BJP/RSS dirty tricks dept is at work in full swing!". The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh strongly condemned divisive political forces on deliberately defaming the party over a morphed photo of former president Pranab Mukherjee wearing a black coloured Sangh cap and giving an RSS-style salute Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/WZ9579c9Pk pic.twitter.com/ycdmg2vp12 — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 8, 2018 ×

RSS blames divisive political forces for  Pranab Mukherjee's morphed photo

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he has brought laurels to the country, even as he dismissed any challenge from opposition parties who appear to be joining hands against the ruling party.

Speaking exclusively to Zee 24 Taas, Amit Shah talked about the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the last four years and also about challenges that remain ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Here's what the BJP president said about different issues, including opposition unity:

On Congress:

Amit Shah said that in the last 70 years, the country just witnessed politics of appeasement and division of voters on the basis of caste. Shah further said that since Narendra Modi came to power in Centre, there has been end of casteism and politics of appeasement.

"Politics of performance is being certified by people across the country since Narendra Modi-led BJP government came to power in 2014. I strongly believe that people stand with politics of performance in future as well,” said the BJP president.

He, however, added that when attempts are made to divide people on basis of caste and appeasement, there has to be some impact on the ground. “We want to counter it with politics of development, and I am sure we will do it,” said Shah in an apparent reference to recent losses of the BJP in Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections.

On statements by Archbishops:

When asked about the recent remarks by Goa Archbishop about “Constitution in danger and human rights being violated”, the BJP president termed it as his personal opinion on which he would not like to comment.

But he added that if they are making such statements, it shows that there is secularism and freedom of expression in the country. He said that the government strongly supports freedom of expression, “but if it’s about ‘desh ke tukde honge hazaar’, then it is not freedom of expression, it is sedition and will be dealt with strongly”.

“People who imposed Emergency in the country are saying that the environment today is not good. That is just a perception they are trying to form. How can they question us on freedom of expression?” said the BJP chief.

On farmers:

Amit Shah asserted that the government had done a lot of work towards solving problems being faced by farmers, such as soil health card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana. “In the last 70 years, no one gave farmers a minimum support price of 1.5 times the cost of the crop. Today Modi government is giving 1.5 times MSP on both Kharif and Rabi crops,” he said.

On Pranab Mukherjee attending RSS event:

Responding to a question on objections being raised over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s scheduled visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, the BJP president said that there should not be any controversy over the same. Pointing that even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi met RSS representatives, Shah asked, “What is the objection if Pranab Da goes to an RSS event?”

On losses in bypolls:

Amit Shah said that it’s not like the BJP has lost in all byelections, adding that the party has in fact won seven bypolls. He further attacked the Congress party saying that they had no reason to be happy about. “We snatched 11 state governments from Congress. Out of 16 states, they are left with just two,” Shah added.

On opposition unity:

According to Shah, the agenda of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to remove poverty, but the only agenda of other parties is to remove Modi. Dismissing any possible impact of the opposition unity in 2019 elections, the BJP chief said that these parties had already contested against the ruling party in 2014 elections and all were defeated.

Referring to the recent show of strength by opposition parties during the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister, Shah said, “you can’t influence voters if you stand on a stage joining hands…Mamata’s influence will remain confined in West Bengal while Sharad Pawar’s impact will be there only in Maharashtra. Similarly, Kumaraswamy cannot do anything outside Karnataka... there will be no effect of opposition unity in 2019 elections.”

On upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh:

When asked about anti-incumbency on BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which are slated to go for Assembly polls later in 2018, Shah said that the same does not apply to all governments.

Asserting that the BJP organisation was intact and strong in all three states, Shah said that the party was confident of winning in all of them.

The BJP chief also said that there should not be any controversy over Pranab Mukherjee attending the RSS event.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he has brought laurels to the country, even as he dismissed any challenge from opposition parties who appear to be joining hands against the ruling party. Speaking exclusively to Zee 24 Taas, Amit Shah talked about the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government in the last four years and also about challenges that remain ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Here's what the BJP president said about different issues, including opposition unity: On Congress: Amit Shah said that in the last 70 years, the country just witnessed politics of appeasement and division of voters on the basis of caste. Shah further said that since Narendra Modi came to power in Centre, there has been end of casteism and politics of appeasement. "Politics of performance is being certified by people across the country since Narendra Modi-led BJP government came to power in 2014. I strongly believe that people stand with politics of performance in future as well,” said the BJP president. He, however, added that when attempts are made to divide people on basis of caste and appeasement, there has to be some impact on the ground. “We want to counter it with politics of development, and I am sure we will do it,” said Shah in an apparent reference to recent losses of the BJP in Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections. On statements by Archbishops: When asked about the recent remarks by Goa Archbishop about “Constitution in danger and human rights being violated”, the BJP president termed it as his personal opinion on which he would not like to comment. But he added that if they are making such statements, it shows that there is secularism and freedom of expression in the country. He said that the government strongly supports freedom of expression, “but if it’s about ‘desh ke tukde honge hazaar’, then it is not freedom of expression, it is sedition and will be dealt with strongly”. “People who imposed Emergency in the country are saying that the environment today is not good. That is just a perception they are trying to form. How can they question us on freedom of expression?” said the BJP chief. On farmers: Amit Shah asserted that the government had done a lot of work towards solving problems being faced by farmers, such as soil health card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana. “In the last 70 years, no one gave farmers a minimum support price of 1.5 times the cost of the crop. Today Modi government is giving 1.5 times MSP on both Kharif and Rabi crops,” he said. On Pranab Mukherjee attending RSS event: Responding to a question on objections being raised over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s scheduled visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, the BJP president said that there should not be any controversy over the same. Pointing that even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi met RSS representatives, Shah asked, “What is the objection if Pranab Da goes to an RSS event?” On losses in bypolls: Amit Shah said that it’s not like the BJP has lost in all byelections, adding that the party has in fact won seven bypolls. He further attacked the Congress party saying that they had no reason to be happy about. “We snatched 11 state governments from Congress. Out of 16 states, they are left with just two,” Shah added. On opposition unity: According to Shah, the agenda of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to remove poverty, but the only agenda of other parties is to remove Modi. Dismissing any possible impact of the opposition unity in 2019 elections, the BJP chief said that these parties had already contested against the ruling party in 2014 elections and all were defeated. Referring to the recent show of strength by opposition parties during the swearing-in ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy as Karnataka Chief Minister, Shah said, “you can’t influence voters if you stand on a stage joining hands…Mamata’s influence will remain confined in West Bengal while Sharad Pawar’s impact will be there only in Maharashtra. Similarly, Kumaraswamy cannot do anything outside Karnataka... there will be no effect of opposition unity in 2019 elections.” On upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh: When asked about anti-incumbency on BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which are slated to go for Assembly polls later in 2018, Shah said that the same does not apply to all governments. Asserting that the BJP organisation was intact and strong in all three states, Shah said that the party was confident of winning in all of them.

Exclusive: Opposition unity won't affect 2019 election outcome, says Amit Shah

The Congress party on Thursday repositioned itself after some of its senior leaders targeted Pranab Mukherjee for attending the RSS function in Nagpur.&nbsp;

After Pranab Mukherjee’s speech, Randeep Surjewala, chairman of the Congress media cell in a press conference said that they hope RSS accepts the sagacious advice of Pranab Mukherjee and change its process and path. 
&nbsp; 
Pranab Mukherjee has shown the mirror to RSS by reminding them of India’s pluralism, inclusiveness, secularism and tolerance, &nbsp;Surjewala said and added that former President reminded the Modi government of “Rajdharma’' founded on multiculturalism, non-violence, diversity and assimilation of ideas. 
&nbsp; 
He also said that Congress believes in democratic dialogue and recognize the sanctity of dialogue across different thought processes, different position from the one expressed by senior leaders like Ahmed Patel and Jairam Ramesh. He said that the moot point is that is RSS willing to change? 
&nbsp; 
Congress also used this as an opportunity to ask RSS whether they agree with Pranab Mukherjee’s idea of constitutional patriotism. BJP-RSS since coming to power have been advocating the idea of cultural nationalism which stands contrary to constitutional nationalism, he said.

The Congress also posed a number of questions on nationalism and pluralism and asked RSS whether they would commit to the idea of Pranab’s view of plural society and nationalism. Congress also emphasized the point that former President spoke about violence in the present public discourse and requested that it should be freed of both verbal and physical forms of violence. 
&nbsp; 
Many in the Congress believe that party leaders should not have jumped the gun and waited for Pranab Mukherjee’s speech. Nonetheless, by end of the day, Randeep Surjewalan repositioned the Congress Party to salvage the lost ground.

Pranab Mukherjee has shown the mirror to RSS by reminding them of India’s pluralism, inclusiveness, secularism and tolerance, Surjewala said

The Congress party on Thursday repositioned itself after some of its senior leaders targeted Pranab Mukherjee for attending the RSS function in Nagpur. After Pranab Mukherjee’s speech, Randeep Surjewala, chairman of the Congress media cell in a press conference said that they hope RSS accepts the sagacious advice of Pranab Mukherjee and change its process and path. Pranab Mukherjee has shown the mirror to RSS by reminding them of India’s pluralism, inclusiveness, secularism and tolerance, Surjewala said and added that former President reminded the Modi government of “Rajdharma’' founded on multiculturalism, non-violence, diversity and assimilation of ideas. He also said that Congress believes in democratic dialogue and recognize the sanctity of dialogue across different thought processes, different position from the one expressed by senior leaders like Ahmed Patel and Jairam Ramesh. He said that the moot point is that is RSS willing to change? Congress also used this as an opportunity to ask RSS whether they agree with Pranab Mukherjee’s idea of constitutional patriotism. BJP-RSS since coming to power have been advocating the idea of cultural nationalism which stands contrary to constitutional nationalism, he said. The Congress also posed a number of questions on nationalism and pluralism and asked RSS whether they would commit to the idea of Pranab’s view of plural society and nationalism. Congress also emphasized the point that former President spoke about violence in the present public discourse and requested that it should be freed of both verbal and physical forms of violence. Many in the Congress believe that party leaders should not have jumped the gun and waited for Pranab Mukherjee’s speech. Nonetheless, by end of the day, Randeep Surjewalan repositioned the Congress Party to salvage the lost ground.

Pranab’s speech aftermath: How Congress repositioned to salvage lost ground

Sonia Gandhi's aide <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rss-event-pranabs-daughter-says-his-speech-will-be-forgotten-visuals-will-remain--142689">Ahmed Patel hit out against </a>former president Pranab Mukherjee's visit to RSS centre in Nagpur where he is set to deliver a speech today evening.

In a tweet Patel said, "I did not expect this from Pranab da!," while replying to a tweet from ex-president's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee.

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I did not expect this from Pranab da ! <a href="https://t.co/VBqXZ8x7SE">https://t.co/VBqXZ8x7SE</a>
— Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmedpatel/status/1004426032831606784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pranab's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee in a tweet had lashed out against her father's visit to Nagpur saying the "visit would be forgotten but visuals will remain."

The former Congressman had decided to accept an invite by the RSS to deliver the speech as the Congress leaders raised objections over the visit.

In the tweet, Sharmistha said it would give the "BJP and RSS full handle to plant false stories, spread false rumours" adding, "making it somewhat believable".

"And this is just the beginning!," she said in her tweet.

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The former Congressman had decided to accept an invite by the RSS to deliver the speech

Sonia Gandhi's aide Ahmed Patel hit out against former president Pranab Mukherjee's visit to RSS centre in Nagpur where he is set to deliver a speech today evening. In a tweet Patel said, "I did not expect this from Pranab da!," while replying to a tweet from ex-president's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee. I did not expect this from Pranab da ! https://t.co/VBqXZ8x7SE — Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) June 6, 2018 × Pranab's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee in a tweet had lashed out against her father's visit to Nagpur saying the "visit would be forgotten but visuals will remain." The former Congressman had decided to accept an invite by the RSS to deliver the speech as the Congress leaders raised objections over the visit. In the tweet, Sharmistha said it would give the "BJP and RSS full handle to plant false stories, spread false rumours" adding, "making it somewhat believable". "And this is just the beginning!," she said in her tweet.

'Did not expect this from Pranab,' says Sonia's aide Ahmed Patel on speech at RSS event

At the highly-anticipated speech at the RSS's Tritiya Varsh event in Nagpur former president and veteran Congress leader &nbspDr Pranab Mukherjee said any attempt at defining our nationhood in terms of dogma and identities or religion, region, hatred and intolerance will only lead to dilution of our identity.&nbsp

''Our national identity has emerged after a long drawn process of confluence and assimilation, the multiple cultures and faiths make us special and tolerant,'' the former president said.&nbsp

Batting for pluralism at the RSS event, the Congress leader said he was there to share his understanding on the concepts of nation, nationalism and patriotism in the context of India.&nbsp

''As Gandhi ji explained Indian nationalism was not exclusive nor aggressive nor destructive,'' Mukherjee noted.&nbsp

The former president also quoted from the first prime minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's book 'Discovery of India,' and stated nationalism can only come out of the ideological fusion of Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs and other groups in India.

''It was this very nationalism that Pandit Nehru so vividly expressed in the book 'Discovery of India', he wrote, "I am convinced that nationalism can only come out of the ideological fusion of Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs and other groups in India,": Dr Pranab Mukherjee in Nagpur

Batting for pluralism at the RSS event, Pranab Mukherjee said he was there to share his understanding on the concepts of nation, nationalism and patriotism in the context of India

At the highly-anticipated speech at the RSS's Tritiya Varsh event in Nagpur former president and veteran Congress leader &nbspDr Pranab Mukherjee said any attempt at defining our nationhood in terms of dogma and identities or religion, region, hatred and intolerance will only lead to dilution of our identity. ''Our national identity has emerged after a long drawn process of confluence and assimilation, the multiple cultures and faiths make us special and tolerant,'' the former president said. Batting for pluralism at the RSS event, the Congress leader said he was there to share his understanding on the concepts of nation, nationalism and patriotism in the context of India. ''As Gandhi ji explained Indian nationalism was not exclusive nor aggressive nor destructive,'' Mukherjee noted. The former president also quoted from the first prime minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's book 'Discovery of India,' and stated nationalism can only come out of the ideological fusion of Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs and other groups in India. ''It was this very nationalism that Pandit Nehru so vividly expressed in the book 'Discovery of India', he wrote, "I am convinced that nationalism can only come out of the ideological fusion of Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs and other groups in India,": Dr Pranab Mukherjee in Nagpur

Intolerance will dilute our national identity: Pranab Mukherjee

Former President and the Congress veteran Pranab Mukherjee today visited the birthplace of the RSS founding Sarsanghachalak Keshav Baliram Hedgewar ahead of his much-anticipated speech at the Sangh headquarters here.

Mukherjee was welcomed by the RSS chief Bhagwat.

According to sources, this visit to pay tributes to Hedgewar was not part of Mukherjee's scheduled itinerary and an impromptu decision was taken by the former president to do so.

Sources said he would be welcomed at the RSS headquarters by Bhagwat and general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi.

At the headquarters, he will also garland the statue of the sangh founder Hedgewar.

There, he will also be introduced to the other senior Sangh functionaries and will attend the Sangh parade by its workers on completion of the training camp.

Mukherjee, who reached Nagpur last evening, has been invited by the RSS to address its Shiksha Varg.

It is an annual training camp, meant for swayamsevaks in their third year in the organisation. The RSS holds training camps for first, second and third-year swayamsewaks.

According to sources, this visit to pay tributes to Hedgewar was not part of Mukherjee's scheduled itinerary and an impromptu decision was taken by the former president to do so

Former President and the Congress veteran Pranab Mukherjee today visited the birthplace of the RSS founding Sarsanghachalak Keshav Baliram Hedgewar ahead of his much-anticipated speech at the Sangh headquarters here. Mukherjee was welcomed by the RSS chief Bhagwat. According to sources, this visit to pay tributes to Hedgewar was not part of Mukherjee's scheduled itinerary and an impromptu decision was taken by the former president to do so. Sources said he would be welcomed at the RSS headquarters by Bhagwat and general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi. At the headquarters, he will also garland the statue of the sangh founder Hedgewar. There, he will also be introduced to the other senior Sangh functionaries and will attend the Sangh parade by its workers on completion of the training camp. Mukherjee, who reached Nagpur last evening, has been invited by the RSS to address its Shiksha Varg. It is an annual training camp, meant for swayamsevaks in their third year in the organisation. The RSS holds training camps for first, second and third-year swayamsewaks.

Pranab Mukherjee visits Hedgewar birthplace ahead of RSS speech

A day before Pranab Mukherjee addresses an RSS event in Nagpur, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee today disapproved of his decision, saying he was giving the BJP and the Sangh a handle to plant false stories, as his "speech will be forgotten" but the "visuals will remain".

Taking to Twitter, she hoped the former president would realise how the BJP's "dirty tricks department" works and said that with his visit, he was giving the BJP and RSS "full handle to plant false stories".

She also warned her father of the consequences of attending such a meet.

Her outburst came soon after rumours about her joining the BJP cropped up ahead of Mukherjee's visit to Nagpur tomorrow.

She dismissed such "rumours" of her joining the BJP as "false" and alleged they were the handiwork of BJP's "dirty tricks department".

She said she would rather leave politics than quit the Congress.

"Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays' incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn't believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements.

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Hope <a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CitiznMukherjee</a> now realises from todays’ incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn’t believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. 1/2
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sharmistha_GK/status/1004380224098689026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning!" she said on Twitter.

The former president's official Twitter handle is @CitiznMukherjee.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CitiznMukherjee</a> By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning! 2/2
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sharmistha_GK/status/1004380682712334336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mukherjee would be visiting the RSS headquarters tomorrow and would address a function there.

The visit has already given rise to a lot of speculation and a host of Congress leaders have urged the former president to review his decision for the sake of secularism.

Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is out of the city on a holiday, took to Twitter to swiftly deny the rumours, which appeared amid a row over her father accepting an invite to address the RSS event.

Rubbishing the rumours, she said on Twitter: "In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, and suddenly this news that I'm supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Can't there be some peace and sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in Congress. Would rather leave politics than leave Congress," she tweeted.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also rejected such suggestions, saying Sharmistha Mukherjee is a "devoted" Congress person.

"In reply to certain rumors-Just spoke to @Sharmistha_GK , who is out of Delhi- She is a devoted Congress Person and firmly believes in the ideology of @INCIndia. She told me, that she is in politics, just because of her firm faith in the ideology of the Congress Party," he wrote on Twitter.

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In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, & suddenly this news that I’m supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Can’t there be some peace & sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> Wud rather leave politics than leave Congress
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sharmistha_GK/status/1004361699271442432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is president of Mahila Congress as well as in-charge of the communication department of Delhi unit, had joined the party in 2014.

She had also contested Delhi Assembly elections from Greater Kailash seat in 2015 and lost to AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj.&nbsp;

'Even RSS wouldn't believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements,' Sharmishtha Mukherjee tweeted

A day before Pranab Mukherjee addresses an RSS event in Nagpur, the former president's daughter and Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee today disapproved of his decision, saying he was giving the BJP and the Sangh a handle to plant false stories, as his "speech will be forgotten" but the "visuals will remain". Taking to Twitter, she hoped the former president would realise how the BJP's "dirty tricks department" works and said that with his visit, he was giving the BJP and RSS "full handle to plant false stories". She also warned her father of the consequences of attending such a meet. Her outburst came soon after rumours about her joining the BJP cropped up ahead of Mukherjee's visit to Nagpur tomorrow. She dismissed such "rumours" of her joining the BJP as "false" and alleged they were the handiwork of BJP's "dirty tricks department". She said she would rather leave politics than quit the Congress. "Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays' incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn't believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. Hope @CitiznMukherjee now realises from todays’ incident, how BJP dirty tricks dept operates. Even RSS wouldn’t believe that u r going 2 endorse its views in ur speech. But the speech will be forgotten, visuals will remain & those will be circulated with fake statements. 1/2 — Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 × "@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning!" she said on Twitter. The former president's official Twitter handle is @CitiznMukherjee. .@CitiznMukherjee By going 2 Nagpur, u r giving BJP/RSS full handle 2 plant false stories, spread falls rumours as 2day & making it somewhat believable. And this is just d beginning! 2/2 — Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 × Mukherjee would be visiting the RSS headquarters tomorrow and would address a function there. The visit has already given rise to a lot of speculation and a host of Congress leaders have urged the former president to review his decision for the sake of secularism. Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is out of the city on a holiday, took to Twitter to swiftly deny the rumours, which appeared amid a row over her father accepting an invite to address the RSS event. Rubbishing the rumours, she said on Twitter: "In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, and suddenly this news that I'm supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Can't there be some peace and sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in Congress. Would rather leave politics than leave Congress," she tweeted. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken also rejected such suggestions, saying Sharmistha Mukherjee is a "devoted" Congress person. "In reply to certain rumors-Just spoke to @Sharmistha_GK , who is out of Delhi- She is a devoted Congress Person and firmly believes in the ideology of @INCIndia. She told me, that she is in politics, just because of her firm faith in the ideology of the Congress Party," he wrote on Twitter. In the mountains enjoying a beautiful sunset, & suddenly this news that I’m supposedly joining BJP hits like a torpedo! Can’t there be some peace & sanity in this world? I joined politics because I believe in @INCIndia Wud rather leave politics than leave Congress — Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) June 6, 2018 × Sharmistha Mukherjee, who is president of Mahila Congress as well as in-charge of the communication department of Delhi unit, had joined the party in 2014. She had also contested Delhi Assembly elections from Greater Kailash seat in 2015 and lost to AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj.

Speech will be forgotten but visuals will remain: Pranab Mukherjee's daughter before his talk to RSS

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/no-respite-in-cross-border-firing-will-be-constrained-to-revoke-ceasefire-agreement-mos-hansraj-ahir-142002">No respite in cross-border </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/no-respite-in-cross-border-firing-will-be-constrained-to-revoke-ceasefire-agreement-mos-hansraj-ahir-142002">firing,</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/no-respite-in-cross-border-firing-will-be-constrained-to-revoke-ceasefire-agreement-mos-hansraj-ahir-142002"> will be constrained to revoke ceasefire agreement: MoS Home Hansraj Ahir</a>

After India and Pakistan DGMS announced a ceasefire agreement last week, minister of state for home affairs(MoS) Hansraj Ahir said the government will be "constrained to revoke the ceasefire agreement" in view of cross-border firing.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-uk-to-send-ships-to-south-china-sea-french-minister-142008">France, </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-uk-to-send-ships-to-south-china-sea-french-minister-142008">UK</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-uk-to-send-ships-to-south-china-sea-french-minister-142008"> to send ships to </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-uk-to-send-ships-to-south-china-sea-french-minister-142008">South</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-uk-to-send-ships-to-south-china-sea-french-minister-142008"> China Sea: French minister</a>

As US defence secretary Jim Mattis engaged in a war of words with China over the South China Sea, French armed forces minister said French maritime task group along with British ships will visit Singapore and then sail to South China Sea.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/6-people-killed-by-erupting-volcano-in-guatemala-141997">Watch: 6 people killed by erupting volcano in Guatemala</a>

Six people are dead or missing and 20 have been injured after Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Sunday sending a river of lava flowing into a village.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-hold-ramzan-dinner-after-skipping-it-last-year-142004">Donald Trump to hold Ramzan dinner after skipping it last year</a>

President Donald Trump will host an Iftar dinner on Wednesday at the White House, in celebration of Ramzan, an official said.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-not-wrong-in-accepting-rss-invite-congress-leader-142019">Pranab Mukherjee 'not wrong' in accepting RSS invite: Congress leader</a>

Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde on Sunday said former President Pranab Mukherjee accepting an invite to attend an RSS event was "not wrong" as he was a secular person and a good thinker.

&nbsp

No respite in cross-border firing, will be constrained to revoke ceasefire agreement: MoS Home Hansraj Ahir After India and Pakistan DGMS announced a ceasefire agreement last week, minister of state for home affairs(MoS) Hansraj Ahir said the government will be "constrained to revoke the ceasefire agreement" in view of cross-border firing. France, UK to send ships to South China Sea: French minister As US defence secretary Jim Mattis engaged in a war of words with China over the South China Sea, French armed forces minister said French maritime task group along with British ships will visit Singapore and then sail to South China Sea. Watch: 6 people killed by erupting volcano in Guatemala Six people are dead or missing and 20 have been injured after Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Sunday sending a river of lava flowing into a village. Donald Trump to hold Ramzan dinner after skipping it last year President Donald Trump will host an Iftar dinner on Wednesday at the White House, in celebration of Ramzan, an official said. Pranab Mukherjee 'not wrong' in accepting RSS invite: Congress leader Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde on Sunday said former President Pranab Mukherjee accepting an invite to attend an RSS event was "not wrong" as he was a secular person and a good thinker.

News brief: Read big stories of the day

Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde on Sunday said former President Pranab Mukherjee accepting an invite to attend an RSS event was "not wrong" as he was a secular person and a good thinker.

"Pranab Mukherjee is a secular person. He will always put forth a secular view which he will do there (at the RSS event) as well. He is a very good thinker, and his going there and speaking on that platform is very important," Mr Shinde said.

He said "we would be more than pleased" if the former President's thoughts bring some improvement in the BJP's ideologue Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS.

Pranab Mukherjee has been invited to be the chief guest at the valedictory function of the Sangh Shiksha Varg -- a training camp for RSS volunteers -- at its headquarters in Nagpur.

The event will be held on June 7.

Sushil Kumar Shinde was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Nagpur.

On Jammu and Kashmir, the former home minister said that the centre was unable to bring peace in the state. He said the government should be ashamed that stone-throwers were now targeting CRPF vehicles.

"When I was home minister, even if one or two incidents took place, they (BJP) used to say in parliament 'hamara ek jayega to unke 11 hum wahan se layenge' (we will get 11 of theirs for every one of ours)," Mr Shinde said.

"The government is yours, the intelligence is yours. But the incidents of stone-pelting are not stopping," the senior Congress leader said.

Pranab Mukherjee has been invited to be the chief guest at the valedictory function of the Sangh Shiksha Varg at its headquarters in Nagpur.

Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde on Sunday said former President Pranab Mukherjee accepting an invite to attend an RSS event was "not wrong" as he was a secular person and a good thinker. "Pranab Mukherjee is a secular person. He will always put forth a secular view which he will do there (at the RSS event) as well. He is a very good thinker, and his going there and speaking on that platform is very important," Mr Shinde said. He said "we would be more than pleased" if the former President's thoughts bring some improvement in the BJP's ideologue Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS. Pranab Mukherjee has been invited to be the chief guest at the valedictory function of the Sangh Shiksha Varg -- a training camp for RSS volunteers -- at its headquarters in Nagpur. The event will be held on June 7. Sushil Kumar Shinde was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Nagpur. On Jammu and Kashmir, the former home minister said that the centre was unable to bring peace in the state. He said the government should be ashamed that stone-throwers were now targeting CRPF vehicles. "When I was home minister, even if one or two incidents took place, they (BJP) used to say in parliament 'hamara ek jayega to unke 11 hum wahan se layenge' (we will get 11 of theirs for every one of ours)," Mr Shinde said. "The government is yours, the intelligence is yours. But the incidents of stone-pelting are not stopping," the senior Congress leader said.

Pranab Mukherjee 'not wrong' in accepting RSS invite: Congress leader

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-have-to-say-i-will-say-in-nagpur-pranab-mukherjee-on-accepting-rss-invite-141926">Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite</a>

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-aircraft-goes-incommunicado-for-14-mins-en-route-to-mauritius--141934">En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes</a>

Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes.&nbsp;

Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953">Autopsy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953"> of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide</a>

The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide.&nbsp;

Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday.&nbsp;

His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-year-of-keeping-quiet-kejriwal-renews-attacks-on-modi-141947">After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi</a>&nbsp;

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Swara </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Bhasker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923"> calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being'</a>

Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'.&nbsp;

Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'.&nbsp;

Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".&nbsp;

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes. Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. Autopsy of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide. Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday. His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession. After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. Swara Bhasker calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being' Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'. Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'. Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

His acceptance of the invite (and what he might say there) has caused much consternation in the country.&nbsp;

At least three Congress leaders — Jairam Ramesh, Ramesh Chennithala and CK Jaffer Sharief — have urged Mukjherjee to turn down the invite.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While former finance minister P Chidambaram has urged Mukherjee to tell the RSS at the event what might be wrong with their ideology.&nbsp;

While Mukherjee was most recently president of India — a constitutional and not political post — he was for the overwhelming majority of his political life a Congressman.&nbsp;

The Congress is today the country's main opposition party while the BJP, the RSS's political wing, is in power at the Centre.&nbsp;

On Sunday, news reports quoted Mukherjee as saying: "Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur."&nbsp;

Mukherjee added that he had received several letters and phone calls since accepting the invite from the RSS but that he has not responded to any of them.&nbsp;

Former president Pranab Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the RSS's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. His acceptance of the invite (and what he might say there) has caused much consternation in the country

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. His acceptance of the invite (and what he might say there) has caused much consternation in the country. At least three Congress leaders — Jairam Ramesh, Ramesh Chennithala and CK Jaffer Sharief — have urged Mukjherjee to turn down the invite. While former finance minister P Chidambaram has urged Mukherjee to tell the RSS at the event what might be wrong with their ideology. While Mukherjee was most recently president of India — a constitutional and not political post — he was for the overwhelming majority of his political life a Congressman. The Congress is today the country's main opposition party while the BJP, the RSS's political wing, is in power at the Centre. On Sunday, news reports quoted Mukherjee as saying: "Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur." Mukherjee added that he had received several letters and phone calls since accepting the invite from the RSS but that he has not responded to any of them.

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite

Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday wrote to former president Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7.

Chennithala said that he has been associated with the former <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-accepts-rss-invite-to-address-workers-in-nagpur-140462">president for many years</a>.

"I have been associated with him for many years, I am very concerned and surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society," news agency ANI reported quoting&nbsp;Chennithala.&nbsp;

The former president kicked up a controversy recently after he accepted an invitation to address the newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur.

The former president will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the Third Year Course organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June this year.

The Sangh leadership invites eminent people for the annual event held at its headquarters at Reshim Bagh in Nagpur.

Earlier this year, Mukherjee had also invited top Sangh leaders at the launch of the Pranab Mukherjee Foundation here.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had also called on Pranab Mukherjee during the last days of his tenure as President.

Pranab Mukherjee had also invited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;

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Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala wrote to former pres Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7, says, "I have been associated with him for many yrs, I am very concerned &surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society." <a href="https://t.co/OSlQs69gPI">pic.twitter.com/OSlQs69gPI</a>
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&nbsp;

The former president kicked up a controversy recently after he accepted an invitation to address the newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur.

Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday wrote to former president Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7. Chennithala said that he has been associated with the former president for many years. "I have been associated with him for many years, I am very concerned and surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society," news agency ANI reported quoting Chennithala. The former president kicked up a controversy recently after he accepted an invitation to address the newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur. The former president will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the Third Year Course organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June this year. The Sangh leadership invites eminent people for the annual event held at its headquarters at Reshim Bagh in Nagpur. Earlier this year, Mukherjee had also invited top Sangh leaders at the launch of the Pranab Mukherjee Foundation here. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had also called on Pranab Mukherjee during the last days of his tenure as President. Pranab Mukherjee had also invited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala wrote to former pres Pranab Mukherjee requesting him to refrain from attending RSS event on June 7, says, "I have been associated with him for many yrs, I am very concerned &surprised by his decision. RSS is always trying to divide the society." pic.twitter.com/OSlQs69gPI — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 ×

Congress leader urges Pranab Mukherjee not to attend RSS event

The RSS has invited former president and veteran Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee to address newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur.

Pranab Mukherjee has given his consent to participate in the programme, RSS' Akhil Bhartiya Prachar Pramukh Arun Kumar told PTI.

The former president will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the Third Year Course organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June this year.

The Sangh leadership invites eminent people for the annual event held at its headquarters at Reshim Bagh in Nagpur.

"We have invited the former President of India and it is his greatness that he has given his consent for participating in the programme," Kumar Vishwas said.

Earlier this year, Mukherjee had also invited top Sangh leaders at the launch of the Pranab Mukherjee Foundation here.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had also called on Pranab Mukherjee during the last days of his tenure as President.

Pranab Mukherjee had also invited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The former president will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the Third Year Course organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June this year

The RSS has invited former president and veteran Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee to address newly-recruited RSS workers on June 7 in Nagpur. Pranab Mukherjee has given his consent to participate in the programme, RSS' Akhil Bhartiya Prachar Pramukh Arun Kumar told PTI. The former president will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the Third Year Course organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June this year. The Sangh leadership invites eminent people for the annual event held at its headquarters at Reshim Bagh in Nagpur. "We have invited the former President of India and it is his greatness that he has given his consent for participating in the programme," Kumar Vishwas said. Earlier this year, Mukherjee had also invited top Sangh leaders at the launch of the Pranab Mukherjee Foundation here. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had also called on Pranab Mukherjee during the last days of his tenure as President. Pranab Mukherjee had also invited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Pranab Mukherjee accepts RSS invite to address workers in Nagpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah.

The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the compound of Presidential Headquarters (Al-Muqata&#39;a).

After paying homage to Yasser Arafat at the Mausoleum, the Prime Minister will take a short tour, accompanied by Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on his maiden trip to Palestine, will be received by President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome in the compound of the Presidential Headquarters, also known as Muqata&#39;a.

The Presidential Headquarters in Ramallah is the compound that encompasses the Office of the President, offices of Advisors to President, in addition to the headquarters of the Presidential Guard.

The Prime Minister on his first day of the three-nation tour will hold meetings and exchange agreements with ministers in Ramallah in the West Bank.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Prime Minister Modi&#39;s visit to Ramallah in Palestine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister there.

Prime Minister Modi&#39;s visit to Palestine comes a month after India hosted Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which is his transit to Palestine. The prime minister&#39;s office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit.

After Palestine, the Prime Minister would visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

The Prime Minister will leave for the UAE tomorrow and then on the final leg, to Muscat on February 11, before returning to Delhi the following day.

Prior to Prime Minister Modi, former President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine in October 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat. Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah. The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the compound of Presidential Headquarters (Al-Muqata'a). After paying homage to Yasser Arafat at the Mausoleum, the Prime Minister will take a short tour, accompanied by Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum. Prime Minister Modi, who is on his maiden trip to Palestine, will be received by President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome in the compound of the Presidential Headquarters, also known as Muqata'a. The Presidential Headquarters in Ramallah is the compound that encompasses the Office of the President, offices of Advisors to President, in addition to the headquarters of the Presidential Guard. The Prime Minister on his first day of the three-nation tour will hold meetings and exchange agreements with ministers in Ramallah in the West Bank. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ramallah in Palestine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister there. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Palestine comes a month after India hosted Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which is his transit to Palestine. The prime minister's office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit. After Palestine, the Prime Minister would visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. The Prime Minister will leave for the UAE tomorrow and then on the final leg, to Muscat on February 11, before returning to Delhi the following day. Prior to Prime Minister Modi, former President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine in October 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Palestine: All you need to know

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh will receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development this year for his leadership of the country between 2004 and 2014 and for enhancing India&#39;s stature globally.

According to a statement from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Singh was unanimously chosen for the award by an international jury chaired by ex-president Pranab Mukherjee.

&quot;The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India&#39;s stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language,&quot; a statement from the Trust&#39;s secretary Suman Dubey said.

The Trust said Singh is only the third Indian prime minister to complete two full terms as the PM between 2004 and 2014. His tenure witnessed the path-breaking nuclear agreement with the US and the Copenhagen Climate Change agreement, the statement said.

Singh, who as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the finance minister in the government headed by P V Narasimha Rao, played a pivotal role in ushering economic reforms, it said adding that as prime minister he led India in achieving the highest sustained rate of economic growth since Independence.

The Trust said Singh has been responsible for making India&#39;s voice heard more effectively at international forums.

&quot;The 10 years of his premiership were not only a period of rapid economic and social changes, they witnessed the lowest terrorist violence, prolonged period of communal harmony, peace on the country&#39;s borders and a globally acknowledged rise in India&#39;s standing in the global community of nations,&quot; the statement said.

The international award named after former prime minister Indira Gandhi was instituted in 1986. The award has been announced on the eve of Gandhi&#39;s birth anniversary.

The last two recipients have been the Indian Space Research Organisation and the UN High Commission for Refugees.&nbsp;

Singh was unanimously chosen for the award by an international jury chaired by ex-president Pranab Mukherjee

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh will receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development this year for his leadership of the country between 2004 and 2014 and for enhancing India's stature globally. According to a statement from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Singh was unanimously chosen for the award by an international jury chaired by ex-president Pranab Mukherjee. "The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to Manmohan Singh for his leadership of the country and his achievements during the momentous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, for his contributions to the cause of economic and social development, for improving India's stature in the world and its relationship with the neighbours and the leading nations of the world, and for his dedication to the security and well being of ordinary citizens regardless of their faith, caste, region or language," a statement from the Trust's secretary Suman Dubey said. The Trust said Singh is only the third Indian prime minister to complete two full terms as the PM between 2004 and 2014. His tenure witnessed the path-breaking nuclear agreement with the US and the Copenhagen Climate Change agreement, the statement said. Singh, who as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the finance minister in the government headed by P V Narasimha Rao, played a pivotal role in ushering economic reforms, it said adding that as prime minister he led India in achieving the highest sustained rate of economic growth since Independence. The Trust said Singh has been responsible for making India's voice heard more effectively at international forums. "The 10 years of his premiership were not only a period of rapid economic and social changes, they witnessed the lowest terrorist violence, prolonged period of communal harmony, peace on the country's borders and a globally acknowledged rise in India's standing in the global community of nations," the statement said. The international award named after former prime minister Indira Gandhi was instituted in 1986. The award has been announced on the eve of Gandhi's birth anniversary. The last two recipients have been the Indian Space Research Organisation and the UN High Commission for Refugees.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh to get Indira Gandhi peace prize

&quot;I will miss his tantrums&quot; is what Congress president Sonia Gandhi said while bidding farewell to Pranab Mukherjee from the Congress Working Committee at a meeting which formally approved his name as the UPA&#39;s presidential nominee in June 2012.

&quot;After briefing the meeting on the presidential election, Sonia Gandhi bid me an emotional farewell...Thereafter, with a mischievous smile, she looked at me and said &#39;Along with that, of course, I will miss some of his tantrums&#39;,&quot; Mukherjee writes in his just-launched book, &#39;The Coalition Years&#39;.

The former president&#39;s third political memoir gives several accounts of how the UPA chairperson remained reluctant to approve his name for the country&#39;s top constitutional post despite often acknowledging that he was the &quot;most suited&quot; for the office.

Recalling the events in the run-up to the presidential elections in 2007 and 2012, Mukherjee said the Congress chief told him that he could not be spared by the party on account of the &quot;crucial role&quot; he played for it in the UPA government and Parliament.

Narrating the sequence of the Congress Working Committee meeting on June 25, 2012, at the 7 Race Course Road residence of the prime minister, Mukherjee noted Gandhi, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, party office-bearers and chief ministers present at the meeting finally gave him the green signal to run for the presidential office.

Mukherjee earlier said that on May 29, 2012, the Congress president&#39;s political secretary Ahmed Patel had informed him that Gandhi had perhaps finalised his name as the party&#39;s presidential nominee but was also exploring the possibility of adequate support for then Vice President Hamid Ansari.

&quot;The bone of contention about my nomination remained the same as that in 2007,&quot; the former president said in the book referring to Gandhi&#39;s refrain over sparing him from the government.

Mukherjee said that on June 2, 2012, he met Sonia Gandhi. &quot;She told me frankly, &#39;Pranabji you are the most eminently suited for the office, but you should not forget the crucial role you are playing in the functioning of the government. Could you suggest an alternative?&quot; Mukherjee records in the book, adding that he told Gandhi he would abide by whatever decision she took.

&quot;The meeting ended and I returned with a vague impression that she might wish to consider Manmohan Singh as the UPA presidential nominee. I thought that if she selected Singh for the presidential office, she may choose me as the prime minister. I had heard a rumour that she had given this formulation serious thought while on a holiday in the Kaushambhi hills,&quot; Mukherjee says in the book.

He said there was no doubt that Gandhi considered him as an organisation man as she once chose him to reply in Parliament on a crucial topic when there was commotion by the then opposition BJP members.

&quot;The matter (in Parliament) was thus sorted out, but not before Sonia Gandhi commented, &#39;This is why you (Mukherjee) can&#39;t be the President&#39;,&quot; he wrote.

Disclosing dramatic events ahead of his name being cleared for the top post, Mukherjee documents that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee met Gandhi on June 13, 2012, and later Gandhi told him that the TMC chief had suggested two probables, Mukherjee himself and Ansari, and also told her that she was in discussion with Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and would inform her of the decision accordingly.

&quot;I am not aware of the discussion at Mulayam Singh Yadav&#39;s residence. But at a press conference jointly held that evening, they declared that their presidential nominees were APJ Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh and Somnath Chatterjee, in that order.

&quot;Mamata Banerjee also mentioned her meeting with Sonia Gandhi and insisted that Sonia Gandhi had suggested two names, Hamid Ansari and Pranab Mukherjee,&nbsp;both of which were unacceptable to them. I heard of this development but chose not to comment. A certain disappointment spread amongst my family and friends...,&quot; Mukherjee says.

He later writes that the same night he received a call from Sonia Gandhi requesting for a meeting the next morning.

&quot;On June 14, I went to Sonia Gandhi at 11 am and had a long discussion with her. I found her to be in a decisive mood. She told me about her meeting with Mamata Banerjee. She was dismayed that Mamata Banerjee had not informed us about her decision after the meeting with Mulayam Singh Yadav and, instead, had disclosed information to the media,&quot; he said.

Mukherjee said later Gandhi told him that the matter be discussed further at the Core Group meeting the same evening.

After a slew of meetings, Manmohan Singh informed Mukherjee of a joint decision to nominate him as the presidential election nominee of the UPA.

&quot;Both of them were seized of the fact that we could not afford to lose the presidential election,&quot; he said.

Chronicling the incidents leading to the 2007 presidential election, Mukherjee said, &quot;When Manmohan Singh was holding discussions with the coalition partners on the presidential nominee I was told my name was proposed by the Left parties first and then seconded by others.&quot;

The former president said the final decision was left to the Congress party.

&quot;Sonia Gandhi called me and said, your name is being suggested by some political parties as the presidential candidate, but it would be difficult for me to spare you as you are a strong pillar of the party in the government and in Parliament&#39;,&quot; he said in the book.

Later, Mukherjee said CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat told him that during the latter&#39;s meeting with Gandhi, she ruled out his name citing a number of reasons, including the fact that she did not have a substitute for him as the Leader of the Lok Sabha.

Mukherjee also narrated the incident when Gandhi was to appoint a Prime Minister after she declined to take up the position in 2004.

&quot;There was intense speculation in the party and the media about her choice. Within the Congress party, the consensus was that the incumbent must be a political leader with experience in party affairs and administration. Finally, she named Dr Manmohan Singh as her choice and he accepted.

&quot;The prevalent expectation was that I would be the next choice for Prime Minister after Sonia Gandhi declined. This expectation was possibly based on the fact that I had extensive experience in government, while Singh&#39;s vast experience was as a civil servant with five years as a reformist finance minister,&quot; he wrote in the book.

&nbsp;

Pranab Mukherjee recalls the events in the run-up to the presidential elections in 2007 and 2012 in his book 'The Coalition Years'

"I will miss his tantrums" is what Congress president Sonia Gandhi said while bidding farewell to Pranab Mukherjee from the Congress Working Committee at a meeting which formally approved his name as the UPA's presidential nominee in June 2012. "After briefing the meeting on the presidential election, Sonia Gandhi bid me an emotional farewell...Thereafter, with a mischievous smile, she looked at me and said 'Along with that, of course, I will miss some of his tantrums'," Mukherjee writes in his just-launched book, 'The Coalition Years'. The former president's third political memoir gives several accounts of how the UPA chairperson remained reluctant to approve his name for the country's top constitutional post despite often acknowledging that he was the "most suited" for the office. Recalling the events in the run-up to the presidential elections in 2007 and 2012, Mukherjee said the Congress chief told him that he could not be spared by the party on account of the "crucial role" he played for it in the UPA government and Parliament. Narrating the sequence of the Congress Working Committee meeting on June 25, 2012, at the 7 Race Course Road residence of the prime minister, Mukherjee noted Gandhi, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, party office-bearers and chief ministers present at the meeting finally gave him the green signal to run for the presidential office. Mukherjee earlier said that on May 29, 2012, the Congress president's political secretary Ahmed Patel had informed him that Gandhi had perhaps finalised his name as the party's presidential nominee but was also exploring the possibility of adequate support for then Vice President Hamid Ansari. "The bone of contention about my nomination remained the same as that in 2007," the former president said in the book referring to Gandhi's refrain over sparing him from the government. Mukherjee said that on June 2, 2012, he met Sonia Gandhi. "She told me frankly, 'Pranabji you are the most eminently suited for the office, but you should not forget the crucial role you are playing in the functioning of the government. Could you suggest an alternative?" Mukherjee records in the book, adding that he told Gandhi he would abide by whatever decision she took. "The meeting ended and I returned with a vague impression that she might wish to consider Manmohan Singh as the UPA presidential nominee. I thought that if she selected Singh for the presidential office, she may choose me as the prime minister. I had heard a rumour that she had given this formulation serious thought while on a holiday in the Kaushambhi hills," Mukherjee says in the book. He said there was no doubt that Gandhi considered him as an organisation man as she once chose him to reply in Parliament on a crucial topic when there was commotion by the then opposition BJP members. "The matter (in Parliament) was thus sorted out, but not before Sonia Gandhi commented, 'This is why you (Mukherjee) can't be the President'," he wrote. Disclosing dramatic events ahead of his name being cleared for the top post, Mukherjee documents that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee met Gandhi on June 13, 2012, and later Gandhi told him that the TMC chief had suggested two probables, Mukherjee himself and Ansari, and also told her that she was in discussion with Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and would inform her of the decision accordingly. "I am not aware of the discussion at Mulayam Singh Yadav's residence. But at a press conference jointly held that evening, they declared that their presidential nominees were APJ Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh and Somnath Chatterjee, in that order. "Mamata Banerjee also mentioned her meeting with Sonia Gandhi and insisted that Sonia Gandhi had suggested two names, Hamid Ansari and Pranab Mukherjee, both of which were unacceptable to them. I heard of this development but chose not to comment. A certain disappointment spread amongst my family and friends...," Mukherjee says. He later writes that the same night he received a call from Sonia Gandhi requesting for a meeting the next morning. "On June 14, I went to Sonia Gandhi at 11 am and had a long discussion with her. I found her to be in a decisive mood. She told me about her meeting with Mamata Banerjee. She was dismayed that Mamata Banerjee had not informed us about her decision after the meeting with Mulayam Singh Yadav and, instead, had disclosed information to the media," he said. Mukherjee said later Gandhi told him that the matter be discussed further at the Core Group meeting the same evening. After a slew of meetings, Manmohan Singh informed Mukherjee of a joint decision to nominate him as the presidential election nominee of the UPA. "Both of them were seized of the fact that we could not afford to lose the presidential election," he said. Chronicling the incidents leading to the 2007 presidential election, Mukherjee said, "When Manmohan Singh was holding discussions with the coalition partners on the presidential nominee I was told my name was proposed by the Left parties first and then seconded by others." The former president said the final decision was left to the Congress party. "Sonia Gandhi called me and said, your name is being suggested by some political parties as the presidential candidate, but it would be difficult for me to spare you as you are a strong pillar of the party in the government and in Parliament'," he said in the book. Later, Mukherjee said CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat told him that during the latter's meeting with Gandhi, she ruled out his name citing a number of reasons, including the fact that she did not have a substitute for him as the Leader of the Lok Sabha. Mukherjee also narrated the incident when Gandhi was to appoint a Prime Minister after she declined to take up the position in 2004. "There was intense speculation in the party and the media about her choice. Within the Congress party, the consensus was that the incumbent must be a political leader with experience in party affairs and administration. Finally, she named Dr Manmohan Singh as her choice and he accepted. "The prevalent expectation was that I would be the next choice for Prime Minister after Sonia Gandhi declined. This expectation was possibly based on the fact that I had extensive experience in government, while Singh's vast experience was as a civil servant with five years as a reformist finance minister," he wrote in the book.

Pranab Mukherjee recalls 'emotional farewell' by Sonia Gandhi

In what can be called a first, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modis-letter-to-pranab-da-says-rashtrapati-ji-it-has-been-an-honour-to-work-with-you-18541">former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee</a> posted a selfie on Twitter on Thursday and Twitter couldn&#39;t stop talking about it.&nbsp;

The 81-year-old posted a photo with a kid named Hamza Saifi who taught him to click selfies.&nbsp;

The post read: &quot;It is always a pleasure to meet children.&nbsp;Seen here with young visitor Hamza Saifi who taught me how to take a #selfie #CitizenMukherjee&quot;

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It is always a pleasure to meet children. 
Seen here with young visitor Hamza Saifi who taught me how to take a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/selfie?src=hash">#selfie</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenMukherjee?src=hash">#CitizenMukherjee</a> <a href="https://t.co/GPQ4mvpPdj">pic.twitter.com/GPQ4mvpPdj</a>
&mdash; Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) <a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee/status/903173006557569024">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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After Mukherjee posted the photo, Twitter users couldn&#39;t stop gushing about it:&nbsp;

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Thats so adorable moment!
&mdash; Sushri Sangita Puhan (@Sangita0703) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sangita0703/status/903199990666973184">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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excellent pic and wishing for your good health Sir
&mdash; Partha Bhattacharya (@partha_iffco) <a href="https://twitter.com/partha_iffco/status/903186697067757568">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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This is the cutest selfie I have seen in the recent times...
&mdash; amateur_photogr (@oneyedlenswoman) <a href="https://twitter.com/oneyedlenswoman/status/903200420645953536">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Good to see u sir ...God bless and keep smilng and we would all love to take selfies with u sir
&mdash; SUnShINE (@Mrssuns43188380) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mrssuns43188380/status/903175255010639876">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Sir you are simple and great - we are proud of you
&mdash; TIRANGA MERA SHAAN (@RDAKSHINA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RDAKSHINA/status/903244935092207616">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Hahaha ! That&#39;s the reason pranab mukherjee is a great person,as he knows the values of individual
&mdash; Nigar Khan (@NigarKhan5) <a href="https://twitter.com/NigarKhan5/status/903228906609688576">August 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, it was Mukherjee who launched the&nbsp;&lsquo;Selfie with Daughter&rsquo; initiative as a part of Beti Padhao Beti Bacho in 2015. This was at the time when he was the&nbsp;13th President of India. Pranab Mukherjee had a five-year-term from 2012 to 2017.&nbsp;

In what can be called a first, former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee posted a selfie on Twitter on Thursday and Twitter couldn't stop talking about it. The 81-year-old posted a photo with a kid named Hamza Saifi who taught him to click selfies. The post read: "It is always a pleasure to meet children. Seen here with young visitor Hamza Saifi who taught me how to take a #selfie #CitizenMukherjee" It is always a pleasure to meet children. Seen here with young visitor Hamza Saifi who taught me how to take a #selfie#CitizenMukherjee pic.twitter.com/GPQ4mvpPdj — Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 31, 2017 × After Mukherjee posted the photo, Twitter users couldn't stop gushing about it: Thats so adorable moment! — Sushri Sangita Puhan (@Sangita0703) August 31, 2017 × excellent pic and wishing for your good health Sir — Partha Bhattacharya (@partha_iffco) August 31, 2017 × This is the cutest selfie I have seen in the recent times... — amateur_photogr (@oneyedlenswoman) August 31, 2017 × Good to see u sir ...God bless and keep smilng and we would all love to take selfies with u sir — SUnShINE (@Mrssuns43188380) August 31, 2017 × Sir you are simple and great - we are proud of you — TIRANGA MERA SHAAN (@RDAKSHINA) August 31, 2017 × Hahaha ! That's the reason pranab mukherjee is a great person,as he knows the values of individual — Nigar Khan (@NigarKhan5) August 31, 2017 × Interestingly, it was Mukherjee who launched the ‘Selfie with Daughter’ initiative as a part of Beti Padhao Beti Bacho in 2015. This was at the time when he was the 13th President of India. Pranab Mukherjee had a five-year-term from 2012 to 2017.

In a first, former President Pranab Mukherjee tweets a selfie on Twitter

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-hosts-farewell-dinner-for-outgoing-president-pranab-mukherjee-18196">India&#39;s former President Pranab Mukherjee</a> who recently handed over his office to the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ram-nath-kovind-sworn-in-as-indias-14th-president-18267"> new President of India&nbsp;Ram Nath Kovind</a> a forthnight back took to Twitter to share a letter sent by PM Modi on his last day in office, the caption read:&#39;&#39;Pranab Da, I will always cherish working with you.&quot;

PM Modi&#39;s farewell letter:

&nbsp;&quot;As you begin a new phase of your distinguished journey, I cannot but express my profound sense of admiration and gratitude for your immense contribution to the nation, particularly as President of India over the last five years. You have inspired us with your simplicity, high principles and exemplary leadership.&nbsp;

Three years ago, I came to New Delhi as an outsider. The task before me was huge and challenging. In these times, you have always been a father figure and a mentor to me. Your wisdom, guidance and personal warmth have given me greater confidence and strength.

During your political journey and your presidency, you placed the wellbeing of the nation over everything else..You belong to a generation of leaders for whom politics was simply a means to selflessly give back to society. You stand as a great source of inspiration for the people of India.&quot;

&nbsp;

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On my last day in office as the President, I received a letter from PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> that touched my heart! Sharing with you all. <a href="https://t.co/cAuFnWkbYn">pic.twitter.com/cAuFnWkbYn</a>
&mdash; Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) <a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee/status/892954403149275138">August 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Former President Pranab Mukherjee took to Twitter to share a letter sent by PM Modi

India's former President Pranab Mukherjee who recently handed over his office to the new President of India Ram Nath Kovind a forthnight back took to Twitter to share a letter sent by PM Modi on his last day in office, the caption read:''Pranab Da, I will always cherish working with you." PM Modi's farewell letter: "As you begin a new phase of your distinguished journey, I cannot but express my profound sense of admiration and gratitude for your immense contribution to the nation, particularly as President of India over the last five years. You have inspired us with your simplicity, high principles and exemplary leadership. Three years ago, I came to New Delhi as an outsider. The task before me was huge and challenging. In these times, you have always been a father figure and a mentor to me. Your wisdom, guidance and personal warmth have given me greater confidence and strength. During your political journey and your presidency, you placed the wellbeing of the nation over everything else..You belong to a generation of leaders for whom politics was simply a means to selflessly give back to society. You stand as a great source of inspiration for the people of India." On my last day in office as the President, I received a letter from PM @narendramodi that touched my heart! Sharing with you all. pic.twitter.com/cAuFnWkbYn — Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 3, 2017 ×

Read: PM Modi's letter to  India's ex-president 'Pranab Da'

BJP&#39;s Dalit leader Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in as India&#39;s 14th president on Tuesday,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-ram-nath-kovind-indias-new-president-18263"> just the second Dalit leader to be elected head of state</a> after KR Narayanan.

In his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/read-full-text-of-ram-nath-kovinds-first-speech-as-president-18269"> address to Parliament</a> after his swearing-in, the new president said he felt privileged to walk on the same path as Dr Radhakrishnan, Dr &nbsp;Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee.

&quot;I will stand by and represent all 125 crore fellow Indians. I understand the massive responsibility that this is. I feel privileged to walk on the same path as Dr.Radhakrishnan, Dr. Abdul Kalam and Pranab da. I hope to live up to that greatness,&quot; he said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/read-full-text-of-ram-nath-kovinds-first-speech-as-president-18269">In his speech</a>, President Kovind emphasised the importance of upholding India&#39;s diversity.&nbsp;

&quot;Coming here to central hall has brought back so many memories. I have been to this central hall and have often had discussions with many of you. We often agreed and disagreed.&nbsp;But we learnt to respect each other and that is the beauty of democracy.&quot;

We are different but we are one and united. These are the traditional values and there is no contradiction or alternative opinion about it.&quot;

The 71-year-old president, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, said he had been brought up in a mud-built house in a small village in the state.

&quot;I am thankful to you all for giving me the responsibility to be the President of India... I come from a humble background. The journey has been long.

I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution &ndash; of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra,&quot;&nbsp; Mr Kovind said in his address.

He said that while the 21st century would be an Indian century, there was a need to build India as a &quot;moral exemplar&quot; and of combining tradition and technology.

&quot;We would be completing 70 years of our Independence soon. We are also well into the second decade of the 21st century, a century that so many of us intuitively believe will be an Indian century, guided and shaped by India and its accomplishments. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked,&quot; Ram Nath Kovind said.

&quot;The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India,&quot; President Kovind said.

Citing the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyay, President Kovind stressed on the need for building an egalitarian society.

&quot;We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji. These are integral to our sense of humanism. This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities. This will be the India of the 21st century,&quot; he said.

After his address in Parliament, President Kovind was given a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was then given a tour of the&nbsp;Raisina Hill residence by outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee.

The new President subsequently left for 10, Rajaji Marg, the new residence of Pranab Mukherjee and the received former President there.

Accompanied by his wife, President Kovind paid his respects at Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s memorial Rajghat in the Indian capital before proceeding to Parliament&#39;s Central Hall for his swearing-in ceremony.

He was driven&nbsp;to Parliament in a ceremonial horse-drawn chariot.

A former lawyer and governor of Bihar, Kovind won the presidency after defeating Opposition&#39;s Meira Kumar, garnering more than 65 per cent of the vote of lawmakers of Parliament and state assemblies.

A politician with a previously low profile, he is also a member of the Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

His appointment is being viewed as a move to consolidate the Dalit vote for the BJP ahead of the 2019&nbsp;general elections.

Ram Nath Kovind is just the second Dalit leader to be elected head of state after KR Narayanan.

BJP's Dalit leader Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in as India's 14th president on Tuesday, just the second Dalit leader to be elected head of state after KR Narayanan. In his address to Parliament after his swearing-in, the new president said he felt privileged to walk on the same path as Dr Radhakrishnan, Dr Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee. "I will stand by and represent all 125 crore fellow Indians. I understand the massive responsibility that this is. I feel privileged to walk on the same path as Dr.Radhakrishnan, Dr. Abdul Kalam and Pranab da. I hope to live up to that greatness," he said. In his speech, President Kovind emphasised the importance of upholding India's diversity. "Coming here to central hall has brought back so many memories. I have been to this central hall and have often had discussions with many of you. We often agreed and disagreed. But we learnt to respect each other and that is the beauty of democracy." We are different but we are one and united. These are the traditional values and there is no contradiction or alternative opinion about it." The 71-year-old president, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, said he had been brought up in a mud-built house in a small village in the state. "I am thankful to you all for giving me the responsibility to be the President of India... I come from a humble background. The journey has been long. I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution – of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra," Mr Kovind said in his address. He said that while the 21st century would be an Indian century, there was a need to build India as a "moral exemplar" and of combining tradition and technology. "We would be completing 70 years of our Independence soon. We are also well into the second decade of the 21st century, a century that so many of us intuitively believe will be an Indian century, guided and shaped by India and its accomplishments. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked," Ram Nath Kovind said. "The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India," President Kovind said. Citing the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyay, President Kovind stressed on the need for building an egalitarian society. "We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji. These are integral to our sense of humanism. This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities. This will be the India of the 21st century," he said. After his address in Parliament, President Kovind was given a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was then given a tour of the Raisina Hill residence by outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee. The new President subsequently left for 10, Rajaji Marg, the new residence of Pranab Mukherjee and the received former President there. Accompanied by his wife, President Kovind paid his respects at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat in the Indian capital before proceeding to Parliament's Central Hall for his swearing-in ceremony. He was driven to Parliament in a ceremonial horse-drawn chariot. A former lawyer and governor of Bihar, Kovind won the presidency after defeating Opposition's Meira Kumar, garnering more than 65 per cent of the vote of lawmakers of Parliament and state assemblies. A politician with a previously low profile, he is also a member of the Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His appointment is being viewed as a move to consolidate the Dalit vote for the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Ram Nath Kovind sworn in as India's 14th president, says every Indian is a nation builder

Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, who demits office today, stressed the need for &quot;pluralism and tolerance&quot; in his farewell address to the nation.

Advocating freeing public discourse from &quot;physical as well as verbal&quot;&nbsp;violence, Pranab Mukherjee asserted that the country derived its strength from tolerance.

&quot;But every day, we see increased violence around us. At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust. We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal,&quot; Pranab Mukherjee said in his last televised address. 
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Delhi: Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and PM Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan. <a href="https://t.co/c2QNFUxMYZ">pic.twitter.com/c2QNFUxMYZ</a>
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The outgoing President, 81, said only a non-violent society could ensure the participation of all sections of the people, especially the maginalised and the dispossessed, in the democratic process.

&quot;The power of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a compassionate and caring society,&quot; Mukherjee, 81, said.

The president reminded the people of Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s philosophy, and said the creation of an inclusive society had to be an article of faith.

&quot;Financial inclusion is at the core of an equitable society. We must empower the poorest of the poor and ensure that the fruits of our policies reach the last person in the line,&quot; he said.

He said the capacity for compassion and empathy was the &quot;true foundation&quot; of the country&#39;s civilisation.

&quot;Multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance. We may argue, we may agree or we may not agree. But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away,&quot; Pranab Mukherjee said.

The Presiden thanked the people of the country for &quot;the kindness and affection bestowed on me&quot; and said how successful he was as a president would be judged over time &quot;under the lens of history&quot;.

&quot;I am overwhelmed by the feeling of gratitude towards the people of this great country. I am humbled by the kindness and affection bestowed on me. I have always believed that I have received much more from the people of this country than I have been able to give them. I congratulate and extend a very warm welcome to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the president-to-be and wish him all the success happiness and a comfortable in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. I also welcome Mrs Kovind on this occasion.

Five years ago, when I took oath as the 13 president, I promised an oath in the name of god to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution not just in words but also in spirit. Each day of these five years, I was conscious of this responsibility. I learnt from my travels across the length and breadth of the country. &nbsp;I learnt from my conversation and engagement with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, scholars, parties and leaders. These interactions kept me focused and inspired. I strove hard. How successful I was in discharging my responsibility will be judged over time under the lens of history,&quot; Pranab Mukherjee said.

The outgoing president said that for the last 50 years of his public life, his &quot;sacred text&quot; has been the constitution and &quot;temple&quot;, the Parliament of India.

&quot;For the past 50 years of my public life, my sacred text has been the constitution, temple has been the Parliament of India, my passion has been the service of people. During my five years of service, we also tried to build a happy township in the presidential house. We found happiness associated with joy and pride, smiling, good health, safety and positive actions. We learnt to laugh at life connect with nature and get involved with the community. And then we extended our experience to a few villages in our neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The journey continues. As I get ready to leave, let me repeat what I said in&nbsp;my first address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day in August 2012 and I repeat: My words cannot express the gratitude to the people and their representatives for the honour of this high office even as I am deeply conscious of the fact that the highest honour in our democracy does not lie in any office but in being a citizen of India, our motherland.&quot;

Referring to the &quot;transformative power&quot; of education, he called for upgrading higher educational institutions to world-class levels.

&quot;Our education system must accept disruption as a norm and prepare our students to manage and build upon the disruptions. Our universities should not be a place for rote-memorising but an assembly of inquisitive minds,&quot; he said, adding that institutes of higher learning must promote &quot;creative thinking, innovation and scientific temper&quot;.

&quot;It calls for the application of logic through discussion, argument and analysis. These qualities have to be cultivated and the autonomy of the mind has to be encouraged,&quot; he said.

The President thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assuring him that nation-building efforts would continue.&nbsp;

I am deeply touched by the prime minister of the nation when he said the work will continue and the government will support and I have no doubt that the president who is going to be sworn-in tomorrow will look after this, therefore, my self and my team, secretary to the press, additional secretary to the&nbsp;president and all others including the national innovation council from whom I have received utmost cooperation in the last few years will feel happy and secured.&nbsp;

The president ended his speech by saying that he would leave Rashtrapati Bhavan like any other ordinary citizen, &quot;a pilgrim like all of you in India&#39;s onward march towards glory&quot;.

He emphasised that good governance, social inclusion and poverty eradication could ensure people&#39;s right to lead a happy life.

Talking about the need for protecting the environment, the president stressed the need for sustainable development and cautioned that &quot;when greed exceeds need, nature lets loose its fury&quot;.

He asked scientists and technologists to work with farmers and workers to revive the health of the soil, arrest the decline in water tables and restore ecological balance.

President Pranab Mukherjee, who demits office today, stressed the need for 'pluralism and tolerance' in his farewell address to the nation

Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, who demits office today, stressed the need for "pluralism and tolerance" in his farewell address to the nation. Advocating freeing public discourse from "physical as well as verbal" violence, Pranab Mukherjee asserted that the country derived its strength from tolerance. "But every day, we see increased violence around us. At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust. We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal," Pranab Mukherjee said in his last televised address. Delhi: Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and PM Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/c2QNFUxMYZ — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 × The outgoing President, 81, said only a non-violent society could ensure the participation of all sections of the people, especially the maginalised and the dispossessed, in the democratic process. "The power of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a compassionate and caring society," Mukherjee, 81, said. The president reminded the people of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, and said the creation of an inclusive society had to be an article of faith. "Financial inclusion is at the core of an equitable society. We must empower the poorest of the poor and ensure that the fruits of our policies reach the last person in the line," he said. He said the capacity for compassion and empathy was the "true foundation" of the country's civilisation. "Multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance. We may argue, we may agree or we may not agree. But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away," Pranab Mukherjee said. The Presiden thanked the people of the country for "the kindness and affection bestowed on me" and said how successful he was as a president would be judged over time "under the lens of history". "I am overwhelmed by the feeling of gratitude towards the people of this great country. I am humbled by the kindness and affection bestowed on me. I have always believed that I have received much more from the people of this country than I have been able to give them. I congratulate and extend a very warm welcome to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the president-to-be and wish him all the success happiness and a comfortable in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. I also welcome Mrs Kovind on this occasion. Five years ago, when I took oath as the 13 president, I promised an oath in the name of god to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution not just in words but also in spirit. Each day of these five years, I was conscious of this responsibility. I learnt from my travels across the length and breadth of the country. I learnt from my conversation and engagement with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, scholars, parties and leaders. These interactions kept me focused and inspired. I strove hard. How successful I was in discharging my responsibility will be judged over time under the lens of history," Pranab Mukherjee said. The outgoing president said that for the last 50 years of his public life, his "sacred text" has been the constitution and "temple", the Parliament of India. "For the past 50 years of my public life, my sacred text has been the constitution, temple has been the Parliament of India, my passion has been the service of people. During my five years of service, we also tried to build a happy township in the presidential house. We found happiness associated with joy and pride, smiling, good health, safety and positive actions. We learnt to laugh at life connect with nature and get involved with the community. And then we extended our experience to a few villages in our neighbourhood. The journey continues. As I get ready to leave, let me repeat what I said in my first address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day in August 2012 and I repeat: My words cannot express the gratitude to the people and their representatives for the honour of this high office even as I am deeply conscious of the fact that the highest honour in our democracy does not lie in any office but in being a citizen of India, our motherland." Referring to the "transformative power" of education, he called for upgrading higher educational institutions to world-class levels. "Our education system must accept disruption as a norm and prepare our students to manage and build upon the disruptions. Our universities should not be a place for rote-memorising but an assembly of inquisitive minds," he said, adding that institutes of higher learning must promote "creative thinking, innovation and scientific temper". "It calls for the application of logic through discussion, argument and analysis. These qualities have to be cultivated and the autonomy of the mind has to be encouraged," he said. The President thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assuring him that nation-building efforts would continue. I am deeply touched by the prime minister of the nation when he said the work will continue and the government will support and I have no doubt that the president who is going to be sworn-in tomorrow will look after this, therefore, my self and my team, secretary to the press, additional secretary to the president and all others including the national innovation council from whom I have received utmost cooperation in the last few years will feel happy and secured. The president ended his speech by saying that he would leave Rashtrapati Bhavan like any other ordinary citizen, "a pilgrim like all of you in India's onward march towards glory". He emphasised that good governance, social inclusion and poverty eradication could ensure people's right to lead a happy life. Talking about the need for protecting the environment, the president stressed the need for sustainable development and cautioned that "when greed exceeds need, nature lets loose its fury". He asked scientists and technologists to work with farmers and workers to revive the health of the soil, arrest the decline in water tables and restore ecological balance.

Constitution my sacred text in past 50 years: President Pranab Mukherjee in farewell address

Parliamentarians from the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha&nbsp;gathered at Parliament&#39;s Central Hall to bid farewell to the outgoing&nbsp;President Pranab Mukherjee.

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It will be with a tinge of sadness and a rainbow of memories that I will be leaving this magnificent building today: President Mukherjee. <a href="https://t.co/3LYx9mCQmK">pic.twitter.com/3LYx9mCQmK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/889121243491778560">July 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash">#Visuals</a> from Parliament: Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s farewell ceremony in the Central Hall. <a href="https://t.co/n1wl3XrSXP">pic.twitter.com/n1wl3XrSXP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/889120457089097728">July 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th president of India, vacates the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow, making way for his successor, President-elect Ram Nath Kovind.

President Mukherjee thanked everybody present in the Hall, particularly the Parliament for &#39;creating&#39; him.

&quot;If I claim I am the creation of this Parliament, perhaps it will not be treated as immodesty. The Parliament gave a direction to my political vision as I got to learn a lot from the serious discussions held in both Houses of the Parliament,&quot; he said.

He added that he had attended the first session of the Parliament on July 22, 1969.

&quot;For the last 37 years, I have been a part of five Rajya Sabhas, four times from Bengal and once from Gujarat,&quot; he said.

President Mukherjee remembered the former prime ministers of India, including late Indira Gandhi.

&quot;The Constitution represents the unity of the 125 crore people of India,&quot; he said.

President Mukherjee expressed happiness over the fact that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime was launched during his tenure and disappointment over the constant downfall of the Parliament&#39;s stature.

&quot;The recent passage of the GST and its launch on July 1 is a shining example of co-operative federalism and speaks volumes of the maturity of India&#39;s Parliament,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is unfortunate that the Parliamentary time devoted to legislations has been declining,&quot; he added.

Concluding his address as he shouted &quot;Jai Hind&quot;, President Mukherjee thanked the gathering again for the farewell given to him.

Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker presented a book signed by the members of Parliament. The book includes signatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Thambidurai, and deputy chair of Rajya Sabha PJ Kurien.

&quot;President Mukherjee brought a presidential focus and centrality to human development,&quot; Sumitra Mahajan said in her address.

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Hamid Ansari, while addressing the Central Hall, spoke of the &quot;long and distinguished&quot; career of President Mukherjee, adding he has been an erudite scholar, along with being an excellent statesman.

Earlier on Saturday, the outgoing President attended a farewell dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister hosted the ceremony at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where president-elect Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, senior ministers and Opposition leaders were also present.

The president, who is also Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was also given a farewell by the chiefs of the armed forces. The function was held at the Manekshaw Centre.

President Mukherjee will address a farewell speech to the nation at 7.30 pm on Monday (July 24).

President-elect Ram Nath Kovind will take oath as the 14th President of India on Tuesday (July 25).&nbsp;

(ANI)

Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th president of India, vacates the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow, making way for his successor, President-elect Ram Nath Kovind.

Parliamentarians from the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha gathered at Parliament's Central Hall to bid farewell to the outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee. It will be with a tinge of sadness and a rainbow of memories that I will be leaving this magnificent building today: President Mukherjee. pic.twitter.com/3LYx9mCQmK — ANI (@ANI_news) July 23, 2017 × #Visuals from Parliament: Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee's farewell ceremony in the Central Hall. pic.twitter.com/n1wl3XrSXP — ANI (@ANI_news) July 23, 2017 × Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th president of India, vacates the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow, making way for his successor, President-elect Ram Nath Kovind. President Mukherjee thanked everybody present in the Hall, particularly the Parliament for 'creating' him. "If I claim I am the creation of this Parliament, perhaps it will not be treated as immodesty. The Parliament gave a direction to my political vision as I got to learn a lot from the serious discussions held in both Houses of the Parliament," he said. He added that he had attended the first session of the Parliament on July 22, 1969. "For the last 37 years, I have been a part of five Rajya Sabhas, four times from Bengal and once from Gujarat," he said. President Mukherjee remembered the former prime ministers of India, including late Indira Gandhi. "The Constitution represents the unity of the 125 crore people of India," he said. President Mukherjee expressed happiness over the fact that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime was launched during his tenure and disappointment over the constant downfall of the Parliament's stature. "The recent passage of the GST and its launch on July 1 is a shining example of co-operative federalism and speaks volumes of the maturity of India's Parliament," he said. "It is unfortunate that the Parliamentary time devoted to legislations has been declining," he added. Concluding his address as he shouted "Jai Hind", President Mukherjee thanked the gathering again for the farewell given to him. Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker presented a book signed by the members of Parliament. The book includes signatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Thambidurai, and deputy chair of Rajya Sabha PJ Kurien. "President Mukherjee brought a presidential focus and centrality to human development," Sumitra Mahajan said in her address. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Hamid Ansari, while addressing the Central Hall, spoke of the "long and distinguished" career of President Mukherjee, adding he has been an erudite scholar, along with being an excellent statesman. Earlier on Saturday, the outgoing President attended a farewell dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister hosted the ceremony at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where president-elect Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, senior ministers and Opposition leaders were also present. The president, who is also Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was also given a farewell by the chiefs of the armed forces. The function was held at the Manekshaw Centre. President Mukherjee will address a farewell speech to the nation at 7.30 pm on Monday (July 24). President-elect Ram Nath Kovind will take oath as the 14th President of India on Tuesday (July 25). (ANI)

Parliament gives farewell to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee

By: Aimen Zaki

Pranab Mukherjee will complete his five-year presidential tenure this&nbsp;July 25. &nbsp;The outgoing president is expected to be given a farewell on&nbsp;July 23&nbsp;by both the Houses of Parliament.&nbsp;

Mukherjee was elected in 2012 during the United Progressive Alliance&#39;s (UPA) government. Even after having a long history with the Congress party, he managed to keep up with the Modi-led government.&nbsp;

Recently, Mukherjee characterised his working relationship with PM Modi, saying: &quot;We have acted in close cooperation. &nbsp;Surely, there have been divergences of views. But we have been able to keep those divergences to ourselves.&nbsp;It did not affect the relationship between the President and the Prime Minister.&quot;&nbsp;

The outgoing President has been a boon to India&nbsp;with the cooperation he showed during his five-year reign.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Some facts about Pranab Mukherjee:

-Pranab Mukherjee loves gardening: So much so that he goes for a morning walk in the Mughal Gardens and shares a great interest in nature and horticultural activities.

-Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s perpetual interest in finance politics: The President has on various occasions questioned the finance ministry upheld by the Finance Minister,&nbsp;Arun Jaitley. He has been very particular about calling Jaitley to his office for consultation on various issues.&nbsp;

-Pranab Mukherjee is a book lover: Though he hardly gets any time from his busy schedule, Pranab Da interest in literature is immense.&nbsp;

-Pranab Mukherjee, as India&#39;s President, is also the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces: Pranab Mukherjee has time and again recognised and appreciated the Armed forces personnel.&nbsp;

-Mukherjee as priest: In October 2013, Pranab carried out the Durga Puja rituals in his ancestral home OF Kolkata. Mukherjee holds a very deep sentiment with the festival.

Here are a few facts you might not have known about India's outgoing president, Pranab Mukherjee

By: Aimen Zaki Pranab Mukherjee will complete his five-year presidential tenure this July 25. The outgoing president is expected to be given a farewell on July 23 by both the Houses of Parliament. Mukherjee was elected in 2012 during the United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) government. Even after having a long history with the Congress party, he managed to keep up with the Modi-led government. Recently, Mukherjee characterised his working relationship with PM Modi, saying: "We have acted in close cooperation. Surely, there have been divergences of views. But we have been able to keep those divergences to ourselves. It did not affect the relationship between the President and the Prime Minister." The outgoing President has been a boon to India with the cooperation he showed during his five-year reign. Some facts about Pranab Mukherjee: -Pranab Mukherjee loves gardening: So much so that he goes for a morning walk in the Mughal Gardens and shares a great interest in nature and horticultural activities. -Pranab Mukherjee's perpetual interest in finance politics: The President has on various occasions questioned the finance ministry upheld by the Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley. He has been very particular about calling Jaitley to his office for consultation on various issues. -Pranab Mukherjee is a book lover: Though he hardly gets any time from his busy schedule, Pranab Da interest in literature is immense. -Pranab Mukherjee, as India's President, is also the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces: Pranab Mukherjee has time and again recognised and appreciated the Armed forces personnel. -Mukherjee as priest: In October 2013, Pranab carried out the Durga Puja rituals in his ancestral home OF Kolkata. Mukherjee holds a very deep sentiment with the festival.

5 years of Pranab Mukherjee

India&#39;s sweeping tax reform, the Goods and Service Tax came into force at the stroke of midnight Friday&nbsp;with a special session of Parliament attended by Indian lawmakers&nbsp;and top executives of companies.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed the button to officially launch the landmark tax reform.

BJP leaders LK Advani, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Venkaiah Naidu and Hema Malini, Samajwadi Party&#39;s Amar Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, and industrialist Ratan Tata were among the sea of dignitaries were spotted at&nbsp;the midnight ceremony. 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSTForNewIndia?src=hash">#GSTForNewIndia</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentMukherjee?src=hash">#PresidentMukherjee</a> and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> pressing the button to officially launch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GST?src=hash">#GST</a> <a href="https://t.co/gfy3cPBwgl">pic.twitter.com/gfy3cPBwgl</a>
&mdash; PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/880857233696804864">June 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In his address to Parliament, President Mukherjee called the GST a &quot;tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India&rsquo;s democracy&quot; and said &nbsp;it had been arrived at through a broad consensus between the Centre and the States.

&quot;The new era in taxation is the result of a broad consensus arrived at between Centre and States,&quot;&nbsp;the President said.

PM Modi began his address to Parliament&nbsp;by paying tributes to leaders of the freedom struggle including Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Maulana Azad.&nbsp;

He also credited predecessor governments (United Progressive Alliance) and Opposition parties that co-authored independent India&#39;s biggest tax reform.

Calling GST a &quot;shining example of co-operative federalism&quot;, PM Modi said a the tax reform was a collective process harboured by different teams at different times in history.&nbsp;

&quot;GST is a shining example of co-operative federalism which will give us even more strength to walk together,&quot; PM Modi said&nbsp;in his address to Parliament. &quot;It is a great testament to India&#39;s democracy and cooperative federalism.&quot;

&quot;The present GST is the result of a long period of debates and discussions. It is an example of Team India&#39;s collective effort,&quot; PM Modi said. &quot;There was a great deal of doubt but we have managed to overcome all difficulties.&quot;

PM Modi said GST would reduce the risk of spoiling perishable goods by doing away with entry tax. He also added that the tax would unify the country economically.

&quot;Because of myriad taxes, same commodity is available at different prices in different states but this confusion will be dealt with by the introduction of GST. Because of entry tax, trucks had to wait for long hours and perishable goods were at greater risk of getting spoilt but all this will end because of GST,&quot; PM Modi said.

&quot;Sardar Vallabhai Patel united the country politically by integrating all the princely states into the Indian Union and with the implementation of GST, the country is being unified once again economically,&quot; PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister called GST a &quot;good and simple tax&quot; which will end harassment of traders and small businesses while integrating India into one market with one tax rate.&nbsp;He added that the tax reform will eliminate the compounding effects of multi-layered tax system. 
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Aaj iss madhya raatri ke samay hum sab mil karke desh ka aage ka marg sunishchit karne ja rahe hain: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GST?src=hash">#GST</a> <a href="https://t.co/DgtxOIqfaZ">pic.twitter.com/DgtxOIqfaZ</a>
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Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi, VP Hamid Ansari, FM Arun Jaitley, LS Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at Parliament. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GST?src=hash">#GST</a> <a href="https://t.co/b1ZQp3fD52">pic.twitter.com/b1ZQp3fD52</a>
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A midnight gong&nbsp;marked the formal launch of the historic tax reform. Many Opposition parties including the Congress are boycotting the Midnight Session, calling it a &quot;publicity gimmick&quot;.

A short film over India&#39;s biggest tax reform was also played at the event.

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In his&nbsp;address to Parliament, Finance Minister Jaitley said GST was being brought in at a time that the world was witnessing slow growth and divisiveness. &quot;It shows India can collectively think and act with maturity for broader purpose,&quot; the finance minister said. 
 
Old India was economically fragment, but new India will be of one country, one tax. It will be a India where centre and states will work with common goal of shared prosperity. The consensus in getting to GST shows that India can collectively think, and act maturely,&quot; he said.

The finance minister said neither the centre nor the&nbsp;states had given&nbsp;away their sovereignty while enacting GST.

The GST will replace more than a dozen union and state levies and is expected to make doing business easier by simplifying the tax structure and ensuring greater compliance.

Watch PM Modi&#39;s speech:

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The Goods and Services Tax or GST is scheduled to be launched on the 1st of July, and it is set to revolutionize the way we do our taxes. Catch the latest update on GST only on WION (WION)
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The Goods and Services Tax was made official at 12 pm Friday night at a special session of Parliament

India's sweeping tax reform, the Goods and Service Tax came into force at the stroke of midnight Friday with a special session of Parliament attended by Indian lawmakers and top executives of companies. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed the button to officially launch the landmark tax reform. BJP leaders LK Advani, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Venkaiah Naidu and Hema Malini, Samajwadi Party's Amar Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, and industrialist Ratan Tata were among the sea of dignitaries were spotted at the midnight ceremony. #GSTForNewIndia: #PresidentMukherjee and PM @narendramodi pressing the button to officially launch the #GST pic.twitter.com/gfy3cPBwgl — PIB India (@PIB_India) June 30, 2017 × In his address to Parliament, President Mukherjee called the GST a "tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India’s democracy" and said it had been arrived at through a broad consensus between the Centre and the States. "The new era in taxation is the result of a broad consensus arrived at between Centre and States," the President said. PM Modi began his address to Parliament by paying tributes to leaders of the freedom struggle including Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Maulana Azad. He also credited predecessor governments (United Progressive Alliance) and Opposition parties that co-authored independent India's biggest tax reform. Calling GST a "shining example of co-operative federalism", PM Modi said a the tax reform was a collective process harboured by different teams at different times in history. "GST is a shining example of co-operative federalism which will give us even more strength to walk together," PM Modi said in his address to Parliament. "It is a great testament to India's democracy and cooperative federalism." "The present GST is the result of a long period of debates and discussions. It is an example of Team India's collective effort," PM Modi said. "There was a great deal of doubt but we have managed to overcome all difficulties." PM Modi said GST would reduce the risk of spoiling perishable goods by doing away with entry tax. He also added that the tax would unify the country economically. "Because of myriad taxes, same commodity is available at different prices in different states but this confusion will be dealt with by the introduction of GST. Because of entry tax, trucks had to wait for long hours and perishable goods were at greater risk of getting spoilt but all this will end because of GST," PM Modi said. "Sardar Vallabhai Patel united the country politically by integrating all the princely states into the Indian Union and with the implementation of GST, the country is being unified once again economically," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister called GST a "good and simple tax" which will end harassment of traders and small businesses while integrating India into one market with one tax rate. He added that the tax reform will eliminate the compounding effects of multi-layered tax system. Aaj iss madhya raatri ke samay hum sab mil karke desh ka aage ka marg sunishchit karne ja rahe hain: PM Modi #GST pic.twitter.com/DgtxOIqfaZ — ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017 × Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi, VP Hamid Ansari, FM Arun Jaitley, LS Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at Parliament. #GST pic.twitter.com/b1ZQp3fD52 — ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017 × A midnight gong marked the formal launch of the historic tax reform. Many Opposition parties including the Congress are boycotting the Midnight Session, calling it a "publicity gimmick". A short film over India's biggest tax reform was also played at the event. In his address to Parliament, Finance Minister Jaitley said GST was being brought in at a time that the world was witnessing slow growth and divisiveness. "It shows India can collectively think and act with maturity for broader purpose," the finance minister said. Old India was economically fragment, but new India will be of one country, one tax. It will be a India where centre and states will work with common goal of shared prosperity. The consensus in getting to GST shows that India can collectively think, and act maturely," he said. The finance minister said neither the centre nor the states had given away their sovereignty while enacting GST. The GST will replace more than a dozen union and state levies and is expected to make doing business easier by simplifying the tax structure and ensuring greater compliance. Watch PM Modi's speech: The Goods and Services Tax or GST is scheduled to be launched on the 1st of July, and it is set to revolutionize the way we do our taxes. Catch the latest update on GST only on WION (WION) ×

GST launched at stroke of midnight hour

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially launched India&#39;s Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Parliament, gave a rousing speech at a Midnight Session Friday, especially convened for launching the landmark tax reform.

Calling the GST launch a &quot;historic moment&quot;, the President said it was the &quot;culmination of a 14-year-old journey which began in December 2002.&quot;

&quot;This historic moment is the culmination of a 14-year-long journey which began in December 2002 when the Kelkar Task Force on Indirect Taxes suggested a comprehensive GST based on Value Added Tax (VAT) principle.

&quot;The proposal was first mooted in the Budget Session of 2007. The responsibility of preparing a design and plan of action for implementation of GST was assigned to an empowered committe of finance ministers. They released the first discussion paper on GST in November 2009,&quot; he said in his address at Parliament&#39;s Central Hall.

The President said the introduction of GST was a &quot;moment of precedent&quot; for the country and a matter of personal satisfaction for him because as finance minister he had introduced the constitutional amendment bill in 2011.

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It is remarkable that 18 meetings held so far, all decisions have been taken by consensus in the council: President Pranab Mukherjee. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GST?src=hash">#GST</a> <a href="https://t.co/GvyNVNwiYy">pic.twitter.com/GvyNVNwiYy</a>
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&quot;I had always believed that GST was a matter of time and was happy when it was enacted and I gave assent to the Constitution amendment last year,&quot; he said.

&quot;I was closely involved in the design and implementation of GST as the then Finance Minister. I also had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 (the GST Act),&quot; he added.

Pranab Mukherjee said,&nbsp;&quot;It is also a moment of some satisfaction for me personally because, as the Finance Minister, I had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on March 22, 2011.&quot;

&quot;I was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state Finance Ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times. I also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times,&quot; he added.

The President said the new era in indirect taxation was the result of a broad consensus arrived at between the Centre and the states.

&quot;It (GST) is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India&#39;s democracy. The GST will make exports more competitive and also provide a level playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports,&quot; said Pranab Mukherjee.

&quot;Under the GST, the tax incidence will be transparent, enabling full removal of tax burden on exports. The GST will be administered through a modern world-class information technology (IT) system,&quot; he added.

&quot;A key feature of the system is that buyers will get credit for tax paid on inputs only when the seller has actually paid taxes to the government. It (GST) will create a strong incentive for buyers to deal with honest and compliant sellers who pay their dues promptly. Success of major changes always depends on their effective implementation,&quot; he pointed out.

President Mukherjee called GST a &quot;disruptive change&quot; which would be met with initial resistance.

&quot;GST is a disruptive change. It is similar to the introduction of VAT when there was initial resistance. When a change of this magnitude is undertaken, there are bound to be some teething troubles and difficulties in the initial stages.&nbsp;

&quot;We will have to solve these with understanding and speed to ensure that it does not impact the growth momentum of the economy,&quot; he added.

The GST, a uniform tax across the country,&nbsp;will replace more than a dozen indirect taxes levied by the centre and the states.&nbsp;It&nbsp;is expected to make doing business easier by simplifying the tax structure and ensuring greater compliance.

Calling the GST launch a 'historic moment', the President said it was the 'culmination of a 14-year-old journey which began in December 2002'

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially launched India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Parliament, gave a rousing speech at a Midnight Session Friday, especially convened for launching the landmark tax reform. Calling the GST launch a "historic moment", the President said it was the "culmination of a 14-year-old journey which began in December 2002." "This historic moment is the culmination of a 14-year-long journey which began in December 2002 when the Kelkar Task Force on Indirect Taxes suggested a comprehensive GST based on Value Added Tax (VAT) principle. "The proposal was first mooted in the Budget Session of 2007. The responsibility of preparing a design and plan of action for implementation of GST was assigned to an empowered committe of finance ministers. They released the first discussion paper on GST in November 2009," he said in his address at Parliament's Central Hall. The President said the introduction of GST was a "moment of precedent" for the country and a matter of personal satisfaction for him because as finance minister he had introduced the constitutional amendment bill in 2011. It is remarkable that 18 meetings held so far, all decisions have been taken by consensus in the council: President Pranab Mukherjee. #GST pic.twitter.com/GvyNVNwiYy — ANI (@ANI_news) June 30, 2017 × "I had always believed that GST was a matter of time and was happy when it was enacted and I gave assent to the Constitution amendment last year," he said. "I was closely involved in the design and implementation of GST as the then Finance Minister. I also had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 (the GST Act)," he added. Pranab Mukherjee said, "It is also a moment of some satisfaction for me personally because, as the Finance Minister, I had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on March 22, 2011." "I was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state Finance Ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times. I also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times," he added. The President said the new era in indirect taxation was the result of a broad consensus arrived at between the Centre and the states. "It (GST) is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India's democracy. The GST will make exports more competitive and also provide a level playing field to domestic industry to compete with imports," said Pranab Mukherjee. "Under the GST, the tax incidence will be transparent, enabling full removal of tax burden on exports. The GST will be administered through a modern world-class information technology (IT) system," he added. "A key feature of the system is that buyers will get credit for tax paid on inputs only when the seller has actually paid taxes to the government. It (GST) will create a strong incentive for buyers to deal with honest and compliant sellers who pay their dues promptly. Success of major changes always depends on their effective implementation," he pointed out. President Mukherjee called GST a "disruptive change" which would be met with initial resistance. "GST is a disruptive change. It is similar to the introduction of VAT when there was initial resistance. When a change of this magnitude is undertaken, there are bound to be some teething troubles and difficulties in the initial stages. "We will have to solve these with understanding and speed to ensure that it does not impact the growth momentum of the economy," he added. The GST, a uniform tax across the country, will replace more than a dozen indirect taxes levied by the centre and the states. It is expected to make doing business easier by simplifying the tax structure and ensuring greater compliance.

GST culmination of 14-year-old journey: President Pranab Mukherjee

Mahesh Sharma, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, has been allotted two government houses since he won his first election from UP&#39;s Gautam Budh Nagar in 2014 but is still living in his personal residence in Noida.&nbsp;

Sharma was allotted the spacious 10 Rajaji Marg in Central Delhi, which previously housed President APJ Abdul Kalam. However, within a year he was asked to vacate the premises to make way for current President Pranab Mukherjee who will live there after his five-year term ends.&nbsp;

Next, he was allotted 10 Akbar Road, near Bharatiya Janata Party President&#39;s residence. Just as he was settling down in the bungalow, the movers asked him to retract his way as the house was supposed to be NDA&#39;s Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind&#39;s temporary residence.&nbsp;

Mahesh may get the 10 Akbar Road residence if Ram Nath Kovind wins the presidential elections, after which he would move into Rashtrapati Bhawan.&nbsp; 
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Mahesh Sharma has been allotted a government residence twice and asked to vacate it both the times, first for Pranab Mukherjee and then for Ram Nath Kovind

Mahesh Sharma, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, has been allotted two government houses since he won his first election from UP's Gautam Budh Nagar in 2014 but is still living in his personal residence in Noida. Sharma was allotted the spacious 10 Rajaji Marg in Central Delhi, which previously housed President APJ Abdul Kalam. However, within a year he was asked to vacate the premises to make way for current President Pranab Mukherjee who will live there after his five-year term ends. Next, he was allotted 10 Akbar Road, near Bharatiya Janata Party President's residence. Just as he was settling down in the bungalow, the movers asked him to retract his way as the house was supposed to be NDA's Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind's temporary residence. Mahesh may get the 10 Akbar Road residence if Ram Nath Kovind wins the presidential elections, after which he would move into Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Union Minister Mahesh Sharma just can't get a bungalow

A Bengaluru traffic cop has won hearts and minds after he stopped the President&#39;s convoy to let an ambulance pass.

The traffic cop, ML&nbsp;Nijalingappa, stopped the President&#39;s convoy to let an ambulance through at Bengaluru&#39;s Trinity Circle on Saturday.

President Pranab Mukherjee was in the city to inaugrate the Green Line metro and was at the time heading back to Raj Bhavan.&nbsp;

Traffic was heavy at the time but sub-inspector Nijalingappa quickly passed on directions that way be made for the ambulance.

Benagluru&nbsp;Police later announced a reward for Nijalingappa.&nbsp;

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Act of Shri Nijlingappa is truly admirable and deserves Kudos. Serves as example for many. <a href="https://twitter.com/BlrCityPolice">@BlrCityPolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CPBlr">@cpblr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/blrcitytraffic">@blrcitytraffic</a> <a href="https://t.co/fLxOKpdNaj">https://t.co/fLxOKpdNaj</a>
&mdash; IPS Association (@IPS_Association) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPS_Association/status/877003317053841409">June 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PSI Sh Nijlingappa is rewarded for deftly allowing the ambulance before the 1st citizen of India. <a href="https://twitter.com/blrcitytraffic">@blrcitytraffic</a> gives way to ??, do you? <a href="https://t.co/KoI2nap14N">pic.twitter.com/KoI2nap14N</a>
&mdash; DCP Traffic East (@DCPTrEastBCP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DCPTrEastBCP/status/876330897443704833">June 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Abhei Goyal, deputy commissioner of police, Traffic, East Division, Bengaluru City, later took to Twitter to praise the officer&#39;s presence of mind.&nbsp;

&quot;P SI Sh Nijilingappa is rewarded for deftly allowing the ambulance before the 1st citizen of India,&quot; he wrote.&nbsp;

The incident occurred in Bengaluru, where President Pranab Mukherjee had gone to inaugurate the Green Line metro

A Bengaluru traffic cop has won hearts and minds after he stopped the President's convoy to let an ambulance pass. The traffic cop, ML Nijalingappa, stopped the President's convoy to let an ambulance through at Bengaluru's Trinity Circle on Saturday. President Pranab Mukherjee was in the city to inaugrate the Green Line metro and was at the time heading back to Raj Bhavan. Traffic was heavy at the time but sub-inspector Nijalingappa quickly passed on directions that way be made for the ambulance. Benagluru Police later announced a reward for Nijalingappa. Act of Shri Nijlingappa is truly admirable and deserves Kudos. Serves as example for many. @BlrCityPolice @cpblr @blrcitytraffic https://t.co/fLxOKpdNaj — IPS Association (@IPS_Association) June 20, 2017 × PSI Sh Nijlingappa is rewarded for deftly allowing the ambulance before the 1st citizen of India. @blrcitytraffic gives way to ??, do you? pic.twitter.com/KoI2nap14N — DCP Traffic East (@DCPTrEastBCP) June 18, 2017 × Abhei Goyal, deputy commissioner of police, Traffic, East Division, Bengaluru City, later took to Twitter to praise the officer's presence of mind. "P SI Sh Nijilingappa is rewarded for deftly allowing the ambulance before the 1st citizen of India," he wrote.

Traffic cop stops President's convoy to let ambulance pass, wins hearts & minds

As President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s term is nearing its completion, one question that everybody is asking - who will make it to the Rashtrapati Bhavan?

WION takes a look at some of the names that could emerge as candidates in the Presidential elections slated for next month.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi

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The former diplomat and Governor of West Bengal could become the consensus candidate for a united opposition. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others)
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Gopalkrishna Gandhi&#39;s name came up&nbsp;after CPI (M) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, confirmed that he had spoken to him. Gopalkrishna Gandhi who is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi has been a diplomat and served as the Governor of West Bengal. He is someone who could provide a strong pivot for an opposition unity. &nbsp;

Meira Kumar

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The former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is one of the many names that are doing the rounds as opposition&#39;s candidate for the presidential elections. (Image source Wikimedia Commons) (Others)
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The name of the former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is also doing the rounds as a possible opposition candidate. Meira Kumar is the daughter of Congress stalwart Jagjivan Ram. The opposition could make her a consensus candidate if Draupadi Murmu, who is the Jharkhand Governor and whose name is also doing the rounds as the ruling NDA&#39;s candidate, emerges as front-runner in the Presidential elections.

Sharad Yadav

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Socialist leader and former president of the JD(U) Sharad Yadav&#39;s name is also in contention for the top job. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others)
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The socialist leader and former president of the Janta Dal (United) has emerged as one of the leaders the opposition could zero in as a consensus candidate. He is someone who comes with long experience as a parliamentarian. He is someone who has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP government at the Centre. But lack of support from his own party could hamper his chances as Nitish Kumar had proposed the name of the incumbent, Pranab Mukherjee, as opposition&#39;s choice for the President.&nbsp;

Draupadi Murmu

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The Jharkhand Governor comes from a tribal community in Odisha and is seen as a strong contender for the President&#39;s position. (Zee News Network)
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The Jharkhand governor&nbsp;has emerged as a strong candidate in the upcoming presidential election. She comes from the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. She belongs to a tribal community. With the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) keen on winning the Odisha assembly elections, she is being seen as a front-runner at the moment. Moreover, she is someone who would be difficult to oppose for the opposition. She has also&nbsp;served as a legislator in the Odisha Assembly&nbsp;twice.&nbsp;

Lal Krishna Advani

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LK Advani&#39;s name is doing the rounds as the ruling NDA&#39;s presidential candidate. (Image source: Wikimedia) (Others)
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The BJP stalwart and a member of BJP&#39;s &#39;Margdarshak&#39;&nbsp;committee could figure as the NDA candidate for the presidential elections. But the Supreme Court&#39;s directive to the lower court to wrap up the proceedings against Advani and others in the Babri Masjid demolition in two years is hanging like a sword over his candidature. Moreover, the fact that he has been sidelined within the party as he and other senior BJP leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi have been accommodated in the &#39;Margdarshak&#39;&nbsp;committee, which was constituted to provide guidance to the party, effectively puts an end to his candidature.&nbsp; 
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As the date for Presidential elections comes closer, opposition parties are hunting for a candidate that could give a tough fight to the ruling party's candidate

As President Pranab Mukherjee's term is nearing its completion, one question that everybody is asking - who will make it to the Rashtrapati Bhavan? WION takes a look at some of the names that could emerge as candidates in the Presidential elections slated for next month. Gopalkrishna Gandhi The former diplomat and Governor of West Bengal could become the consensus candidate for a united opposition. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others) × Gopalkrishna Gandhi's name came up after CPI (M) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, confirmed that he had spoken to him. Gopalkrishna Gandhi who is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi has been a diplomat and served as the Governor of West Bengal. He is someone who could provide a strong pivot for an opposition unity. Meira Kumar The former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is one of the many names that are doing the rounds as opposition's candidate for the presidential elections. (Image source Wikimedia Commons) (Others) × The name of the former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is also doing the rounds as a possible opposition candidate. Meira Kumar is the daughter of Congress stalwart Jagjivan Ram. The opposition could make her a consensus candidate if Draupadi Murmu, who is the Jharkhand Governor and whose name is also doing the rounds as the ruling NDA's candidate, emerges as front-runner in the Presidential elections. Sharad Yadav Socialist leader and former president of the JD(U) Sharad Yadav's name is also in contention for the top job. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others) × The socialist leader and former president of the Janta Dal (United) has emerged as one of the leaders the opposition could zero in as a consensus candidate. He is someone who comes with long experience as a parliamentarian. He is someone who has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP government at the Centre. But lack of support from his own party could hamper his chances as Nitish Kumar had proposed the name of the incumbent, Pranab Mukherjee, as opposition's choice for the President. Draupadi Murmu The Jharkhand Governor comes from a tribal community in Odisha and is seen as a strong contender for the President's position. (Zee News Network) × The Jharkhand governor has emerged as a strong candidate in the upcoming presidential election. She comes from the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. She belongs to a tribal community. With the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) keen on winning the Odisha assembly elections, she is being seen as a front-runner at the moment. Moreover, she is someone who would be difficult to oppose for the opposition. She has also served as a legislator in the Odisha Assembly twice. Lal Krishna Advani LK Advani's name is doing the rounds as the ruling NDA's presidential candidate. (Image source: Wikimedia) (Others) × The BJP stalwart and a member of BJP's 'Margdarshak' committee could figure as the NDA candidate for the presidential elections. But the Supreme Court's directive to the lower court to wrap up the proceedings against Advani and others in the Babri Masjid demolition in two years is hanging like a sword over his candidature. Moreover, the fact that he has been sidelined within the party as he and other senior BJP leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi have been accommodated in the 'Margdarshak' committee, which was constituted to provide guidance to the party, effectively puts an end to his candidature.

Who will be India's next President? Here's a look at the contenders

Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s term as President of India ends on July 24 and the process to elect India&#39;s 15th President commences on Wednesday, June 14 when the election commission of India will issue&nbsp;the notification calling for the election. If required, voting will be held on July 17 while July 20 has been fixed as the date of counting.

So who elects the President of India? 
Elected members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the elected members of state legislative assemblies including NCT of Delhi and UT of Puducherry vote to elect the President of India 
A total of 4,896 legislators &mdash; 543 from Lok Sabha, 233 from Rajya Sabha and 4,120 from the state assemblies &mdash; will form the electoral college for the presidential polls this time.

How many votes does a legislator have? 
The value of votes of each MLA and MP is arrived at by using formulae that take into account the population of respective states as per the 1971 census. 
Currently, the total value of the votes of 4,120 MLAs is 5,49,495.&nbsp; 
And the total value of votes of 776 MPs is 5,49,408.&nbsp; 
Thus, the total value of votes for the presidential polls is 10,98,903.

What&#39;s the process to vote? 
Voting for presidential polls in India is conducted using ballot papers. The ballot paper does not contain any election symbol and has just two columns--column 1 containing the heading &ldquo;name of candidate&rdquo; and column 2 containing the heading &ldquo;order of preference&rdquo;. 
Each elector will have as many preferences as there are contesting candidates. 
An elector in giving his vote will place the figure &ldquo;1&rdquo; in the space opposite the name of the candidate whom he chooses for his first preference and may, in addition, mark as many subsequent preferences as he wishes by placing on his ballot paper the figures 2,3,4 and so on in the spaces opposite the names of other candidates, in order of preference.

Is it a secret ballot? 
The constitution has expressly provided that election to the office of Pesident shall be by secret ballot. Therefore, the electors are expected to scrupulously maintain secrecy of vote. There is no concept of open voting at this election and showing the ballot to anyone under any circumstances in the case of presidential elections is totally prohibited.

What about party whips? 
Significantly, political parties cannot issue any whip to their MPs and MLAs in the matter of voting in the presidential election. This implies that legislators can vote as per their conscience and need not stick to political loyalties.

How is counting done? 
After calculating the total value of votes polled by each candidate, the returning officer totals up the value of all valid votes polled. The quota for declaring a candidate as elected is determined by dividing of the valid votes by 2 and adding one to the quotient, 
Ignoring the remainder, if any. For example, assuming the total value of valid votes polled by all candidates is 1,00,001. The quota required for getting elected would be 50,000+1=50,001 
In the current scenario, whichever candidate wins 5,49,452 votes will become the next president of India.

Though several names have informally been doing the rounds, neither the ruling NDA nor the Opposition parties have formally announced the names of their respective candidates for the presidential polls yet. While the BJP would be hoping to create some consensus for its candidate, the opposition would try to use this as an opportunity to embarrass the govt by getting its candidate elected. This election will also provide opposition parties to form a front against the BJP in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

(WION) 
&nbsp;

WION's Raghvendra Rao explains how the election will take place

Pranab Mukherjee's term as President of India ends on July 24 and the process to elect India's 15th President commences on Wednesday, June 14 when the election commission of India will issue the notification calling for the election. If required, voting will be held on July 17 while July 20 has been fixed as the date of counting. So who elects the President of India? Elected members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the elected members of state legislative assemblies including NCT of Delhi and UT of Puducherry vote to elect the President of India A total of 4,896 legislators — 543 from Lok Sabha, 233 from Rajya Sabha and 4,120 from the state assemblies — will form the electoral college for the presidential polls this time. How many votes does a legislator have? The value of votes of each MLA and MP is arrived at by using formulae that take into account the population of respective states as per the 1971 census. Currently, the total value of the votes of 4,120 MLAs is 5,49,495. And the total value of votes of 776 MPs is 5,49,408. Thus, the total value of votes for the presidential polls is 10,98,903. What's the process to vote? Voting for presidential polls in India is conducted using ballot papers. The ballot paper does not contain any election symbol and has just two columns--column 1 containing the heading “name of candidate” and column 2 containing the heading “order of preference”. Each elector will have as many preferences as there are contesting candidates. An elector in giving his vote will place the figure “1” in the space opposite the name of the candidate whom he chooses for his first preference and may, in addition, mark as many subsequent preferences as he wishes by placing on his ballot paper the figures 2,3,4 and so on in the spaces opposite the names of other candidates, in order of preference. Is it a secret ballot? The constitution has expressly provided that election to the office of Pesident shall be by secret ballot. Therefore, the electors are expected to scrupulously maintain secrecy of vote. There is no concept of open voting at this election and showing the ballot to anyone under any circumstances in the case of presidential elections is totally prohibited. What about party whips? Significantly, political parties cannot issue any whip to their MPs and MLAs in the matter of voting in the presidential election. This implies that legislators can vote as per their conscience and need not stick to political loyalties. How is counting done? After calculating the total value of votes polled by each candidate, the returning officer totals up the value of all valid votes polled. The quota for declaring a candidate as elected is determined by dividing of the valid votes by 2 and adding one to the quotient, Ignoring the remainder, if any. For example, assuming the total value of valid votes polled by all candidates is 1,00,001. The quota required for getting elected would be 50,000+1=50,001 In the current scenario, whichever candidate wins 5,49,452 votes will become the next president of India. Though several names have informally been doing the rounds, neither the ruling NDA nor the Opposition parties have formally announced the names of their respective candidates for the presidential polls yet. While the BJP would be hoping to create some consensus for its candidate, the opposition would try to use this as an opportunity to embarrass the govt by getting its candidate elected. This election will also provide opposition parties to form a front against the BJP in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. (WION)

Process to elect next President of India begins today

With President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s term in office coming to a closure on July 24, India will go on polls to elect their new President on July 17.

The counting of the votes will be done on July 20.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi announced today that the last date of notification is June 14, while the last date of filing the nominations is June 28.

The scrutiny of nomination will be held on June 29 and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is July 1.

The election will be held by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the Houses of the Parliament --the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha elected members of all the state legislative assemblies and with the elected members of the legislative assembly of the Union Territories including Delhi and Puducherry.&nbsp;

(ANI)

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi announced today that the last date of notification is June 14, while the last date of filing the nominations is June 28

With President Pranab Mukherjee's term in office coming to a closure on July 24, India will go on polls to elect their new President on July 17. The counting of the votes will be done on July 20. Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi announced today that the last date of notification is June 14, while the last date of filing the nominations is June 28. The scrutiny of nomination will be held on June 29 and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is July 1. The election will be held by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the Houses of the Parliament --the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha elected members of all the state legislative assemblies and with the elected members of the legislative assembly of the Union Territories including Delhi and Puducherry. (ANI)

India to elect new president on July 17, counting on July 20

President Pranab Mukherjee today approved the names of AAP MLAs Kailash Gahlot and Rajendra Pal Gautam to be inducted as ministers in the Delhi government.

The President also approved the removal of sacked AAP leader Kapil Mishra as a minister in the Delhi government.

Official sources said the files sent in this connection by the Union Home Ministry was cleared by Mukherjee, who is on a tour to West Bengal.

As per the rules, the Delhi government has to take permission of the Centre before carrying out any expansion in its Cabinet. The Home Ministry had earlier given its clearance to the two names.

Besides the chief minister, a Delhi government can have six cabinet ministers.

At present, there is a vacancy of two ministers in the Kejriwal cabinet.

Kapil Mishra was sacked as Water Minister on May 6 while Sandeep Kumar was removed from the Arvind Kejriwal Cabinet last year after a CD purportedly showing him in a compromising position surfaced.

The President, on the advice of the Chief Minister of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, has ordered that Kapil Mishra shall cease to be a Minister in the Delhi government with immediate effect, an official order said.

On Tuesday, Kejriwal had accused the Centre of &quot;stalling&quot; the Delhi government&#39;s activities by allegedly holding back the files relating to the appointment of the two ministers.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said also that the &quot;delay&quot; amounted to&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of the Constitution and had accused the Centre of &quot;paralysing&quot; the Delhi government.

Kejriwal had said the people of Delhi should not suffer due to the BJP-led NDA government&#39;s &quot;enmity&quot; with the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi.

Sisodia had said the Delhi government had on May 6 sent the files relating to the induction of the two MLAs in the Cabinet, but the Centre was yet to clear the same.

(PTI)

President Pranab Mukherjee also approved the removal of sacked AAP leader Kapil Mishra as a minister in the Delhi government

President Pranab Mukherjee today approved the names of AAP MLAs Kailash Gahlot and Rajendra Pal Gautam to be inducted as ministers in the Delhi government. The President also approved the removal of sacked AAP leader Kapil Mishra as a minister in the Delhi government. Official sources said the files sent in this connection by the Union Home Ministry was cleared by Mukherjee, who is on a tour to West Bengal. As per the rules, the Delhi government has to take permission of the Centre before carrying out any expansion in its Cabinet. The Home Ministry had earlier given its clearance to the two names. Besides the chief minister, a Delhi government can have six cabinet ministers. At present, there is a vacancy of two ministers in the Kejriwal cabinet. Kapil Mishra was sacked as Water Minister on May 6 while Sandeep Kumar was removed from the Arvind Kejriwal Cabinet last year after a CD purportedly showing him in a compromising position surfaced. The President, on the advice of the Chief Minister of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, has ordered that Kapil Mishra shall cease to be a Minister in the Delhi government with immediate effect, an official order said. On Tuesday, Kejriwal had accused the Centre of "stalling" the Delhi government's activities by allegedly holding back the files relating to the appointment of the two ministers. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said also that the "delay" amounted to violation of the Constitution and had accused the Centre of "paralysing" the Delhi government. Kejriwal had said the people of Delhi should not suffer due to the BJP-led NDA government's "enmity" with the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi. Sisodia had said the Delhi government had on May 6 sent the files relating to the induction of the two MLAs in the Cabinet, but the Centre was yet to clear the same. (PTI)

India: President approves appointment of new ministers in Delhi cabinet

President of India Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebrations marking 90 years&nbsp;of Essel Group on Sunday,&nbsp;

The event will be held at New Delhi&#39;s Indira Gandhi Stadium.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Tomorrow I look forward to joining the 90 year celebrations of the Essel Group. Congratulations to Essel Group on this momentous occasion.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/863384865927909377">May 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Speaking on the Group&#39;s journey, Dr Subhash Chandra, chairman, Essel Group said, &quot;This journey of 90 years has been filled with remarkable successes as well as challenges and obstacles. It has been a journey of creating history, venturing into unknown territories, only to emerge as leaders, capitalising on our pioneering vision and sheer entrepreneurial spirit. Today, Essel Group is a multi-billion dollar diversified business conglomerate, enriching billions of lives across the world. As we look to the future, I am confident that we will carry forward the legacy of the Group with complete passion, dedication and above all, the spirit of #YoungAt90!&quot;

The Essel Group, which was founded in 1926,&nbsp;has grown &nbsp;to become a multi-billion dollar business conglomerate having diverse business presence across media, entertainment, packaging, infrastructure, education, precious metals, finance and technology.

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Group which was founded in 1926?has grown to become a multi-billion dollar business conglomerate having diverse business presence across media, entertainment, packaging, infrastructure, education, precious metals, finance and technology.

President of India Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebrations marking 90 years of Essel Group on Sunday, The event will be held at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium. Tomorrow I look forward to joining the 90 year celebrations of the Essel Group. Congratulations to Essel Group on this momentous occasion. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2017 × Speaking on the Group's journey, Dr Subhash Chandra, chairman, Essel Group said, "This journey of 90 years has been filled with remarkable successes as well as challenges and obstacles. It has been a journey of creating history, venturing into unknown territories, only to emerge as leaders, capitalising on our pioneering vision and sheer entrepreneurial spirit. Today, Essel Group is a multi-billion dollar diversified business conglomerate, enriching billions of lives across the world. As we look to the future, I am confident that we will carry forward the legacy of the Group with complete passion, dedication and above all, the spirit of #YoungAt90!" The Essel Group, which was founded in 1926, has grown to become a multi-billion dollar business conglomerate having diverse business presence across media, entertainment, packaging, infrastructure, education, precious metals, finance and technology. (WION)

India: President, PM to attend Essel Group's 90th year celebrations

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