<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-rubbish-entire-nation-knows-he-is-indian-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-on-rahuls-citizenship-row-214729">AICC general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> on Tuesday reacted over reports of her nomination as a Congress candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

She said that she took the advice of all senior party leaders and colleagues in Uttar Pradesh and decided that it was important for her to focus on the 41 Lok Sabha constituencies she is looking after over just giving attention to one seat (Varanasi).&nbsp;

"I took the advice of all senior leaders of our party and colleagues in UP. They firmly felt that I have a responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they (candidates) would be disappointed if I focused on only one place," she said.&nbsp;

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on nomination from Varanasi seat: I took advice of all senior leaders of our party &amp; colleagues in UP.They firmly felt that I have responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they(candidates)would be disappointed if I focused on only one place <a href="https://t.co/HC8oFLn47Y">pic.twitter.com/HC8oFLn47Y</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1123170906518499328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is yet to declare its candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. For Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fight from his home constituency. The Samajwadi Party has fielded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/fielded-tej-bahadur-from-varanasi-in-honour-of-forces-nationalism-samajwadi-party-214750">former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur</a> as alliance candidate.&nbsp;

Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

AICC general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over reports of her nomination as a Congress candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.

AICC general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over reports of her nomination as a Congress candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. She said that she took the advice of all senior party leaders and colleagues in Uttar Pradesh and decided that it was important for her to focus on the 41 Lok Sabha constituencies she is looking after over just giving attention to one seat (Varanasi). "I took the advice of all senior leaders of our party and colleagues in UP. They firmly felt that I have a responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they (candidates) would be disappointed if I focused on only one place," she said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on nomination from Varanasi seat: I took advice of all senior leaders of our party & colleagues in UP.They firmly felt that I have responsibility here of looking after 41 seats. I felt that they(candidates)would be disappointed if I focused on only one place pic.twitter.com/HC8oFLn47Y — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 30, 2019 × Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is yet to declare its candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. For Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fight from his home constituency. The Samajwadi Party has fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur as alliance candidate. Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.

Candidates will be disappointed if I focussed on only one seat: Priyanka Gandhi on nomination from Varanasi 

Congress&nbsp;general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East and party president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over Ministry of Home Affairs notice to Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship.

Priyanka Gandhi told reporters that the entire country knows that Rahul Gandhi is an India.

"The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" she exclaimed.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on MHA notice to Rahul Gandhi over citizenship, says," The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" <a href="https://t.co/Rgt457WMoi">pic.twitter.com/Rgt457WMoi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1123147757651406848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-issues-notice-to-congress-president-rahul-gandhi-over-citizenship-214677">notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship</a> after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy.

''The Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company,'' the notice read.

Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company.

"It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company's Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British," the notice said.&nbsp;

The Ministry has asked Gandhi to respond within a 'fortnight' to the allegations.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East and party president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over Ministry of Home Affairs notice to Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship.

Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East and party president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday reacted over Ministry of Home Affairs notice to Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship. Priyanka Gandhi told reporters that the entire country knows that Rahul Gandhi is an India. "The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" she exclaimed. #WATCH Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on MHA notice to Rahul Gandhi over citizenship, says," The whole of India knows that Rahul Gandhi is an Indian. People have seen him being born and grow up in India. Kya bakwaas hai yeh?" pic.twitter.com/Rgt457WMoi — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2019 × The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his citizenship after receiving a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy. ''The Ministry has received a representation from MP Dr Subramanian Swamy in which it has been brought out that a Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that you were one of the Directors and Secretary of the said Company,'' the notice read. Swamy has stated that the Congress president had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company. "It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company's Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British," the notice said. The Ministry has asked Gandhi to respond within a 'fortnight' to the allegations.

Entire nation knows he is Indian: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Rahul's citizenship row

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, April 29th 2019

In Lok Sabha Polls 2019, 17 seats of Maharashtra are in the fray in fourth phase.

LS Polls: 17 seats of Maharashtra in the fray in fourth phase of Lok Sabha Polls

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LS Polls 2019: Know which candidates' fate on claim in Phase 4

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It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP'&nbsp;was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday.

"I am happy that Priyanka Vadra is counting the number of times I came to Amethi. Probably she is counting mine because she is unable to tell the public where the missing MP was for 15 years. I request her to provide that information too," Smriti said while talking to ANI.

She also questioned Congress'&nbsp;method of showing love for the nation. "Yasin Malik is charged with the murder of Air Force officials. Yet the statement given by PC Chacko yesterday supporting him should be condemned either by Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Priyanka Vadra are these your ways of showing nationalism," she said.

Congress spokesperson PC Chacko on Saturday told reporters in New Delhi that "If Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused, can contest an election, and the way Delhi is asking him (Yasin Malik) at gunpoint to surrender, anyone with self-respect will react the way Yasin Malik did."

She also said that Priyanka should take a closer look at the acts of Congress before she gives statements on nationalism. Irani, who lost to Rahul Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha from Amethi, is again facing him here. Amethi will go to polls on May 6. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP' was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday.

It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP' was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday. "I am happy that Priyanka Vadra is counting the number of times I came to Amethi. Probably she is counting mine because she is unable to tell the public where the missing MP was for 15 years. I request her to provide that information too," Smriti said while talking to ANI. She also questioned Congress' method of showing love for the nation. "Yasin Malik is charged with the murder of Air Force officials. Yet the statement given by PC Chacko yesterday supporting him should be condemned either by Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Priyanka Vadra are these your ways of showing nationalism," she said. Congress spokesperson PC Chacko on Saturday told reporters in New Delhi that "If Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused, can contest an election, and the way Delhi is asking him (Yasin Malik) at gunpoint to surrender, anyone with self-respect will react the way Yasin Malik did." She also said that Priyanka should take a closer look at the acts of Congress before she gives statements on nationalism. Irani, who lost to Rahul Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha from Amethi, is again facing him here. Amethi will go to polls on May 6. The results will be announced on May 23.

Happy that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the days I spent in Amethi: Smriti Irani

Congress on Thursday ended all speculation around party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting Lok Sabha Election from Varanasi constituency. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: No Modi vs Priyanka in Varanasi as Congress names Ajay Rai as its candidate

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.

"Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front&nbsp;of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said.

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Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai <a href="https://t.co/vwQraaqaVn">pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn</a>
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The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&amp;they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." <a href="https://t.co/ocp1H1CSHQ">pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1120311060924370944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders."

Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is."

BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes.

Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency.

"Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said.

Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lost her usually collected demeanour and lashed out at "outsider" Smriti Irani stating that the Union Minister had insulted the people of Amethi by distributing shoes there. "Elections are here and many outsiders have also come here to spread lies that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here. You people know the truth," Priyanka said during an election rally here. "The objectionable thing is that Smriti Irani ji came here and distributed shoes. She thought that she is insulting Rahul ji but she has insulted the people of Amethi. You should teach them that people of Amethi and Rae Bareli respect themselves and will not beg in front of anyone. They should come to you and beg for votes," Priyanka said. Union Minister Smriti Irani: Actor main reh chuki hoon toh natak Priyanka ji na hi karein to behtar hai, jahan tak baat un gharib nagrikon ki hai jinke paas pehne ko joota nahi tha,toh kripya karke agar unme thodi bhi sharm ho to khud ja ke dekh lein ki sach kya hai pic.twitter.com/vwQraaqaVn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × The Congress leader addressing people at a Nukkad Sabha here said "You should understand what is happening in this election, lying, attempting to divert the attention of people and a campaign that is removed from reality. I have been going around Uttar Pradesh East and seeing the suffering of people, small industries have been shut, youth are unemployed, they have stopped development works in Amethi." #WATCH Union Min Smriti Irani: Call all the relatives you have,be it from India,from Italy or from any part of the world.People of India will do justice&they have already decided to choose Pradhansevak again,but this time whole Gandhi family will also be given a strong message." pic.twitter.com/ocp1H1CSHQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 22, 2019 × Speaking in the same vein, Priyanka said, "People of Amethi and Rae Bareli have never begged in front of anyone. Whosoever has come in front of them, have come with respect. My family have realised that people made us. You have given power and love as well. You are the one who make us leaders." Meanwhile, the actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani hit back at Priyanka Gandhi and said, "I have been an actor and it would be better if Priyanka ji stopped her acting. As far as the plight of those poor people who did not have shoes to wear, if she has even a bit of shame she should go and see for herself what the truth is." BJP has fielded Smriti Irani against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. In 2014, Rahul had defeated Irani by a margin of over one lakh votes. Priyanka also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he has not visited a single village of his constituency. "Rajiv Gandhi used to visit areas of his constituency. Rahul Gandhi also visits villages. I went to Varanasi, I asked people if the Prime Minister has come there. I learnt that he has not visited a single village in the last five years," she said. Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to go to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 6, while Varanasi will witness polling in the last phase on May 19.

Smriti Irani insulted people of Amethi by distributing shoes: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Three months after the surprise political debut of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/attempt-being-made-to-destroy-the-constitution-priyanka-gandhi-210337">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, does the Congress have another surprise in store for its supporters?

She debuted as the AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East and now speculations are rife that she might be pitted against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-govt-lamented-after-terror-attacks-we-killed-terrorists-in-their-home-pm-modi-210390">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> from his home constituency, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-decision-yet-on-priyanka-gandhi-contesting-from-varanasi-rajeev-shukla-208559">Varanasi</a>, this Lok Sabha polls.

In fact, the Congress itself is indirectly fuelling the rumours by refraining from announcing its candidate for Varanasi. The constituency failed to feature in the list of seats in Uttar Pradesh for which the party declared its nominees on Saturday.

As for Priyanka, she too hasn't denied contesting polls - not yet.

Reports of the Congress cadre requesting Priyanka to contest from the state have been doing the rounds for weeks now but the Congress leadership has remained tight-lipped about any speculation over Priyanka’s candidature.&nbsp;

Remember, apart from Varanasi, the Congress is yet to name its candidate from Lucknow, from where the BJP has fielded its incumbent MP Rajnath Singh

Will Priyanka Gandhi Vadra be pitted against PM Modi this Lok Sabha polls? According to reports, Priyanka has agreed to contest from Varanasi with the final decision pending with the party high command. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/varanasi-constituency-to-watch-out-for-this-election-207981">Varanasi goes to polls on May 19</a>.&nbsp;

Three months after the surprise political debut of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, does the Congress have another surprise in store for its supporters? She debuted as the AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East and now speculations are rife that she might be pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his home constituency, Varanasi, this Lok Sabha polls.

Three months after the surprise political debut of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, does the Congress have another surprise in store for its supporters? She debuted as the AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East and now speculations are rife that she might be pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his home constituency, Varanasi, this Lok Sabha polls. In fact, the Congress itself is indirectly fuelling the rumours by refraining from announcing its candidate for Varanasi. The constituency failed to feature in the list of seats in Uttar Pradesh for which the party declared its nominees on Saturday. As for Priyanka, she too hasn't denied contesting polls - not yet. Reports of the Congress cadre requesting Priyanka to contest from the state have been doing the rounds for weeks now but the Congress leadership has remained tight-lipped about any speculation over Priyanka’s candidature. Remember, apart from Varanasi, the Congress is yet to name its candidate from Lucknow, from where the BJP has fielded its incumbent MP Rajnath Singh Will Priyanka Gandhi Vadra be pitted against PM Modi this Lok Sabha polls? According to reports, Priyanka has agreed to contest from Varanasi with the final decision pending with the party high command. Varanasi goes to polls on May 19.

Lok Sabha polls: With Congress tight-lipped about Varanasi candidate, speculations pit Priyanka Gandhi against PM Modi in his home constituency

During&nbsp;a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blog-cattle-problem-in-up-can-impact-bjps-prospects-in-2019-lok-sabha-elections-206289">Lok Sabha elections</a>. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion.&nbsp;

In one such meeting, a worker asked Priyanka Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections, she shot back, smiling and retorted, "Why not Varanasi?”&nbsp;

This statement has set the cat among&nbsp;the pigeons. Priyanka Gandhi had expressed the same sentiment on Wednesday and answered in response to a question that she would definitely like to contest the Lok Sabha&nbsp;elections if the party fields her. She also added that&nbsp;she is a full-time politician now and there is no looking back. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh and handles the party's campaign in the state.

It also raises expectations of Congress workers who want to see her in a larger and taller role. Though Priyanka maintains a low profile lest she overshadows her brother Rahul Gandhi, there is a growing clamour in the ranks to give her a bigger role within the organization.

Sources also informed to WION that Congress would also be organizing 15 to 17 joint rallies of Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the places identified are Prayag, Varanasi, Unnav, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kushinagar.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day tour of Uttar Pradesh and would be visiting Ayodhya on Friday. She is also expected to visit the famous HanumanGarhi temple. On Wednesday and Thursday, she will meet booth workers in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

During a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion.

During a Congress workers meeting, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka at present is holding workers meeting in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Gandhi family bastion. In one such meeting, a worker asked Priyanka Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections, she shot back, smiling and retorted, "Why not Varanasi?” This statement has set the cat among the pigeons. Priyanka Gandhi had expressed the same sentiment on Wednesday and answered in response to a question that she would definitely like to contest the Lok Sabha elections if the party fields her. She also added that she is a full-time politician now and there is no looking back. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh and handles the party's campaign in the state. It also raises expectations of Congress workers who want to see her in a larger and taller role. Though Priyanka maintains a low profile lest she overshadows her brother Rahul Gandhi, there is a growing clamour in the ranks to give her a bigger role within the organization. Sources also informed to WION that Congress would also be organizing 15 to 17 joint rallies of Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the places identified are Prayag, Varanasi, Unnav, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kushinagar. Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day tour of Uttar Pradesh and would be visiting Ayodhya on Friday. She is also expected to visit the famous HanumanGarhi temple. On Wednesday and Thursday, she will meet booth workers in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

'Why not Varanasi?' Priyanka Gandhi hints at contesting Lok Sabha polls

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election. The Congress suffered its greatest electoral defeat. Its seat tally in the Lok Sabha dwindled to a mere 44 out of 543 seats.&nbsp;

In the years that followed, Congress continued to suffer electoral defeats. Nevertheless, from the brink of a political abyss, the party pulled back; last December, it won assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. After playing a secondary role for some years, Priyanka has waded into direct political activity. 
 
The Congress hopes that her political campaigns and active involvement in organisational work will not only help Rahul Gandhi but also revive the Congress’s political fortunes. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Her focus is on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 LS seats. Any party or alliance that wins maximum seats in the state will have a powerful say in government formation at the Centre. In 2014, the BJP-led NDA swept the state, bagging 71 seats. &nbsp;

However, the state was a former bastion of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Over the years, the party has witnessed steady erosion of support base to the SP, the BSP and more recently, to the BJP. At present, apart from the two constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Congress’ political heft in UP is very limited.&nbsp;

To ensure that anti-BJP votes do not split to the disadvantage of BJP’s political opponents, several parties have tried to form alliances. The Congress, at present, is a relatively emaciated, but it’s still a national party. Though it does not carry enough political weight to secure a dominant position in anti-BJP alliance formations across most states, its trying to position itself as a presiding political entity within the context of the power structure in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Even then, however, it is being challenged by regional parties such as the SP, BSP and West Bengal’s TMC. Successfully navigating the political terrain of UP is a challenge. Since the 1990s, it has been observed that broader the ambit, including community and caste identities, apart from the core vote of a political party, the greater its political expediency. The BSP has been typically supported by the Yadav-led vote bank, while SP’s support derives from a consolidated Yadav vote bloc. The BJP’s vote base was traditionally confined to so-called upper castes. But of late, through an increasing narrative of development, good governance and non-appeasement, it has been successful in accruing a percentage of votes across the board. The aftermath: BJP rode to massive victory in the last state assembly elections.

The Congress has not wielded much influence in the state, circa 1990. Its former winning coalition constituents, the Brahmins, Dalits and Muslims, have drifted to vote other political parties. The changed political scenario, absence of appropriate policies, and lack of concerted leadership to the UP unit of the party have collectively contributed to its decline. Today, it is struggling to recover lost ground. But would it be relatively easier than otherwise?

The SP and the BSP have built their respective political identities around anti-Congress, anti-BJP rhetoric. BSP leader Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav have explicitly refused to strike any electoral alliance with the Congress. They are confident of their own alliance against the BJP-led NDA. Currently, they are prepared to extend only surface courtesies to Congress.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi has embarked on a boat journey across eastern UP to increase adherence for the Congress. She accuses the BJP of agrarian distress, stressed employment rates, and divisive politics. Whether the amiable reception she receives across the banks of the Ganges would translate to votes for Congress candidates is moot.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in an interview, the BJP Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, has insisted on the relative improvement of law and order in the state, implementation of certain welfare schemes, and non-discriminatory policies of his government. His work will strike a chord with some sections of the electorate. &nbsp;

The way ahead for the Congress seems to be tortuous.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-congress-will-find-up-to-be-a-tough-political-terrain-2733552">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election.

Just before the last parliamentary elections in 2014, some senior Congress leaders indicated that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could enter active politics, especially if the Congress party suffered a rout in that election. The Congress suffered its greatest electoral defeat. Its seat tally in the Lok Sabha dwindled to a mere 44 out of 543 seats. In the years that followed, Congress continued to suffer electoral defeats. Nevertheless, from the brink of a political abyss, the party pulled back; last December, it won assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. After playing a secondary role for some years, Priyanka has waded into direct political activity. The Congress hopes that her political campaigns and active involvement in organisational work will not only help Rahul Gandhi but also revive the Congress’s political fortunes. Her focus is on Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 LS seats. Any party or alliance that wins maximum seats in the state will have a powerful say in government formation at the Centre. In 2014, the BJP-led NDA swept the state, bagging 71 seats. However, the state was a former bastion of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Over the years, the party has witnessed steady erosion of support base to the SP, the BSP and more recently, to the BJP. At present, apart from the two constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Congress’ political heft in UP is very limited. To ensure that anti-BJP votes do not split to the disadvantage of BJP’s political opponents, several parties have tried to form alliances. The Congress, at present, is a relatively emaciated, but it’s still a national party. Though it does not carry enough political weight to secure a dominant position in anti-BJP alliance formations across most states, its trying to position itself as a presiding political entity within the context of the power structure in New Delhi. Even then, however, it is being challenged by regional parties such as the SP, BSP and West Bengal’s TMC. Successfully navigating the political terrain of UP is a challenge. Since the 1990s, it has been observed that broader the ambit, including community and caste identities, apart from the core vote of a political party, the greater its political expediency. The BSP has been typically supported by the Yadav-led vote bank, while SP’s support derives from a consolidated Yadav vote bloc. The BJP’s vote base was traditionally confined to so-called upper castes. But of late, through an increasing narrative of development, good governance and non-appeasement, it has been successful in accruing a percentage of votes across the board. The aftermath: BJP rode to massive victory in the last state assembly elections. The Congress has not wielded much influence in the state, circa 1990. Its former winning coalition constituents, the Brahmins, Dalits and Muslims, have drifted to vote other political parties. The changed political scenario, absence of appropriate policies, and lack of concerted leadership to the UP unit of the party have collectively contributed to its decline. Today, it is struggling to recover lost ground. But would it be relatively easier than otherwise? The SP and the BSP have built their respective political identities around anti-Congress, anti-BJP rhetoric. BSP leader Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav have explicitly refused to strike any electoral alliance with the Congress. They are confident of their own alliance against the BJP-led NDA. Currently, they are prepared to extend only surface courtesies to Congress. Priyanka Gandhi has embarked on a boat journey across eastern UP to increase adherence for the Congress. She accuses the BJP of agrarian distress, stressed employment rates, and divisive politics. Whether the amiable reception she receives across the banks of the Ganges would translate to votes for Congress candidates is moot. Meanwhile, in an interview, the BJP Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath, has insisted on the relative improvement of law and order in the state, implementation of certain welfare schemes, and non-discriminatory policies of his government. His work will strike a chord with some sections of the electorate. The way ahead for the Congress seems to be tortuous. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress will find UP to be a tough political terrain

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation&nbsp;on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.&nbsp;

Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-final-goal-is-the-2022-assembly-elections-in-uttar-pradesh-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196999">Priyanka Gandhi who is on</a> a three-day visit to Amethi&nbsp;also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end.&nbsp;

“Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi.

The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices.&nbsp;

“Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections.

When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city.

When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted.&nbsp;

Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul.&nbsp;

In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections. &nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists. Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Priyanka Gandhi who is on a three-day visit to Amethi also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end. “Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi. The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices. “Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections. When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician. Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city. When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted. Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul. In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections.

Priyanka renews agrarian pitch for Congress in Lok Sabha elections

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.&nbsp;

Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls.&nbsp;

Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said.&nbsp;

Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-only-a-similar-deterrent-action-was-taken-after-mumbai-attack-sitharaman-on-balakot-airstrikes-205237">aggressive action against Pakistan</a>, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-pitrodas-remarks-asks-do-you-consider-pulwama-attack-a-routine-incident-205033">Pitroda</a>. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating that the Congress "will not get more than 60 seats" in the general elections. Goyal said that he is confident of the BJP making a clean sweep, bagging more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. He targetted Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticising her political debut that happened just 60 days ahead of the general polls. Goyal said Priyanka induction into politics at this juncture is just to "bail out her failed elder brother", news agency ANI reported. "Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones," he said. Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on aggressive action against Pakistan, Goyal said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders, news agency PTI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political debut is just to 'bail out her failed elder brother': Piyush Goyal

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-run-by-a-dynasty-cannot-serve-the-people-amit-shah-193708">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> tweeted Wednesday.&nbsp;

"From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared," he said.&nbsp;

In his tweet, Modi also attached a link — "Sharing some thoughts," he said — to a blog on his official page.&nbsp;

The blog was entitled "Institutional respect and Institutional contempt - two contrasting approaches".&nbsp;

Modi wrote on his blog that "In the summer of 2014, the people voted decisively for: Honesty over dynasty. Development over decay. Security over stagnation. Opportunities over obstacles. Vikas over vote-bank politics.

Indians were tired of our beloved nation being in the Fragile Five, where corruption, cronyism and nepotism made headlines instead of anything positive.

India voted to shed the baggage of the past in pursuit of a better future."&nbsp;

He added that the "The mandate of 2014 was epoch-making also because it was for the first time in the history of India that a non-dynastic party was blessed with a complete majority."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions. 
 
From the press to Parliament. 
 
From soldiers to free speech. 
 
From the Constitution to the courts. 
 
Nothing is spared. 
 
Sharing some thoughts. <a href="https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e">https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108211498701254661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He then went on to take a closer look at the various subheads — parliament, the army, the courts — he had mentioned in his tweet.&nbsp;

On Parliament he wrote:

The overall productivity of the 16th Lok Sabha was a phenomenal 85%, which is significantly higher than the productivity of the 15th Lok Sabha.

On the&nbsp;Press and Expression:

Dynastic parties have never been comfortable with a free and vibrant press. No wonder, the very first Constitutional Amendment brought in by the Congress government sought to curtail free speech. Speaking truth to power, which is the hallmark of a free press was seen as vulgar and indecent.

On the Constitution and Courts:&nbsp;

Congress’ contempt for the courts is anyway legendary. It was Mrs. Indira Gandhi who called for a “committed judiciary”, which seeks to make the courts more loyal to a family than to the Constitution.

On Government bodies:

In a telling comment, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi called the Planning Commission led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, ‘A bunch of jokers.’

This comment gives you a glimpse of how Congress treats government institutions.

On the Armed Forces:

Congress has always seen the defence sector as a source of income which is why the armed forces never got the respect from the Congress that they deserved.&nbsp;

On the Congress’ own (lack of) internal democracy and sense of entitlement:

Political parties are vibrant bodies that manifest diverse public opinion. Sadly, Congress does not believe in internal democracy.

If a leader dares to dream to head that party, he or she is shunted out of the Congress.

Finally, Modi advised, Think wisely:

"From the press to parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the constitution to the courts. Institutional insult is the Congress way. Everyone is wrong, only the Congress is correct.

As you go to vote- remember the past and how one family's desire for power cost the nation so greatly.

If they could do it then, they can surely do it now."&nbsp;

The pushback was of course swift, with Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/priyanka-gandhi-vadras-ganga-yatra-and-triumph-of-soft-hindutva-204136">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> saying the "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on PM Modi's tweet 'The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions': "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." <a href="https://t.co/9X4JyFHnSI">pic.twitter.com/9X4JyFHnSI</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1108232122454691840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

What is also interesting to note is that it is usually the opposition accusing Modi of browbeating India's institutions. The prime minister, with his tweet, seems to be trying to turn the tables on his opponents.&nbsp;

That would be similar to what he has tried to do with his Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign.&nbsp;

Modi had called himself the country's chowkidar (watchman; "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga," he had said) in the run-up to the 2014 elections.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has&nbsp;recently tried to subvert that narrative by saying "Chowkidar hi chor hai"; the Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign was seen as pushback to that.&nbsp;

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Wednesday. "From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech.

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Wednesday. "From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared," he said. In his tweet, Modi also attached a link — "Sharing some thoughts," he said — to a blog on his official page. The blog was entitled "Institutional respect and Institutional contempt - two contrasting approaches". Modi wrote on his blog that "In the summer of 2014, the people voted decisively for: Honesty over dynasty. Development over decay. Security over stagnation. Opportunities over obstacles. Vikas over vote-bank politics. Indians were tired of our beloved nation being in the Fragile Five, where corruption, cronyism and nepotism made headlines instead of anything positive. India voted to shed the baggage of the past in pursuit of a better future." He added that the "The mandate of 2014 was epoch-making also because it was for the first time in the history of India that a non-dynastic party was blessed with a complete majority." The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions. From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared. Sharing some thoughts. https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2019 × He then went on to take a closer look at the various subheads — parliament, the army, the courts — he had mentioned in his tweet. On Parliament he wrote: The overall productivity of the 16th Lok Sabha was a phenomenal 85%, which is significantly higher than the productivity of the 15th Lok Sabha. On the Press and Expression: Dynastic parties have never been comfortable with a free and vibrant press. No wonder, the very first Constitutional Amendment brought in by the Congress government sought to curtail free speech. Speaking truth to power, which is the hallmark of a free press was seen as vulgar and indecent. On the Constitution and Courts: Congress’ contempt for the courts is anyway legendary. It was Mrs. Indira Gandhi who called for a “committed judiciary”, which seeks to make the courts more loyal to a family than to the Constitution. On Government bodies: In a telling comment, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi called the Planning Commission led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, ‘A bunch of jokers.’ This comment gives you a glimpse of how Congress treats government institutions. On the Armed Forces: Congress has always seen the defence sector as a source of income which is why the armed forces never got the respect from the Congress that they deserved. On the Congress’ own (lack of) internal democracy and sense of entitlement: Political parties are vibrant bodies that manifest diverse public opinion. Sadly, Congress does not believe in internal democracy. If a leader dares to dream to head that party, he or she is shunted out of the Congress. Finally, Modi advised, Think wisely: "From the press to parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the constitution to the courts. Institutional insult is the Congress way. Everyone is wrong, only the Congress is correct. As you go to vote- remember the past and how one family's desire for power cost the nation so greatly. If they could do it then, they can surely do it now." The pushback was of course swift, with Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra saying the "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on PM Modi's tweet 'The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions': "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." pic.twitter.com/9X4JyFHnSI — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2019 × What is also interesting to note is that it is usually the opposition accusing Modi of browbeating India's institutions. The prime minister, with his tweet, seems to be trying to turn the tables on his opponents. That would be similar to what he has tried to do with his Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign. Modi had called himself the country's chowkidar (watchman; "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga," he had said) in the run-up to the 2014 elections. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has recently tried to subvert that narrative by saying "Chowkidar hi chor hai"; the Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign was seen as pushback to that.

Biggest casualty of dynasty is institutions: PM Modi

Whether you like it or not, the use of Hindu symbolism is here to stay in Indian politics for a long time. What is happening in Congress today stands in stark contrast to Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Hyderabad in 2005 when the city hosted the plenary of the party.

Rahul Gandhi had said that the national flag is his religion. Today, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra despite her charismatic persona has not been able to ditch the trappings of cultural Hinduism publically espoused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I would even say that not only it shows lack of creative engagement with BJP, but Congress has fallen back upon soft Hindutva which it practised in the 1980s, leaving socialist sloganeering to regional parties cutting across India.

When Mayawati and Mulayam Singh fought elections together in the 1990s in wake of Babri Masjid’s demolition, they did not evoke cultural nationalism to fight BJP on the ground.

The politics of social justice still evoked strong sentiments and it is for this reason that the political slogan,”Mile Mulayam Kanshiram, hawa mein ud gaye Jai Sri Ram,” could not be contested by BJP as either anti-national or anti-Hindu keeping in mind caste sensitivities attached.

Today, neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh Yadav has attacked BJP on cultural position it has taken. Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi too have appropriated BJP’s political narrative of nation-building rather than challenging it from a non-left centrist point of view.

It begets the question as to why Gandhi’s became so vulnerable on the constitutional vision of India, unlike the first generation who were far more westernised and rabid on the issue of religious reform and change in the society. 
 
One, their religious identity as a Hindu was never in question and second, Congress as a party had strong conservative voices within the organisation. It allowed Congress to absorb and navigate hard Hindu politics led by RSS without pushing for any change in the Constitutional commitment towards the idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers.

The idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers was contested by RSS which argued that Constitution does not truly reflect the civilizational sensibility of the Indian sub-continent.

It is for this reason Congress will find centrist politics difficult, as it has failed to tackle ethnocentric political narrative which has marginalised them from 2012 onwards.

Congress today can neither go for the caste-specific alliance as regional parties or socialists of 70s, 80s and 90s were able to do so and nor it can push aside BJP on cultural nationalism as the theme&nbsp;originally belongs to RSS-BJP combine.&nbsp;

Congress needs to restore non-left centrism by authentic subaltern political sloganeering which picks up issues that are regional and cuts across caste and religion. At the central level, it needs to stick to Constitutional values which are being challenged in public for want of being unfair or unjust to the Hindu sensibility by RSS. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

Whether you like it or not, the use of Hindu symbolism is here to stay in Indian politics for a long time. What is happening in Congress today stands in stark contrast to Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Hyderabad in 2005 when the city hosted the plenary of the party.

Whether you like it or not, the use of Hindu symbolism is here to stay in Indian politics for a long time. What is happening in Congress today stands in stark contrast to Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Hyderabad in 2005 when the city hosted the plenary of the party. Rahul Gandhi had said that the national flag is his religion. Today, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra despite her charismatic persona has not been able to ditch the trappings of cultural Hinduism publically espoused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I would even say that not only it shows lack of creative engagement with BJP, but Congress has fallen back upon soft Hindutva which it practised in the 1980s, leaving socialist sloganeering to regional parties cutting across India. When Mayawati and Mulayam Singh fought elections together in the 1990s in wake of Babri Masjid’s demolition, they did not evoke cultural nationalism to fight BJP on the ground. The politics of social justice still evoked strong sentiments and it is for this reason that the political slogan,”Mile Mulayam Kanshiram, hawa mein ud gaye Jai Sri Ram,” could not be contested by BJP as either anti-national or anti-Hindu keeping in mind caste sensitivities attached. Today, neither Mayawati nor Akhilesh Yadav has attacked BJP on cultural position it has taken. Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi too have appropriated BJP’s political narrative of nation-building rather than challenging it from a non-left centrist point of view. It begets the question as to why Gandhi’s became so vulnerable on the constitutional vision of India, unlike the first generation who were far more westernised and rabid on the issue of religious reform and change in the society. One, their religious identity as a Hindu was never in question and second, Congress as a party had strong conservative voices within the organisation. It allowed Congress to absorb and navigate hard Hindu politics led by RSS without pushing for any change in the Constitutional commitment towards the idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers. The idea of India as conceived by the founding fathers was contested by RSS which argued that Constitution does not truly reflect the civilizational sensibility of the Indian sub-continent. It is for this reason Congress will find centrist politics difficult, as it has failed to tackle ethnocentric political narrative which has marginalised them from 2012 onwards. Congress today can neither go for the caste-specific alliance as regional parties or socialists of 70s, 80s and 90s were able to do so and nor it can push aside BJP on cultural nationalism as the theme originally belongs to RSS-BJP combine. Congress needs to restore non-left centrism by authentic subaltern political sloganeering which picks up issues that are regional and cuts across caste and religion. At the central level, it needs to stick to Constitutional values which are being challenged in public for want of being unfair or unjust to the Hindu sensibility by RSS. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Ganga yatra and triumph of 'soft Hindutva'

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Prayagraj-Varanasi boat trip underway

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/yogi-adityanath-addresses-rally-in-west-bengal-via-audio-link-after-his-chopper-was-denied-permission-194825">Yogi Adityanath</a> Saturday said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into politics will make 'no difference'&nbsp;to the BJP's Lok Sabha poll prospects in the state and dismissed the SP-BSP alliance as 'false alarm'. 
 
'The Congress has made her (Priyanka) its general secretary (in-charge of eastern UP) this time. It is an internal matter of that party. 
 
'Earlier too she had campaigned for the Congress. This time also it will make no difference (to the BJP),' he told PTI. 
 
Adityanath also claimed that the 'fledgeling'&nbsp;SP-BSP alliance is already 'embroiled in dispute'. 
 
'The newfound alliance is already embroiled in a dispute. It (alliance) is nothing but a 'hauaa' (false alarm),'&nbsp;he said in his first interview after the Lok Sabha poll schedule was announced Sunday.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into politics will make 'no difference' to the BJP's Lok Sabha poll prospects in the state and dismissed the SP-BSP alliance as 'false alarm'.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into politics will make 'no difference' to the BJP's Lok Sabha poll prospects in the state and dismissed the SP-BSP alliance as 'false alarm'. 'The Congress has made her (Priyanka) its general secretary (in-charge of eastern UP) this time. It is an internal matter of that party. 'Earlier too she had campaigned for the Congress. This time also it will make no difference (to the BJP),' he told PTI. Adityanath also claimed that the 'fledgeling' SP-BSP alliance is already 'embroiled in dispute'. 'The newfound alliance is already embroiled in a dispute. It (alliance) is nothing but a 'hauaa' (false alarm),' he said in his first interview after the Lok Sabha poll schedule was announced Sunday.

Priyanka Vadra will make no difference to BJP's poll prospects in UP: Yogi Adityanath

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to start Congress poll campaign today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902">Country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902"> built on love, harmony &amp; brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally&nbsp;</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">tie-up</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862"> with Congress in any state</a>

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-should-not-be-impeached-unless-reasons-are-overwhelming-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-202904">Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi</a>

US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday.

"I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-rises-to-257-in-february-government-data-202903">Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data</a>

Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-new-york-times-faces-backlash-for-missplelling-pm-modis-name-calling-pulwama-terror-attack-an-explosion-202885">New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name</a>

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion".&nbsp;

The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".&nbsp;

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out tie-up with Congress in any state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month. "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said. Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday. "I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week. Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent. New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion". The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-congress-in-a-shambles-in-up-a-long-and-hard-road-for-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196746">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">the general elections</a> which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

"Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread."&nbsp;

Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike&nbsp; on&nbsp;the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues.&nbsp;

"Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers?&nbsp;

"These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka.&nbsp;

A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike.&nbsp;

"Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show".&nbsp;

"Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added.&nbsp;

"Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines."&nbsp;

Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press &amp; said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public &amp; asking for justice. <a href="https://t.co/8sLPUFQJmS">pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105425205889982464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. <a href="https://t.co/rmA6iNh244">pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105426450734182408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government.

The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases.&nbsp;The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections.&nbsp;

He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh&nbsp;polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud.&nbsp;

Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission.

(With inputs from PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. "Our institutions are being destroyed," said Priyanka. "Wherever you see, hatred is being spread." Priyanka, in her address, tried to keep the focus on what might be called pre-February 26 (the date of the Indian Air Force's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakote) issues. "Issues which should be raised must comprise as to what is most important for you and how can you move forward. How will youth get jobs? How will women feel safe? What will be done for farmers? "These are the issues for elections," said Priyanka. A number of polls and pollsters of course have said support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen since the air strike. "Nothing matters more to us that you and I protect this nation, work for it and move forward together," Priyanka said on Tuesday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present at the rally but WION's political editor Kartikeya Sharma said it was Priyanka who "stole the show". "Her speech, in which she attacked Prime Minister Modi, was well received by the people," he added. "Her choice of words was good... she'll be the one to get the headlines." Also present at the Congress rally was Patidar leader Hardik Patel who joined the party on Wednesday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat: First time in history, 4 Supreme Court judges went to press & said they are not allowed to work. Generally, people go to SC for justice but in today’s Hindustan, SC judges are going to public & asking for justice. pic.twitter.com/8sLPUFQJmS — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × Gujarat: Visuals from the public rally of Congress party in Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/rmA6iNh244 — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019 × The upcoming general election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against (mostly) different opposition groupings in various states, including of the Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance (mahagatbandhan) to minimise a division of votes between them which would work in favour of the Modi government. The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners by making concessions in states like Bihar. The opposition parties however are yet to do so in several states. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held over seven phases. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said on Sunday while announcing the dates for the elections. He added that 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, that 10 lakh polling stations would be set up, and that VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines would be used in all the stations. The VVPAT machines are used to detect election fraud. Arora added that the Election Commission's code of conduct would apply to social media, that all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that all candidates for the elections will have to give the details of their social media accounts to the commission. (With inputs from PTI)

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally 

The BJP is all set to return to power, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-in-jk-needs-to-be-tackled-militarily-first-talks-can-take-place-later-ram-madhav-202644">Ram Madhav told WION</a> on Saturday.&nbsp;

The BJP national general secretary said the BJP has more alliance partners today than the Congress and that the Mahagathbandhan is yet to take shape.&nbsp;

"There is no Grand Alliance in place. They have not been able to forge alliance in Delhi,” Madhav told WION. He added that the SP and BSP have allied because they cannot defeat the BJP in a one-to-one fight. &nbsp;

The biggest achievement of the Narendra Modi administration, Madhav said, has been to provide a corruption-free government. On the other hand, he denied the narrative that the government is over-reliant on nationalism.&nbsp;

On Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meanwhile, Madhav said her entry into politics is not going to change anything in Uttar Pradesh. “It is her re-entry. Priyanaka has always been around, but we do not take our political opponents lightly," he said. &nbsp;

Madhav however did admit that the Chhattisgarh assembly election result had been a rude surprise for the BJP with the party losing 10 per cent of its vote share in the state.&nbsp;

The BJP is all set to return to power, Ram Madhav told WION on Saturday. The BJP national general secretary said the BJP has more alliance partners today than the Congress and that the Mahagathbandhan is yet to take shape.

The BJP is all set to return to power, Ram Madhav told WION on Saturday. The BJP national general secretary said the BJP has more alliance partners today than the Congress and that the Mahagathbandhan is yet to take shape. "There is no Grand Alliance in place. They have not been able to forge alliance in Delhi,” Madhav told WION. He added that the SP and BSP have allied because they cannot defeat the BJP in a one-to-one fight. The biggest achievement of the Narendra Modi administration, Madhav said, has been to provide a corruption-free government. On the other hand, he denied the narrative that the government is over-reliant on nationalism. On Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meanwhile, Madhav said her entry into politics is not going to change anything in Uttar Pradesh. “It is her re-entry. Priyanaka has always been around, but we do not take our political opponents lightly," he said. Madhav however did admit that the Chhattisgarh assembly election result had been a rude surprise for the BJP with the party losing 10 per cent of its vote share in the state.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP all set to return to power, says Ram Madhav

Speaking exclusively to WION after the announcement of the general elections, Ram Madhav said that globally, insurgencies are first tackled militarily and once that is done, talks follow. The national general secretary of the BJP was speaking in the context of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-pulwama-conspirator-killed-in-tral-encounter-today-44-terrorists-eliminated-in-first-70-days-of-2019-army-jk-police-202613">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.&nbsp;

Ram Madhav had been asked why the BJP had not initiated talks within the Valley. He answered that Home Minister Rajnath Singh had invited various sections of society to talk but that no one responded.

“The other side is not willing to talk. They want to persist with terrorism. Globally, governments deal with terror sternly. We have seen it in Afghanistan also. I would include Pakistan also,” Ram Madhav said.&nbsp;

Ram Madhav said that the root cause of the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir lies elsewhere and that that needs to be dealt a serious blow. “If you hold a gun to my head and force me to talk, then I would say that it is not the way in which we believe.” &nbsp;

In a freewheeling interview with WION, Ram Madhav said Pakistan had been sent the stern message that India is not soft on terror.&nbsp;

He added that even internally, both the Congress and TDP have acted tough on Maoist terror, emphasising the point that terror will be tackled muscularly first and that only then will talks take place.

Speaking of the Lok Sabha elections, Ram Madhav said the BJP is all set to return to power.&nbsp;

He said the BJP has more alliance partners today than the Congress and that the Mahagathbandhan is yet to take shape.&nbsp;

The biggest achievement of the Narendra Modi administration, he added, has been to provide a corruption-free government.&nbsp;

On the other hand, he denied the narrative that the government is over-reliant on nationalism.&nbsp;

He did however admit that the Chhattisgarh assembly election result had been a rude surprise for the BJP with the party losing 10 per cent of its vote share in the state.&nbsp;

Attacking the Grand Alliance, he said, "There is no Grand Alliance in place. They have not been able to forge alliance in Delhi.” He said that the SP-BSP have come together because they cannot defeat the BJP in a one-to-one fight, but he added that the BJP does not take any adversary lightly.

On Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ram Madhav said her entry into politics is not going to change anything in Uttar Pradesh. “It is her re-entry. Priyanaka has always been around but we do not take our political opponents lightly."&nbsp;

Ram Madhav is the BJP's general secretary in-charge of both the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir. It had been thought the Election Commission would announce simultaneous polls in J&amp;K (the state assembly was dissolved in November last year) but that did not turn out to be the case. 
&nbsp; 
Addressing the issue, Ram Madhav said the EC should be allowed to take an independent view of the matter.&nbsp;

Lastly, he said mediation has failed four times in Ayodhya and that it would only delay the matter further. “We respect the Supreme Court, but it has to be understood that millions of people believe in the place of birth of Lord Rama and the piece of land should be returned to them.”

Speaking exclusively to WION after the announcement of the general elections, Ram Madhav said that globally, insurgencies are first tackled militarily and once that is done, talks follow.

Speaking exclusively to WION after the announcement of the general elections, Ram Madhav said that globally, insurgencies are first tackled militarily and once that is done, talks follow. The national general secretary of the BJP was speaking in the context of Jammu and Kashmir. Ram Madhav had been asked why the BJP had not initiated talks within the Valley. He answered that Home Minister Rajnath Singh had invited various sections of society to talk but that no one responded. “The other side is not willing to talk. They want to persist with terrorism. Globally, governments deal with terror sternly. We have seen it in Afghanistan also. I would include Pakistan also,” Ram Madhav said. Ram Madhav said that the root cause of the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir lies elsewhere and that that needs to be dealt a serious blow. “If you hold a gun to my head and force me to talk, then I would say that it is not the way in which we believe.” In a freewheeling interview with WION, Ram Madhav said Pakistan had been sent the stern message that India is not soft on terror. He added that even internally, both the Congress and TDP have acted tough on Maoist terror, emphasising the point that terror will be tackled muscularly first and that only then will talks take place. Speaking of the Lok Sabha elections, Ram Madhav said the BJP is all set to return to power. He said the BJP has more alliance partners today than the Congress and that the Mahagathbandhan is yet to take shape. The biggest achievement of the Narendra Modi administration, he added, has been to provide a corruption-free government. On the other hand, he denied the narrative that the government is over-reliant on nationalism. He did however admit that the Chhattisgarh assembly election result had been a rude surprise for the BJP with the party losing 10 per cent of its vote share in the state. Attacking the Grand Alliance, he said, "There is no Grand Alliance in place. They have not been able to forge alliance in Delhi.” He said that the SP-BSP have come together because they cannot defeat the BJP in a one-to-one fight, but he added that the BJP does not take any adversary lightly. On Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ram Madhav said her entry into politics is not going to change anything in Uttar Pradesh. “It is her re-entry. Priyanaka has always been around but we do not take our political opponents lightly." Ram Madhav is the BJP's general secretary in-charge of both the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir. It had been thought the Election Commission would announce simultaneous polls in J&K (the state assembly was dissolved in November last year) but that did not turn out to be the case. Addressing the issue, Ram Madhav said the EC should be allowed to take an independent view of the matter. Lastly, he said mediation has failed four times in Ayodhya and that it would only delay the matter further. “We respect the Supreme Court, but it has to be understood that millions of people believe in the place of birth of Lord Rama and the piece of land should be returned to them.”

Terrorism in J&K needs to be tackled militarily first. Talks can take place later: Ram Madhav

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.&nbsp;

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Congress releases first list of 15 candidates for Lok Sabha elections. 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli and Rahul Gandhi to contest from Amethi. <a href="https://t.co/PZI4TlJfC6">pic.twitter.com/PZI4TlJfC6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103683080403865600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest from Rae Bareli while party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year.&nbsp;

Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively, news agency ANI reported.

Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP).

While, Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), BharatSinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to announce its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-announce-lok-sabha-elections-soon-logistic-preparations-almost-over-201813">schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections</a> soon, sources said on Thursday. The polls are likely to be&nbsp;spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Congress releases first list of 15 candidates for Lok Sabha elections. 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli and Rahul Gandhi to contest from Amethi. pic.twitter.com/PZI4TlJfC6 — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest from Rae Bareli while party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi. The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year. Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively, news agency ANI reported. Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP). While, Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), BharatSinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections soon, sources said on Thursday. The polls are likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported. Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling. A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha 2019: No mention of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Congress releases first list of candidates

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has got down to business. A day after a roadshow and being with her mother-in-law in Jaipur, the newly-appointed Congress general secretary and east UP in charge met the party workers and sought details of their social media accounts.

The politicians and party workers who want to meet Priyanka are given a form asking for basic information like age, electoral experience, whether they have held any organisational positions, their Twitter handles and WhatsApp numbers.

The information about Twitter handles is being sought to gauge the social media presence of the individual.

Congress has been late on this platform but realised its importance in shaping public opinion. Just days ago, Priyanka Gandhi also made a debut on Twitter and got lakhs of followers in just a few hours. 
 
<img alt="Feedback Form" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f7d1e0f-f1bd-4866-85bc-86a4a970db72" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Form%20%281%29.jpg" />

BSP president Mayawati also opened a Twitter account recently in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. There was a time when her party used to say that BSP supporters do not watch TV and don't get influenced by surveys. This myth was shattered both in the last Lok Sabha elections as well as Uttar Pradesh assembly elections where BSP suffered major reverses. It is for this reason that Congress wants to map social influencers within its own organisation.

The WhatsApp number is being sought because Congress wants to create a feedback and direct communication mechanism with every person within the party's eco-system. It wants to turn a platform made for personal communication into a broadcast mechanism. The BJP used WhatsApp brilliantly in Gujarat and snatched the elections from the jaws of defeat.

The collation will allow Data Analytics department in Delhi to create faster and honest feedback for the leadership.

But what makes this form truly Indian is that it also asks for the caste and sub-caste status of an individual. The caste system is India's hard and ugly reality and no political party in the country gives tickets without taking caste into consideration. So is the case with Congress.

Every party speaks against the caste system. Indian Constitution intends to correct social inequity caused by the caste system through the reservation. Even then political parties do not move away from the caste matrix.&nbsp;

This is the irony of the Indian politics that commitment to erase caste from public life remains only on paper and seminar halls.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has got down to business. A day after a roadshow and being with her mother-in-law in Jaipur, the newly-appointed Congress general secretary and east UP in charge met the party workers and sought details of their social media accounts.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has got down to business. A day after a roadshow and being with her mother-in-law in Jaipur, the newly-appointed Congress general secretary and east UP in charge met the party workers and sought details of their social media accounts. The politicians and party workers who want to meet Priyanka are given a form asking for basic information like age, electoral experience, whether they have held any organisational positions, their Twitter handles and WhatsApp numbers. The information about Twitter handles is being sought to gauge the social media presence of the individual. Congress has been late on this platform but realised its importance in shaping public opinion. Just days ago, Priyanka Gandhi also made a debut on Twitter and got lakhs of followers in just a few hours. BSP president Mayawati also opened a Twitter account recently in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. There was a time when her party used to say that BSP supporters do not watch TV and don't get influenced by surveys. This myth was shattered both in the last Lok Sabha elections as well as Uttar Pradesh assembly elections where BSP suffered major reverses. It is for this reason that Congress wants to map social influencers within its own organisation. The WhatsApp number is being sought because Congress wants to create a feedback and direct communication mechanism with every person within the party's eco-system. It wants to turn a platform made for personal communication into a broadcast mechanism. The BJP used WhatsApp brilliantly in Gujarat and snatched the elections from the jaws of defeat. The collation will allow Data Analytics department in Delhi to create faster and honest feedback for the leadership. But what makes this form truly Indian is that it also asks for the caste and sub-caste status of an individual. The caste system is India's hard and ugly reality and no political party in the country gives tickets without taking caste into consideration. So is the case with Congress. Every party speaks against the caste system. Indian Constitution intends to correct social inequity caused by the caste system through the reservation. Even then political parties do not move away from the caste matrix. This is the irony of the Indian politics that commitment to erase caste from public life remains only on paper and seminar halls. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Hard to ignore? Congress form asks for caste along with Twitter, WhatsApp

The Congress launched Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political career on Monday <a href="Priyanka's political career was launched with great fanfare on Monday in Lucknow but by no means is UP 2019 going to be a cakewalk for the Congress party. ">with great fanfare in Lucknow</a>. The 15-km roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital was organised to create the right buzz around her induction and send the right signals to a disheartened organisation.&nbsp;

All of that happened.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi accompanied his sister Priyanka through the day. Jyotiraditya Scindia and other Congress leaders were also accommodated on the open-top bus which took the Congress team around town.&nbsp;

When the show came to an end, only Rahul Gandhi spoke. Priyanka did not, disappointing the audience. It looked odd, keeping in mind the publicity her induction and roadshow had generated.&nbsp;

People expect politicians to speak. They should not speak only when it suits them.&nbsp;

They should speak when it is required of them since modern politics has become so much more democratic and participative. Priyanka Gandhi will need to speak more, even if it comes at the cost of the evergreen comparison between her and Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

By no means is UP 2019 going to be a cakewalk for the Congress party.&nbsp;

Jind is an example. Even if you are a high-profile candidate, that does not mean you will win the election. And in UP, the Congress should be happy if it is able to find even 20 candidates who put up a good fight.&nbsp;

There were other disconcerting indicators on Monday. The turnout for Priyanka's roadshow was not as large as it should have been, and it was poorly organised.&nbsp;

The elephant in the room remains the problem of stray cattle in UP. This problem affects large parts of northern India — a direct result of the fundamentalist cow politics practised by the BJP, and which has killed the cow-related economy.&nbsp;

Ultimately, in the absence of culling, cattle end up grazing on farmlands, creating havoc in rural areas. The cost of fencing continues to remain high and after a hard day's work, farmers have been forced to keep watch over their fields at night.&nbsp;

The gaushala programmes are a failure.&nbsp;

The BJP used the cattle issue to construct a "Hindu" sentiment. Modi, during the 2014 elections, even referred to the issue as a "pink" revolution.&nbsp;

After coming to power, violence by the gau rakshaks has replaced riots as low-level violence against the minority community.&nbsp;

There was no constructive criticism from the Congress.&nbsp;

Instead of standing its ground, it indulged in competitive communalism, the end result being the Congress government recently arresting three people under the dreaded National Security Act in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

So the issue remains alive on the ground but political parties, apart from the BJP, are yet to take a clear stand on it. The issue will have a decisive impact in UP and the Congress has yet to forge its stand on it.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress neither enjoys a caste equation nor fresh faces for the Lok Sabha polls. It does not even have a state-level political slogan. In 2014, the Congress polled seven per cent of the votes in UP in the Lok Sabha elections, which was further pared down to six per cent in the assembly elections which were swept by Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The decision to go with the SP was taken when Priyanka was informally handling Uttar Pradesh for Rahul Gandhi. The mystery remains but the "27 saal, UP behaal" campaign was abruptly dumped for the "UP ke ladke" campaign which bombed.&nbsp;

Priyanka will have to balance the role of Priyanka as campaigner with Priyanka as organizer. Very few politicians are able to combine both traits. As a general secretary of the Congress, she will have to behave like an organiser but as a Gandhi, she will also have to bear the burden of campaigning and trying to dominate the news space against a very aggressive BJP.&nbsp;

She will have to fish for candidates for the Lok Sabha elections and tackle both Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati with wit, aggression and politeness.

&nbsp;The BJP, despite its problem, enjoys substantial support in UP from non-Jatav backwards and non-Yadav OBCs.&nbsp;

Mayawati on the other hand still controls the non-Jatav backwards. Akhilesh Yadav too retains the support of Yadavs and Muslims in the state. Both of them have also accommodated Ajit Singh’s RLD which in a few constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh will damage the BJP.&nbsp;

In this equation, the Congress stands nowhere. No state leader has undertaken a pan-state programme in the last six months. On top of it, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-probe-wife-priyanka-says-i-support-my-family-195658">Robert Vadra is being </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-probe-wife-priyanka-says-i-support-my-family-195658">grilled</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-probe-wife-priyanka-says-i-support-my-family-195658"> daily</a>. Though she has taken a position and backed her husband, the issue of corruption will dog Priyanka.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi will get the publicity and Twitter traction. She will also be adored by Congress workers but the question is whether she will be able to salvage the party in the upcoming Lok Sabha election? Will she be able to resurrect the Congress as a pan-UP party which can stake claim to the position of CM?&nbsp;

These are the challenges for Priyanka, and I’m sure she must have gone over them a thousand times.&nbsp;

And lastly, in our dynastic politics, her ultimate challenge will remain her formidable grandmother Indira Gandhi. The comparison between them remains eternal. Will she be remembered as her grandmother, or as her granddaughter?&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Congress launched Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political career on Monday with great fanfare in Lucknow. The 15-km roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital was organised to create the right buzz around her induction and send the right signals to a disheartened organisation.

The Congress launched Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political career on Monday with great fanfare in Lucknow. The 15-km roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital was organised to create the right buzz around her induction and send the right signals to a disheartened organisation. All of that happened. Congress president Rahul Gandhi accompanied his sister Priyanka through the day. Jyotiraditya Scindia and other Congress leaders were also accommodated on the open-top bus which took the Congress team around town. When the show came to an end, only Rahul Gandhi spoke. Priyanka did not, disappointing the audience. It looked odd, keeping in mind the publicity her induction and roadshow had generated. People expect politicians to speak. They should not speak only when it suits them. They should speak when it is required of them since modern politics has become so much more democratic and participative. Priyanka Gandhi will need to speak more, even if it comes at the cost of the evergreen comparison between her and Rahul Gandhi. By no means is UP 2019 going to be a cakewalk for the Congress party. Jind is an example. Even if you are a high-profile candidate, that does not mean you will win the election. And in UP, the Congress should be happy if it is able to find even 20 candidates who put up a good fight. There were other disconcerting indicators on Monday. The turnout for Priyanka's roadshow was not as large as it should have been, and it was poorly organised. The elephant in the room remains the problem of stray cattle in UP. This problem affects large parts of northern India — a direct result of the fundamentalist cow politics practised by the BJP, and which has killed the cow-related economy. Ultimately, in the absence of culling, cattle end up grazing on farmlands, creating havoc in rural areas. The cost of fencing continues to remain high and after a hard day's work, farmers have been forced to keep watch over their fields at night. The gaushala programmes are a failure. The BJP used the cattle issue to construct a "Hindu" sentiment. Modi, during the 2014 elections, even referred to the issue as a "pink" revolution. After coming to power, violence by the gau rakshaks has replaced riots as low-level violence against the minority community. There was no constructive criticism from the Congress. Instead of standing its ground, it indulged in competitive communalism, the end result being the Congress government recently arresting three people under the dreaded National Security Act in Madhya Pradesh. So the issue remains alive on the ground but political parties, apart from the BJP, are yet to take a clear stand on it. The issue will have a decisive impact in UP and the Congress has yet to forge its stand on it. In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress neither enjoys a caste equation nor fresh faces for the Lok Sabha polls. It does not even have a state-level political slogan. In 2014, the Congress polled seven per cent of the votes in UP in the Lok Sabha elections, which was further pared down to six per cent in the assembly elections which were swept by Uttar Pradesh. The decision to go with the SP was taken when Priyanka was informally handling Uttar Pradesh for Rahul Gandhi. The mystery remains but the "27 saal, UP behaal" campaign was abruptly dumped for the "UP ke ladke" campaign which bombed. Priyanka will have to balance the role of Priyanka as campaigner with Priyanka as organizer. Very few politicians are able to combine both traits. As a general secretary of the Congress, she will have to behave like an organiser but as a Gandhi, she will also have to bear the burden of campaigning and trying to dominate the news space against a very aggressive BJP. She will have to fish for candidates for the Lok Sabha elections and tackle both Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati with wit, aggression and politeness. The BJP, despite its problem, enjoys substantial support in UP from non-Jatav backwards and non-Yadav OBCs. Mayawati on the other hand still controls the non-Jatav backwards. Akhilesh Yadav too retains the support of Yadavs and Muslims in the state. Both of them have also accommodated Ajit Singh’s RLD which in a few constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh will damage the BJP. In this equation, the Congress stands nowhere. No state leader has undertaken a pan-state programme in the last six months. On top of it, Robert Vadra is being grilled daily. Though she has taken a position and backed her husband, the issue of corruption will dog Priyanka. Priyanka Gandhi will get the publicity and Twitter traction. She will also be adored by Congress workers but the question is whether she will be able to salvage the party in the upcoming Lok Sabha election? Will she be able to resurrect the Congress as a pan-UP party which can stake claim to the position of CM? These are the challenges for Priyanka, and I’m sure she must have gone over them a thousand times. And lastly, in our dynastic politics, her ultimate challenge will remain her formidable grandmother Indira Gandhi. The comparison between them remains eternal. Will she be remembered as her grandmother, or as her granddaughter? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

With Congress in a shambles in UP, a long and hard road ahead for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

On day one, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-congress-in-a-shambles-in-up-a-long-and-hard-road-for-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196746">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra talked about her commitment to Uttar Pradesh</a>. (She was interacting with Congress office bearers in Lucknow.) She told the Congressmen and women that the party needs to take immediate and tough decisions for the Lok Sabha elections so that it remains in the fight, but that her real work in the state will begin only after the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Priyanka added that she had enjoyed organisational work since childhood since she had been involved with Amethi and Rai Bareilly for a long time and would now bring that experience to reviving the party in the state. By saying this, Priyanka sent out the clear signal to party leaders that she is here to stay in Uttar Pradesh, which Rahul Gandhi could not do despite his intense engagement with UP politics both in the 2007 and 2012 assembly elections.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi had mentioned this in his speech on Monday, which Priyanka vociferously emphasised during the closed-door interaction.&nbsp;

This becomes important in the context of the statement by former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. He categorically denied the possibility of giving the Congress any more seats in Uttar Pradesh, saying, "Congress is part of SP-BSP alliance as we have already left Rai Bareilly and Amethi to them.”

Priyanka also told party workers that once she takes a call on the Congress' Lok Sabha candidates, factional fights should not break out in the unit.&nbsp;

She also took suggestions as to who should be the party's state president. (Raj Babbar currently holds the post.) She also enquired into the office bearers' knowledge of their constituencies. They were asked about the number of booths in their area; some of them could not answer the question.&nbsp;

Priyanka also sought opinions on issues that she should raise before the elections, and on probable candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. She also enquired into programmes that Congress units had organised last year and what more needs to be done at the local level.

People who attended the meeting told WION that Priyanka took copious notes and entertained group photographs after each session.&nbsp;

Jyotiraditya Scindia met separately with office bearers in the same building. He is in charge of 38 Lok Sabha seats while Priyanka is overseeing 42. The closed meetings are expected to last till the evening of February 14 after which Priyanka will close the first leg of her Uttar Pradesh tour.&nbsp;

The biggest challenge for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the shortlisting of candidates for the upcoming general elections. On the other hand, there exists a possibility of the Congress accommodating smaller parties to strengthen its position in certain constituencies. A proposal has been sent to Priyanka but she has not taken a call to proceed on the offer.&nbsp;

The Congress has been out of power in Uttar Pradesh for the past 30 years.

On day one, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra talked about her commitment to Uttar Pradesh. (She was interacting with Congress office bearers in Lucknow.) She told the Congressmen and women that the party needs to take immediate and tough decisions for the Lok Sabha elections so that it remains in the fight, but that her real work in the state will begin only after the Lok Sabha elections.

On day one, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra talked about her commitment to Uttar Pradesh. (She was interacting with Congress office bearers in Lucknow.) She told the Congressmen and women that the party needs to take immediate and tough decisions for the Lok Sabha elections so that it remains in the fight, but that her real work in the state will begin only after the Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka added that she had enjoyed organisational work since childhood since she had been involved with Amethi and Rai Bareilly for a long time and would now bring that experience to reviving the party in the state. By saying this, Priyanka sent out the clear signal to party leaders that she is here to stay in Uttar Pradesh, which Rahul Gandhi could not do despite his intense engagement with UP politics both in the 2007 and 2012 assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi had mentioned this in his speech on Monday, which Priyanka vociferously emphasised during the closed-door interaction. This becomes important in the context of the statement by former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. He categorically denied the possibility of giving the Congress any more seats in Uttar Pradesh, saying, "Congress is part of SP-BSP alliance as we have already left Rai Bareilly and Amethi to them.” Priyanka also told party workers that once she takes a call on the Congress' Lok Sabha candidates, factional fights should not break out in the unit. She also took suggestions as to who should be the party's state president. (Raj Babbar currently holds the post.) She also enquired into the office bearers' knowledge of their constituencies. They were asked about the number of booths in their area; some of them could not answer the question. Priyanka also sought opinions on issues that she should raise before the elections, and on probable candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. She also enquired into programmes that Congress units had organised last year and what more needs to be done at the local level. People who attended the meeting told WION that Priyanka took copious notes and entertained group photographs after each session. Jyotiraditya Scindia met separately with office bearers in the same building. He is in charge of 38 Lok Sabha seats while Priyanka is overseeing 42. The closed meetings are expected to last till the evening of February 14 after which Priyanka will close the first leg of her Uttar Pradesh tour. The biggest challenge for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the shortlisting of candidates for the upcoming general elections. On the other hand, there exists a possibility of the Congress accommodating smaller parties to strengthen its position in certain constituencies. A proposal has been sent to Priyanka but she has not taken a call to proceed on the offer. The Congress has been out of power in Uttar Pradesh for the past 30 years.

My final goal is the 2022 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary <a href="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/10cRuEahE2o&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;">Priyanka Gandhi&nbsp;Vadra arrived in Lucknow</a> on Monday afternoon to kick-start the party's roadshow ahead of the general election to be held in a few months.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had recently appointed Priyanka as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh east which includes chief minister Yogi Adityanath's Gorakhpur constituency and PM Modi's Varanasi.

The roadshow&nbsp;which began from the Amausi airport in Lucknow will end at the party headquarters.

Priyanka was joined by her brother Rahul Gandhi during the roadshow as the Congress sought to showcase its strength in India's biggest state which sends 80 Lok Sabha MPs to Parliament.&nbsp;

Jyotiraditya Scindia who was appointed as campaign chief for Uttar Pradesh west also joined Priyanka on the roadshow along with Congress leader Raj Babbar.

Priyanka will be in the state for the next four days in which she will put in place a strategy to challenge the ruling BJP which dominates the state and the Centre.&nbsp;

Priyanka will be meeting state Congress leaders and party workers to energise the grassroots in eastern Uttar Pradesh which has been severely dented in the past two decades with the&nbsp;rise of the SP and BSP which have decided to fight together at the hustings.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived in Lucknow on Monday afternoon to kick-start the party's roadshow ahead of the general election to be held in a few months.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived in Lucknow on Monday afternoon to kick-start the party's roadshow ahead of the general election to be held in a few months. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had recently appointed Priyanka as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh east which includes chief minister Yogi Adityanath's Gorakhpur constituency and PM Modi's Varanasi. The roadshow which began from the Amausi airport in Lucknow will end at the party headquarters. Priyanka was joined by her brother Rahul Gandhi during the roadshow as the Congress sought to showcase its strength in India's biggest state which sends 80 Lok Sabha MPs to Parliament. Jyotiraditya Scindia who was appointed as campaign chief for Uttar Pradesh west also joined Priyanka on the roadshow along with Congress leader Raj Babbar. Priyanka will be in the state for the next four days in which she will put in place a strategy to challenge the ruling BJP which dominates the state and the Centre. Priyanka will be meeting state Congress leaders and party workers to energise the grassroots in eastern Uttar Pradesh which has been severely dented in the past two decades with the rise of the SP and BSP which have decided to fight together at the hustings.

Watch: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra begins roadshow in Lucknow

Congress general secretary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-assumes-charge-as-aicc-general-secretary-195665">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> on Sunday released an audio message requesting people to join her in creating a new culture of politics in the country.&nbsp;

In the audio message, she said that she would be visiting Lucknow on Monday and would appreciate if people could join her in this process. A similar 30-second-long audio recording was released for Jyotiraditya Scindia in Western Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The audio clip for both the leaders targeted around 60 lakh voters in Uttar Pradesh. The outreach was divided into 30 lakh messages in Western and Eastern Uttar Pradesh respectively.

Praveen Chakravarthy, an economist by profession,&nbsp;who heads Congress' data department said, "Congress has done multiple surveys in Uttar Pradesh and found joblessness as a major issue in the context of elections and quota for the economically weaker sections amongst the upper castes. BJP is facing double anti-incumbency in Uttar Pradesh”.&nbsp;

Chakravarthy also said that both Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have come on top of the anger index in the context of expectation from the government. He also confirmed that the Congress has already done a survey across Uttar Pradesh on who deserves to get a ticket from the party in the state.

Priyanka Gandhi would kickstart her day on Monday with a massive roadshow which would take her from the Lucknow airport to areas like Hazratganj, Alam Bagh, Lal Bagh, ultimately concluding at Nehru Bhawan.&nbsp;

Officially, the roadshow is expected to last 6 hours in the city but can extend due to the presence of workers who have poured into the state capital from all across. It is expected that Priyanka Gandhi would give a maiden speech at Lal Bagh.

Such is the enthusiasm for the preparations for Priyanka Gandhi's Lucknow show, it has already generated a lot of excitement in the party local unit as well.

What Priyanka Gandhi intends to do in the next four days is also very unique in the context of the finalization of the tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi has decided to conduct closed-door meetings for three days with former MPS, MLAs, city presidents, party office bearers, district heads and panchayat chairmen. Interestingly, she has divided all her meetings as per the Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The closed-door meetings will allow no coverage. Priyanka would take feedback on the right candidate&nbsp;for the Lok Sabha constituency.

Sources in the party said that Priyanka Gandhi would select Lok Sabha candidates across Uttar Pradesh on the basis of the feedback received from the meetings. Priyanka Gandhi is expected to launch a district-wise exercise any day after February 18.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be accompanied by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary in-charge of Western UP, Jyotiraditya Scindia. Rahul Gandhi will leave for Delhi on February 11 while Priyanka Gandhi would stay put till February 14.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday released an audio message requesting people to join her in creating a new culture of politics in the country.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday released an audio message requesting people to join her in creating a new culture of politics in the country. In the audio message, she said that she would be visiting Lucknow on Monday and would appreciate if people could join her in this process. A similar 30-second-long audio recording was released for Jyotiraditya Scindia in Western Uttar Pradesh. The audio clip for both the leaders targeted around 60 lakh voters in Uttar Pradesh. The outreach was divided into 30 lakh messages in Western and Eastern Uttar Pradesh respectively. Praveen Chakravarthy, an economist by profession, who heads Congress' data department said, "Congress has done multiple surveys in Uttar Pradesh and found joblessness as a major issue in the context of elections and quota for the economically weaker sections amongst the upper castes. BJP is facing double anti-incumbency in Uttar Pradesh”. Chakravarthy also said that both Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have come on top of the anger index in the context of expectation from the government. He also confirmed that the Congress has already done a survey across Uttar Pradesh on who deserves to get a ticket from the party in the state. Priyanka Gandhi would kickstart her day on Monday with a massive roadshow which would take her from the Lucknow airport to areas like Hazratganj, Alam Bagh, Lal Bagh, ultimately concluding at Nehru Bhawan. Officially, the roadshow is expected to last 6 hours in the city but can extend due to the presence of workers who have poured into the state capital from all across. It is expected that Priyanka Gandhi would give a maiden speech at Lal Bagh. Such is the enthusiasm for the preparations for Priyanka Gandhi's Lucknow show, it has already generated a lot of excitement in the party local unit as well. What Priyanka Gandhi intends to do in the next four days is also very unique in the context of the finalization of the tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka Gandhi has decided to conduct closed-door meetings for three days with former MPS, MLAs, city presidents, party office bearers, district heads and panchayat chairmen. Interestingly, she has divided all her meetings as per the Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The closed-door meetings will allow no coverage. Priyanka would take feedback on the right candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency. Sources in the party said that Priyanka Gandhi would select Lok Sabha candidates across Uttar Pradesh on the basis of the feedback received from the meetings. Priyanka Gandhi is expected to launch a district-wise exercise any day after February 18. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be accompanied by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary in-charge of Western UP, Jyotiraditya Scindia. Rahul Gandhi will leave for Delhi on February 11 while Priyanka Gandhi would stay put till February 14.

Priyanka Gandhi appeals via audio message, Congress reaches out to 60 lakh voters

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