Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Upper House on Wednesday (July 3) after the Lok Sabha witnessed the government and the Opposition go nose-to-nose in a debate on Tuesday (July 2).&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi was&nbsp;speaking in the Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks on President's address and took jibes at the Opposition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-on-speaker-birla-for-selective-expunction-demands-restoration-of-speech-737094" target="_blank">Rahul Gandhi targets Speaker Om Birla for ‘selective expunction’, demands restoration of speech</a>

PM said that it's high time now that the Congress should accept the verdict of people and that NDA had won its third successive term in office. 
 
Here are latest updates:

PM Modi attacks Congress over Manipur issue, said, "Stop politicising Manipur issue, one day Manipur will reject you."

- On the Opposition's walkout from Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge accused the&nbsp;PM of lying in his Rajya Sabha speech, "We walked out because the PM was addressing the House on the President's address and made some incorrect statements. It's his habit to lie and say things that are untrue. I simply asked him, when he was talking about the Constitution, that his people didn't create the Constitution—they were against it."

- "I was just clarifying who supported and opposed the Constitution. The RSS has opposed the Constitution. They burned effigies of BR Ambedkar and Pandit Nehru. He repeatedly claims that we disrespected BR Ambedkar, saying it both in the Lok Sabha and today. I wanted to highlight what Babasaheb said in the Constituent Assembly and what the RSS has written in the Organiser," Kharge added.

- PM Narendra Modi took&nbsp;a jibe at Congress over Lok Sabha 2024 elections. He said,&nbsp;"With these election results, not only is there a surge in the capital market, but there is also an atmosphere of joy worldwide. Amid this, Congress people are also happy. I can't understand the reason for this joy. Is it joy for the hattrick of losses? Is it joy for falling to the nervous 90s? Is it joy for another failed launch? I even saw Kharge ji full of energy. Perhaps Kharge ji has served his party a lot because the blame for this loss, which should have been attributed to someone, was saved by him, and he stood like a wall instead. Whenever such a situation arises, a Dalit and backward have to bear the brunt, and that family remains safe. The same was seen here too."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-stampede-death-toll-reaches-121-bhole-baba-still-at-large-737312">UP CM Adityanath vows to punish accused behind incident that took 121 lives</a>

- "You would have seen the issue with the Lok Sabha Speaker. There, too, their defeat was certain, but whom did they push forward? A Dalit. They knew he would lose, yet they fielded him. In the President and Vice President elections of 2022, they fielded Sushil Kumar Shinde; let the Dalit lose, they themselves have nothing to lose. In 2017, when defeat was certain, they fielded Meira Kumar. Congress has an anti-SC/ST/OBC mindset, due to which they kept humiliating former President Ram Nath Kovind. With this mindset, they left no stone unturned in insulting the first tribal woman President of the country and used words that no one else would," PM said.

- If this election was to save the Constitution, then the people of the nation chose us for it...1977 election saved the Constitution," PM said.

- PM Modi also raised&nbsp;the Bengal flogging incident, saying, "The Opposition's selective attitude on atrocities against women is very worrying...I have seen a video from Bengal on social media where a woman was being beaten...The incident which happened in Sandeshkhali....But even the senior leaders (of the opposition) have not said a word about it."

- Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised the Opposition, saying that despite the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) being given a chance to speak, they have insulted the constitution.&nbsp;

- "I urged them that the LoP was given adequate time to speak without any interruptions. Today, they did not leave the House behind, they have left behind dignity. Today, they did not show me their back, they showed it to the Constitution of India. They did not insult me or you, they insulted the oath of the Constitution that they took. There can be no bigger insult to the Constitution of India than this...I condemn their conduct...It is an occasion where they have challenged the Indian Constitution. They outraged the spirit of Indian Constitution, they have disregarded the oath they have undertaken...Indian Constitution is not something to hold in your hands, it is the book to way of life. I hope that they will self-introspect and walk the path of duty."

- "India has taken decisive steps towards women-led development and today we are its results. We have also worked in the areas of women's health, sanitation and wellness," PM Modi said while speaking in the Rajya Sabha.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hathras-stampede-death-toll-reaches-121-bhole-baba-still-at-large-737312">Hathras stampede: Death toll reaches 121; UP CM visits injured in hospital</a>

- "Opposition&nbsp;has&nbsp;insulted the Upper House. The country has defeated them and&nbsp;they don't have any other option but to scream and shout. Slogans and chaos and running away is their fate now," PM Modi said.

- Opposition MPs protest, raise slogans and walk out as PM Modi speaks on Motion of Thanks to President's Address. The Opposition MPs say that the LoP was not allowed to speak and that he should be allowed for the same.

- As they walk out, PM Modi says, "The country is watching that those who spread lies do not have the strength to hear the truth. Those who do not have the courage to face truth, do not have courage to listen to the answers to questions were raised in these discussions. They are insulting the Upper House, the glorious tradition of the Upper House."

- "During Congress’&nbsp;tenure, there was a scheme for Rs 60,000 crore farmers' loan waiver but names of the needy small farmers were not even included in the list of beneficiaries," he said.

- The PM says, "I have always said&nbsp;– what we did in 10 years is only the appetiser. The main course starts now. The coming five years are about a decisive fight against poverty."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-adjourned-after-pm-modis-salvo-at-rahul-gandhis-hinduism-remark-737204">Lok Sabha adjourned after PM Modi fires salvo at Rahul Gandhi for his Hinduism remark</a>

- "In the democratic journey of India, after many decades, the people of the country have chosen a government for the third consecutive time. But some people deliberately ignore this achievement, some people can't understand it, and some have tried to overshadow this important decision made by the people of this country," the PM&nbsp;said.

- "I would like to thank my friends in Congress. Who said this will be a 1/3rd government. They are right. We have had a government for 10 years, 20 more are yet to come. I hope it comes true," PM Modi said, while mocking Congress.

- "There have been many like me in whose family there was not even a sarpanch or pradhan – but they are serving the country in important positions. The reason: Dr Ambedkar’s constitution has given people like us a chance. The people also endorsed it," Modi said while addressing the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Upper House on Wednesday (July 3) after the Lok Sabha witnessed the government and the Opposition go nose-to-nose in a debate on Tuesday (July 2).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Upper House on Wednesday (July 3) after the Lok Sabha witnessed the government and the Opposition go nose-to-nose in a debate on Tuesday (July 2). PM Narendra Modi was speaking in the Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks on President's address and took jibes at the Opposition. Also read | Rahul Gandhi targets Speaker Om Birla for ‘selective expunction’, demands restoration of speech PM said that it's high time now that the Congress should accept the verdict of people and that NDA had won its third successive term in office. Here are latest updates: PM Modi attacks Congress over Manipur issue, said, "Stop politicising Manipur issue, one day Manipur will reject you." - On the Opposition's walkout from Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge accused the PM of lying in his Rajya Sabha speech, "We walked out because the PM was addressing the House on the President's address and made some incorrect statements. It's his habit to lie and say things that are untrue. I simply asked him, when he was talking about the Constitution, that his people didn't create the Constitution—they were against it." - "I was just clarifying who supported and opposed the Constitution. The RSS has opposed the Constitution. They burned effigies of BR Ambedkar and Pandit Nehru. He repeatedly claims that we disrespected BR Ambedkar, saying it both in the Lok Sabha and today. I wanted to highlight what Babasaheb said in the Constituent Assembly and what the RSS has written in the Organiser," Kharge added. - PM Narendra Modi took a jibe at Congress over Lok Sabha 2024 elections. He said, "With these election results, not only is there a surge in the capital market, but there is also an atmosphere of joy worldwide. Amid this, Congress people are also happy. I can't understand the reason for this joy. Is it joy for the hattrick of losses? Is it joy for falling to the nervous 90s? Is it joy for another failed launch? I even saw Kharge ji full of energy. Perhaps Kharge ji has served his party a lot because the blame for this loss, which should have been attributed to someone, was saved by him, and he stood like a wall instead. Whenever such a situation arises, a Dalit and backward have to bear the brunt, and that family remains safe. The same was seen here too." Also read: UP CM Adityanath vows to punish accused behind incident that took 121 lives - "You would have seen the issue with the Lok Sabha Speaker. There, too, their defeat was certain, but whom did they push forward? A Dalit. They knew he would lose, yet they fielded him. In the President and Vice President elections of 2022, they fielded Sushil Kumar Shinde; let the Dalit lose, they themselves have nothing to lose. In 2017, when defeat was certain, they fielded Meira Kumar. Congress has an anti-SC/ST/OBC mindset, due to which they kept humiliating former President Ram Nath Kovind. With this mindset, they left no stone unturned in insulting the first tribal woman President of the country and used words that no one else would," PM said. - If this election was to save the Constitution, then the people of the nation chose us for it...1977 election saved the Constitution," PM said. - PM Modi also raised the Bengal flogging incident, saying, "The Opposition's selective attitude on atrocities against women is very worrying...I have seen a video from Bengal on social media where a woman was being beaten...The incident which happened in Sandeshkhali....But even the senior leaders (of the opposition) have not said a word about it." - Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised the Opposition, saying that despite the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) being given a chance to speak, they have insulted the constitution. - "I urged them that the LoP was given adequate time to speak without any interruptions. Today, they did not leave the House behind, they have left behind dignity. Today, they did not show me their back, they showed it to the Constitution of India. They did not insult me or you, they insulted the oath of the Constitution that they took. There can be no bigger insult to the Constitution of India than this...I condemn their conduct...It is an occasion where they have challenged the Indian Constitution. They outraged the spirit of Indian Constitution, they have disregarded the oath they have undertaken...Indian Constitution is not something to hold in your hands, it is the book to way of life. I hope that they will self-introspect and walk the path of duty." - "India has taken decisive steps towards women-led development and today we are its results. We have also worked in the areas of women's health, sanitation and wellness," PM Modi said while speaking in the Rajya Sabha. Also read: Hathras stampede: Death toll reaches 121; UP CM visits injured in hospital - "Opposition has insulted the Upper House. The country has defeated them and they don't have any other option but to scream and shout. Slogans and chaos and running away is their fate now," PM Modi said. - Opposition MPs protest, raise slogans and walk out as PM Modi speaks on Motion of Thanks to President's Address. The Opposition MPs say that the LoP was not allowed to speak and that he should be allowed for the same. - As they walk out, PM Modi says, "The country is watching that those who spread lies do not have the strength to hear the truth. Those who do not have the courage to face truth, do not have courage to listen to the answers to questions were raised in these discussions. They are insulting the Upper House, the glorious tradition of the Upper House." - "During Congress’ tenure, there was a scheme for Rs 60,000 crore farmers' loan waiver but names of the needy small farmers were not even included in the list of beneficiaries," he said. - The PM says, "I have always said – what we did in 10 years is only the appetiser. The main course starts now. The coming five years are about a decisive fight against poverty." Also read: Lok Sabha adjourned after PM Modi fires salvo at Rahul Gandhi for his Hinduism remark - "In the democratic journey of India, after many decades, the people of the country have chosen a government for the third consecutive time. But some people deliberately ignore this achievement, some people can't understand it, and some have tried to overshadow this important decision made by the people of this country," the PM said. - "I would like to thank my friends in Congress. Who said this will be a 1/3rd government. They are right. We have had a government for 10 years, 20 more are yet to come. I hope it comes true," PM Modi said, while mocking Congress. - "There have been many like me in whose family there was not even a sarpanch or pradhan – but they are serving the country in important positions. The reason: Dr Ambedkar’s constitution has given people like us a chance. The people also endorsed it," Modi said while addressing the Rajya Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Parliament Session highlights: Can’t hear the truth, says PM as Oppn stages walkout; Kharge hits back

A day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the no-trust motion in Parliament&nbsp;which his government won, Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the PM saying that it does not behove a PM to crack jokes and laugh when the state of Manipur is on fire.

Gandhi also denounced the prime minister for his response in the Lok Sabha on&nbsp;the no-confidence motion stating that he dedicated only two minutes of his over two-hour-long speech to the violence-hit state.

"I watched the PM yesterday speaking for two hours, laughing, joking, and raising slogans. The Prime Minister seems to have forgotten that the state of Manipur is on fire and has been on fire for many days," Gandhi said.

"The Prime Minister sitting in the middle of Parliament was shamelessly laughing...The issue was not Congress or me, the issue was what is happening in Manipur and why it was not being stopped," he said.

<h2>PM Modi has misunderstanding of what PM is: Gandhi</h2>

Rahul Gandhi further said that PM Modi has a “complete misunderstanding about what the Prime Minister of India is.”

“And it is tragic to watch Mr Narendra Modi, it is sad. Because the Prime Minister does not understand what he actually is. He is our representative. He is my representative. He is all our representative. And watching the Prime Minister spend two hours talking about the Congress party, talking about the Opposition, making ridiculous remarks about the name. This really does not do justice to an Indian Prime Minister. I have seen Prime Ministers from the Congress party. I have seen Prime Ministers from the BJP, and I have seen previous Prime Ministers including Mr Vajpayee, and Mr Deve Gowda, but none of them has ever done this. This is a complete misunderstanding in the mind of Narendra Modi ji about what the Prime Minister of India is,” he added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-led-govt-brings-a-bill-excluding-chief-justice-from-panel-selecting-poll-officers-624380">PM Modi-led govt brings a bill excluding Chief Justice from panel selecting poll officers</a>

Gandhi said his comments that Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had "murdered Bharat Mata in Manipur" were not hollow words.

"In 19 years of experience, I have never seen what I saw and heard in Manipur. In Parliament, I said 'PM aur Amit Shah Ji Ne Bharat Mata Ki Hatya Ki Hai, Manipur mein Bharat ko khatam kar diya'. I didn't say like this, these are not empty words. Let me explain to you, why is said this. In Manipur, when we visited the Meitei area, we were clearly told that if there is any Kuki in your security detail, they should not be brought here as they will kill the person. When we went to the Kuki area, we were told that they will shoot down any Meitei person we bring...So, it is not one state, there are two states. State ki hatya ki gayi hai&nbsp;aur usko cheer diya gaya hai," he said.

"When the PM becomes a PM, he ceases to be a politician. He becomes the representative of the voice of the country. Politics should be put aside and the PM should speak not as a petty politician but the PM should speak with the weight of the Indian people behind him. It is tragic to post Mr Narendra Modi, it is sad... The PM does not understand what he actually is..," he added.

"Hindustan has been murdered by BJP in Manipur," the Congress leader said.&nbsp;

<h2>Modi wants Manipur to burn, says Rahul Gandhi</h2>

Gandhi further claimed that PM Modi "wants Manipur to burn and not douse the fire", underlining that despite knowing the fact that Indian Army can resolve the situation and has the ability to bring peace, the government is not deploying it.

"Indian Army can stop this nonsense, drama in two days, but the PM wants to burn Manipur and does not want to extinguish the fire." &nbsp;

Restating that PM Modi should visit the conflict-torn state of Manipur and set aside the talks of the next general elections.

"PM at least could go to Manipur, talk to communities and say I am your PM, let's start talking but I don't see any intention...The question is not whether PM Modi will become PM in 2024, the question is Manipur where children, and people are being killed," he added.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

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A day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the no-trust motion in Parliament which his government won, Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the PM saying that it does not behove a PM to crack jokes and laugh when the state of Manipur is on fire.

A day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the no-trust motion in Parliament which his government won, Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the PM saying that it does not behove a PM to crack jokes and laugh when the state of Manipur is on fire. Gandhi also denounced the prime minister for his response in the Lok Sabha on the no-confidence motion stating that he dedicated only two minutes of his over two-hour-long speech to the violence-hit state. "I watched the PM yesterday speaking for two hours, laughing, joking, and raising slogans. The Prime Minister seems to have forgotten that the state of Manipur is on fire and has been on fire for many days," Gandhi said. "The Prime Minister sitting in the middle of Parliament was shamelessly laughing...The issue was not Congress or me, the issue was what is happening in Manipur and why it was not being stopped," he said. PM Modi has misunderstanding of what PM is: Gandhi Rahul Gandhi further said that PM Modi has a “complete misunderstanding about what the Prime Minister of India is.” “And it is tragic to watch Mr Narendra Modi, it is sad. Because the Prime Minister does not understand what he actually is. He is our representative. He is my representative. He is all our representative. And watching the Prime Minister spend two hours talking about the Congress party, talking about the Opposition, making ridiculous remarks about the name. This really does not do justice to an Indian Prime Minister. I have seen Prime Ministers from the Congress party. I have seen Prime Ministers from the BJP, and I have seen previous Prime Ministers including Mr Vajpayee, and Mr Deve Gowda, but none of them has ever done this. This is a complete misunderstanding in the mind of Narendra Modi ji about what the Prime Minister of India is,” he added. Also read: PM Modi-led govt brings a bill excluding Chief Justice from panel selecting poll officers Gandhi said his comments that Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had "murdered Bharat Mata in Manipur" were not hollow words. "In 19 years of experience, I have never seen what I saw and heard in Manipur. In Parliament, I said 'PM aur Amit Shah Ji Ne Bharat Mata Ki Hatya Ki Hai, Manipur mein Bharat ko khatam kar diya'. I didn't say like this, these are not empty words. Let me explain to you, why is said this. In Manipur, when we visited the Meitei area, we were clearly told that if there is any Kuki in your security detail, they should not be brought here as they will kill the person. When we went to the Kuki area, we were told that they will shoot down any Meitei person we bring...So, it is not one state, there are two states. State ki hatya ki gayi hai aur usko cheer diya gaya hai," he said. "When the PM becomes a PM, he ceases to be a politician. He becomes the representative of the voice of the country. Politics should be put aside and the PM should speak not as a petty politician but the PM should speak with the weight of the Indian people behind him. It is tragic to post Mr Narendra Modi, it is sad... The PM does not understand what he actually is..," he added. "Hindustan has been murdered by BJP in Manipur," the Congress leader said. Modi wants Manipur to burn, says Rahul Gandhi Gandhi further claimed that PM Modi "wants Manipur to burn and not douse the fire", underlining that despite knowing the fact that Indian Army can resolve the situation and has the ability to bring peace, the government is not deploying it. "Indian Army can stop this nonsense, drama in two days, but the PM wants to burn Manipur and does not want to extinguish the fire." Restating that PM Modi should visit the conflict-torn state of Manipur and set aside the talks of the next general elections. "PM at least could go to Manipur, talk to communities and say I am your PM, let's start talking but I don't see any intention...The question is not whether PM Modi will become PM in 2024, the question is Manipur where children, and people are being killed," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Manipur to burn, does not want to extinguish fire', says Rahul Gandhi

After the Supreme court dismissed the review petition on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965">Rafale deal</a>, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders slammed senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded an apology to him.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad lashed at Gandhi for "lying" about the Rafale deal. He said that Rahul not only dragged Dassault and Reliance, the companies that were involved in the agreement, but also former presidents of France.

"Earlier he (Rahul Gandhi) created furore saying that PM Modi gave the deal to Reliance, then Dassault said that decision is taken by them not the&nbsp;Indian government,"&nbsp;Prasad said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP: Rahul Gandhi lied in the Parliament that France President Emmanuel Macron told him that the deal can be disclosed. Rahul Gandhi not only used Reliance and Dassault in his lies but also the current and former Presidents of France. (2/2) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/AIPjpyvJEU">https://t.co/AIPjpyvJEU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194898502351872002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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JP Nadda, BJP working president also slammed Gandhi and demanded an apology. "Rahul Gandhi and his party tried hard to mislead the country on this issue but the truth prevailed," the BJP working president said.&nbsp;

"Rahul Gandhi should an offer apology&nbsp;to the nation," Nadda demanded.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh did not take any names but said that matters related to defence should not be politicised. He also slammed Congress party for&nbsp;maligning the image of PM Modi and demanded an apology.

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Rajnath Singh: I think matters related to defence preparedness shouldn't be politicised,unfortunately some people did it for personal benefits.They also tried to malign Prime Minister.I would like to say that it was done especially by some senior Congress leaders. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/ioLt0G62NL">https://t.co/ioLt0G62NL</a> <a href="https://t.co/oMqMHrgC6O">pic.twitter.com/oMqMHrgC6O</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194887584893136898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The apex court earlier today rejected the review petitions that challenged its verdict passed on December 14, 2018 in the 36 Rafale jets deal. The review petition questioned the procurement of Rafale jets from the French government.&nbsp;

The top court also closed a contempt petition filed by senior BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his comments of "chowkidar chor hai" attributing to PM Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi apologised for his comments to the Indian PM.

"Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said while announcing their verdict.

"The Supreme Court has said that he (Rahul Gandhi) is a contemptner and a better sense should prevail. Keeping that in mind, a better methodology of doing politics should prevail and Congress should know how not to be intolerant of others who are doing better than them," Lekhi said after 
the apex court's judgment.

After the Supreme court dismissed the review petition on Rafale deal, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders slammed senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded an apology to him.

After the Supreme court dismissed the review petition on Rafale deal, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders slammed senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded an apology to him. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad lashed at Gandhi for "lying" about the Rafale deal. He said that Rahul not only dragged Dassault and Reliance, the companies that were involved in the agreement, but also former presidents of France. "Earlier he (Rahul Gandhi) created furore saying that PM Modi gave the deal to Reliance, then Dassault said that decision is taken by them not the Indian government," Prasad said. Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP: Rahul Gandhi lied in the Parliament that France President Emmanuel Macron told him that the deal can be disclosed. Rahul Gandhi not only used Reliance and Dassault in his lies but also the current and former Presidents of France. (2/2) #RafaleVerdict https://t.co/AIPjpyvJEU — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019 × JP Nadda, BJP working president also slammed Gandhi and demanded an apology. "Rahul Gandhi and his party tried hard to mislead the country on this issue but the truth prevailed," the BJP working president said. "Rahul Gandhi should an offer apology to the nation," Nadda demanded. Defence minister Rajnath Singh did not take any names but said that matters related to defence should not be politicised. He also slammed Congress party for maligning the image of PM Modi and demanded an apology. Rajnath Singh: I think matters related to defence preparedness shouldn't be politicised,unfortunately some people did it for personal benefits.They also tried to malign Prime Minister.I would like to say that it was done especially by some senior Congress leaders. #RafaleVerdict https://t.co/ioLt0G62NL pic.twitter.com/oMqMHrgC6O — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019 × The apex court earlier today rejected the review petitions that challenged its verdict passed on December 14, 2018 in the 36 Rafale jets deal. The review petition questioned the procurement of Rafale jets from the French government. The top court also closed a contempt petition filed by senior BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his comments of "chowkidar chor hai" attributing to PM Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi apologised for his comments to the Indian PM. "Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said while announcing their verdict. "The Supreme Court has said that he (Rahul Gandhi) is a contemptner and a better sense should prevail. Keeping that in mind, a better methodology of doing politics should prevail and Congress should know how not to be intolerant of others who are doing better than them," Lekhi said after the apex court's judgment.

BJP slams Rahul Gandhi over Rafale claims after SC verdict, demands apology

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-call-for-hindi-as-national-language-triggers-political-row-249706">Shah</a>, who kicked off the BJP's 'Janadesh Yatra' here, also addressed a rally and devoted most part of his speech on Article 370, a clear indication that the issue with fervour of nationalism will be at the top of party's campaign theme.

"By removing Article 370, Modi Ji has shown Pakistan its place and shown it to the world that Kashmir is an inalienable part of India. No one can raise an eye on Kashmir now," he said.

Accusing Congress of putting roadblocks when the Prime Minister takes bold decisions for securing India's integrity and security, Shah asked Congress to clarify whether it stands with India's interest or otherwise.

"When Article 370 and 35A were removed, Congress opposed it tooth and nail. Rahul Gandhi opposed surgical strikes, sought proof of airstrikes and supported the JNU 'tukde tukde' gang. Take a decision in which direction you want to move," he said.

Shah said that the BJP has always maintained that Article 370 is against the unity and integrity of India but Congress has always opposed the stand.

"Congress party must clarify whether they stand with India's interest or otherwise," he said adding that when Rahul Gandhi goes for campaigning in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, he should tell the voters whether he is in support of the removal of Article 370 or opposed to it.

Suggesting the opposition that when the country's interests are in question, Shah said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-eyes-200-seats-in-west-bengal-249864">BJP</a> always stood strong with the government on matters of the nation's security and integrity and stressed that no one should get bogged down by party politics.

He reminded the Congress that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite being in opposition, wholeheartedly supported the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence.

"When in the 1990s, Pakistan had raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao requested Atal Ji to present India's stance in UN, which he accepted willingly despite being in the opposition in Parliament," Shah said.

"As the elections are around the corner, the people of Jharkhand should decide whether they are with Modi Ji, who abrogated Article 370 or with them who wants it to be continued," the BJP president added.

Jharkhand, along with Haryana and Maharashtra, is set to hold assembly elections later this year.

Earlier, Shah hailed Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and appealed to the people to elect the BJP back to power to keep the fast-paced development going on in the state.

He also hit out at the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led opposition's alliance and claimed that when both were in power they did nothing for the state's development.

"The Congress gave Jharkhand Rs 55,200 crores in 10 years but the Modi government gave Rs 1,45,345 crores in half the period," Shah said. 
The BJP president asserted that Naxalism is on the decline in Jharkhand since the Modi government is in power, and various welfare schemes have been successfully implemented in the state.

Shah also recalled the creation of Jharkhand and said the BJP always supported the demand of the people for a new state.

"This dream was realized by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government. Atal Ji laid the foundation and Modi Ji brought fast-paced development in Jharkhand. Modi Ji's vision for a developed Jharkhand was implemented seamlessly by the Raghubar Das government," the BJP president said.

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it.

Setting the tone for the party's election campaign in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jharkhand, Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday described the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold decision for securing India's integrity and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clear his party's stand on it. Shah, who kicked off the BJP's 'Janadesh Yatra' here, also addressed a rally and devoted most part of his speech on Article 370, a clear indication that the issue with fervour of nationalism will be at the top of party's campaign theme. "By removing Article 370, Modi Ji has shown Pakistan its place and shown it to the world that Kashmir is an inalienable part of India. No one can raise an eye on Kashmir now," he said. Accusing Congress of putting roadblocks when the Prime Minister takes bold decisions for securing India's integrity and security, Shah asked Congress to clarify whether it stands with India's interest or otherwise. "When Article 370 and 35A were removed, Congress opposed it tooth and nail. Rahul Gandhi opposed surgical strikes, sought proof of airstrikes and supported the JNU 'tukde tukde' gang. Take a decision in which direction you want to move," he said. Shah said that the BJP has always maintained that Article 370 is against the unity and integrity of India but Congress has always opposed the stand. "Congress party must clarify whether they stand with India's interest or otherwise," he said adding that when Rahul Gandhi goes for campaigning in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, he should tell the voters whether he is in support of the removal of Article 370 or opposed to it. Suggesting the opposition that when the country's interests are in question, Shah said the BJP always stood strong with the government on matters of the nation's security and integrity and stressed that no one should get bogged down by party politics. He reminded the Congress that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, despite being in opposition, wholeheartedly supported the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence. "When in the 1990s, Pakistan had raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao requested Atal Ji to present India's stance in UN, which he accepted willingly despite being in the opposition in Parliament," Shah said. "As the elections are around the corner, the people of Jharkhand should decide whether they are with Modi Ji, who abrogated Article 370 or with them who wants it to be continued," the BJP president added. Jharkhand, along with Haryana and Maharashtra, is set to hold assembly elections later this year. Earlier, Shah hailed Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and appealed to the people to elect the BJP back to power to keep the fast-paced development going on in the state. He also hit out at the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led opposition's alliance and claimed that when both were in power they did nothing for the state's development. "The Congress gave Jharkhand Rs 55,200 crores in 10 years but the Modi government gave Rs 1,45,345 crores in half the period," Shah said. The BJP president asserted that Naxalism is on the decline in Jharkhand since the Modi government is in power, and various welfare schemes have been successfully implemented in the state. Shah also recalled the creation of Jharkhand and said the BJP always supported the demand of the people for a new state. "This dream was realized by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government. Atal Ji laid the foundation and Modi Ji brought fast-paced development in Jharkhand. Modi Ji's vision for a developed Jharkhand was implemented seamlessly by the Raghubar Das government," the BJP president said.

With Kashmir top on agenda, Shah kicks off campaign in Jharkhand; slams Congress

&nbsp;It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-visit-his-parliamentary-constituency-wayanad-today-225162">Rahul Gandhi</a> hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital.

Vavathil could not contain her happiness and excitement at meeting Gandhi, whose birth she had witnessed, as a grown-up man and the Member of Parliament from her Wayanad constituency in Kerala.

The Gandhi scion hugged her and held her hand when Vavathil and her family came to meet him at a guest house here in the morning.

Amidst his busy schedule, Gandhi, on a Thanksgiving visit to Wayanad, which has sent him to Parliament this time with a massive victory margin of 4.31 lakh votes, spent some time with Vavathil's family.

Besides, the Congress chief obliged some party workers and their kin by posing for photographs with them.

As a trainee nurse, Vavathil had taken care of Gandhi at Delhi's Holy Family Hospital after his birth on June 19, 1970.

The Congress chief also greeted Vavathil's family members, including her husband and grandchildren, who waited for hours to meet him.

When Vavathil recalled her memories of witnessing his birth and taking him in her hands like a newborn, Gandhi listened to her attentively with a smile on his face.

Before leaving, Vavathil gifted home-made jackfruit chips and sweets to the Congress chief, who, in turn, promised to meet her again.

An excited Vavathil later said she was really happy to meet Gandhi after all these years.

"I am really happy and excited. I was the first among the few who took Rahul as a newborn in their hands. All those memories gushed through my mind when I met him again," she told reporters.

"I felt, I should give him some gift. That is why I gave him sweets and chips made by myself," the retired nurse said.

When the controversy over Gandhi's citizenship came up during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Vavathil had said she was one of those who were on duty at the Holy Family Hospital on June 19, 1970, when the Congress chief was born.

She had also said she was among the first few to take newborn Rahul in her hands.

"I was lucky as I was the first among the few who took the newborn in their hands. He was so cute. I was witness to his birth. I was thrilled...We all were thrilled to see the grandson of (then) prime minister Indira Gandhi," Vavathil had said.

Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi and uncle Sanjay Gandhi were waiting outside the labour room of the hospital when his mother Sonia Gandhi was taken for delivery, she had recounted.

Vavathil, who completed her nursing course from the Holy Family Hospital, later joined the military as a nurse.

After taking voluntary retirement from service, she returned to Kerala in 1987 and is now settled in Kalloor, near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad.&nbsp;

It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital.

It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital. Vavathil could not contain her happiness and excitement at meeting Gandhi, whose birth she had witnessed, as a grown-up man and the Member of Parliament from her Wayanad constituency in Kerala. The Gandhi scion hugged her and held her hand when Vavathil and her family came to meet him at a guest house here in the morning. Amidst his busy schedule, Gandhi, on a Thanksgiving visit to Wayanad, which has sent him to Parliament this time with a massive victory margin of 4.31 lakh votes, spent some time with Vavathil's family. Besides, the Congress chief obliged some party workers and their kin by posing for photographs with them. As a trainee nurse, Vavathil had taken care of Gandhi at Delhi's Holy Family Hospital after his birth on June 19, 1970. The Congress chief also greeted Vavathil's family members, including her husband and grandchildren, who waited for hours to meet him. When Vavathil recalled her memories of witnessing his birth and taking him in her hands like a newborn, Gandhi listened to her attentively with a smile on his face. Before leaving, Vavathil gifted home-made jackfruit chips and sweets to the Congress chief, who, in turn, promised to meet her again. An excited Vavathil later said she was really happy to meet Gandhi after all these years. "I am really happy and excited. I was the first among the few who took Rahul as a newborn in their hands. All those memories gushed through my mind when I met him again," she told reporters. "I felt, I should give him some gift. That is why I gave him sweets and chips made by myself," the retired nurse said. When the controversy over Gandhi's citizenship came up during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Vavathil had said she was one of those who were on duty at the Holy Family Hospital on June 19, 1970, when the Congress chief was born. She had also said she was among the first few to take newborn Rahul in her hands. "I was lucky as I was the first among the few who took the newborn in their hands. He was so cute. I was witness to his birth. I was thrilled...We all were thrilled to see the grandson of (then) prime minister Indira Gandhi," Vavathil had said. Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi and uncle Sanjay Gandhi were waiting outside the labour room of the hospital when his mother Sonia Gandhi was taken for delivery, she had recounted. Vavathil, who completed her nursing course from the Holy Family Hospital, later joined the military as a nurse. After taking voluntary retirement from service, she returned to Kerala in 1987 and is now settled in Kalloor, near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad.

Rahul Gandhi meets Kerala nurse who held him in her hands as a baby

Amid talks of cabinet expansion to save the government in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday met the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee chief Siddaramaiah and held discussions.

"Both leaders have met on cabinet issue and have held discussions. Whether it is expansion or reshuffle, it may take place only after June 4," official sources said.

The Congress in Karnataka over the last couple of days had gone into a huddle to avert a potential existential crisis to the one-year-old coalition ministry and discussed the possible cabinet rejig to address the dissent within.

Kumaraswamy had also held discussions with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.

Coalition leaders were initially unable to reach consensus on whether to go in for cabinet expansion by filling three vacant posts or reshuffle by asking a few ministers to step down and make way for the disgruntled lawmakers.

CLP leader Siddaramaiah, however, had indicated that reshuffle was on the cards.

According to party sources, there are talks about first filling three vacant posts and then going in for reshuffle if the need arises.

Meanwhile, Independent MLA Nagesh and KPJP MLA R Shankar also met Siddaramaiah on Saturday and held discussions.

There are reports that in case of cabinet expansion they are likely to be inducted into the Ministry.

During the meeting, Siddaramaiah is said to have asked both legislators not to fall prey to any attempts by the BJP to woo them.

On Wednesday reports and pictures of Nagesh and Shankar meeting rebel Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who is allegedly hobnobbing with the BJP, had added to the coalition's worry.

Shankar was inducted into Kumaraswamys cabinet but was subsequently dropped during the reshuffle in December last year, following which both of them had withdrawn their support from the government and sided with BJP.

Coalition worries have multiplied after the BJP's spectacular win with 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in its pocket, leaving a mere one seat each to the Congress and JDS, which, despite a joint fight, were swept away by the Modi wave.

Also, growing unrest within the party and threat by Ramesh Jarkiholi to quit Congress along with other MLAs have worried the leadership as it would trigger a number game in the assembly.

The talk about cabinet reshuffle or expansion has also given rise to a number of aspirants within the party.

Of the total 34 ministerial positions in Karnataka, the Congress and JD(S) have shared 22 and 12 respectively.

Currently, three posts are vacant, two from JD(S) and one from Congress.

However, allaying fears that the BJP was trying to weaken the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka, the saffron party's state president B S Yeddyurappa Friday had said central leaders have asked the state unit not to indulge in any activity to "destabilise" it.&nbsp;

Amid talks of cabinet expansion to save the government in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday met the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee chief Siddaramaiah and held discussions.

Amid talks of cabinet expansion to save the government in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday met the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee chief Siddaramaiah and held discussions. "Both leaders have met on cabinet issue and have held discussions. Whether it is expansion or reshuffle, it may take place only after June 4," official sources said. The Congress in Karnataka over the last couple of days had gone into a huddle to avert a potential existential crisis to the one-year-old coalition ministry and discussed the possible cabinet rejig to address the dissent within. Kumaraswamy had also held discussions with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. Coalition leaders were initially unable to reach consensus on whether to go in for cabinet expansion by filling three vacant posts or reshuffle by asking a few ministers to step down and make way for the disgruntled lawmakers. CLP leader Siddaramaiah, however, had indicated that reshuffle was on the cards. According to party sources, there are talks about first filling three vacant posts and then going in for reshuffle if the need arises. Meanwhile, Independent MLA Nagesh and KPJP MLA R Shankar also met Siddaramaiah on Saturday and held discussions. There are reports that in case of cabinet expansion they are likely to be inducted into the Ministry. During the meeting, Siddaramaiah is said to have asked both legislators not to fall prey to any attempts by the BJP to woo them. On Wednesday reports and pictures of Nagesh and Shankar meeting rebel Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who is allegedly hobnobbing with the BJP, had added to the coalition's worry. Shankar was inducted into Kumaraswamys cabinet but was subsequently dropped during the reshuffle in December last year, following which both of them had withdrawn their support from the government and sided with BJP. Coalition worries have multiplied after the BJP's spectacular win with 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in its pocket, leaving a mere one seat each to the Congress and JDS, which, despite a joint fight, were swept away by the Modi wave. Also, growing unrest within the party and threat by Ramesh Jarkiholi to quit Congress along with other MLAs have worried the leadership as it would trigger a number game in the assembly. The talk about cabinet reshuffle or expansion has also given rise to a number of aspirants within the party. Of the total 34 ministerial positions in Karnataka, the Congress and JD(S) have shared 22 and 12 respectively. Currently, three posts are vacant, two from JD(S) and one from Congress. However, allaying fears that the BJP was trying to weaken the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka, the saffron party's state president B S Yeddyurappa Friday had said central leaders have asked the state unit not to indulge in any activity to "destabilise" it.

Amid coalition worries, HD Kumaraswamy holds talks with Siddaramaiah

Congress Election Manifesto: Rs.72,000 annually for those who earn below 12,000

India Elections 2019: Rahul Gandhi may also contest from Wayanad seat in Kerala

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

“Modi wants to create two Hindustans, which is not acceptable to us. There will be one flag and one country,” he said. Gandhi said nobody could insult the farmers of the country, no matter if he was the prime minister of the country or the president of the US.

“The BJP leaders are talking about several issues, but there are only two issues. One is employment and the other is of the betterment of farmers,” he said. Gandhi reiterated that the Congress government would waive farmers’ loans within 10 days of coming to power in Rajasthan.

The Congress chief recalled that when Modi was contesting the 2014 general election, he had talked about employment, corruption and farmers. But, he claimed, the prime minister was not talking about such issues in 2018.

“Neither youths got employment, nor farmers got any help.”

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor. Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor. Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. “Modi wants to create two Hindustans, which is not acceptable to us. There will be one flag and one country,” he said. Gandhi said nobody could insult the farmers of the country, no matter if he was the prime minister of the country or the president of the US. “The BJP leaders are talking about several issues, but there are only two issues. One is employment and the other is of the betterment of farmers,” he said. Gandhi reiterated that the Congress government would waive farmers’ loans within 10 days of coming to power in Rajasthan. The Congress chief recalled that when Modi was contesting the 2014 general election, he had talked about employment, corruption and farmers. But, he claimed, the prime minister was not talking about such issues in 2018. “Neither youths got employment, nor farmers got any help.”

Modi wants to create two Indias- one for rich, other for poor, says Rahul Gandhi

Madhya Pradesh&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Shivraj Singh&nbsp;Chouhan on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation suit against&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;president&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi after his remarks&nbsp;Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son’s name appearing in the Panama Papers.&nbsp;

The Congress president had accused Chouhan of presiding over "rampant corruption" and claimed that the serving Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the Panama papers.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan threatened to file a criminal defamation suit against&nbsp;Gandhi for making "frivolous and mala fide statements" regarding an alleged involvement of him and his family in the Vyapam scam and Panama Papers cases.

Issuing the warning to the Congress chief through a tweet on Monday night, Chouhan said that he would take criminal action for maximum damages against Gandhi.

"@RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and mala fide statements. Let the law take its own course now," the Chief Minister wrote on Twitter.

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Mr <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> 
You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. 
 
Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. 
 
Let law take its own course now.
— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChouhanShivraj/status/1056975919104045057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Launching an attack on Chouhan, the Congress supremo had said, "Shivraj Singh, also known as Mamaji, his son has been named in the Panama papers. Even a country like Pakistan punished its former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif when he was named in the Panama papers. But here no action has been taken place as of now."

'Panama Paper Leaks' was first reported in 2016 where reportedly 500 Indians were named in the documents of Mossack Fonseca - a Panama-based law firm known for their services in incorporating firms in offshore jurisdictions.

Madhya Pradesh will vote on November 28 for a new assembly. The Congress aims at defeating the ruling BJP, which has been in power in the state for 15 years.

(With inputs from ANI)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation suit against Congress president Rahul Gandhi after his remarks Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son’s name appearing in the Panama Papers.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation suit against Congress president Rahul Gandhi after his remarks Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son’s name appearing in the Panama Papers. The Congress president had accused Chouhan of presiding over "rampant corruption" and claimed that the serving Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the Panama papers. Shivraj Singh Chouhan threatened to file a criminal defamation suit against Gandhi for making "frivolous and mala fide statements" regarding an alleged involvement of him and his family in the Vyapam scam and Panama Papers cases. Issuing the warning to the Congress chief through a tweet on Monday night, Chouhan said that he would take criminal action for maximum damages against Gandhi. "@RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and mala fide statements. Let the law take its own course now," the Chief Minister wrote on Twitter. Mr @RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. Let law take its own course now. — ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) October 29, 2018 × Launching an attack on Chouhan, the Congress supremo had said, "Shivraj Singh, also known as Mamaji, his son has been named in the Panama papers. Even a country like Pakistan punished its former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif when he was named in the Panama papers. But here no action has been taken place as of now." 'Panama Paper Leaks' was first reported in 2016 where reportedly 500 Indians were named in the documents of Mossack Fonseca - a Panama-based law firm known for their services in incorporating firms in offshore jurisdictions. Madhya Pradesh will vote on November 28 for a new assembly. The Congress aims at defeating the ruling BJP, which has been in power in the state for 15 years. (With inputs from ANI)

Shivraj Singh Chouhan files criminal defamation suit against Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited under BJP.&nbsp;

"Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised and the Congress party standing with them," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

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Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised &amp; the Congress party standing with them: Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressSankalpYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressSankalpYatra</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1048497535768096768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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His comments came during a public gathering in Morena in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh where he will address the public in Jabalpur after Morena and also perform Narmada Puja, reports said.&nbsp;

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MP: Tribals &amp; farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting, to be addressed by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, later today. The tribals are demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' &amp; implementation of Forest Rights Act <a href="https://t.co/DgymaT3CBT">pic.twitter.com/DgymaT3CBT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048474490546655232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Saturday, tribals and farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting. The tribals have been demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' and implementation of Forest Rights Act, news agency ANI reported.

Gandhi said that it was the Congress who formed the Tribal Bill but the BJP has refused to implement it, adding that if they come to power they will bring the bill into force.&nbsp;

Gandhi further attacked the BJP government and said that the government helps offenders flee the country but arrest people who are fighting for their rights.

"Vijay Mallya stole Rs 10,000 crore. He fled to London the day after he met FM Arun Jaitly. No action is taken against Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallya, but a farmer protesting for a piece of his land is jailed," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Talking&nbsp;about the Rafale deal, Gandhi said that "Rafale deal given to HAL would've created hundreds of jobs in India. But PM Modi steals this from HAL and gives the Rs 30,000 crore&nbsp;contract to Anil Ambani's company."

"Rs 30,000 crore&nbsp;given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than Rs 3,00,000 crore&nbsp;is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Adivasis?" Rahul Gandhi asked.

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₹30,000Cr given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than ₹3,00,000Cr is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Aadivasis?: CP <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressSankalpYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressSankalpYatra</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1048494983857111040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Election Commission announced the dates for Assembly elections in four states — Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram, today.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram assembly elections to be held on 28th November, Rajasthan and Telangana assembly elections to be held on 7th December and Chhattisgarh will hold elections on 12 and 20 November.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited under BJP.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited under BJP. "Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised and the Congress party standing with them," Gandhi said. Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised & the Congress party standing with them: Congress President @RahulGandhi #CongressSankalpYatra — Congress (@INCIndia) October 6, 2018 × His comments came during a public gathering in Morena in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh where he will address the public in Jabalpur after Morena and also perform Narmada Puja, reports said. MP: Tribals & farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting, to be addressed by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, later today. The tribals are demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' & implementation of Forest Rights Act pic.twitter.com/DgymaT3CBT — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2018 × On Saturday, tribals and farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting. The tribals have been demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' and implementation of Forest Rights Act, news agency ANI reported. Gandhi said that it was the Congress who formed the Tribal Bill but the BJP has refused to implement it, adding that if they come to power they will bring the bill into force. Gandhi further attacked the BJP government and said that the government helps offenders flee the country but arrest people who are fighting for their rights. "Vijay Mallya stole Rs 10,000 crore. He fled to London the day after he met FM Arun Jaitly. No action is taken against Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallya, but a farmer protesting for a piece of his land is jailed," Gandhi said. Talking about the Rafale deal, Gandhi said that "Rafale deal given to HAL would've created hundreds of jobs in India. But PM Modi steals this from HAL and gives the Rs 30,000 crore contract to Anil Ambani's company." "Rs 30,000 crore given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than Rs 3,00,000 crore is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Adivasis?" Rahul Gandhi asked. ₹30,000Cr given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than ₹3,00,000Cr is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Aadivasis?: CP @RahulGandhi #CongressSankalpYatra — Congress (@INCIndia) October 6, 2018 × The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. Meanwhile, the Election Commission announced the dates for Assembly elections in four states — Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram, today. Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram assembly elections to be held on 28th November, Rajasthan and Telangana assembly elections to be held on 7th December and Chhattisgarh will hold elections on 12 and 20 November.

Adivasis, Dalits, minorities are exploited under BJP: Rahul Gandhi in Morena 

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and the RSS, the Congress on Tuesday called for a "new freedom struggle" against what it called the Modi government's politics of "polarisation and intimidation", as it held a meeting of its apex decision-making body CWC at a venue where 'Quit India' resolution was adopted in 1942 under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.

Holding its meeting at Sewagram Ashram's Mahadev Bhavan in Wardha district of Maharashtra on Mahatma Gandhi's 149th birth anniversary, the Congress Working Committee, headed by the party chief Rahul Gandhi, also condemned the use of force against protesting farmers on their way to the national capital.

The CWC had last met in Sevagram in March 1948 and before that under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 to adopt the 'Quit India' resolution.

In a resolution adopted at the meeting, the Congress alleged the RSS had a "blatant hypocrisy" that vilified and rejected Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime and it was now brazenly proclaiming itself to be his champion.

"It is its (RSS's) ideology that was responsible for spreading the atmosphere of hate that led to the Mahatma's tragic assassination," Congress chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said quoting the resolution.

Another resolution adopted at the meeting condemned the use of force on farmers on their protest march towards the national capital from all parts of the country on Tuesday.

The CWS meeting was presided over by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh among other leaders.

The CWC resolution accused Modi government of "crushing debate and dissent" and "imposing artificial uniformity in a nation of extraordinary diversity".

Stating that a new freedom struggle is the urgent need of the hour, the resolution called for a massive movement to combat "the forces of divisiveness and prejudice, (and) to confront the Modi government whose politics is the politics of threat and intimidation, the politics of polarisation and divisiveness, the politics of crushing debate and dissent."&nbsp;

The Congress accused the Modi government of pursuing the politics of "hatred, vendetta, deceit, fraud and subterfuge" and subverting all constitutional values.

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, the resolution said that "appropriating" Mahatma's legacy may be politically expedient for some, "but imbibing his principles and values in thought, word and deed is impossible for those who see in the Mahatma only electoral opportunities".

"One may borrow the Mahatma's spectacles for publicity campaigns, but implementing his vision will remain unfulfilled unless his principles are followed," the resolution said in an apparent reference to the logo for the government's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign.

The CWC resolved to expose "the hollowness and doublespeak of the ideologies and organisations who have never believed in, let alone followed the Gandhian path of truth, tolerance, harmony and non-violence".

The CWC also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary.

"'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' is not a slogan but a cardinal principle of faith for the Congress party," it stated.

The Congress, which has been trying to project itself as the pivot to head a united front against the BJP in future polls, said it embodies the true ethos of inclusive and secular "Bharat".

"It is only the Congress that is deeply committed to the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The CWC resolves that this fundamental message must be renewed and propagated to all corners of India, especially to the younger generation, by every member of the Congress party," the resolution stated.

The Congress further said the "ideological battle" has to be unswerving, irrespective of elections.

It called upon the people to fight the politics of "fear, intimidation, lies and deception without "bending".

It also recalled Sevagram having served as the "karmbhoomi" of Mahatma Gandhi for over a decade from the time he set up his ashram there in April 1936 and also holsted the CWC meeting which had adopted the "Quit India" resolution on July 14, 1942.

The quit India movement was launched a month later under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

Referring to the use of force on farmers on their way to Delhi, Surjewala said they were seeking loan waiver, doubling of their income and a fair price for their produce.

"Five to 18 per cent GST is levied on fertilisers and farmers want it should be waived," he said.

Surjewala said the Congress would never accept "such atrocities".

"Farmers who had come to seek grievance redressal were beaten up and lathi-charged. Water canons and tear gas were also used. We condemn the autocratic Modi government and the prime minister who is drunk with power. We express solidarity with the farmers and resolve to redress their grievances if voted to power," he said.

The CWC also passed a resolution condoling the recent demise of party leaders R K Dhawan and Gurudas Kamat.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and the RSS, the Congress on Tuesday called for a "new freedom struggle" against what it called the Modi government's politics of "polarisation and intimidation", as it held a meeting of its apex decision-making body CWC at a venue where 'Quit India' resolution was adopted in 1942 under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and the RSS, the Congress on Tuesday called for a "new freedom struggle" against what it called the Modi government's politics of "polarisation and intimidation", as it held a meeting of its apex decision-making body CWC at a venue where 'Quit India' resolution was adopted in 1942 under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. Holding its meeting at Sewagram Ashram's Mahadev Bhavan in Wardha district of Maharashtra on Mahatma Gandhi's 149th birth anniversary, the Congress Working Committee, headed by the party chief Rahul Gandhi, also condemned the use of force against protesting farmers on their way to the national capital. The CWC had last met in Sevagram in March 1948 and before that under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 to adopt the 'Quit India' resolution. In a resolution adopted at the meeting, the Congress alleged the RSS had a "blatant hypocrisy" that vilified and rejected Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime and it was now brazenly proclaiming itself to be his champion. "It is its (RSS's) ideology that was responsible for spreading the atmosphere of hate that led to the Mahatma's tragic assassination," Congress chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said quoting the resolution. Another resolution adopted at the meeting condemned the use of force on farmers on their protest march towards the national capital from all parts of the country on Tuesday. The CWS meeting was presided over by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh among other leaders. The CWC resolution accused Modi government of "crushing debate and dissent" and "imposing artificial uniformity in a nation of extraordinary diversity". Stating that a new freedom struggle is the urgent need of the hour, the resolution called for a massive movement to combat "the forces of divisiveness and prejudice, (and) to confront the Modi government whose politics is the politics of threat and intimidation, the politics of polarisation and divisiveness, the politics of crushing debate and dissent." The Congress accused the Modi government of pursuing the politics of "hatred, vendetta, deceit, fraud and subterfuge" and subverting all constitutional values. In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, the resolution said that "appropriating" Mahatma's legacy may be politically expedient for some, "but imbibing his principles and values in thought, word and deed is impossible for those who see in the Mahatma only electoral opportunities". "One may borrow the Mahatma's spectacles for publicity campaigns, but implementing his vision will remain unfulfilled unless his principles are followed," the resolution said in an apparent reference to the logo for the government's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign. The CWC resolved to expose "the hollowness and doublespeak of the ideologies and organisations who have never believed in, let alone followed the Gandhian path of truth, tolerance, harmony and non-violence". The CWC also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. "'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' is not a slogan but a cardinal principle of faith for the Congress party," it stated. The Congress, which has been trying to project itself as the pivot to head a united front against the BJP in future polls, said it embodies the true ethos of inclusive and secular "Bharat". "It is only the Congress that is deeply committed to the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The CWC resolves that this fundamental message must be renewed and propagated to all corners of India, especially to the younger generation, by every member of the Congress party," the resolution stated. The Congress further said the "ideological battle" has to be unswerving, irrespective of elections. It called upon the people to fight the politics of "fear, intimidation, lies and deception without "bending". It also recalled Sevagram having served as the "karmbhoomi" of Mahatma Gandhi for over a decade from the time he set up his ashram there in April 1936 and also holsted the CWC meeting which had adopted the "Quit India" resolution on July 14, 1942. The quit India movement was launched a month later under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Referring to the use of force on farmers on their way to Delhi, Surjewala said they were seeking loan waiver, doubling of their income and a fair price for their produce. "Five to 18 per cent GST is levied on fertilisers and farmers want it should be waived," he said. Surjewala said the Congress would never accept "such atrocities". "Farmers who had come to seek grievance redressal were beaten up and lathi-charged. Water canons and tear gas were also used. We condemn the autocratic Modi government and the prime minister who is drunk with power. We express solidarity with the farmers and resolve to redress their grievances if voted to power," he said. The CWC also passed a resolution condoling the recent demise of party leaders R K Dhawan and Gurudas Kamat.

Congress vows 'new freedom struggle' against Modi govt, attacks RSS

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets.

He took to Twitter to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a poem in Hindi alleging that he gave benefits to "crony capitalists" at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the Rafale deal.

Gandhi also alleged that the officer who raised questions over the deal was penalised, while those who sided with the government were rewarded. 
He tagged a media report that alleged that the Defence Ministry official who raised objections over the price of the Rafale jets "proceeded" on a month's leave and the 36-Rafale deal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council thereafter.

Citing the same media report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a Tweet, claimed that the Modi government "sent on leave the 'whistleblower'", who questioned the loss to the state exchequer "by paying 300% extra for 36 Rafale".

He also alleged that a senior officer, who overruled the official who raised questions over the Rafale jets pricing, was made a member of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).&nbsp;

"Perks of pleasing Modi Govt cover corruption tracks," he claimed.

The Congress has been stepping up its attack on the government with the Rafale deal controversy taking a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" in selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance Defence as offset partner for the French aerospace giant.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

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मोदी-अंबानी का देखो खेल 
HAL से छीन लिया राफेल 
धन्नासेठों की कैसी भक्ति 
घटा दिया सेना की शक्ति 
जिस अफसर ने चोरी से रोका 
ठगों के सरदार ने उसको ठोका 
पिट्ठुओं को मिली शाबाशी 
सेठों ने उड़ती चिड़िया फाँसी 
 
जन-जन में फैल रही है सनसनी 
मिलकर रोकेंगे लुटेरों की कंपनी <a href="https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3">https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1045228268444667904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets. He took to Twitter to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a poem in Hindi alleging that he gave benefits to "crony capitalists" at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the Rafale deal. Gandhi also alleged that the officer who raised questions over the deal was penalised, while those who sided with the government were rewarded. He tagged a media report that alleged that the Defence Ministry official who raised objections over the price of the Rafale jets "proceeded" on a month's leave and the 36-Rafale deal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council thereafter. Citing the same media report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a Tweet, claimed that the Modi government "sent on leave the 'whistleblower'", who questioned the loss to the state exchequer "by paying 300% extra for 36 Rafale". He also alleged that a senior officer, who overruled the official who raised questions over the Rafale jets pricing, was made a member of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). "Perks of pleasing Modi Govt cover corruption tracks," he claimed. The Congress has been stepping up its attack on the government with the Rafale deal controversy taking a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" in selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance Defence as offset partner for the French aerospace giant. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris. मोदी-अंबानी का देखो खेल HAL से छीन लिया राफेल धन्नासेठों की कैसी भक्ति घटा दिया सेना की शक्ति जिस अफसर ने चोरी से रोका ठगों के सरदार ने उसको ठोका पिट्ठुओं को मिली शाबाशी सेठों ने उड़ती चिड़िया फाँसी जन-जन में फैल रही है सनसनी मिलकर रोकेंगे लुटेरों की कंपनी https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 27, 2018 ×

Rahul says Modi targeted official who raised objections on Rafale deal

Congress president Rahul Gandhi began a two-day visit to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Thursday with prayers at the famous Kamta Nath temple in Satna district's Chitrakoot town.

Gandhi reached Chitrakoot, a religious town closely associated with Lord Ram, from Allahabad by helicopter and stayed in the temple premises for about half-an-hour while performing the 'puja'.

The Kamta Nath temple is located on the forested hill of Kamadgiri where, according to mythology, Lord Rama stayed during his exile.

Gandhi is likely to address a corner meeting at Chitrakoot before leaving in a helicopter to Satna city, where is scheduled to address a public meeting, party leaders said.

The 48-year-old Amethi MP was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, state party campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia and

Leader of Opposition in MP Assembly Ajay Singh.

The Congress chief will leave for Rewa, where he will hold a roadshow, in the evening.

On Friday, Gandhi will travel by a bus to address public meetings at Saipur Mod, Baron, Baikunthpur, Lalgaon and Chunari villages spread over Rewa and Satna, party leaders.

The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003.

During his earlier visit on September 17, Gandhi held a roadshow in Bhopal after performing a puja and taking blessings from 11 priests.

He had visited the state after returning from the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, which he undertook to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva.

Ahead of Gandhi's last visit, posters were put up in Bhopal, calling him a 'Shiv bhakt' (devotee of Lord Shiva).

Congress president Rahul Gandhi began a two-day visit to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Thursday with prayers at the famous Kamta Nath temple in Satna district's Chitrakoot town.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi began a two-day visit to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Thursday with prayers at the famous Kamta Nath temple in Satna district's Chitrakoot town. Gandhi reached Chitrakoot, a religious town closely associated with Lord Ram, from Allahabad by helicopter and stayed in the temple premises for about half-an-hour while performing the 'puja'. The Kamta Nath temple is located on the forested hill of Kamadgiri where, according to mythology, Lord Rama stayed during his exile. Gandhi is likely to address a corner meeting at Chitrakoot before leaving in a helicopter to Satna city, where is scheduled to address a public meeting, party leaders said. The 48-year-old Amethi MP was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, state party campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia and Leader of Opposition in MP Assembly Ajay Singh. The Congress chief will leave for Rewa, where he will hold a roadshow, in the evening. On Friday, Gandhi will travel by a bus to address public meetings at Saipur Mod, Baron, Baikunthpur, Lalgaon and Chunari villages spread over Rewa and Satna, party leaders. The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. During his earlier visit on September 17, Gandhi held a roadshow in Bhopal after performing a puja and taking blessings from 11 priests. He had visited the state after returning from the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, which he undertook to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. Ahead of Gandhi's last visit, posters were put up in Bhopal, calling him a 'Shiv bhakt' (devotee of Lord Shiva).

Rahul begins MP trip with prayers at temple

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP government of "making empty slogans" and of asking soldiers to buy their own shoes and uniforms.&nbsp;

Citing a recent news report, Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote: "MAKE (empty slogans and useless acronyms) IN INDIA.... meanwhile, make our soldiers buy their own clothes and shoes."

The report said that the Army was funding three major projects as the Centre did not provide money. This has resulted in the Army cutting down its supplies from state-owned ordnance factories due to which soldiers will have to spend their own money to buy uniforms and other clothes (combat dress, berets, belts, shoes) from civilian markets.&nbsp;

The report said that products procured from ordnance factories for the Army would be brought down from 94 to 50 per cent as the Centre did not provide additional funds to meet the critical shortage of ammunition and spares.

Both the Centre and the Indian Army are yet to confirm this fact.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government had given a massive push to Make in India movement immediately after coming into power in 2014, launching several initiatives around it.

This is not the first time Gandhi has criticised the BJP governments Maki In India scheme. In January, Gandhi used figures of declining investments and called the project “Fake in India programme”.

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MAKE (empty slogans and useless acronyms) IN INDIA....meanwhile, make our soldiers buy their own clothes & shoes. <a href="https://t.co/UaWqsIhnQx">https://t.co/UaWqsIhnQx</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1003943472976441344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul citied a recent news report which said soldiers may have to buy their uniforms with their own money because of budget cuts

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP government of "making empty slogans" and of asking soldiers to buy their own shoes and uniforms. Citing a recent news report, Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote: "MAKE (empty slogans and useless acronyms) IN INDIA.... meanwhile, make our soldiers buy their own clothes and shoes." The report said that the Army was funding three major projects as the Centre did not provide money. This has resulted in the Army cutting down its supplies from state-owned ordnance factories due to which soldiers will have to spend their own money to buy uniforms and other clothes (combat dress, berets, belts, shoes) from civilian markets. The report said that products procured from ordnance factories for the Army would be brought down from 94 to 50 per cent as the Centre did not provide additional funds to meet the critical shortage of ammunition and spares. Both the Centre and the Indian Army are yet to confirm this fact. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government had given a massive push to Make in India movement immediately after coming into power in 2014, launching several initiatives around it. This is not the first time Gandhi has criticised the BJP governments Maki In India scheme. In January, Gandhi used figures of declining investments and called the project “Fake in India programme”. MAKE (empty slogans and useless acronyms) IN INDIA....meanwhile, make our soldiers buy their own clothes & shoes. https://t.co/UaWqsIhnQx — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 5, 2018 ×

MAKE (empty slogans) IN INDIA, make soldiers buy own clothes: Rahul slams BJP government

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