Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, conducted his first press conference since being disqualified from the Lok Sabha this afternoon. The news conference started at 1 p.m. Gandhi lost his MP designation on Thursday after a Gujarat court found him guilty of criminal defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison.

India: Rahul Gandhi addresses press conference a day after removal as MP, says 'not scared of jail'

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of the Lower House of the parliament.

The petition filed by scholar and social activist&nbsp;Aabha Muralidharan&nbsp;on Saturday has urged the apex court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case, according to legal news portal Bar and Bench.

The petitioner said that factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act.

On Friday, Rahul, MP from southern Kerala state’s Wayanad constituency, was disqualified from the Lok Sabha after he was found guilty and sentenced to two years prison by a court in Surat city of the western state Gujarat in a&nbsp;2019 defamation case.

<h2>Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi expelled from Lok Sabha following conviction in defamation case</h2>

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The defamation case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?"

Reacting to his disqualification, Rahul said he is ready to "pay any price".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-parliament-what-next-for-the-indian-opposition-leader-575354">Rahul Gandhi disqualified from Lok Sabha. What next for India’s oppn leader?</a>

"I am fighting for the voice of India. I am ready to pay any price," he tweeted in Hindi on Friday.

Following his expulsion, the former Congress chief's Wayanad seat also fell vacant. Bypolls to vacant seats in the Parliament and state legislatures must be held within six months from when the seat falls vacant, according to Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 2015.

While addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul targeted PM Modi over his last name which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of the Lower House of the parliament.

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of the Lower House of the parliament. The petition filed by scholar and social activist Aabha Muralidharan on Saturday has urged the apex court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case, according to legal news portal Bar and Bench. The petitioner said that factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act. On Friday, Rahul, MP from southern Kerala state’s Wayanad constituency, was disqualified from the Lok Sabha after he was found guilty and sentenced to two years prison by a court in Surat city of the western state Gujarat in a 2019 defamation case. Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi expelled from Lok Sabha following conviction in defamation case The defamation case was filed by a BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi for Gandhi saying, "How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?" Reacting to his disqualification, Rahul said he is ready to "pay any price". Also read | Rahul Gandhi disqualified from Lok Sabha. What next for India’s oppn leader? "I am fighting for the voice of India. I am ready to pay any price," he tweeted in Hindi on Friday. Following his expulsion, the former Congress chief's Wayanad seat also fell vacant. Bypolls to vacant seats in the Parliament and state legislatures must be held within six months from when the seat falls vacant, according to Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 2015. While addressing a rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul targeted PM Modi over his last name which he shares with fugitive businessmen Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Activist files plea in India’s apex court against law that stripped Rahul Gandhi of his MP status

In Pics | Like Rahul Gandhi, these leaders were also disqualified from legislature in past

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Politics in India was stirring on Friday (March 24) as Rahul Gandhi, the most prominent face of the Opposition was disqualified from the parliament after his conviction in a case.

Politics in India was stirring on Friday (March 24) as Rahul Gandhi, the most prominent face of the Opposition was disqualified from the parliament after his conviction in a case. PM Narendra Modi-led government faced criticism from Opposition ranks. In other news, Ukraine said that Russian rockets killed 5 people in a humanitarian support centre in east Ukraine. Meanwhile, France has banned use of TikTok on phones public sector employees use for official purposes. Check out our Top 10 world news to know this and more. Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament. What next for the Indian opposition leader? The Lok Sabha Secretariat notification on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the membership as per the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Russian rockets fired on east Ukraine town kill 5 in humanitarian support centre, says Kyiv Of those killed, three were women and two were men, the emergency services informed. France bans 'recreational' apps like TikTok from public sector employees' work phones The European Commission and countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and recently New Zealand have told government officials that they cannot use TikTok on work devices over fears of its ties to the Chinese government. Twitter blue ticks to disappear on April 1, here's what to do to retain them Elon Musk, who now owns Twitter, had indicated recently that 'legacy' blue ticks would be removed in near future. ‘Need to go to Kyiv or Lviv’, says Putin’s top aide after Moscow suffers setbacks in war Medvedev, who served as Russia's president from 2008 to 2012, has emerged as one of the most hawkish leaders in recent times, routinely issuing blustery and hyperbolic statements. Canada: Mahatma Gandhi's statue defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in Ontario, says report The six-foot-tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was gifted by the Indian government was vandalised in the early hours of Thursday near the City Hall in Hamilton city of Ontario. King Charles' France visit postponed as pension protests turn violent The decision to postpone the visit was taken after King Charles had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. Hindenburg report knocks off $526 million from Jack Dorsey’s wealth According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Jack Dorsey's net worth saw an 11 per cent drop and now stands at around $4.4 billion. Record number of book ban attempts registered in the US in 2022: Report Most books containing LGBTQIA themes or racial undertones were targetted for the censorship drive. Digital artwork secretly honouring Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists removed US-based artist Patrick Amadon developed the art piece titled 'No Rioters' wherein he inserted names of the jailed activists.

Top 10 world news: Rahul Gandhi disqualified, France bans TikTok, more news

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader in Indian politics, was disqualified from parliament on Friday (March 24). Gandhi's disqualification comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader in Indian politics, was disqualified from parliament on Friday (March 24). Gandhi's disqualification comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday. Gandhi, 52, was granted bail and his jail sentence has been suspended for 30 days allowing him to appeal to a higher court. Following his disqualification, the Congress leader will not be able to contest elections for eight years. This comes as general elections will take place in India next year. The Congress has said that it would legally and politically challenge Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha. But what is next for Gandhi? The parliament notice on Friday said that Gandhi was disqualified from the membership of the Lok Sabha as per the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. ALSO READ | Explained: Who is Rahul Gandhi, the Indian opposition leader disqualified from parliament? Article 102(1)(e) of the Constitution states that a person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of either House of Parliament if he is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament." The law made by Parliament in question is Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which disqualifies representatives on conviction. And this point applies to Rahul Gandhi's case. Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951 says that a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his/her release. However, the disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker. The Congress leader will be moving the sessions court and the higher courts soon. Speaking to reporters on Friday, senior party leader and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi cited the Lok Prahari case and said that there is no automatic disqualification as Article 103 of the Constitution states that only the President has the power to disqualify after taking the advice of the Election Commission (EC). However, Singhvi said he had doubts if Gandhi`s membership will be restored if the sentence is stayed because things have moved at a lightning speed in the defamation case. Click here to follow LIVE updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification Another Congress MP and lawyer, Manish Tewari said under the Constitution, only the President has the power to disqualify an MP. Under COI powers to disqualify an MP lie with @rashtrapatibhvn -Article 103 if disqualification is incurred under Article 102 (1) (e). In Re Lok Prahari VS ECI (2018) 18 SCC 114 SC records EC’s contentions qua Lily Thomas but records no finding that disqualification is automatic pic.twitter.com/NGb0LepVjE — Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) March 24, 2023 × "Under COI powers to disqualify an MP lie with the President -Article 103 if disqualification is incurred under Article 102 (1) (e). In Re Lok Prahari VS ECI (2018) 18 SCC 114 SC records EC`s contentions qua Lily Thomas but records no finding that disqualification is automatic", Tewari tweeted. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however disagrees. Speaking to the Indian news channel NDTV, BJP MP and lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani said that by the operation of the law, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified, but the decision has to be communicated to the Speaker. "But as of today, he stands disqualified," Jethmalani added. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who was earlier with the Congress, told NDTV said that Gandhi stands automatically disqualified as an MP with his two-year jail sentence. 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.

Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament. What next for the Indian opposition leader?

India’s main opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of parliament, a day after being convicted in a defamation case and sentenced to two years in jail.

India's Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament

The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-convicted-in-2019-modi-surname-defamation-case-gets-two-year-jail-term-574899">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation</a> and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023, in terms of the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat&nbsp;read.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-defamation-case-live-opposition-meets-over-jail-sentence-575197">Click here to follow all LIVE Updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification</a>

On Thursday, the Surat court had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark made in April 2019 during a Lok Sabha election rally in the state of Karnataka.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi - Congress MP from Wayanad, Kerala - disqualified as a Member of Lok Sabha following his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. <a href="https://t.co/SQ1xzRZAot">pic.twitter.com/SQ1xzRZAot</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1639187379629228033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally. The criminal defamation case was filed against the Congress leader by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West Purnesh Modi.

Following his disqualification, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence. 
 
As per Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, “A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.” 
 
The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker.

And Article 102 (1) (e) of the constitution states that if he/she is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament Explanation For the purposes of this clause, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he/she is a minister either for the Union or for such state.&nbsp;

<h2>Reactions to Gandhi's disqualification</h2>

The Congress party on Friday reacted sharply to Gandhi's disqualification from parliament by saying it will fight this battle both legally and politically. "We will fight this battle both legally &amp; politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," tweeted Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor said that he was stunned by the action against Gandhi and by its rapidity. "This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will hold a meeting at 5 pm to formulate a strategy as to how to proceed forward. "They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don't want to keep those who are speaking the truth, but we will continue to speak the truth. We'll continue to demand JPC, if needed we'll go to jail to save democracy," Kharge said, the news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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We've called a meeting of our senior party leaders at the party office at 5pm today. In the meeting, we will formulate our strategy as to how to proceed forward: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1639193482635153411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The day Rahul Gandhi raised questions against Adani and&nbsp;PM, this type of conspiracy was started to silence him. It's a clear case of anti-democratic, dictatorship attitude of BJP govt," Congress MP KC Venugopal said.&nbsp;

The ruling BJP, meanwhile, has defended Gandhi's disqualification. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P S Baghel said that the disqualification was lawful and asserted that "everyone is equal before the law".

Speaking to the news agency ANI, BJP MP Vinod Sonkar said, "This is a court order, everyone should accept it. The court convicted him. The manner in which he insulted a community at the time of the elections...this has sent out a good message across the country."

"How can he (Rahul Gandhi) call the entire community "chor"? Freedom of speech does not mean defaming or insulting any community. He abused the OBC community, not criticised it. He is not even seeking an apology for his remarks. He also defamed the nation abroad," Union Minister&nbsp;Bhupender Yadav said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice.

The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023, in terms of the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat read. Click here to follow all LIVE Updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification On Thursday, the Surat court had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark made in April 2019 during a Lok Sabha election rally in the state of Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi - Congress MP from Wayanad, Kerala - disqualified as a Member of Lok Sabha following his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. pic.twitter.com/SQ1xzRZAot — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2023 × "How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally. The criminal defamation case was filed against the Congress leader by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West Purnesh Modi. Following his disqualification, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence. As per Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, “A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.” The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker. And Article 102 (1) (e) of the constitution states that if he/she is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament Explanation For the purposes of this clause, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he/she is a minister either for the Union or for such state. Reactions to Gandhi's disqualification The Congress party on Friday reacted sharply to Gandhi's disqualification from parliament by saying it will fight this battle both legally and politically. "We will fight this battle both legally & politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," tweeted Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications. Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor said that he was stunned by the action against Gandhi and by its rapidity. "This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy," he tweeted. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will hold a meeting at 5 pm to formulate a strategy as to how to proceed forward. "They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don't want to keep those who are speaking the truth, but we will continue to speak the truth. We'll continue to demand JPC, if needed we'll go to jail to save democracy," Kharge said, the news agency ANI reported. We've called a meeting of our senior party leaders at the party office at 5pm today. In the meeting, we will formulate our strategy as to how to proceed forward: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2023 × "The day Rahul Gandhi raised questions against Adani and PM, this type of conspiracy was started to silence him. It's a clear case of anti-democratic, dictatorship attitude of BJP govt," Congress MP KC Venugopal said. The ruling BJP, meanwhile, has defended Gandhi's disqualification. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P S Baghel said that the disqualification was lawful and asserted that "everyone is equal before the law". Speaking to the news agency ANI, BJP MP Vinod Sonkar said, "This is a court order, everyone should accept it. The court convicted him. The manner in which he insulted a community at the time of the elections...this has sent out a good message across the country." "How can he (Rahul Gandhi) call the entire community "chor"? Freedom of speech does not mean defaming or insulting any community. He abused the OBC community, not criticised it. He is not even seeking an apology for his remarks. He also defamed the nation abroad," Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said. (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.

Indian parliament disqualifies Rahul Gandhi after court finds him guilty in 2019 defamation case

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a Member of Parliament (MP), a day after being convicted in a defamation case and sentenced to two years in jail. Congress officials have described the court order as politically motivated.

Rahul Gandhi disqualified as MP: Opposition up in arms against the Indian govt

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Congress party, was found guilty of defamation and given a two-year prison sentence by a lower court on Friday. As a result, the Indian parliament has barred Gandhi from serving as a lawmaker.

India's parliament disqualifies opposition leader Rahul Gandhi

A court in Gujarat's Surat held Indian Congress MP Rahul Gandhi guilty in a 2019 defamation case and sentenced him to two years imprisonment. The court approved Gandhi's bail on a surety of Rs 15,000 and stayed the sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal.

Rahul Gandhi convicted, gets bail in 2019 defamation case | WION Dispatch

Federal Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Congress&nbsp;leader Rahul Gandhi for 'shaming' India's democracy, polity, parliament, judicial system, and security for&nbsp;'seeking foreign intervention' on Tuesday (March 7).&nbsp;

Furthermore, he asked Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi whether they agreed with his comments, and if not, he suggested "disowning" them.

"BJP would like to emphatically state with great agony that Rahul Gandhi, in his speeches, has sought to shame India's democracy, polity, parliament, political system, and judicial system," the Union minister said during a press conference.

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Rahul Gandhi's "utterly irresponsible" remark that he was "asking for involvement by America and Europe to restore democracy" prompted him to contact Sonia Gandhi and Kharge for their opinions on the matter.

Gandhi&nbsp;claimed recently that the US and Europe are not doing enough to restore democracy in India because they are "receiving trade and money" from the nation. He made this claim at a public appearance in London.

His comparison of the RSS with the Muslim Brotherhood was further criticised by the Union minister. A nationalist group, the RSS Being swayamsevaks, those of us seated here are pleased to be so, he said. Rahul Gandhi is "totally under the grasp of Maoist mind process," the man further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Federal Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for 'shaming' India's democracy, polity, parliament, judicial system, and security for 'seeking foreign intervention' on Tuesday (March 7).

Federal Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for 'shaming' India's democracy, polity, parliament, judicial system, and security for 'seeking foreign intervention' on Tuesday (March 7). Furthermore, he asked Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi whether they agreed with his comments, and if not, he suggested "disowning" them. "BJP would like to emphatically state with great agony that Rahul Gandhi, in his speeches, has sought to shame India's democracy, polity, parliament, political system, and judicial system," the Union minister said during a press conference. ALSO READ | 'Strangers in eyes of law': WION speaks with gay couple as India's top court set to hear petitions on marriage Rahul Gandhi's "utterly irresponsible" remark that he was "asking for involvement by America and Europe to restore democracy" prompted him to contact Sonia Gandhi and Kharge for their opinions on the matter. Gandhi claimed recently that the US and Europe are not doing enough to restore democracy in India because they are "receiving trade and money" from the nation. He made this claim at a public appearance in London. His comparison of the RSS with the Muslim Brotherhood was further criticised by the Union minister. A nationalist group, the RSS Being swayamsevaks, those of us seated here are pleased to be so, he said. Rahul Gandhi is "totally under the grasp of Maoist mind process," the man further said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad slams Rahul Gandhi for ‘seeking foreign intervention’

Rahul Gandhi has said he was favourite of his Indian grandmother Indira Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was of their Italian grandmother Paola Maino. In an interview to the Italian daily "Corriere della Sera", the 52-year-old leader of Congress, one of India's key opposition parties, also faced a frequently-asked question on his marriage and said he "would like to have children" though.&nbsp; Asked why he did not get married until now, Gandhi said, "It's strange...I don't know. Too many things to do. But I would like to have children." Gandhi also shared his experiences from the 3,500-km Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. On a question about his beard that he has grown during the foot march, he said, "I had decided not to cut it for the whole march. Now I have to decide whether to keep it or not..."

Gandhi told the newspaper, "I was the Indian grandmother's favourite and my sister Priyanka was the Italian grandmother's favourite." He said she lived 98 years and "I was very attached to her, as I am to uncle Walter, to the cousins, to the whole family". Paola Maino died in Italy in August last year.

In his interview to the newspaper published on February 1, Gandhi alleged that fascism has entered the country as democratic structures were collapsing and Parliament was not functioning properly. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be defeated in elections, scheduled next year, if the opposition presented an alternative vision to fascism. To a question on whether power could be transmitted by dynastic means, Gandhi said, "We are a family. A dynasty, if you will. But we have an idea to defend. Not India, the idea on which India is founded."

Watch: 'PM Modi gave away Indian territory to China', alleges Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Describing this idea, he said it is the coexistence of peoples and the realisation of oneself, through the non-violent search for the truth. "Ours is a mission. An almost religious idea. It is worth more than all of us, more than our own lives; for this I am ready to die, if necessary, as my grandmother and father died. It's such a strong idea that my mother, a woman born in Italy, dedicated her entire life to it...Here, I will defend this idea to the end," he said.

He also said, "Fascism is already there. Democratic structures collapse. Parliament is no longer working. I haven't been able to speak for two years, as soon as I speak they take my microphone off. The balance of powers is off. Justice is not independent. Centralism is absolute. The press is no longer free." "The manifestation of thought is prohibited. The concentration of wealth is scandalous. Hindu extremists of the RSS sect have infiltrated every institution and are conditioning it. People see no future because they are scared," he noted.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-parliament-indias-pm-narendra-modi-takes-veiled-dig-at-opposition-leader-rahul-gandhi-559963">In Parliament, India's PM Narendra Modi takes veiled dig at opposition leader Rahul Gandhi</a>

On whether PM Modi can be defeated in next year's elections, he said that if the opposition unites, one hundred per cent. "I didn't say he'll lose for sure. I said it sure can be beaten. Provided you oppose a vision not linked to the right or the left, but to peace and union. Fascism is defeated by offering an alternative. If two visions of India confront each other in the vote, we will be able to prevail," he asserted.

&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi has said he was favourite of his Indian grandmother Indira Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was of their Italian grandmother Paola Maino.

Rahul Gandhi has said he was favourite of his Indian grandmother Indira Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was of their Italian grandmother Paola Maino. In an interview to the Italian daily "Corriere della Sera", the 52-year-old leader of Congress, one of India's key opposition parties, also faced a frequently-asked question on his marriage and said he "would like to have children" though. Asked why he did not get married until now, Gandhi said, "It's strange...I don't know. Too many things to do. But I would like to have children." Gandhi also shared his experiences from the 3,500-km Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. On a question about his beard that he has grown during the foot march, he said, "I had decided not to cut it for the whole march. Now I have to decide whether to keep it or not..." Gandhi told the newspaper, "I was the Indian grandmother's favourite and my sister Priyanka was the Italian grandmother's favourite." He said she lived 98 years and "I was very attached to her, as I am to uncle Walter, to the cousins, to the whole family". Paola Maino died in Italy in August last year. In his interview to the newspaper published on February 1, Gandhi alleged that fascism has entered the country as democratic structures were collapsing and Parliament was not functioning properly. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be defeated in elections, scheduled next year, if the opposition presented an alternative vision to fascism. To a question on whether power could be transmitted by dynastic means, Gandhi said, "We are a family. A dynasty, if you will. But we have an idea to defend. Not India, the idea on which India is founded." Watch: 'PM Modi gave away Indian territory to China', alleges Congress leader Rahul Gandhi × Describing this idea, he said it is the coexistence of peoples and the realisation of oneself, through the non-violent search for the truth. "Ours is a mission. An almost religious idea. It is worth more than all of us, more than our own lives; for this I am ready to die, if necessary, as my grandmother and father died. It's such a strong idea that my mother, a woman born in Italy, dedicated her entire life to it...Here, I will defend this idea to the end," he said. He also said, "Fascism is already there. Democratic structures collapse. Parliament is no longer working. I haven't been able to speak for two years, as soon as I speak they take my microphone off. The balance of powers is off. Justice is not independent. Centralism is absolute. The press is no longer free." "The manifestation of thought is prohibited. The concentration of wealth is scandalous. Hindu extremists of the RSS sect have infiltrated every institution and are conditioning it. People see no future because they are scared," he noted. Also read: In Parliament, India's PM Narendra Modi takes veiled dig at opposition leader Rahul Gandhi On whether PM Modi can be defeated in next year's elections, he said that if the opposition unites, one hundred per cent. "I didn't say he'll lose for sure. I said it sure can be beaten. Provided you oppose a vision not linked to the right or the left, but to peace and union. Fascism is defeated by offering an alternative. If two visions of India confront each other in the vote, we will be able to prevail," he asserted. 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.

"I was Indira Gandhi's favourite, sister Priyanka Italian grandmother's," recalls Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, one of the prominent&nbsp;leaders of Indian National Congress (INC) party in India,&nbsp;alleged that the Union government was favouring the Adani Group. Gandhi also attempted to link the rise in the fortunes of the Indian businessman Gautam Adani to the Modi government coming to power in 2014.&nbsp;While speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, Gandhi claimed: "Earlier he used to travel in Adani's aircraft and now Adani travels with Modiji in his aircraft."&nbsp;

"First the matter was limited to Gujarat then the country and now he has become international," Gandhi further alleged, questioning, "How much money Adani gave to the BJP in the last 20 years."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/adani-groups-122-million-bond-plan-shelved-amid-hindenburg-row-558791">Adani Group’s $122 million bond plan shelved after Hindenburg allegations: Report</a>&nbsp;

The leader of India's main opposition party also alleged that during the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" people asked him how Adani's worth increased from $8 billion to $140 billion between 2014 and 2022.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha: "During 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', we heard people's voices while we also kept our voices. We talked to children, women, and the elderly during the yatra. We asked the youth about their jobs... Many said they are unemployed or drive Uber. Farmers talked about not getting money under PM-BIMA Yojana and their land being snatched away, while tribals talked about Tribal Bill." &nbsp;

"When we first started walking (referring to Bharat Jodo Yatra), we wanted to play the opposition and tell people about their problems. However, as we progressed, after 500-600 km, there was a major change. Instead of us telling the people the source of their problems, the people started speaking to us," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Will the Adani crisis impact India's clean energy goals?&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad responded to the claims and accused Rahul Gandhi of making baseless, shameless and reckless allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prasad said that the Congress and the Gandhi family were involved in "big scams" that had "tarnished" the image of the country.&nbsp;

Union minister Smriti Irani also reacted to Gandhi's allegations and accused the Gandhi family of failing to deliver developmental promises in the Lok Sabha constituency of Amethi.&nbsp;

She said, "For 30 years, the poor people of Amethi were told that a medical college will be opened. But on the land where they were talking about opening a medical college, that family made a guesthouse for themselves."&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi, one of the prominent leaders of Indian National Congress (INC) party in India, alleged that the Union government was favouring the Adani Group. Gandhi also attempted to link the rise in the fortunes of the Indian businessman Gautam Adani to the Modi government coming to power in 2014.

Rahul Gandhi, one of the prominent leaders of Indian National Congress (INC) party in India, alleged that the Union government was favouring the Adani Group. Gandhi also attempted to link the rise in the fortunes of the Indian businessman Gautam Adani to the Modi government coming to power in 2014. While speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, Gandhi claimed: "Earlier he used to travel in Adani's aircraft and now Adani travels with Modiji in his aircraft." "First the matter was limited to Gujarat then the country and now he has become international," Gandhi further alleged, questioning, "How much money Adani gave to the BJP in the last 20 years." ALSO READ | Adani Group’s $122 million bond plan shelved after Hindenburg allegations: Report The leader of India's main opposition party also alleged that during the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" people asked him how Adani's worth increased from $8 billion to $140 billion between 2014 and 2022. Rahul Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha: "During 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', we heard people's voices while we also kept our voices. We talked to children, women, and the elderly during the yatra. We asked the youth about their jobs... Many said they are unemployed or drive Uber. Farmers talked about not getting money under PM-BIMA Yojana and their land being snatched away, while tribals talked about Tribal Bill." "When we first started walking (referring to Bharat Jodo Yatra), we wanted to play the opposition and tell people about their problems. However, as we progressed, after 500-600 km, there was a major change. Instead of us telling the people the source of their problems, the people started speaking to us," he added. WATCH | Will the Adani crisis impact India's clean energy goals? × Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad responded to the claims and accused Rahul Gandhi of making baseless, shameless and reckless allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prasad said that the Congress and the Gandhi family were involved in "big scams" that had "tarnished" the image of the country. Union minister Smriti Irani also reacted to Gandhi's allegations and accused the Gandhi family of failing to deliver developmental promises in the Lok Sabha constituency of Amethi. She said, "For 30 years, the poor people of Amethi were told that a medical college will be opened. But on the land where they were talking about opening a medical college, that family made a guesthouse for themselves." 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.

Rahul Gandhi claims Adani gets contracts in each country PM visits, BJP labels allegations ‘baseless’

India's main opposition Congress party leader and MP Rahul Gandhi has reached the end of 4,000km long ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ or unity march.&nbsp;

The march, which started in the southern state of Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, continued for five-months. Across the nation, the march attracted large crowds and various celebrities were also seen joining the walk. &nbsp;

However, the analysts say that they are not sure if the march will translate into votes. Gandhi stated that the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ was aimed at bringing Indians together against fear and hatred that is being spread in the society.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-partys-ex-president-sonia-gandhi-admitted-to-delhi-hospital-following-respiratory-infection-549434">Congress party's ex-president Sonia Gandhi admitted to Delhi hospital following respiratory infection</a>

Political analysts stated that the march was aimed at reviving the beleaguered Congress party’s flagging spirits which has been facing continuous defeats since 2014, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in India.&nbsp;

The march ended on Monday afternoon with a rally in a stadium in Srinagar. Gandhi along with other Congress leaders attended the rally. Some leaders of opposition parties were also present in a show of unity.&nbsp;

Speaking at the rally, Gandhi said that the local administration had warned him against walking on the roads as there were fears of a grenade being hurled at him.&nbsp;

The Congress leader stated that he insisted to travel on foot "my family and (Mahatma) Gandhi taught me to live fearlessly, otherwise, that is not living".

WATCH | Rahul gandhi hits out at Modi govt in his speech at Berkeley

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Gandhi appreciated the "wholehearted love" he received from the state where he spent the march’s last leg. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, the Congress MP on Sunday said that he had received a "great response" from the whole country.

"The yatra's purpose is also that people of this country get to hear the&nbsp;true voice of the country. We saw the resilience and strength of the people of India during this journey. We also got to hear about the issues being faced by farmers and unemployed youth in the country," he stated.&nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's main opposition Congress party leader and MP Rahul Gandhi has reached the end of 4,000km long ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ or unity march. The march, which started in the southern state of Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, continued for five-months.

India's main opposition Congress party leader and MP Rahul Gandhi has reached the end of 4,000km long ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ or unity march. The march, which started in the southern state of Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, continued for five-months. Across the nation, the march attracted large crowds and various celebrities were also seen joining the walk. However, the analysts say that they are not sure if the march will translate into votes. Gandhi stated that the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ was aimed at bringing Indians together against fear and hatred that is being spread in the society. ALSO READ | Congress party's ex-president Sonia Gandhi admitted to Delhi hospital following respiratory infection Political analysts stated that the march was aimed at reviving the beleaguered Congress party’s flagging spirits which has been facing continuous defeats since 2014, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in India. The march ended on Monday afternoon with a rally in a stadium in Srinagar. Gandhi along with other Congress leaders attended the rally. Some leaders of opposition parties were also present in a show of unity. Speaking at the rally, Gandhi said that the local administration had warned him against walking on the roads as there were fears of a grenade being hurled at him. The Congress leader stated that he insisted to travel on foot "my family and (Mahatma) Gandhi taught me to live fearlessly, otherwise, that is not living". WATCH | Rahul gandhi hits out at Modi govt in his speech at Berkeley Gandhi appreciated the "wholehearted love" he received from the state where he spent the march’s last leg. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, the Congress MP on Sunday said that he had received a "great response" from the whole country. "The yatra's purpose is also that people of this country get to hear the true voice of the country. We saw the resilience and strength of the people of India during this journey. We also got to hear about the issues being faced by farmers and unemployed youth in the country," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ culminates in Kashmir

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of not providing a security cover for his ongoing "Bharat Jodo Yatra", which entered the Kashmir valley today. Rahul Gandhi said that he had to cancel his&nbsp;Yatra in South Kashmir on Friday as there were no policemen for crowd control. &nbsp;

"This morning we had quite a large crowd that had gathered. And we were looking forward to walking on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but unfortunately, the police arrangement completely collapsed and the police people who were supposed to manage the crowd were nowhere to be seen," said Gandhi.&nbsp;

"So, my security people were very uncomfortable with me walking further. So, we had to cancel my yatra. The other yatris did the walk. The police must manage the crowd for the yatra to go on. It becomes difficult for me to go against what my security people are saying," he added.&nbsp;

Congress leaders said that Rahul Gandhi was supposed to walk 16 km today but he had to cancel the walk after four kilometres as there were no policemen to control crowd. They have now asked the administration to provide enough security for the yatra&nbsp;in the coming days.&nbsp;

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, also joined Rahul Gandhi in the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" on Friday. He also alleged that the moment they entered the Kashmir Valley, the policemen guarding them vanished within minutes.&nbsp;

"I'm witness to this. The outer ring of the cordon which was maintained by J&amp;K police simply vanished within minutes of @RahulGandhi starting to walk. We had just crossed into Kashmir from Jammu &amp; were looking forward to the 11 KM walk but unfortunately, it got cancelled," said Omar.&nbsp;

Congress leaders, however, said that they are hopeful that security arrangements would be elaborate for&nbsp;Gandhi's upcoming events across the Kashmir region including his culmination rally in Srinagar.&nbsp;

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of not providing a security cover for his ongoing "Bharat Jodo Yatra", which entered the Kashmir valley today.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of not providing a security cover for his ongoing "Bharat Jodo Yatra", which entered the Kashmir valley today. Rahul Gandhi said that he had to cancel his Yatra in South Kashmir on Friday as there were no policemen for crowd control. "This morning we had quite a large crowd that had gathered. And we were looking forward to walking on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but unfortunately, the police arrangement completely collapsed and the police people who were supposed to manage the crowd were nowhere to be seen," said Gandhi. "So, my security people were very uncomfortable with me walking further. So, we had to cancel my yatra. The other yatris did the walk. The police must manage the crowd for the yatra to go on. It becomes difficult for me to go against what my security people are saying," he added. Congress leaders said that Rahul Gandhi was supposed to walk 16 km today but he had to cancel the walk after four kilometres as there were no policemen to control crowd. They have now asked the administration to provide enough security for the yatra in the coming days. Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, also joined Rahul Gandhi in the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" on Friday. He also alleged that the moment they entered the Kashmir Valley, the policemen guarding them vanished within minutes. "I'm witness to this. The outer ring of the cordon which was maintained by J&K police simply vanished within minutes of @RahulGandhi starting to walk. We had just crossed into Kashmir from Jammu & were looking forward to the 11 KM walk but unfortunately, it got cancelled," said Omar. Congress leaders, however, said that they are hopeful that security arrangements would be elaborate for Gandhi's upcoming events across the Kashmir region including his culmination rally in Srinagar. 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.

Bharat Jodo Yatra: Rahul Gandhi blames J&K government for security breach

Indian National Congress (INC), MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary died due to a heart attack on Saturday morning while taking part in the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra in the northern state of Punjab in India. The 76-year-old veteran leader passed away on Saturday (January 14) morning.&nbsp;The Congress MP collapsed during a foot march in Punjab's Phillaur. He was immediately taken to the hospital in Phagwara in an ambulance, but he did not survive.&nbsp;After Chaudhary's demise, the Congress party temporarily&nbsp;suspended the yatra for the day.

<img alt="BHARAT JODO YATRA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5bd6dd93-685f-4693-9da9-be3067b299d2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BJY.png" />

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, rushed to the hospital where the veteran Congress leader was admitted. He is later expected to visit Chaudhary's family in the afternoon, NDTV reported.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Gandhi said that Chaudhary was a down-to-earth&nbsp;hardworking leader, a pious person and a strong pillar of the Congress family.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<img alt="RAHUL GANDHI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7418f734-1e21-46df-a4f7-076f8a04e2c7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-14%20RG4.png" />

Extending her condolences to Chaudhary's family, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary of the Indian National Congress in a tweet said, "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden demise of Jalandhar MP Shri Santokh Singh Chowdhary. Shri Santokh Singh ji was a dedicated leader and true public servant for the Congress ideology. His death has caused an irreparable loss to the Indian National Congress."

<img alt="PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6462e1b1-1125-4724-ad8a-797fb9f28fdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PG.png" />

Other Congress leaders&nbsp;also offered their condolences.

Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress expressing his condolence&nbsp;in a tweet, said, "Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of our MP, Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary."&nbsp;

He added that his loss is a great blow to the Congress party and the organisation.

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Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of our MP, Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary. 
 
His loss is a great blow to the party and organisation. 
 
In this hour of grief, my heart goes out to his family, friends and followers. 
 
May his soul rest in peace.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1614119193665998848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Santokh Singh Chaudhary, aged 76, Congress MP from Jalandhar, passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest during the Bharat Jodo Yatra this morning."

Extending his condolences, Ramesh also said that the new schedule for the yatra will be shared soon.&nbsp;

<img alt="JAIRAM RAMESH" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="212f44dd-fe35-42bd-a3a7-51397316c716" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/JR.png" />

Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections twice, in 2014 and 2019.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Indian National Congress (INC), MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary died due to a heart attack on Saturday morning while taking part in the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra in the northern state of Punjab in India.

Indian National Congress (INC), MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary died due to a heart attack on Saturday morning while taking part in the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra in the northern state of Punjab in India. The 76-year-old veteran leader passed away on Saturday (January 14) morning. The Congress MP collapsed during a foot march in Punjab's Phillaur. He was immediately taken to the hospital in Phagwara in an ambulance, but he did not survive. After Chaudhary's demise, the Congress party temporarily suspended the yatra for the day. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, rushed to the hospital where the veteran Congress leader was admitted. He is later expected to visit Chaudhary's family in the afternoon, NDTV reported. In a tweet, Gandhi said that Chaudhary was a down-to-earth hardworking leader, a pious person and a strong pillar of the Congress family. Extending her condolences to Chaudhary's family, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary of the Indian National Congress in a tweet said, "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden demise of Jalandhar MP Shri Santokh Singh Chowdhary. Shri Santokh Singh ji was a dedicated leader and true public servant for the Congress ideology. His death has caused an irreparable loss to the Indian National Congress." Other Congress leaders also offered their condolences. Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress expressing his condolence in a tweet, said, "Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of our MP, Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary." He added that his loss is a great blow to the Congress party and the organisation. Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of our MP, Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary. His loss is a great blow to the party and organisation. In this hour of grief, my heart goes out to his family, friends and followers. May his soul rest in peace. — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 14, 2023 × Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Santokh Singh Chaudhary, aged 76, Congress MP from Jalandhar, passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest during the Bharat Jodo Yatra this morning." Extending his condolences, Ramesh also said that the new schedule for the yatra will be shared soon. Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections twice, in 2014 and 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary dies of cardiac arrest during Bharat Jodo Yatra, march temporarily paused

Sonia Gandhi, the former president of India’s grand-old party Congress, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Wednesday following complaints of respiratory infection.&nbsp;The Congress politician was accompanied by her daughter and party’s general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, PTI news agency reported quoting sources. Sonia is now undergoing treatment at Ganga Ram Hospital.

The report added that this was a routine check-up for the 76-year-old leader, who has been unwell since Tuesday.

A hospital bulletin issued by the hospital in the evening stated that she has been admitted for observation, reports PTI.

"Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA, has been admitted to our hospital today. She has been admitted in Department of Chest Medicine under the care of Dr. Arup Basu and his team. Mrs. Gandhi has been admitted for observation and treatment of a viral respiratory infection," said Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman of the hospital's board of management.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka, who were participating in the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ (unite India movement), had to return to Delhi after hearing about their mother’s health. The mass movement entered its Uttar Pradesh leg on Tuesday evening.

<h2>India's top court on free speech of MPs, MLAs, says 'no more restrictions on free speech'</h2>

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The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ resumed at 6 am from UP's Mavikalan in Baghpat district after halting there for the night.

Rahul, who has been seen in a half T-shirt throughout the yatra in Haryana and Delhi despite the biting cold, was snapped walking in the march this morning.

Sonia Gandhi has been battling health issues since getting infected with COVID-19 last year. She had travelled abroad for a check-up a few months ago.

The Congress veteran had joined the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in southern Karnataka state and was later seen with Rahul, Priyanka and her husband Robert Vadra in Delhi.

The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ is one of the biggest outreach movement launched by the Congress party which aims to unite the country amidst what it calls&nbsp;divisive politics of the ruling party.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sonia Gandhi, the former president of India’s grand-old party Congress, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Wednesday following complaints of respiratory infection.

Sonia Gandhi, the former president of India’s grand-old party Congress, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Wednesday following complaints of respiratory infection. The Congress politician was accompanied by her daughter and party’s general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, PTI news agency reported quoting sources. Sonia is now undergoing treatment at Ganga Ram Hospital. The report added that this was a routine check-up for the 76-year-old leader, who has been unwell since Tuesday. A hospital bulletin issued by the hospital in the evening stated that she has been admitted for observation, reports PTI. "Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA, has been admitted to our hospital today. She has been admitted in Department of Chest Medicine under the care of Dr. Arup Basu and his team. Mrs. Gandhi has been admitted for observation and treatment of a viral respiratory infection," said Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman of the hospital's board of management. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka, who were participating in the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ (unite India movement), had to return to Delhi after hearing about their mother’s health. The mass movement entered its Uttar Pradesh leg on Tuesday evening. India's top court on free speech of MPs, MLAs, says 'no more restrictions on free speech' The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ resumed at 6 am from UP's Mavikalan in Baghpat district after halting there for the night. Rahul, who has been seen in a half T-shirt throughout the yatra in Haryana and Delhi despite the biting cold, was snapped walking in the march this morning. Sonia Gandhi has been battling health issues since getting infected with COVID-19 last year. She had travelled abroad for a check-up a few months ago. The Congress veteran had joined the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in southern Karnataka state and was later seen with Rahul, Priyanka and her husband Robert Vadra in Delhi. The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ is one of the biggest outreach movement launched by the Congress party which aims to unite the country amidst what it calls divisive politics of the ruling party. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Congress party's ex-president Sonia Gandhi admitted to Delhi hospital following respiratory infection

Senior Congress leader and a candidate for the party president post, Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday conceded defeat to rival Mallikarjuan Kharge. Tharoor admitting defeat comes hours after his faction alleged that voting had been rigged in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and demanded the 'vote count' be removed from the final result.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Tharoor posted a congratulatory message to Kharge and thanked colleagues for their support.&nbsp;

"It is a great honour &amp; a huge responsibility to be President of @INCIndia &amp; I wish @Kharge ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues, &amp; to carry the hopes &amp; aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India," tweeted Tharoor.&nbsp;

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It is a great honour &amp; a huge responsibility to be President of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> &amp;I wish <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kharge</a> ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues,&amp; to carry the hopes&amp; aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India. <a href="https://t.co/NistXfQGN1">pic.twitter.com/NistXfQGN1</a>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1582644658361860096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"On 17th October, in a true celebration of inner-party democracy, over 9500 delegates of the Indian National Congress cast their vote in the elections for the post of party president. Today, the final verdict has been in favour of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji. I would like to convey my warm congratulations to him for his victory. The decision of the party delegates is final and I accept it humbly. It is a privilege to be a member of a party that allows its workers to choose their President," read the statement released by Tharoor.

The&nbsp;Thiruvananthapuram MP also thanked the Gandhi family, especially former President Rahul Gandhi as well as her sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for their support.&nbsp;

"My thanks also to former President Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for doing their own bit to support free and neutral elections. The Nehru-Gandhi family has held, and will always hold, a special place in the hearts of Congress party members - and with good reason too. It is my hope and belief that the family will remain the foundational pillar of the Congress, our moral conscience and ultimate guiding spirit."

Rahul Gandhi, currently on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, in a statement said that he could not comment on the role of the newly elected president.&nbsp;

"I can't comment on Congress president's role, that's for Mr Kharge to comment on. The President will decide what my role is," said the former Congress president.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>| "I can't comment on Congress President's role, that's for Mr Kharge (party's Presidential candidate) to comment on. The President will decide what my role is...", says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in Andhra Pradesh 
 
Counting of votes to decide the Congress President underway <a href="https://t.co/eRoRBY7QfX">pic.twitter.com/eRoRBY7QfX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1582645458609938432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, it was a landslide win for Kharge who received over 90 per cent of the votes cast. The senior Congress leader polled 7,897 votes while Tharoor trailed miles behind at 1,072.

This was the first Congress presidential election to be held in more than 20 years. Earlier, the chair rotated between the Gandhi family members with the mother-son duo of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi occupying the position since 1998.

However, political experts are casting aspersions over the authenticity of the result as Kharge was projected as the 'Gandhi-approved' candidate and not many in the party dare go beyond the line issued by the top family.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Senior Congress leader and a candidate for the party president post, Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday conceded defeat to rival Mallikarjuan Kharge. Tharoor admitting defeat comes hours after his faction alleged that voting had been rigged in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and demanded the 'vote count' be removed from the final result.

Senior Congress leader and a candidate for the party president post, Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday conceded defeat to rival Mallikarjuan Kharge. Tharoor admitting defeat comes hours after his faction alleged that voting had been rigged in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and demanded the 'vote count' be removed from the final result. Taking to Twitter, Tharoor posted a congratulatory message to Kharge and thanked colleagues for their support. "It is a great honour & a huge responsibility to be President of @INCIndia & I wish @Kharge ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues, & to carry the hopes & aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India," tweeted Tharoor. It is a great honour & a huge responsibility to be President of @INCIndia &I wish @Kharge ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues,& to carry the hopes& aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India. pic.twitter.com/NistXfQGN1 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 19, 2022 × "On 17th October, in a true celebration of inner-party democracy, over 9500 delegates of the Indian National Congress cast their vote in the elections for the post of party president. Today, the final verdict has been in favour of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji. I would like to convey my warm congratulations to him for his victory. The decision of the party delegates is final and I accept it humbly. It is a privilege to be a member of a party that allows its workers to choose their President," read the statement released by Tharoor. The Thiruvananthapuram MP also thanked the Gandhi family, especially former President Rahul Gandhi as well as her sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for their support. "My thanks also to former President Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for doing their own bit to support free and neutral elections. The Nehru-Gandhi family has held, and will always hold, a special place in the hearts of Congress party members - and with good reason too. It is my hope and belief that the family will remain the foundational pillar of the Congress, our moral conscience and ultimate guiding spirit." Rahul Gandhi, currently on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, in a statement said that he could not comment on the role of the newly elected president. "I can't comment on Congress president's role, that's for Mr Kharge to comment on. The President will decide what my role is," said the former Congress president. #WATCH| "I can't comment on Congress President's role, that's for Mr Kharge (party's Presidential candidate) to comment on. The President will decide what my role is...", says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in Andhra Pradesh Counting of votes to decide the Congress President underway pic.twitter.com/eRoRBY7QfX — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2022 × According to reports, it was a landslide win for Kharge who received over 90 per cent of the votes cast. The senior Congress leader polled 7,897 votes while Tharoor trailed miles behind at 1,072. This was the first Congress presidential election to be held in more than 20 years. Earlier, the chair rotated between the Gandhi family members with the mother-son duo of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi occupying the position since 1998. However, political experts are casting aspersions over the authenticity of the result as Kharge was projected as the 'Gandhi-approved' candidate and not many in the party dare go beyond the line issued by the top family. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Tharoor concedes defeat, Kharge set to be Congress party president

Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates will cast their votes to choose the new Congress president on Monday in a historic decision. In its 137-year history, the party has chosen a new leader through elections six times.&nbsp;Senior party figures Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor are involved in the contest. While Tharoor has positioned himself as a candidate of change, senior leader Kharge is regarded as the "unofficial official candidate" of the Gandhi family.

A non-Gandhi will assume the role of party leader for the first time in 24 years. Almost 65 additional polling places spread across different states as well as the AICC headquarters in Delhi will all use secret voting systems to conduct the election.

The voters are required to check the box next to the name of the candidate they intend to support. The vote would be void if any other symbol or number were written, according to&nbsp;party Central Election Authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committee-to-who-information-on-killer-cough-syrups-inadequate-525793">India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate'</a>

Sonia Gandhi, the party's interim president, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, its general secretary, are most likely to vote at the AICC headquarters, while Rahul Gandhi and 40 other Bharat Jodo Yatris will vote at a campsite in Sanganakallu, Karnataka.

Karnataka veteran Kharge (80), who has been involved in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-liz-truss-economic-plan-was-a-mistake-says-biden-525756"> politics</a> for half a decade, stated on Sunday that, should he be chosen as the party's leader, he would not feel guilty about following the Gandhis' advise.&nbsp;Responding to allegations of being remote-controlled by Gandhis, Kharge said: "The BJP indulges in such a campaign and others follow it. Sonia Gandhi has worked for 20 years in the organisation...Rahul Gandhi was also president...they have struggled for the party and put their strength for its growth."

Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, 66, claimed that amid the transformation he foresees, the party's "values and loyalty" will remain the same, with the means of achieving the objectives changing. In addition, he made a subtle jab at certain top figures who were endorsing Kharge, claiming that some of them were "indulging in 'netagiri' and informing party people" who Sonia Gandhi wanted to be elected.

"If anyone has "fear or doubt" in their mind, the party has made it clear that it will be a secret ballot," Tharoor said in Lucknow and urged the Congress delegates to listen to their hearts while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-bolsonaro-lula-face-off-in-first-debate-525954">voting</a> to elect the new party president.&nbsp;

The ballot boxes will be transported to Delhi after voting so that they can be counted there. On October 19, the outcomes will be released.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates will cast their votes to choose the new Congress president on Monday in a historic decision. In its 137-year history, the party has chosen a new leader through elections six times.

Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates will cast their votes to choose the new Congress president on Monday in a historic decision. In its 137-year history, the party has chosen a new leader through elections six times. Senior party figures Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor are involved in the contest. While Tharoor has positioned himself as a candidate of change, senior leader Kharge is regarded as the "unofficial official candidate" of the Gandhi family. A non-Gandhi will assume the role of party leader for the first time in 24 years. Almost 65 additional polling places spread across different states as well as the AICC headquarters in Delhi will all use secret voting systems to conduct the election. The voters are required to check the box next to the name of the candidate they intend to support. The vote would be void if any other symbol or number were written, according to party Central Election Authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry. Also read | India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate' Sonia Gandhi, the party's interim president, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, its general secretary, are most likely to vote at the AICC headquarters, while Rahul Gandhi and 40 other Bharat Jodo Yatris will vote at a campsite in Sanganakallu, Karnataka. Karnataka veteran Kharge (80), who has been involved in politics for half a decade, stated on Sunday that, should he be chosen as the party's leader, he would not feel guilty about following the Gandhis' advise. Responding to allegations of being remote-controlled by Gandhis, Kharge said: "The BJP indulges in such a campaign and others follow it. Sonia Gandhi has worked for 20 years in the organisation...Rahul Gandhi was also president...they have struggled for the party and put their strength for its growth." Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, 66, claimed that amid the transformation he foresees, the party's "values and loyalty" will remain the same, with the means of achieving the objectives changing. In addition, he made a subtle jab at certain top figures who were endorsing Kharge, claiming that some of them were "indulging in 'netagiri' and informing party people" who Sonia Gandhi wanted to be elected. "If anyone has "fear or doubt" in their mind, the party has made it clear that it will be a secret ballot," Tharoor said in Lucknow and urged the Congress delegates to listen to their hearts while voting to elect the new party president. The ballot boxes will be transported to Delhi after voting so that they can be counted there. On October 19, the outcomes will be released. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Congress presidential elections: Stage set for Tharoor, Kharge face-off

In pics | India pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 153rd birth anniversary 

India's T20 World Cup squad was announced last week, on September 12. The squad features majority of them who appeared in the Asia Cup 2022 edition and also saw the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. The reserves comprise Md Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Chahar.&nbsp;

After a disappointing Asia Cup, India will try to regain form in their home series versus Australia and South Africa, respectively, before heading to&nbsp;the T20 WC in Aaron Finch &amp; Co.'s&nbsp;backyard. Prior to the Australia T20Is, which gets underway on Tuesday (September 20), captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media and spoke on who will accompany him in the opening slot Down Under.

Rohit said&nbsp;in&nbsp;a press conference, "Virat Kohli is our third opener and he will open in some of the games. In the last match of Asia Cup, we were happy with the way he played. But KL Rahul will open the batting in the World Cup, we do not want to experiment with that position a lot,&nbsp;his performance sometimes goes quite unnoticed."

"He (Rahul)&nbsp;is a very important player for Team India. For us, I just want to make it clear, we are clear in our thought process. We do not have any confusion, we are very clear what KL Rahul brings to the table for us, he is a quality player and is very important for us. His presence at the top is very crucial for us," Hitman added.

However, a tv anchor became a butt of all jokes after he announced that Rahul Gandhi -- popular Indian politician and former Congress President -- will open for India at the T20 WC, instead of KL Rahul.&nbsp;

"Bharatiya team ke kaptaan Rohit Sharma ne kaha ki T20 World Cup mein open karenge Rahul Gandhi. Virat Kohli ko bhi kai match mein pen karna pad sakta hai," (Team India captain&nbsp;Rohit Sharma has revealed that Rahul Gandhi will open for India at T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli too may have to open in some games) said the anchor. The&nbsp;video of the same has gone&nbsp;viral instantly.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-never-see-a-when-a-batter-kl-rahul-on-his-t20i-strike-rate-before-australia-series-opener-517788">'You never see when a batter...' - KL Rahul on his T20I strike rate before Australia series opener</a>

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Rahul Gandhi will open for India in T20 World Cup: India TV anchor 😂 <a href="https://t.co/1NWWg9jp7c">pic.twitter.com/1NWWg9jp7c</a>
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/GemsOfCricket/status/1571555481688350720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sanju-samson-could-be-a-better-option-over-rishabh-pant-ex-pak-spinner-analyses-indias-t20-wc-squad-518085">Sanju Samson could be a better option over Rishabh Pant: Ex-Pak spinner analyses India's T20 WC squad</a>

Both Rahul-Rohit are currently involved in India's three-match T20I series opener versus Australia, at the PCA Stadium, Mohali on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, the journalist of a&nbsp;Hindi-dialect&nbsp;media channel&nbsp;has been trolled massively online for his slip of tongue.

India's final 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2022:

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Hardik Pandya, R&nbsp;Ashwin, Yuzvendra&nbsp;Chahal, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh

Standby players -&nbsp;Mohammed&nbsp;Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Deepak Chahar

India's T20 World Cup squad was announced last week, on September 12. The squad features majority of them who appeared in the Asia Cup 2022 edition and also saw the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel.

India's T20 World Cup squad was announced last week, on September 12. The squad features majority of them who appeared in the Asia Cup 2022 edition and also saw the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. The reserves comprise Md Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Chahar. After a disappointing Asia Cup, India will try to regain form in their home series versus Australia and South Africa, respectively, before heading to the T20 WC in Aaron Finch & Co.'s backyard. Prior to the Australia T20Is, which gets underway on Tuesday (September 20), captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media and spoke on who will accompany him in the opening slot Down Under. Rohit said in a press conference, "Virat Kohli is our third opener and he will open in some of the games. In the last match of Asia Cup, we were happy with the way he played. But KL Rahul will open the batting in the World Cup, we do not want to experiment with that position a lot, his performance sometimes goes quite unnoticed." "He (Rahul) is a very important player for Team India. For us, I just want to make it clear, we are clear in our thought process. We do not have any confusion, we are very clear what KL Rahul brings to the table for us, he is a quality player and is very important for us. His presence at the top is very crucial for us," Hitman added. However, a tv anchor became a butt of all jokes after he announced that Rahul Gandhi -- popular Indian politician and former Congress President -- will open for India at the T20 WC, instead of KL Rahul. "Bharatiya team ke kaptaan Rohit Sharma ne kaha ki T20 World Cup mein open karenge Rahul Gandhi. Virat Kohli ko bhi kai match mein pen karna pad sakta hai," (Team India captain Rohit Sharma has revealed that Rahul Gandhi will open for India at T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli too may have to open in some games) said the anchor. The video of the same has gone viral instantly. ALSO READ | 'You never see when a batter...' - KL Rahul on his T20I strike rate before Australia series opener Rahul Gandhi will open for India in T20 World Cup: India TV anchor 😂 pic.twitter.com/1NWWg9jp7c — Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) September 18, 2022 × ALSO READ | Sanju Samson could be a better option over Rishabh Pant: Ex-Pak spinner analyses India's T20 WC squad Both Rahul-Rohit are currently involved in India's three-match T20I series opener versus Australia, at the PCA Stadium, Mohali on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, the journalist of a Hindi-dialect media channel has been trolled massively online for his slip of tongue. India's final 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2022: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh Standby players - Mohammed Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Deepak Chahar

Watch - 'Rahul Gandhi will open for India at T20 World Cup, says tv anchor as video goes viral

India's premier opposition party Congress has announced the schedule for the election of the post of party's national president. The election for the top party post will be held on October 17 and the counting of votes to be done, if necessary, two days later on October 19.

India's premier opposition party Congress has announced the schedule for the election of the post of party's national president. The election for the top party post will be held on October 17 and the counting of votes to be done, if necessary, two days later on October 19. The announcement was made by the party's highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which assembled for a meeting on Sunday. The CWC also said that the filing of nominations will start on September 24, with the deadline being September 30. The nominations will be scrutinised by October 1 with candidates allowed to withdraw their nominations till October 7. Reportedly, current Congress President Sonia Gandhi attended the meeting virtually as she is abroad for medical check-ups for some health problems. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, party’s central election authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry, KC Venugopal, former Union ministers Jairam Ramesh, Mukul Wasnik, P Chidambaram, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel also attended the meeting. Read more: Indian MP trolled for carrying a Louis Vuitton bag while addressing inflation & commodity price rise It is pertinent to note that the announcement of the party's presidential elections comes in the backdrop of several high-profile Congress leaders exiting the party, citing lack of leadership at the top. Notably, it was the recent resignation of Jammu & Kashmir Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad that created the most buzz as experts cast aspersions over the Gandhi family's ability to lead the party out of the rut it finds itself in currently. Calling Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his "immaturity" and for "demolishing the consultative mechanism" of the party, Azad in his letter to the Congress president Sonia wrote: "Unfortunately, after the entry of Rahul Gandhi into politics and particularly after January 2013, when he was appointed Vice President by you (Sonia Gandhi), the entire consultative mechanism which existed earlier was demolished by him." "The leadership in the past eight years has tried to foist a non-serious individual at the helm of the party. The entire organizational election process is a farce and a sham. Before starting Bharath Jodo Yatra, the leadership should have undertaken a Congress Jodo exercise across the country," he added. Read more: Ghulam Nabi Azad quits Congress: As it happened Akin to Azad, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, in his resignation letter, had also echoed similar sentiments. "In the past 8 years, I have not taken anything from Congress but only poured into the party. Today when I am being pushed to bow down before people because they are close to the top leadership. This is not acceptable to me," said Shergill in his letter. Read more: Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill quits, says sycophancy is eating the party like termites (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Congress to elect new president, announces election schedule

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned 52 on Sunday, he urged his party workers and well wishers to refrain from any kind of celebrations, saying that crores of youths are anguished as protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme intensify in several states.

"We are concerned with the situation in the country. Crores of youths are anguished. We should share the pain of the youth and their families and stand with them," Rahul Gandhi said in a statement which was tweeted by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday.

The Wayanad MP`s statement comes at a time when the country is witnessing protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme approved on June 14 for the recruitment of Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a four-year period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agneepath-scheme-protest-indian-government-introduces-four-big-changes-in-recruitment-process-489424">Agneepath scheme protest: Indian government introduces four big changes in recruitment process</a>

Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to withdraw the farm laws, he will have to accept the demand of the youth and roll back the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme.

The former Congress chief also said that for eight consecutive years, the BJP government has "insulted" the values of `Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan`.

Watch |&nbsp;Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India

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"I had said earlier also that the prime minister will have to withdraw the black farm laws. In the same manner, he will have to accept the demand of the youth of the country by becoming `maafiveer` and take back the `Agnipath` scheme," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.

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8 सालों से लगातार भाजपा सरकार ने ‘जय जवान, जय किसान' के मूल्यों का अपमान किया है। 
 
मैंने पहले भी कहा था कि प्रधानमंत्री जी को काले कृषि कानून वापस लेने पड़ेंगे। 
 
ठीक उसी तरह उन्हें ‘माफ़ीवीर' बनकर देश के युवाओं की बात माननी पड़ेगी और 'अग्निपथ' को वापस लेना ही पड़ेगा।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1538010703218343937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Union Cabinet on June 14 approved a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the three services of the Armed Forces called Agnipath and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/violent-protests-over-agnipath-scheme-one-dead-telanganas-secunderabad-489165">Violent protests over Agnipath scheme: One dead Telangana's Secunderabad</a>

Agnipath allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The Agnipath Scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.

According to the latest announcement by the Ministry, the upper age limit for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) - inclusive of Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG) - will stand at 26 years.

Meanwhile, the first batch of Agniveers will avail a further relaxation of 5 years beyond the upper age limit of 23, taking it to 28 years.

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As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned 52 on Sunday, he urged his party workers and well wishers to refrain from any kind of celebrations, saying that crores of youths are anguished as protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme intensify in several states.

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned 52 on Sunday, he urged his party workers and well wishers to refrain from any kind of celebrations, saying that crores of youths are anguished as protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme intensify in several states. "We are concerned with the situation in the country. Crores of youths are anguished. We should share the pain of the youth and their families and stand with them," Rahul Gandhi said in a statement which was tweeted by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday. The Wayanad MP`s statement comes at a time when the country is witnessing protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme approved on June 14 for the recruitment of Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a four-year period. Also read | Agneepath scheme protest: Indian government introduces four big changes in recruitment process Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to withdraw the farm laws, he will have to accept the demand of the youth and roll back the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme. The former Congress chief also said that for eight consecutive years, the BJP government has "insulted" the values of `Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan`. Watch | Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India "I had said earlier also that the prime minister will have to withdraw the black farm laws. In the same manner, he will have to accept the demand of the youth of the country by becoming `maafiveer` and take back the `Agnipath` scheme," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. 8 सालों से लगातार भाजपा सरकार ने ‘जय जवान, जय किसान' के मूल्यों का अपमान किया है। मैंने पहले भी कहा था कि प्रधानमंत्री जी को काले कृषि कानून वापस लेने पड़ेंगे। ठीक उसी तरह उन्हें ‘माफ़ीवीर' बनकर देश के युवाओं की बात माननी पड़ेगी और 'अग्निपथ' को वापस लेना ही पड़ेगा। — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 18, 2022 × The Union Cabinet on June 14 approved a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the three services of the Armed Forces called Agnipath and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers. Also read | Violent protests over Agnipath scheme: One dead Telangana's Secunderabad Agnipath allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The Agnipath Scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces. According to the latest announcement by the Ministry, the upper age limit for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) - inclusive of Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG) - will stand at 26 years. Meanwhile, the first batch of Agniveers will avail a further relaxation of 5 years beyond the upper age limit of 23, taking it to 28 years. 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.

Rahul Gandhi appeals Congress workers to not celebrate his birthday amid Agnipath protests

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources.

The Congress leader left the ED office after 9.00 PM on Wednesday.

The former Congress chief appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-appear-before-enforcement-directorate-again-today-in-national-herald-case-487989">Rahul Gandhi to appear before Enforcement Directorate again today in National Herald case</a>

Regarding his questioning by ED on Monday, as per official sources, the Congress leader, a Z+ category protectee of the Central Reserve Police Force after the Union government withdrew the Gandhi family`s Special Protection Group cover in 2019, was confronted with several documents collated by the ED as evidence recovered so far in the case to get his version.

Rahul Gandhi was questioned in detail about the ownership of Young Indian Private Limited (YIL) by the Gandhi family and its shareholding pattern in Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that runs the National Herald newspaper, said sources.

Watch |&nbsp;Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India

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Investigators in the ED, sources said, have also asked Rahul Gandhi to describe the circumstances under which AJL was acquired by YIL in 2010, making it the owner of all assets owned by the National Herald newspaper.

The National Herald, started by India`s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was published by the AJL. In 2010, the AJL, which faced financial difficulties, was taken over by a newly-floated YIL with Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda as directors, both of them Gandhi loyalists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-rahul-gandhi-questioned-by-ed-for-over-10-hours-summoned-again-on-tuesday-487920">National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi questioned by ED for over 10 hours, summoned again on Tuesday</a>

In a complaint in the Delhi High Court, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy accused Sonia Gandhi and her son, Rahul Gandhi, and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds.

Officials familiar with the probe said Rahul Gandhi is being asked questions about the takeover of the AJL by YIL since the Gandhis have stakes in the latter. The Congress leader is being questioned under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources. The Congress leader left the ED office after 9.00 PM on Wednesday. The former Congress chief appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning. Also read | Rahul Gandhi to appear before Enforcement Directorate again today in National Herald case Regarding his questioning by ED on Monday, as per official sources, the Congress leader, a Z+ category protectee of the Central Reserve Police Force after the Union government withdrew the Gandhi family`s Special Protection Group cover in 2019, was confronted with several documents collated by the ED as evidence recovered so far in the case to get his version. Rahul Gandhi was questioned in detail about the ownership of Young Indian Private Limited (YIL) by the Gandhi family and its shareholding pattern in Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that runs the National Herald newspaper, said sources. Watch | Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India Investigators in the ED, sources said, have also asked Rahul Gandhi to describe the circumstances under which AJL was acquired by YIL in 2010, making it the owner of all assets owned by the National Herald newspaper. The National Herald, started by India`s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was published by the AJL. In 2010, the AJL, which faced financial difficulties, was taken over by a newly-floated YIL with Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda as directors, both of them Gandhi loyalists. Also read | National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi questioned by ED for over 10 hours, summoned again on Tuesday In a complaint in the Delhi High Court, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy accused Sonia Gandhi and her son, Rahul Gandhi, and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds. Officials familiar with the probe said Rahul Gandhi is being asked questions about the takeover of the AJL by YIL since the Gandhis have stakes in the latter. The Congress leader is being questioned under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). 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.

National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi to rejoin probe tomorrow

A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was questioned for over 10 hours by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering probe linked to the National Herald newspaper, he will appear before the central probe agency again on Tuesday.

Former Congress President appeared before ED for the first time for questioning on Monday. He left the ED office around 11 pm after questioning on Monday.

The interrogation began at 11 am on Monday morning. The first round of questioning concluded at around 2:15 pm for a lunch break. The Congress leader returned to his residence followed by his visit to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital where his mother and party interim president Sonia Gandhi is admitted due to COVID-related issues.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-sonia-gandhi-son-rahul-summoned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case-party-calls-it-a-conspiracy-484147">India: Sonia Gandhi, son Rahul summoned in money-laundering case, Congress party calls it conspiracy</a>

Rahul Gandhi`s questioning resumed the probe for the second round at around 3:45 pm on Monday.

Speaking on the matter on Monday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is also in Delhi to extend support to Gandhi, said, "This kind of behaviour is not good. People will not like it. Nobody should have any objection if the law will take its own course. But we object to the misuse of ED, CBI and IT that is being done."

"We should follow the course of law, only then will the nation function. Law should be equal for everyone. But the targetted summons being sent to leaders, in poll-bound states, Income Tax, ED, and Central Bureau of Investigation raids take place. That is wrong," he added.

On Monday, Gandhi arrived at the ED`s office in the national capital with his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, amid a huge march by the party workers along with him to the office.

Congress leaders and workers have staged protests holding placards at AICC headquarters in New Delhi over the summons. Various leaders including Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot took part in the party`s Satyagraha march.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-rahul-gandhi-questioned-by-ed-for-over-10-hours-summoned-again-on-tuesday-487920">National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi questioned by ED for over 10 hours, summoned again on Tuesday</a>

Following the day-long protest, the Congress party said that senior leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram suffered a fracture in his left rib after he was pushed away by Delhi Police during the party`s protest in support of Rahul Gandhi.

"When three big, burly policemen crash into you, you are lucky to get away with a suspected hairline crack! Doctors have said that if there is a hairline crack, it will heal by itself in about 10 days. I am fine and I will go about my work tomorrow," Chidambaram tweeted.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur hit back at Congress, saying that the country now knows Congress party supports corruption.

"Congress`s real face has come to light. Why is Rahul Gandhi scared? If he`s not done anything wrong, he should let ED do its job. Would the law change for 1 party and 1 family? The country now knows Congress party supports corruption," he said.

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&nbsp;

A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was questioned for over 10 hours by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering probe linked to the National Herald newspaper, he will appear before the central probe agency again on Tuesday.

A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was questioned for over 10 hours by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering probe linked to the National Herald newspaper, he will appear before the central probe agency again on Tuesday. Former Congress President appeared before ED for the first time for questioning on Monday. He left the ED office around 11 pm after questioning on Monday. The interrogation began at 11 am on Monday morning. The first round of questioning concluded at around 2:15 pm for a lunch break. The Congress leader returned to his residence followed by his visit to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital where his mother and party interim president Sonia Gandhi is admitted due to COVID-related issues. Also read | India: Sonia Gandhi, son Rahul summoned in money-laundering case, Congress party calls it conspiracy Rahul Gandhi`s questioning resumed the probe for the second round at around 3:45 pm on Monday. Speaking on the matter on Monday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is also in Delhi to extend support to Gandhi, said, "This kind of behaviour is not good. People will not like it. Nobody should have any objection if the law will take its own course. But we object to the misuse of ED, CBI and IT that is being done." "We should follow the course of law, only then will the nation function. Law should be equal for everyone. But the targetted summons being sent to leaders, in poll-bound states, Income Tax, ED, and Central Bureau of Investigation raids take place. That is wrong," he added. On Monday, Gandhi arrived at the ED`s office in the national capital with his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, amid a huge march by the party workers along with him to the office. Congress leaders and workers have staged protests holding placards at AICC headquarters in New Delhi over the summons. Various leaders including Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot took part in the party`s Satyagraha march. Also read | National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi questioned by ED for over 10 hours, summoned again on Tuesday Following the day-long protest, the Congress party said that senior leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram suffered a fracture in his left rib after he was pushed away by Delhi Police during the party`s protest in support of Rahul Gandhi. "When three big, burly policemen crash into you, you are lucky to get away with a suspected hairline crack! Doctors have said that if there is a hairline crack, it will heal by itself in about 10 days. I am fine and I will go about my work tomorrow," Chidambaram tweeted. Union Minister Anurag Thakur hit back at Congress, saying that the country now knows Congress party supports corruption. "Congress`s real face has come to light. Why is Rahul Gandhi scared? If he`s not done anything wrong, he should let ED do its job. Would the law change for 1 party and 1 family? The country now knows Congress party supports corruption," he said. 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.

Rahul Gandhi to appear before Enforcement Directorate again today in National Herald case

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India’s main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC) was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday. Protests erupted across India by Congress supporters. But what is the corruption case in which the Gandhi family has been summoned?

Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC), was questioned on Monday (June 13) by the country's money-laundering investigators. India-based news agencies reported that Rahul was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case for about ten hours in over two sessions. He has been summoned again for Tuesday (June 14).&nbsp;

In the aftermath, protests erupted across the country by Congress supporters and workers in favour of Rahul. Hundreds and thousands of people took part in protests. Police have also detained scores of party supporters and some members of the party. &nbsp;

Besides Rahul, his mother, the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi was also summoned by the ED office. Although, she was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi with health issues related to coronavirus (COVID-19) just a day before she was supposed to appear before the court.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the opposition Congress party said the Gandhis and the party had done nothing illegal and the probe was politically motivated.&nbsp;

The Congress spokesman, Randeep Singh Surjewala, told reporters: "We will fight undeterred, we will fight fearlessly. We will answer every question."&nbsp;

The summons by ED are basically related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by a lawmaker of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

At that time, the lawmaker, Subramanian Swamy, had accused the Gandhis of forming a shell company and illegally gaining control of properties worth $300 million.&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC), was questioned on Monday (June 13) by the country's money-laundering investigators.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC), was questioned on Monday (June 13) by the country's money-laundering investigators. India-based news agencies reported that Rahul was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case for about ten hours in over two sessions. He has been summoned again for Tuesday (June 14). In the aftermath, protests erupted across the country by Congress supporters and workers in favour of Rahul. Hundreds and thousands of people took part in protests. Police have also detained scores of party supporters and some members of the party. Besides Rahul, his mother, the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi was also summoned by the ED office. Although, she was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi with health issues related to coronavirus (COVID-19) just a day before she was supposed to appear before the court. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the opposition Congress party said the Gandhis and the party had done nothing illegal and the probe was politically motivated. The Congress spokesman, Randeep Singh Surjewala, told reporters: "We will fight undeterred, we will fight fearlessly. We will answer every question." The summons by ED are basically related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by a lawmaker of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi. At that time, the lawmaker, Subramanian Swamy, had accused the Gandhis of forming a shell company and illegally gaining control of properties worth $300 million. 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.

National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi questioned by ED for over 10 hours, summoned again on Tuesday

India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Indian National Congress (INC) party president Sonia Gandhi and her MP son Rahul Gandhi for questioning in a money laundering case worth millions of rupees.&nbsp;The case is linked to the National Herald newspaper. Rahul Gandhi has been asked to appear on June 2nd while Sonia Gandhi has been summoned to depose before the federal agency on June 8th.&nbsp;Speaking at a press conference, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the president will comply with the summons.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has requested a postponement till after June 5 on account of not being present in India at the moment.

Singhvi further called this a conspiracy on the part of the leading Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that "the Modi government should know that by registering such fake and fabricated cases, they cannot succeed in their cowardly conspiracy."

"The entire party and every worker will stand shoulder to shoulder with them and we will fight and win this attack on the country's democracy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hc-to-hear-on-january-15-appeal-of-ajl-publisher-of-national-herald-189143">Delhi HC to hear on January 15 appeal of AJL, publisher of National Herald</a>

The summons is related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by Subramanian Swamy,&nbsp;a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul.

Swamy, a lawmaker, accused the Gandhis of creating a shell corporation and obtaining ownership of properties worth $300 million unlawfully.

The assets in dispute belonged to a company that published the National Herald newspaper, which was created in 1937 by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul Gandhi's great grandfather and India's first prime minister.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan and India have a lot to gain from mutually beneficial trade, says Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif

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A case was registered&nbsp;to investigate potential financial irregularities at the party-backed Young Indian, which owns the National Herald newspaper.

Officials said the agency wants to record Sonia and Rahul Gandhi's comments under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Indian National Congress (INC) party president Sonia Gandhi and her MP son Rahul Gandhi for questioning in a money laundering case worth millions of rupees.

India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Indian National Congress (INC) party president Sonia Gandhi and her MP son Rahul Gandhi for questioning in a money laundering case worth millions of rupees. The case is linked to the National Herald newspaper. Rahul Gandhi has been asked to appear on June 2nd while Sonia Gandhi has been summoned to depose before the federal agency on June 8th. Speaking at a press conference, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the president will comply with the summons. Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has requested a postponement till after June 5 on account of not being present in India at the moment. Singhvi further called this a conspiracy on the part of the leading Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that "the Modi government should know that by registering such fake and fabricated cases, they cannot succeed in their cowardly conspiracy." "The entire party and every worker will stand shoulder to shoulder with them and we will fight and win this attack on the country's democracy." Also read | Delhi HC to hear on January 15 appeal of AJL, publisher of National Herald The summons is related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by Subramanian Swamy, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul. Swamy, a lawmaker, accused the Gandhis of creating a shell corporation and obtaining ownership of properties worth $300 million unlawfully. The assets in dispute belonged to a company that published the National Herald newspaper, which was created in 1937 by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul Gandhi's great grandfather and India's first prime minister. Watch | Pakistan and India have a lot to gain from mutually beneficial trade, says Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif A case was registered to investigate potential financial irregularities at the party-backed Young Indian, which owns the National Herald newspaper. Officials said the agency wants to record Sonia and Rahul Gandhi's comments under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). (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.

India: Sonia Gandhi, son Rahul summoned in money-laundering case, Congress party calls it conspiracy

While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is in Nepal for a friend's wedding, a photo of him in a nightclub partying with a lady went viral on social media two days ago.

The BJP has chastised him for attending the wedding of his friend Sumnima Udas, the daughter of a Nepali ambassador who backs Nepal's claim to parts of Uttarakhand.

A fresh photo of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has appeared on social media, which was shared by a Nepali singer. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhis-party-video-goes-viral-spotted-at-a-nightclub-in-nepal-475990">Also read | India: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spotted at party in Nepal, video goes viral</a>

Saraswoti Khatri, a Nepali musician, posted the photo on Twitter while recounting her meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Posting the photo on the microblogging platform, "Music has the power to bring all people together. I had an honor to sing few songs for Honorable member of Indian Parliament member Mr Rahul Gandhi ji yesterday evening. I found him such humble &amp; simple person. Thanks to Sumnima ji, Nima Ji for this opportunity."

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Music has the power to bring all people together. I had an honor to sing few songs for Honorable member of Indian Parliament member Mr. Rahul Gandhi ji yesterday evening. I found him such humble &amp; simple person. 
Thanks to Sumnima ji, Nima Ji for this opportunity. <a href="https://t.co/QbAZ9TEmLh">pic.twitter.com/QbAZ9TEmLh</a>
— Saraswoti khatri (@saraswotikhtri) <a href="https://twitter.com/saraswotikhtri/status/1521700350838788096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to her post, the singer was present at Sumnima Udas' wedding and even played for the guests.

The post comes in the wake of the BJP's repeated attacks on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of having "only links with those who challenge India's territorial integrity."

On Wednesday, BJP IT convener Amit Malviya opened fire on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, raising questions about his trip to Nepal.

"Rahul Gandhi was supposedly at the wedding of Sumnima Udas, a Nepali diplomat's daughter, who actively supports Nepal's claim over regions of India's Uttarakhand. From China to Nepal, why does Rahul have ties only with those who are challenging India's territorial integrity?" Malviya tweeted.

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Rahul Gandhi was supposedly at the wedding of Sumnima Udas, a Nepali diplomat’s daughter, who actively supports Nepal’s claim over regions of India’s Uttarakhand. 
 
From China to Nepal, why does Rahul have ties only with those who are challenging India’s territorial integrity? <a href="https://t.co/or0y1OGdAW">pic.twitter.com/or0y1OGdAW</a>
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1521714978092240896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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However, several people took potshots at Rahul Gandhi after his footage from a nightclub went viral.

While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is in Nepal for a friend's wedding, a photo of him in a nightclub partying with a lady went viral on social media two days ago.

While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is in Nepal for a friend's wedding, a photo of him in a nightclub partying with a lady went viral on social media two days ago. The BJP has chastised him for attending the wedding of his friend Sumnima Udas, the daughter of a Nepali ambassador who backs Nepal's claim to parts of Uttarakhand. A fresh photo of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has appeared on social media, which was shared by a Nepali singer. Also read | India: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spotted at party in Nepal, video goes viral Saraswoti Khatri, a Nepali musician, posted the photo on Twitter while recounting her meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Posting the photo on the microblogging platform, "Music has the power to bring all people together. I had an honor to sing few songs for Honorable member of Indian Parliament member Mr Rahul Gandhi ji yesterday evening. I found him such humble & simple person. Thanks to Sumnima ji, Nima Ji for this opportunity." Music has the power to bring all people together. I had an honor to sing few songs for Honorable member of Indian Parliament member Mr. Rahul Gandhi ji yesterday evening. I found him such humble & simple person. Thanks to Sumnima ji, Nima Ji for this opportunity. pic.twitter.com/QbAZ9TEmLh — Saraswoti khatri (@saraswotikhtri) May 4, 2022 × According to her post, the singer was present at Sumnima Udas' wedding and even played for the guests. The post comes in the wake of the BJP's repeated attacks on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of having "only links with those who challenge India's territorial integrity." On Wednesday, BJP IT convener Amit Malviya opened fire on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, raising questions about his trip to Nepal. "Rahul Gandhi was supposedly at the wedding of Sumnima Udas, a Nepali diplomat's daughter, who actively supports Nepal's claim over regions of India's Uttarakhand. From China to Nepal, why does Rahul have ties only with those who are challenging India's territorial integrity?" Malviya tweeted. Rahul Gandhi was supposedly at the wedding of Sumnima Udas, a Nepali diplomat’s daughter, who actively supports Nepal’s claim over regions of India’s Uttarakhand. From China to Nepal, why does Rahul have ties only with those who are challenging India’s territorial integrity? pic.twitter.com/or0y1OGdAW — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 4, 2022 × However, several people took potshots at Rahul Gandhi after his footage from a nightclub went viral.

'Humble and simple person': Nepali singer posts photo with Rahul Gandhi

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.

Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision.

"There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed.

Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back".

"India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations.

"Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said.

"That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation.

"My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said.

Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king.

"There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said.

He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations.

"We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses.

"You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs.

"You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said.

The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created".

He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs.

Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states".

The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few.

"I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said.

Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India.

"The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan.

"The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&amp;K and in our foreign policy," he said.

Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers.

"The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the government alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening, even as he claimed that the country was at risk both internally and externally. Speaking first from the Opposition side in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the speech to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision. "There are now two distinct Indias, one India is for the extremely rich people - for those who have immense wealth, immense power, for those who don't need a job, those who don't need water connection,electricity connections, but for those who control the heartbeat of the country...The gap is widening between the two," he claimed. Gandhi accused the ruling BJP of bringing back the idea of a "king of India" that was "smashed in 1947" and targeted the PM saying that the "idea of a king is back". "India is described in the Constitution as a union of states and not as a nation. One cannot rule over the people of a state in India. Different languages and cultures cannot be suppressed. It is a partnership, not a kingdom," he said. Stressing on the importance of cooperative federalism, he said that the only way India has been ruled over the decades is through conversations. "Congress smashed the idea of a king in 1947, but now that has come back. There is a vision that India can be ruled by a stick from the Centre. Every time that has happened, the stick has been broken," he said. "That is the only way India has been ruled. You can look at Ashoka, Maurya, the country has always been ruled by conversation and negotiation. "My great grandfather was jailed for 15 years. My grandmother was shot 32 times. My father was blown to bits. So I know what I am talking about. You are fiddling with something very, very dangerous. I am advising you to stop. If you don't stop you will create a problem. The problem has already started," Gandhi said. Gandhi alleged that the government lacked any idea of history and they sought to suppress the concept of Union of States as against the idea of a king. "There are two competing visions of India. One, of a Union of States, where decisions are taken through conversation and negotiation - a partnership of equals. Another, of rule by a Shahenshah's diktat. This hasn't worked in 3000 years. BJP's flawed vision has weakened our nation," he said. He said that India was weakening and is completely isolated and questioned why no foreign dignitary was present as chief guest during the Republic Day celebrations. "We are surrounded in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China. Everywhere we are surrounded. Our opponents understand our position," he said. The Congress leader also accused the BJP and the RSS of playing with the foundation of the country and ensuring that jobs were at a premium. Targeting the government over unemployment, Gandhi said that the presidential address made no mention of job losses. "You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed 'Made in India'. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise 'Made in India' is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs. "You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty," Gandhi said. The Congress MP tore into the government over unemployment and said it was because of "your flawed vision that two Indias are being created". He referred to the protest of Railway aspirants in Bihar over jobs and said how the government was unable to provide jobs. Gandhi also accused the government of using the judiciary, the Election Commission, and Pegasus spyware as "instruments of destroying the voice of the union of states". The Congress leader alleged that the wealth of the country was in the hands of a chosen few. "I want to advise the PM that you are making two Indias. Please start working towards bringing the two Indias together. Stop sending the wealth of India to a chosen few...", he said. Speaking on foreign policy issues, Gandhi said that the present government's stand on China and Pakistan worked only to bring the two neighbouring countries together to work against India. "The single biggest strategic goal of India has been to keep China and Pakistan apart. But what you have done is brought them together. You have committed the single biggest crime you can commit...China has a plan. "The foundation of their (China and Pakistan) plan has been put in place in Doklam and Ladakh. This is a serious threat to India. We have made a huge strategic mistake in J&K and in our foreign policy," he said. Gandhi also said that the country was under seige both from within and from outside and cautioned the government of its dangers. "The nation is now at risk from outside and inside and that is a very dangerous lace for a nation to be in. This worries me," he said.

Two Indias created, one for rich and one for poor; gap widening: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (February 2) has slammed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi over his China-Pakistan remarks.&nbsp;

Gandhi in his Parliament speech said&nbsp;that the PM Narendra Modi's government and its foreign policies have brought China and Pakistan together.&nbsp;

Responding to the same, Jaishankar recalled some incidents when the Congress government was in office. He said, "Rahul Gandhi alleged in Lok Sabha that it is this Government which brought Pakistan and China together."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-endorse-it-us-on-rahuls-remark-that-china-pakistan-together-due-to-indias-foreign-policy-450010">'Won't endorse it': US on Rahul’s remark that China, Pakistan together due to India’s foreign policy</a>

He said that China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s and CPEC was started in 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre.&nbsp;

"Perhaps, some history lessons are in order: In 1963,Pakistan illegally handed over the Shaksgam valley to China. -China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s," Jaishankar tweeted.&nbsp;

He added, "From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. -In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then?"

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-From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. 
 
-In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. 
 
So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then?
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1488884870449295362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the United States has also reacted to the controversial remarks by Gandhi, stating that it does not agree with Gandhi's claim that Modi's foreign policy has strengthened the Pakistan-China relationship.&nbsp;

On being asked about Gandhi's comments, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "I will leave it to the Pakistanis and the PRC to speak to their relationship. I certainly would not – would not endorse those remarks."&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi in his speech said the government has brought China and Pakistan together. "The Chinese have a very clear vision of what they want to do. The single biggest strategic goal of India's foreign policy has been to keep Pakistan and China separate. What you have done is, you have brought them together," he said.

"Do not be under any illusion, do not underestimate the force that is standing in front of you. You have brought Pakistan and China together. This is the single biggest crime that you could commit against the people of India," he added.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (February 2) has slammed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi over his China-Pakistan remarks. Gandhi in his Parliament speech said that the PM Narendra Modi's government and its foreign policies have brought China and Pakistan together.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (February 2) has slammed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi over his China-Pakistan remarks. Gandhi in his Parliament speech said that the PM Narendra Modi's government and its foreign policies have brought China and Pakistan together. Responding to the same, Jaishankar recalled some incidents when the Congress government was in office. He said, "Rahul Gandhi alleged in Lok Sabha that it is this Government which brought Pakistan and China together." ALSO READ | 'Won't endorse it': US on Rahul’s remark that China, Pakistan together due to India’s foreign policy He said that China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s and CPEC was started in 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre. "Perhaps, some history lessons are in order: In 1963,Pakistan illegally handed over the Shaksgam valley to China. -China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s," Jaishankar tweeted. He added, "From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. -In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then?" -From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration. -In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then? — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 2, 2022 × Meanwhile, the United States has also reacted to the controversial remarks by Gandhi, stating that it does not agree with Gandhi's claim that Modi's foreign policy has strengthened the Pakistan-China relationship. On being asked about Gandhi's comments, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "I will leave it to the Pakistanis and the PRC to speak to their relationship. I certainly would not – would not endorse those remarks." Rahul Gandhi in his speech said the government has brought China and Pakistan together. "The Chinese have a very clear vision of what they want to do. The single biggest strategic goal of India's foreign policy has been to keep Pakistan and China separate. What you have done is, you have brought them together," he said. "Do not be under any illusion, do not underestimate the force that is standing in front of you. You have brought Pakistan and China together. This is the single biggest crime that you could commit against the people of India," he added.

India: Jaishankar gives 'history lessons' to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, slams over China-Pakistan remarks

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