The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) adjourned on Friday after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking a dig at the rising incidents of rapes in India, Senior Congress leader Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talked about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'Rape in India' in a rally in Jharkhand.

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Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after uproar over Rahul Gandhi's 'Rape in India' remark <a href="https://t.co/HFMX24N3eo">pic.twitter.com/HFMX24N3eo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205368066835509249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Union minister Smriti Irani slammed Gandhi for his remarks against the PM, adding that it is an insult to the nation and an invitation to the rapists. Irani also said that Gandhi should be punished for his remarks.&nbsp;

"This is first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?" Irani said.&nbsp;

A group of leaders in the Rajya Sabha sloganeered "Rahul Gandhi maafi maango (Rahul Gandhi apologise)".&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu urged the members to maintain decorum and added that a member's name cannot be taken who is not a part of the house, referring to Gandhi. However, the House was later adjourned.&nbsp;

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Few MPs in Rajya Sabha raise slogans of 'Rahul Gandhi maafi maango' over Rahul Gandhi's 'rape in India' remark; Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu says, "you cannot take the name of a person who is not a member of this House. No body has the business to disturb the House". <a href="https://t.co/Ojp2BthDBO">pic.twitter.com/Ojp2BthDBO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205366675421315072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Gandhi had also said that the international community ridicules India and the country is known as the "rape capital" of the world.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) adjourned on Friday after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking a dig at the rising incidents of rapes in India, Senior Congress leader Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talked about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'Rape in India' in a rally in Jharkhand.

The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) adjourned on Friday after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking a dig at the rising incidents of rapes in India, Senior Congress leader Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talked about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'Rape in India' in a rally in Jharkhand. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after uproar over Rahul Gandhi's 'Rape in India' remark pic.twitter.com/HFMX24N3eo — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Union minister Smriti Irani slammed Gandhi for his remarks against the PM, adding that it is an insult to the nation and an invitation to the rapists. Irani also said that Gandhi should be punished for his remarks. "This is first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?" Irani said. A group of leaders in the Rajya Sabha sloganeered "Rahul Gandhi maafi maango (Rahul Gandhi apologise)". Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu urged the members to maintain decorum and added that a member's name cannot be taken who is not a part of the house, referring to Gandhi. However, the House was later adjourned. Few MPs in Rajya Sabha raise slogans of 'Rahul Gandhi maafi maango' over Rahul Gandhi's 'rape in India' remark; Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu says, "you cannot take the name of a person who is not a member of this House. No body has the business to disturb the House". pic.twitter.com/Ojp2BthDBO — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Earlier, Gandhi had also said that the international community ridicules India and the country is known as the "rape capital" of the world.

Rajya Sabha adjourned after uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-after-uproar-over-rahul-gandhis-remark-268035">rape in India" remark</a>.

"We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.&nbsp;

"We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated.

Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter.

This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

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Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. <a href="https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6">https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6</a>
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While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'.

Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?".

Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today. "We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated. Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter. This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6 — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'. Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?". Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark. Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.

Have requested Election Commission to take action: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi's rape remark 

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-finish-terrorism-in-a-years-time-jitendra-singh-to-wion-245005">Jitendra Singh</a> on Thursday said that Congress is trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the North East but it will fail in its attempts.

"The misleading statement made by Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-to-meet-chidambaram-at-tihar-jail-tomorrow-264716">Rahul Gandhi</a> yesterday regarding the North Eastern region tends to the fact that Congress is trying to fish in the troubled waters of Brahmaputra. They are trying to revive their fortunes through that but it is not going to happen. They tried to leverage the support of certain disgruntled elements of society," the Minister told ANI.

"In certain sections, there is a lack of understanding about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iuml-to-file-plea-in-supreme-court-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-267775"> Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>. The people who went to protest are our own people. They will be taken care of. The new law is not going to affect anybody adversely. Our elected representatives are trying to allay their concerns," he added.

Assam's capital city Guwahati and its district Dibrugarh have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The administration has also suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state - Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup.

The decision came in the wake of protests in the state against the CAB.

Also, the Indian Army said that two columns of Assam Rifles troops have been deployed in Tripura and the third column in Assam is on standby at the request of the civil administration in Tripura and Assam.

The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that Congress is trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the North East but it will fail in its attempts.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that Congress is trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the North East but it will fail in its attempts. "The misleading statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi yesterday regarding the North Eastern region tends to the fact that Congress is trying to fish in the troubled waters of Brahmaputra. They are trying to revive their fortunes through that but it is not going to happen. They tried to leverage the support of certain disgruntled elements of society," the Minister told ANI. "In certain sections, there is a lack of understanding about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The people who went to protest are our own people. They will be taken care of. The new law is not going to affect anybody adversely. Our elected representatives are trying to allay their concerns," he added. Assam's capital city Guwahati and its district Dibrugarh have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The administration has also suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state - Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup. The decision came in the wake of protests in the state against the CAB. Also, the Indian Army said that two columns of Assam Rifles troops have been deployed in Tripura and the third column in Assam is on standby at the request of the civil administration in Tripura and Assam. The CAB smoothly sailed through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Congress trying to revive its fortunes by stoking protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill : Jitendra Singh

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) raised concerns on the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) that was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday midnight. Meanwhile, the Government sources to WION said that the body's views hold no relevance and their observations are totally unfounded.

WION Dispatch: US Commission opposes Citizenship Amendment Bill

Security agencies deployed to give protection to Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra mistook the unknown vehicle for the car of ex-Congress President and Priyanka`s brother Rahul Gandhi.

Sources in Delhi Police, as well as CRPF, have confirmed that car was allowed to move inside as the security teams misjudged it as the car of Rahul Gandhi.

Though security forces are tight-lipped whether Rahul was scheduled to visit Priyanka or the security forces` personnel in a hurry misjudged the car, CRPF so far has not given any official reaction on the matter.

A blame game has already started between the Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) after the alleged security breach.

According to the CRPF sources, Delhi Police gave clearance to the vehicle to enter the premises as they are responsible for perimeter security.

On the other side, police top officials claim that CRPF is responsible for the security and only after getting clearance from the protection team of CRPF, the vehicle was allowed to move inside.

Also, cops claimed that security of CRPF deployed inside didn`t check the passengers when they moved out from the car.

Priyanka Gandhi`s office had filed a complaint with the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) regarding an alleged security breach at the residence of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Delhi, sources in the party said on Monday.

Last week in November, unknown people had entered the premises of the Congress leader on an SUV without any prior appointment and then sought selfies with Gandhi.

Security agencies deployed to give protection to Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra mistook the unknown vehicle for the car of ex-Congress President and Priyanka`s brother Rahul Gandhi.

Security agencies deployed to give protection to Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra mistook the unknown vehicle for the car of ex-Congress President and Priyanka`s brother Rahul Gandhi. Sources in Delhi Police, as well as CRPF, have confirmed that car was allowed to move inside as the security teams misjudged it as the car of Rahul Gandhi. Though security forces are tight-lipped whether Rahul was scheduled to visit Priyanka or the security forces` personnel in a hurry misjudged the car, CRPF so far has not given any official reaction on the matter. A blame game has already started between the Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) after the alleged security breach. According to the CRPF sources, Delhi Police gave clearance to the vehicle to enter the premises as they are responsible for perimeter security. On the other side, police top officials claim that CRPF is responsible for the security and only after getting clearance from the protection team of CRPF, the vehicle was allowed to move inside. Also, cops claimed that security of CRPF deployed inside didn`t check the passengers when they moved out from the car. Priyanka Gandhi`s office had filed a complaint with the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) regarding an alleged security breach at the residence of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Delhi, sources in the party said on Monday. Last week in November, unknown people had entered the premises of the Congress leader on an SUV without any prior appointment and then sought selfies with Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi security breach: 'CRPF, Delhi Police misjudged intruders' vehicle as Rahul Gandhi's car

Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi will visit his constituency Wayanad, Kerala from December 4 to 7.

According to Rahul Gandhi office, he will be reaching Kozhikode on December 4.

He will inaugurate Indira Gandhi Memorial Bus stand cum shopping complex at Edakkara, new block at GHSS Karuvarakundu at Wandoor, a project in Kodenchery Grama Panchayat at Mariyam Auditorium, Kodenchery, Thiruvambadi and cultural conference at Mahadeva Temple, Kodencherry on December 5.

He will also visit the Nilambur Assembly convention at OCK Auditorium, Wandoor Assembly convention at Eriyad auditorium, Love share, a school for special children and Thiruvambadi assembly convention at Shangrilla auditorium, Mukkam on the same day.

On December 6 he is scheduled to attend Late M I Shanavas remembrance meeting at Cholayil auditorium, Meenangadi, Kalpetta assembly convention at Chandragiri auditorium, visit the family of Shehala Sherin, the child who died of snakebite.

He will also visit Sarvajana HSS School, the school where the snakebite episode occurred at Sultan Bathery.

Inauguration of new block Vythiri government hospital and newly constructed MSDP block at Vakeri High School will be done on the same day by Rahul Gandhi.On the last day of his visit on December 7, he will meet with 400 newly trained disaster management volunteers at Zilla Panchayat auditorium, Kalpetta and distribute 'Muttathe Mulla'&nbsp;loan to SHG's (Kudumbashree) by Manathawadi farmer's service co-operative bank.

Rahul will also inaugurate a new department block of Psychiatry and de-addiction at Assumption Hospital, Sultan Bathery on the same day.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi will visit his constituency Wayanad, Kerala from December 4 to 7. According to Rahul Gandhi office, he will be reaching Kozhikode on December 4.

Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi will visit his constituency Wayanad, Kerala from December 4 to 7. According to Rahul Gandhi office, he will be reaching Kozhikode on December 4. He will inaugurate Indira Gandhi Memorial Bus stand cum shopping complex at Edakkara, new block at GHSS Karuvarakundu at Wandoor, a project in Kodenchery Grama Panchayat at Mariyam Auditorium, Kodenchery, Thiruvambadi and cultural conference at Mahadeva Temple, Kodencherry on December 5. He will also visit the Nilambur Assembly convention at OCK Auditorium, Wandoor Assembly convention at Eriyad auditorium, Love share, a school for special children and Thiruvambadi assembly convention at Shangrilla auditorium, Mukkam on the same day. On December 6 he is scheduled to attend Late M I Shanavas remembrance meeting at Cholayil auditorium, Meenangadi, Kalpetta assembly convention at Chandragiri auditorium, visit the family of Shehala Sherin, the child who died of snakebite. He will also visit Sarvajana HSS School, the school where the snakebite episode occurred at Sultan Bathery. Inauguration of new block Vythiri government hospital and newly constructed MSDP block at Vakeri High School will be done on the same day by Rahul Gandhi.On the last day of his visit on December 7, he will meet with 400 newly trained disaster management volunteers at Zilla Panchayat auditorium, Kalpetta and distribute 'Muttathe Mulla' loan to SHG's (Kudumbashree) by Manathawadi farmer's service co-operative bank. Rahul will also inaugurate a new department block of Psychiatry and de-addiction at Assumption Hospital, Sultan Bathery on the same day.

Rahul Gandhi to pay four-day visit to Wayanad on December 4

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will meet former finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-enforcement-directorate-visits-tihar-jail-to-interrogate-p-chidambaram-263847">P Chidambaram </a>here at Tihar Jail on Wednesday.

Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader, is currently lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him last month in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court adjourned for November 27 the hearing of an appeal filed by Chidambaram challenging Delhi High Court order denying him bail in the INX Media money laundering case being probed by the ED.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case. The Congress leader was first arrested by the CBI on August 21 in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later.

He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16. He is presently in judicial custody till November 27.&nbsp;

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will meet former finance minister P Chidambaram here at Tihar Jail on Wednesday. Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader, is currently lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him last month in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will meet former finance minister P Chidambaram here at Tihar Jail on Wednesday. Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader, is currently lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him last month in connection with the INX Media money laundering case. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court adjourned for November 27 the hearing of an appeal filed by Chidambaram challenging Delhi High Court order denying him bail in the INX Media money laundering case being probed by the ED. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case. The Congress leader was first arrested by the CBI on August 21 in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later. He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16. He is presently in judicial custody till November 27.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi to meet Chidambaram at Tihar jail tomorrow

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP of ''murdering'' democracy in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Speaking briefly during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha Gandhi said he was not asking his question but there was no point "as democracy has been murdered in Maharashtra".

Gandhi was speaking even as opposition members were protesting in the House over how the government was formed in Maharashtra.

Speaker Om Birla asked Congress members to take their seats as their leader was speaking. However, the protest continued. The House was subsequently adjourned till noon.

Earlier today, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi led the party's protest in Parliament premises over the government formation in the state.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar as his deputy on Saturday morning. The Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena have been trying to form a non-BJP government in the state.

The BJP won 105 seats in last month's assembly polls in Maharashtra followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP of ''murdering'' democracy in Maharashtra. Speaking briefly during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha Gandhi said he was not asking his question but there was no point "as democracy has been murdered in Maharashtra".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP of ''murdering'' democracy in Maharashtra. Speaking briefly during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha Gandhi said he was not asking his question but there was no point "as democracy has been murdered in Maharashtra". Gandhi was speaking even as opposition members were protesting in the House over how the government was formed in Maharashtra. Speaker Om Birla asked Congress members to take their seats as their leader was speaking. However, the protest continued. The House was subsequently adjourned till noon. Earlier today, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi led the party's protest in Parliament premises over the government formation in the state. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar as his deputy on Saturday morning. The Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena have been trying to form a non-BJP government in the state. The BJP won 105 seats in last month's assembly polls in Maharashtra followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of 'murdering' democracy in Maharashtra

PM Modi addresses in the 250th session of the upper house of Parliament. Let's listen in...

PM Modi addresses the 250th session of the upper house of Parliament

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec. Today is the first day of the session. This time the government is preparing to introduce 27 new bills in the winter session of Parliament. Will the Opposition support the Citizenship Amendment Bill? Will the issue of the economy, unemployment bother the government?

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec

Today is the first day of Parliament's Winter session, PM Modi speaks ahead of the session. Let's listen in...

First day of Parliament's Winter session, PM Modi speaks ahead of the session

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec. Today is the first day of the session. This time the government is preparing to introduce 27 new bills in the winter session of Parliament. Govt to push for Citizenship bill in the winter session of the Parliament.

Govt's focus in winter session of the Parliament: 'Citizenship Amendment Bill'

Union Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday took a jibe at Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi over National Herald case and said that now there is a judicial affirmation that family and business go hand-in-hand in the Congress party.

"For Congress, family and commerce run hand-in-hand, are integrally linked and given a political colour... Prasad said that there is a judicial affirmation that family and business go hand in hand and that Rahul and Sonia Gandhi hid the truth in the matter. They (Gandhi family) became the owner of properties worth Rs 2,000 crore in mere Rs 50 lakh," Prasad said in a press conference here.

He said that Jawahar Lal Nehru had started the National Herald newspaper, which stopped publishing in 2008 but even after that, Rs 90 crore and government property worth Rs 2,000 crore was handed to the paper by the previous government.

He also said that the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal yesterday pronounced an important judgement in a matter pertaining to the paper and recited some observations of the court.

"Thus from the aforesaid pact, it is palpable that the SAC company seeking assertion as a charitable institution had not disclosed fully and truly, with clear conscience and probity. Here not only there was a misrepresentation, but also suppression of material facts," Prasad said.

"The tribunal also said that we have no hesitation in holding that the entire transaction of transferring the shares of AJL to Young India was nothing but, as held by the learned Court, a clandestine and surreptitious transfer of lucrative interests in the premises to Young India," he added.

Associated Journals Limited (AJL) is the parent company of National Herald.

"In 2010, Young India Ltd was formed. Sonia, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda were part of this company. The previous government said that they want to train youngsters in 'Dharma Nirpeksha Mulya' and exempted this company from Income Tax," he said.

"I did not think there will be another development after Vadra model of development. This is the family model of development," he said.

"The BJP condemns this palpable, dubious transaction of undue enrichment. It is simply corruption. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi should stop talking about corruption. The veil has been uplifted by the Court's decision," Prasad added.

He also slammed mother-son duo and said that they should not talk about corruption anymore.

"Will they tell the nation the truth about their engagements? Will they answer the questions of the people of the country?" he said.

Union Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday took a jibe at Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi over National Herald case and said that now there is a judicial affirmation that family and business go hand-in-hand in the Congress party.

Union Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday took a jibe at Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi over National Herald case and said that now there is a judicial affirmation that family and business go hand-in-hand in the Congress party. "For Congress, family and commerce run hand-in-hand, are integrally linked and given a political colour... Prasad said that there is a judicial affirmation that family and business go hand in hand and that Rahul and Sonia Gandhi hid the truth in the matter. They (Gandhi family) became the owner of properties worth Rs 2,000 crore in mere Rs 50 lakh," Prasad said in a press conference here. He said that Jawahar Lal Nehru had started the National Herald newspaper, which stopped publishing in 2008 but even after that, Rs 90 crore and government property worth Rs 2,000 crore was handed to the paper by the previous government. He also said that the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal yesterday pronounced an important judgement in a matter pertaining to the paper and recited some observations of the court. "Thus from the aforesaid pact, it is palpable that the SAC company seeking assertion as a charitable institution had not disclosed fully and truly, with clear conscience and probity. Here not only there was a misrepresentation, but also suppression of material facts," Prasad said. "The tribunal also said that we have no hesitation in holding that the entire transaction of transferring the shares of AJL to Young India was nothing but, as held by the learned Court, a clandestine and surreptitious transfer of lucrative interests in the premises to Young India," he added. Associated Journals Limited (AJL) is the parent company of National Herald. "In 2010, Young India Ltd was formed. Sonia, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda were part of this company. The previous government said that they want to train youngsters in 'Dharma Nirpeksha Mulya' and exempted this company from Income Tax," he said. "I did not think there will be another development after Vadra model of development. This is the family model of development," he said. "The BJP condemns this palpable, dubious transaction of undue enrichment. It is simply corruption. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi should stop talking about corruption. The veil has been uplifted by the Court's decision," Prasad added. He also slammed mother-son duo and said that they should not talk about corruption anymore. "Will they tell the nation the truth about their engagements? Will they answer the questions of the people of the country?" he said.

Ravi Shankar Prasad slams Sonia, Rahul over National Herald case

Members of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) protested across major Indian metropolises including New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai over the scorn faced by the Indian government after their decision to purchase Rafale jets from France in a multi-crore deal.

The party workers demanded apologies&nbsp;from Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress as well as Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi.

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Maharashtra: BJP holds a protest in Mumbai, demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi after Supreme Court dismissed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> review petitions. <a href="https://t.co/OQKavfLYUd">pic.twitter.com/OQKavfLYUd</a>
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The protests erupted after the dismissal of Rafale review petitions in the Supreme Court. The court dismissed pleas that sought a review of the December 14, 2018 verdict which gave a clean-shit to the central government. Additionally, the court said that there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in how 36 Rafale jets would be procured from Dassault Aviation over time.

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West Bengal: BJP workers tear and deface posters of Rahul Gandhi during a protest in Kolkata demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi after Supreme Court dismissed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> review petitions. <a href="https://t.co/3WfILLgV78">pic.twitter.com/3WfILLgV78</a>
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According to ANI, BJP workers in Kolkata tore and defaced posters of Rahul Gandhi while urgently demanding an apology.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil joined the increasing demands for an apology from Rahul Gandhi and said, "Rahul Gandhi should apologise to PM Modi for creating an issue over the deal and accusing him of false things. After the court's verdict, Rahul Gandhi apologized in the Supreme Court. He must now apologise to the public as well". 
 
Meanwhile, Rahul on Thursday reiterated Congress' demand for an investigation by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

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Delhi: BJP workers and leaders holds a protest outside AAP office, demanding an apology from Arvind Kejriwal after Supreme Court dismissed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> review petitions. <a href="https://t.co/01i2Z4KXlo">pic.twitter.com/01i2Z4KXlo</a>
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Additionally, BJP workers in Delhi stormed the offices of both the Congress as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Outside the AAP office, party workers demanded an apology from Arvind Kejriwal, another prominent voice of criticism during the Rafale debacle.

(With inputs from ANI)

Members of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) protested across major Indian metropolises including New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai over the scorn faced by the Indian government after their decision to purchase Rafale jets from France in a multi-crore deal.

Members of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) protested across major Indian metropolises including New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai over the scorn faced by the Indian government after their decision to purchase Rafale jets from France in a multi-crore deal. The party workers demanded apologies from Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress as well as Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi. Maharashtra: BJP holds a protest in Mumbai, demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi after Supreme Court dismissed #Rafale review petitions. pic.twitter.com/OQKavfLYUd — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2019 × The protests erupted after the dismissal of Rafale review petitions in the Supreme Court. The court dismissed pleas that sought a review of the December 14, 2018 verdict which gave a clean-shit to the central government. Additionally, the court said that there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in how 36 Rafale jets would be procured from Dassault Aviation over time. West Bengal: BJP workers tear and deface posters of Rahul Gandhi during a protest in Kolkata demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi after Supreme Court dismissed #Rafale review petitions. pic.twitter.com/3WfILLgV78 — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2019 × According to ANI, BJP workers in Kolkata tore and defaced posters of Rahul Gandhi while urgently demanding an apology. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil joined the increasing demands for an apology from Rahul Gandhi and said, "Rahul Gandhi should apologise to PM Modi for creating an issue over the deal and accusing him of false things. After the court's verdict, Rahul Gandhi apologized in the Supreme Court. He must now apologise to the public as well". Meanwhile, Rahul on Thursday reiterated Congress' demand for an investigation by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the Rafale fighter jet deal with France. Delhi: BJP workers and leaders holds a protest outside AAP office, demanding an apology from Arvind Kejriwal after Supreme Court dismissed #Rafale review petitions. pic.twitter.com/01i2Z4KXlo — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2019 × Additionally, BJP workers in Delhi stormed the offices of both the Congress as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Outside the AAP office, party workers demanded an apology from Arvind Kejriwal, another prominent voice of criticism during the Rafale debacle. (With inputs from ANI)

Rafale deal: BJP holds protests countrywide demanding apologies from Rahul Gandhi, others

A major setback to the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi's application rejected by Income Tax Appellate Tribunal for Young India charitable trust. Watch this video to find out more in details.

Rahul Gandhi's application rejected by ITAT for Young India charitable trust

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-rafale-claims-after-sc-verdict-demands-apology-262036">Rahul Gandhi </a>and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal.

The BJP leaders will hold protests outside All India Congress Committee office in Delhi and other Congress offices in other parts of the country demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Rafale.

A party release signed by general secretary Arun Singh said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi gave 'false', 'fabricated'&nbsp;and 'undignified'&nbsp;statements on Rafale deal. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case passed on December 14, 2018, upholding the 36 Rafale jets deal.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965">36 Rafale jets </a>by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France.

The apex court closed the contempt petition filed by BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks. The Supreme Court accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful."Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said in their verdict.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal. The BJP leaders will hold protests outside All India Congress Committee office in Delhi and other Congress offices in other parts of the country demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Rafale. A party release signed by general secretary Arun Singh said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi gave 'false', 'fabricated' and 'undignified' statements on Rafale deal. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case passed on December 14, 2018, upholding the 36 Rafale jets deal. A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France. The apex court closed the contempt petition filed by BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks. The Supreme Court accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful."Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said in their verdict.

BJP to hold nationwide protests against Rahul Gandhi over claims on Rafale deal

'No inquiry needed on Rafale' says Supreme Court; Dismisses review pleas. Watch video to know more.

'No inquiry needed on Rafale' says Supreme Court; Dismisses review pleas

WION Edit: Rafale Lessons: National Security is greater than Politics

Supreme Court on Thursday refused to review its order on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-will-prove-to-be-the-gamechanger-for-iaf-air-chief-marshal-bs-dhanoa-221975">the Rafale fighter jets</a>.

India's top court closed a contempt plea filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the court his “chowkidar chor hai” slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale case.

The Supreme Court said, “Mr Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in future” for attributing to the court his remarks.

The petitioners had moved the top court seeking review of the&nbsp;verdict which dismissed a plea challenging India's agreement with France for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets.

India had inked a deal with Dassault for the fighter jets. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh officially received the first Rafale fighter jet from Dassault Aviation at a ceremony in Bordeaux in France last month.

Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year, the rest will arrive in September 2022.

Supreme Court on Thursday refused to review its order on the Rafale fighter jets. India's top court closed a contempt plea filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the court his “chowkidar chor hai” slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale case.

Supreme Court on Thursday refused to review its order on the Rafale fighter jets. India's top court closed a contempt plea filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the court his “chowkidar chor hai” slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale case. The Supreme Court said, “Mr Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in future” for attributing to the court his remarks. The petitioners had moved the top court seeking review of the verdict which dismissed a plea challenging India's agreement with France for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets. India had inked a deal with Dassault for the fighter jets. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh officially received the first Rafale fighter jet from Dassault Aviation at a ceremony in Bordeaux in France last month. Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year, the rest will arrive in September 2022.

Supreme Court dismisses Rafale review petitions

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian government and observed that it is not their function to determine the prices of jets.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi dismissed the pleas as they were bereft of 'merit'.

A batch of petitions, filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, lawyer Prashant Bhushan and others, sought CBI probe into the purchase of Rafale jets.

The review was sought on the grounds that judgment contained several errors.

The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph, further held that matter cannot be dealt with because of "mere suspicion" by the petitioners.

"Insofar as the aspect of pricing is concerned, the court satisfied itself with the material made available. It is not the function of this Court to determine the prices," the bench observed.

The top court added, "On the perusal of documents we had found that one cannot compare apples and oranges. Thus, the pricing of the basic aircraft had to be compared which was competitively marginally lower. As to what should be loaded on the aircraft or not and what further pricing should be added has to be left to the best judgment of the competent authorities."

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian government and observed that it is not their function to determine the prices of jets.

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian government and observed that it is not their function to determine the prices of jets. A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi dismissed the pleas as they were bereft of 'merit'. A batch of petitions, filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, lawyer Prashant Bhushan and others, sought CBI probe into the purchase of Rafale jets. The review was sought on the grounds that judgment contained several errors. The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph, further held that matter cannot be dealt with because of "mere suspicion" by the petitioners. "Insofar as the aspect of pricing is concerned, the court satisfied itself with the material made available. It is not the function of this Court to determine the prices," the bench observed. The top court added, "On the perusal of documents we had found that one cannot compare apples and oranges. Thus, the pricing of the basic aircraft had to be compared which was competitively marginally lower. As to what should be loaded on the aircraft or not and what further pricing should be added has to be left to the best judgment of the competent authorities."

Rafale deal verdict: Not our function to determine fighter jet’s prices, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-rafale-claims-after-sc-verdict-demands-apology-262036">Rahul Gandhi</a> for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi closed the contempt petition and accepted Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful.

"We would not like to continue these proceedings further and, thus, close the contempt proceedings with a word of caution for the contemnor to be more careful in the future. No court should be dragged into this political discourse," the apex court stated in the verdict.

The comments were made by Gandhi in pursuant to the top court's order on the Rafale deal. Gandhi, who was then the president of the Congress party, allegedly said that the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar"&nbsp;(a reference to Prime Minister Modi), is a "chor"&nbsp;(thief).

BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi accused Gandhi of misquoting the court and filed a contempt petition. Gandhi had then tendered an unconditional apology to the court and sought closure of the contempt proceedings against him. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, today observed that Gandhi made allegations without verification.

"The contemnor (Rahul Gandhi) deemed it appropriate to make statements as if this Court had given an imprimatur to his allegations against the Prime Minister, which was far from the truth," the bench said.

The top court said that initially Gandhi did not accept his mistake or tendered an apology, but later during the course of proceedings, a "better wisdom" dawned on him.

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse.

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi closed the contempt petition and accepted Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful. "We would not like to continue these proceedings further and, thus, close the contempt proceedings with a word of caution for the contemnor to be more careful in the future. No court should be dragged into this political discourse," the apex court stated in the verdict. The comments were made by Gandhi in pursuant to the top court's order on the Rafale deal. Gandhi, who was then the president of the Congress party, allegedly said that the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar" (a reference to Prime Minister Modi), is a "chor" (thief). BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi accused Gandhi of misquoting the court and filed a contempt petition. Gandhi had then tendered an unconditional apology to the court and sought closure of the contempt proceedings against him. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, today observed that Gandhi made allegations without verification. "The contemnor (Rahul Gandhi) deemed it appropriate to make statements as if this Court had given an imprimatur to his allegations against the Prime Minister, which was far from the truth," the bench said. The top court said that initially Gandhi did not accept his mistake or tendered an apology, but later during the course of proceedings, a "better wisdom" dawned on him.

Court should not be dragged into political discourse: Supreme Court on Rahul Gandhi contempt case

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said there was a "motivated propaganda" behind questioning the Rafale fighter jet deal and demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation for misleading people on the issue.

Welcoming the court decision to dismiss the petitions, she said, "It shows that government's decision was right on the price, the process and on the offsets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi put national security on top,"&nbsp;adding that the Air Force was needed to be "strengthened without any further delay".

The BJP leader said that there was a "motivated propaganda" behind raising objections in the deal which, she said, has been "defeated".

Emphasizing that the national security cannot be compromised for political ambitions, the Finance Minister said, "The Armed Forces were demoralised by the brazen allegations against the then Chief of the Air Force by the Congress".

"Chor comment by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965">Rahul Gandhi </a>of Congress was repeated several times for political gains; brazenly accusing the Prime Minister is called out for what it is, irresponsible. He should apologise to the nation for misleading the people with blatant lies, even in the Lok Sabha," he said.

Earlier today, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi passed an order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by NDA government from France.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said there was a "motivated propaganda" behind questioning the Rafale fighter jet deal and demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation for misleading people on the issue.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said there was a "motivated propaganda" behind questioning the Rafale fighter jet deal and demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation for misleading people on the issue. Welcoming the court decision to dismiss the petitions, she said, "It shows that government's decision was right on the price, the process and on the offsets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi put national security on top," adding that the Air Force was needed to be "strengthened without any further delay". The BJP leader said that there was a "motivated propaganda" behind raising objections in the deal which, she said, has been "defeated". Emphasizing that the national security cannot be compromised for political ambitions, the Finance Minister said, "The Armed Forces were demoralised by the brazen allegations against the then Chief of the Air Force by the Congress". "Chor comment by Rahul Gandhi of Congress was repeated several times for political gains; brazenly accusing the Prime Minister is called out for what it is, irresponsible. He should apologise to the nation for misleading the people with blatant lies, even in the Lok Sabha," he said. Earlier today, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi passed an order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by NDA government from France.

Sitharaman demands Rahul Gandhi's apology for 'misleading' nation on Rafale deal

Withdrawal of SPG from Gandhis has ignited a public debate on security for the first family of the Congress. The Opposition has called the move petty whereas Centre argues that decision was made after a detailed security review. The argument is that SPG’s withdrawal is akin to a vendetta and not based on actual assessment.

Congress is comparing the withdrawal of SPG with that of Rajiv Gandhi who was subsequently assassinated by LTTE terrorists in India.&nbsp; 
 
Unlike Rajiv Gandhi, the three Gandhis will continue to receive Z+ security but Congress has already accused Home Minister Amit Shah of petty politics. The difference in two situations lies in the detail.

Former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s security was withdrawn but not replaced adequately by the government of the day. He stood truly exposed. The inadequate security led to his brutal assassination by LTTE bombers who wanted to avenge IPKF operation in Sri Lanka.

Though the fact is that the SPG Act then only provided security to the sitting Prime Ministers. The Act was amended subsequently and provision of security to former PM and their immediate family for 10 years was made. In 2003, the Act was again amended, and it was decided that a yearly assessment would be done for former PMs and their families a year after demitting office. It was also decided that the assessment would be done on a yearly basis. It is through this amendment of 2003, Gandhis continued to enjoy SPG protection.

On the other hand, Indira Gandhi’s case was completely different. Despite warning from intelligence agencies that certain men from her details be removed, Indira Gandhi refused to do it as assessment rested on the religion of the security guards. Rest is history. She was assassinated by her own bodyguard who was indoctrinated post-Operation Blue Star in Amritsar.

Today, the charges and counter-charges disguise the real issue. The real issue is why should security be treated as a status symbol by a politician?

Why should political parties be in the position to choose a security agency for their respective leaders? Do parties get to decide the level of security threat?

Do security agencies buckle under political pressure and make decisions based on preferences of political masters? Lastly, has MHA taken the decision strictly on merit?

A lot of Congress leaders are upset that the courtesy extended to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was not extended to former PM Manmohan Singh. Atal Bihari lost office in 2004 but UPA throughout its tenure ensured that he enjoyed SPG cover.

Even Narendra Modi led government did not withdraw SPG cover of&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee till he passed away. But in the case of Manmohan Singh, SPG was withdrawn in 2019 and he was provided Z+ security by the paramilitary.

This brings us to the question of security for Gandhis.&nbsp;

No political party or group interest can demand a particular agency provide security to them. No family can enjoy a particular type of security for perpetuity, but it should also be ensured that the state should stop using security as a stick to beat an opponent. Personal protection must be provided on the basis of threat and not on the basis of popular perception or history of a family.&nbsp;

Security must depend on the immediate threat to a person and should not be treated as a status symbol. Throughout the modern world, the security regime of former premiers gets downgraded and size entirely depends on the threat perception. Gandhis have enjoyed the security from 1991 onwards.

Lastly, in politics, rarely decisions come without political angle. Whatever may be the cause of the decision, it keeps BJP’s core constituency happy. Any political attack on Gandhi keeps their flock together. It further strengthens the message that BJP under Modi is not business as usual. Courtesies displayed by NDA 1 will not be extended in the new regime.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Withdrawal of SPG from Gandhis has ignited a public debate on security for the first family of the Congress. The Opposition has called the move petty whereas Centre argues that decision was made after a detailed security review.

Withdrawal of SPG from Gandhis has ignited a public debate on security for the first family of the Congress. The Opposition has called the move petty whereas Centre argues that decision was made after a detailed security review. The argument is that SPG’s withdrawal is akin to a vendetta and not based on actual assessment. Congress is comparing the withdrawal of SPG with that of Rajiv Gandhi who was subsequently assassinated by LTTE terrorists in India. Unlike Rajiv Gandhi, the three Gandhis will continue to receive Z+ security but Congress has already accused Home Minister Amit Shah of petty politics. The difference in two situations lies in the detail. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s security was withdrawn but not replaced adequately by the government of the day. He stood truly exposed. The inadequate security led to his brutal assassination by LTTE bombers who wanted to avenge IPKF operation in Sri Lanka. Though the fact is that the SPG Act then only provided security to the sitting Prime Ministers. The Act was amended subsequently and provision of security to former PM and their immediate family for 10 years was made. In 2003, the Act was again amended, and it was decided that a yearly assessment would be done for former PMs and their families a year after demitting office. It was also decided that the assessment would be done on a yearly basis. It is through this amendment of 2003, Gandhis continued to enjoy SPG protection. On the other hand, Indira Gandhi’s case was completely different. Despite warning from intelligence agencies that certain men from her details be removed, Indira Gandhi refused to do it as assessment rested on the religion of the security guards. Rest is history. She was assassinated by her own bodyguard who was indoctrinated post-Operation Blue Star in Amritsar. Today, the charges and counter-charges disguise the real issue. The real issue is why should security be treated as a status symbol by a politician? Why should political parties be in the position to choose a security agency for their respective leaders? Do parties get to decide the level of security threat? Do security agencies buckle under political pressure and make decisions based on preferences of political masters? Lastly, has MHA taken the decision strictly on merit? A lot of Congress leaders are upset that the courtesy extended to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was not extended to former PM Manmohan Singh. Atal Bihari lost office in 2004 but UPA throughout its tenure ensured that he enjoyed SPG cover. Even Narendra Modi led government did not withdraw SPG cover of Atal Bihari Vajpayee till he passed away. But in the case of Manmohan Singh, SPG was withdrawn in 2019 and he was provided Z+ security by the paramilitary. This brings us to the question of security for Gandhis. No political party or group interest can demand a particular agency provide security to them. No family can enjoy a particular type of security for perpetuity, but it should also be ensured that the state should stop using security as a stick to beat an opponent. Personal protection must be provided on the basis of threat and not on the basis of popular perception or history of a family. Security must depend on the immediate threat to a person and should not be treated as a status symbol. Throughout the modern world, the security regime of former premiers gets downgraded and size entirely depends on the threat perception. Gandhis have enjoyed the security from 1991 onwards. Lastly, in politics, rarely decisions come without political angle. Whatever may be the cause of the decision, it keeps BJP’s core constituency happy. Any political attack on Gandhi keeps their flock together. It further strengthens the message that BJP under Modi is not business as usual. Courtesies displayed by NDA 1 will not be extended in the new regime. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Politics of security: Withdrawal of Gandhis' SPG cover

The government has withdrawn the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka, and they will now be given Z-plus security by the CRPF, officials said on Friday. Gandhi family to be protected by CRPF now instead of Special Protection Group.

Gandhi family to be protected by CRPF now instead of Special Protection Group

The government has withdrawn the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka, and they will now be given Z-plus security by the CRPF, officials said on Friday.

SPG security withdrawn from the Gandhi family, 'Z+ protection' provided

The mortal remains of two-year-old boy Sujith Wilson were retrieved in the wee hours of Tuesday from the unused tubewell after over 80 hours of rescue efforts by men and machines from private and government agencies.&nbsp;

Around 2:30 am Dr J Radhakrishnan, IAS, who was supervising the rescue operations declared Sujith dead. After the completion of post mortem, the mortal remains were laid to rest at around 8:30 am.&nbsp;

Sujith had fallen into an abandoned borewell near his home in Nadukattupatti village of Tamil Nadu’s Trichy District at around 5:30 pm Friday. The boy has been trapped in the borewell at a depth of around 88-feet, without food and water, but with oxygen supply.&nbsp;

While drilling of an 11-feet deep parallel pit (6-feet away from the borewell in which the boy was trapped)had been progressing since Sunday, the efforts were being hampered by the rocky terrain. Besides rigs, borewell drilling machines were also pressed into action. The borewell drilling equipment had dug 3 holes of 6 inches diameter unto a depth of 65-feet and a rig was being used to enlarge the pit, to enable rescue personnel to enter the pit and reach the boy after digging a horizontal tunnel.

Three ministers and several senior government officials had been present over the weekend at the site to supervise the rescue efforts that were being conducted by NDRF, SDRF personnel along with over 200 policemen and firemen.

However, rescue efforts were called off during the early hours of Tuesday after a foul stench emanated, suggesting that the child had died. “All the efforts to bring the child back alive had been done, but now in an unfortunate turn of events, a decomposed smell has started to come from the bore well in which the child had fallen.”

Tami Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi, DMK President MK Stalin and several other personalities from across fields condoled the death of Sujith.

DMK President MK Stalin visited the bereaved family, expressed his condolences and offered a solatium of Rs10 lakh.

Stalin emphasized that the government could have done better and taken more measures to save the child. “It took over 80 hours to rescue the child, but the government could have done better had they not been careless. They could have saved him when he was at 36 feet and shouldn’t have let him slip to 88 feet. I doubt if the ministers and officials were as committed to the rescue as much as in giving interviews to the media” He questioned the government on why the Army was not called, adding that he was not saying this to criticize the government.&nbsp;

Later in the evening, Chief Minister Edapppadi K Palaniswami visited the aggrieved household and offered his condolences to the family and announced a solatium of Rs.10lakhs on behalf of the State government and 10lakhs on behalf of the party.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media he said, “the government has undertaken maximum efforts to help the family, there were experts from NIT, ONGC, Anna University and also the private company L&amp;T. We want to help the people when they are facing any difficulty and we need the cooperation of the public. Unused wells must be sealed with the necessary technical specifications.”

In a statement, the Chief Minister referred to the rules about the sinking of bore wells and safety measures that were gazette in 2015.&nbsp;

The CM stated that he had ordered the District collectors to ensure that the rules were adhered to, and in cases of negligence he urged officials to take strict action on those that were found responsible.

The borewell where Sujith was trapped and the pit dug by rescue teams were sealed permanently with concrete.

The mortal remains of two-year-old boy Sujith Wilson were retrieved in the wee hours of Tuesday from the unused tubewell after over 80 hours of rescue efforts by men and machines from private and government agencies.

The mortal remains of two-year-old boy Sujith Wilson were retrieved in the wee hours of Tuesday from the unused tubewell after over 80 hours of rescue efforts by men and machines from private and government agencies. Around 2:30 am Dr J Radhakrishnan, IAS, who was supervising the rescue operations declared Sujith dead. After the completion of post mortem, the mortal remains were laid to rest at around 8:30 am. Sujith had fallen into an abandoned borewell near his home in Nadukattupatti village of Tamil Nadu’s Trichy District at around 5:30 pm Friday. The boy has been trapped in the borewell at a depth of around 88-feet, without food and water, but with oxygen supply. While drilling of an 11-feet deep parallel pit (6-feet away from the borewell in which the boy was trapped)had been progressing since Sunday, the efforts were being hampered by the rocky terrain. Besides rigs, borewell drilling machines were also pressed into action. The borewell drilling equipment had dug 3 holes of 6 inches diameter unto a depth of 65-feet and a rig was being used to enlarge the pit, to enable rescue personnel to enter the pit and reach the boy after digging a horizontal tunnel. Three ministers and several senior government officials had been present over the weekend at the site to supervise the rescue efforts that were being conducted by NDRF, SDRF personnel along with over 200 policemen and firemen. However, rescue efforts were called off during the early hours of Tuesday after a foul stench emanated, suggesting that the child had died. “All the efforts to bring the child back alive had been done, but now in an unfortunate turn of events, a decomposed smell has started to come from the bore well in which the child had fallen.” Tami Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi, DMK President MK Stalin and several other personalities from across fields condoled the death of Sujith. DMK President MK Stalin visited the bereaved family, expressed his condolences and offered a solatium of Rs10 lakh. Stalin emphasized that the government could have done better and taken more measures to save the child. “It took over 80 hours to rescue the child, but the government could have done better had they not been careless. They could have saved him when he was at 36 feet and shouldn’t have let him slip to 88 feet. I doubt if the ministers and officials were as committed to the rescue as much as in giving interviews to the media” He questioned the government on why the Army was not called, adding that he was not saying this to criticize the government. Later in the evening, Chief Minister Edapppadi K Palaniswami visited the aggrieved household and offered his condolences to the family and announced a solatium of Rs.10lakhs on behalf of the State government and 10lakhs on behalf of the party. Speaking to the media he said, “the government has undertaken maximum efforts to help the family, there were experts from NIT, ONGC, Anna University and also the private company L&T. We want to help the people when they are facing any difficulty and we need the cooperation of the public. Unused wells must be sealed with the necessary technical specifications.” In a statement, the Chief Minister referred to the rules about the sinking of bore wells and safety measures that were gazette in 2015. The CM stated that he had ordered the District collectors to ensure that the rules were adhered to, and in cases of negligence he urged officials to take strict action on those that were found responsible. The borewell where Sujith was trapped and the pit dug by rescue teams were sealed permanently with concrete.

After Sujith’s demise Tamil Nadu chief minister urges public to cover borewells; announces solatium of Rs 20 lakhs

Rescue efforts supported by various government agencies and private organizations have been underway for over 75 hours, after a 2-year old boy, Sujith fell into an abandoned borewell near his home in Nadukattupatti village of Tamil Nadu’s Trichy District at around 5:30pm Friday evening.

Rescue efforts supported by various government agencies and private organizations have been underway for over 75 hours, after a 2-year old boy, Sujith fell into an abandoned borewell near his home in Nadukattupatti village of Tamil Nadu’s Trichy District at around 5:30pm Friday evening. The boy has been trapped in the borewell at a depth of around 88-feet, without food and water, but with oxygen supply. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami tweeted, “Heavy duty drilling machines and equipments have been deployed and experts from NLC, ONGC, L&T and NIT Tiruchirapalli are at site to be of guidance. Further assistance would be sought depending on the status of the rescue efforts.” While drilling of an 11-feet deep parallel pit (six-feet away from the borewell in which the boy is trapped)has been progressing since Sunday, the efforts are being hampered by the rocky terrain. Besides rigs, borewell drilling machines are also pressed into action. The borewell drilling equipment has dug three holes of six inches diameter unto a depth of 65-feet and a rig is being used to enlarge the pit, in order to enable rescue personnel to enter the pit and reach the boy after digging a horizontal tunnel. There has been slight rainfall in the village, but the Meteorological Centre in Chennai has said that there is nil possibility of heavy rainfall in the region. Earlier in the day, Transport Secretary Dr. Radhakrishnan had said, “Tamil Nadu government will bear all the expenses necessary for rescuing the child, there is not enough space to use the balloon rescue technology in the well. Even though there is a prediction for light rains, we will continue work with necessary arrangements.” Three Tamil Nadu ministers are at the spot, accompanied by senior officials. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited the site on Monday. Members of Parliament from across party lines visited the village and expressed hope in the rescue operations. Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi had tweeted about the incident on Sunday, “While the nation celebrates Deepavali, in Tamil Nadu a race against time is underway to save baby Surjeeth, who has been trapped in a borewell since Friday. I pray that he will be rescued & reunited with his distraught parents at the earliest.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “My prayers are with the young and brave Sujith Wilson. Spoke to CM @EPSTamilNadu regarding the rescue efforts underway to save Sujith. Every effort is being made to ensure that he is safe.” Round the clock efforts are underway with ambulances, Fire and Rescue Services, NDRF and SDRF in the ready, as prayers mount for the safe recovery of Sujith Wilson.

Rescue Efforts underway for over 75 hours to save 2-year old Sujith trapped in a borewell

With Congress-NCP campaign in doldrums, the outcome of the Maharastra Assembly election would be along predictable lines.

Video Opinion: Rahul Gandhi has made it more difficult for Congress ahead of Maharashtra Assembly election

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections. He is now back in&nbsp;the scene, obviously for damage control. How much Rahul has been able to cement the fractured party organisation and its election machine could be gauged from the fact that local Congress leaders like Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora were absent during his rally at the Dharavi slums on Sunday 13th October.

At his Mumbai rally ahead of the October 21 poll in Maharashtra, it appeared that Rahul was flogging a dead horse when he raised the Rafale issue. The well tutored Congress crowd also joined him and raised the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' slogan, which translated into English would mean “the watchdog is a thief’. It was used extensively by the Congress during Rahul Gandhi's election rallies for the Lok Sabha poll earlier this year.

How can Rahul be oblivious to the fact that the voters have already rejected this slogan and the results are before us. The first lot of Rafale aircraft has also joined the IAF and this has hiked the level of confidence among the people when it comes to national security and defence. Rahul’s current posture shows that he has completely lost “the connect” with the people.

The Congress party is also in the dock as it is facing the charge that it been continuously parroting the same stand that’s been taken by Imran Khan and Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370. &nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Jalgaon in Maharashtra on Sunday Narendra Modi challenged the Opposition saying that the opposition should state in its election manifesto that they would restore Article 370 if they returned to power. He also said that Kashmir is the crown of India and not “just a piece of land”. Patting his government for the abrogation of Article 370 in the larger interest of the people, the PM has drawn attention to the situation in Kashmir that had been allowed to deteriorate over the last many decades and said that normalcy will be restored in J&amp;K in four months.

Besides, what’s going to prove the waterloo for Congress ally &nbsp;- the Nationalist Congress Party in this election is the case of former Civil Aviation Minister and NCP leader Praful Patel. His name has suddenly shot up in the news as the Enforcement Directorate has started probing an alleged land deal between a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim and a company promoted by Patel and his family. His contradiction notwithstanding, the damage has already been done.

For popular support, BJP is banking heavily on its last word vis-a-vis J&amp;K and Article 370 in the present round of elections. Its election campaign also has been capped with the positives of the Modi government’s welfare policies. With the Congress-NCP campaign in doldrums, the outcome of the Maharastra Assembly election&nbsp;would be on predictable lines.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had suddenly left the country and thrown the Congress in a quandary midway during electioneering for the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections. He is now back in the scene, obviously for damage control. How much Rahul has been able to cement the fractured party organisation and its election machine could be gauged from the fact that local Congress leaders like Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora were absent during his rally at the Dharavi slums on Sunday 13th October. At his Mumbai rally ahead of the October 21 poll in Maharashtra, it appeared that Rahul was flogging a dead horse when he raised the Rafale issue. The well tutored Congress crowd also joined him and raised the 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' slogan, which translated into English would mean “the watchdog is a thief’. It was used extensively by the Congress during Rahul Gandhi's election rallies for the Lok Sabha poll earlier this year. How can Rahul be oblivious to the fact that the voters have already rejected this slogan and the results are before us. The first lot of Rafale aircraft has also joined the IAF and this has hiked the level of confidence among the people when it comes to national security and defence. Rahul’s current posture shows that he has completely lost “the connect” with the people. The Congress party is also in the dock as it is facing the charge that it been continuously parroting the same stand that’s been taken by Imran Khan and Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370. Addressing an election rally at Jalgaon in Maharashtra on Sunday Narendra Modi challenged the Opposition saying that the opposition should state in its election manifesto that they would restore Article 370 if they returned to power. He also said that Kashmir is the crown of India and not “just a piece of land”. Patting his government for the abrogation of Article 370 in the larger interest of the people, the PM has drawn attention to the situation in Kashmir that had been allowed to deteriorate over the last many decades and said that normalcy will be restored in J&K in four months. Besides, what’s going to prove the waterloo for Congress ally - the Nationalist Congress Party in this election is the case of former Civil Aviation Minister and NCP leader Praful Patel. His name has suddenly shot up in the news as the Enforcement Directorate has started probing an alleged land deal between a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim and a company promoted by Patel and his family. His contradiction notwithstanding, the damage has already been done. For popular support, BJP is banking heavily on its last word vis-a-vis J&K and Article 370 in the present round of elections. Its election campaign also has been capped with the positives of the Modi government’s welfare policies. With the Congress-NCP campaign in doldrums, the outcome of the Maharastra Assembly election would be on predictable lines. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Maharashtra Assembly election: Rahul Gandhi has made it more difficult for Congress

Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to address rallies in Chandivali, Dharavi and Latur.

"Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1183041294244962309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party's lotus symbol.

Meanwhile, the Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP. Both parties are contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly and its allies on the remaining 38 seats.

The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

 
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Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state.

Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to address rallies in Chandivali, Dharavi and Latur. "Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 12, 2019 × BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party's lotus symbol. Meanwhile, the Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP. Both parties are contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly and its allies on the remaining 38 seats. The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi to rally for Maharashtra Assembly polls on Sunday

Congress party bigwigs, including Salman Khurshid, Shashi Tharoor and Jyotiraditya Scindia, have expressed their displeasure over the current state of affairs following the exit of Rahul Gandhi as the Congress President.

Video Opinion: Analysing Congress' leadership crisis

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