Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said.

The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle.

Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13. This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle. Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.

Rahul Gandhi to campaign for Maharashtra assembly polls on October 13, 15

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case against him over his "why all thieves share the Modi surname" remark.

The former party president appeared before a Surat magisterial court and filed an application for a permanent exemption.

The court fixed the matter for hearing on December 10, 2019. The case was filed against Gandhi for stating, "why " during the Lok Sabha election campaign earlier this year.

The Gandhi scion had made the remarks during campaigning for Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

His party colleague Shaktisinh Gohil defended Gandhi and said that the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition.

"In a democracy, the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition. Rahul ji had said Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi are thieves and Narendra Modi is a failure. BJP connected his statement to the Modi community and insulted them," said Shaktisinh Gohil, a Congress leader. Senior party leader Ahmed Patel also backed Gandhi and said, "Let the law takes its own course."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case against him over his "why all thieves share the Modi surname" remark. The former party president appeared before a Surat magisterial court and filed an application for a permanent exemption.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pleaded not guilty in a defamation case against him over his "why all thieves share the Modi surname" remark. The former party president appeared before a Surat magisterial court and filed an application for a permanent exemption. The court fixed the matter for hearing on December 10, 2019. The case was filed against Gandhi for stating, "why " during the Lok Sabha election campaign earlier this year. The Gandhi scion had made the remarks during campaigning for Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. His party colleague Shaktisinh Gohil defended Gandhi and said that the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition. "In a democracy, the party in power should tolerate criticism by the opposition. Rahul ji had said Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi are thieves and Narendra Modi is a failure. BJP connected his statement to the Modi community and insulted them," said Shaktisinh Gohil, a Congress leader. Senior party leader Ahmed Patel also backed Gandhi and said, "Let the law takes its own course."

Rahul pleads not guilty in 'why all thieves share Modi surname' defamation case

Stating that the party has drifted away from its basic principle and ideology, former Haryana Pradesh Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress on Saturday.

"Now the Congress is the anti-thesis of democracy, plagued by feudal attitudes and medieval conspiracies...Congress visibly have drifted away from its basic principles and ideology. My experience of last few years has been that internal democracy in the party is being killed by selfish interests of a few lobbies", he said in his resignation letter.

Tanwar`s resignation comes ahead of assembly elections in Haryana this month, for which he was also among the party`s star campaigner.

Tanwar tweeted his resignation letter on Saturday and he wrote, "After long deliberations with party workers and for reasons well known to all Congressman and public, I hereby resign from the primary membership of the INC India."

In a four-page resignation letter, Tanwar has expressed that Congress is going through an internal crisis.

He also expressed his discontent over ticket distribution during the Lok Sabha polls and in Jind bye-elections earlier this year.

In the letter, Tanwar further stated, "In the last few years there is a conspiracy going on in the party to eliminate leaders groomed by Rahul Gandhi in the last one and a half-decade."&nbsp;

He also outlined that his fight is not personal but against the system which is destroying the grand old party.&nbsp;

Stating that the party has drifted away from its basic principle and ideology, former Haryana Pradesh Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress on Saturday.

Stating that the party has drifted away from its basic principle and ideology, former Haryana Pradesh Congress chief, Ashok Tanwar announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress on Saturday. "Now the Congress is the anti-thesis of democracy, plagued by feudal attitudes and medieval conspiracies...Congress visibly have drifted away from its basic principles and ideology. My experience of last few years has been that internal democracy in the party is being killed by selfish interests of a few lobbies", he said in his resignation letter. Tanwar`s resignation comes ahead of assembly elections in Haryana this month, for which he was also among the party`s star campaigner. Tanwar tweeted his resignation letter on Saturday and he wrote, "After long deliberations with party workers and for reasons well known to all Congressman and public, I hereby resign from the primary membership of the INC India." In a four-page resignation letter, Tanwar has expressed that Congress is going through an internal crisis. He also expressed his discontent over ticket distribution during the Lok Sabha polls and in Jind bye-elections earlier this year. In the letter, Tanwar further stated, "In the last few years there is a conspiracy going on in the party to eliminate leaders groomed by Rahul Gandhi in the last one and a half-decade." He also outlined that his fight is not personal but against the system which is destroying the grand old party.

Ashok Tanwar tenders resignation from Congress, says 'party plagued by feudal attitudes, medieval conspiracies'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday greeted citizens on the occasion of Onam.

"Happy Onam to each and every one of you! May this festive season bring joy and happiness to all," Gandhi, who was elected as an MP from Wayanad, said in a tweet.

Onam is a harvest festival mainly celebrated in Kerala.

The festival is celebrated to commemorate the Great King Mahabali, who according to the legends is said to visit Kerala on this auspicious occasion.

This 10-day long festivity witnesses people decorating their houses with 'Rangoli'&nbsp;and engaging themselves in activities like boat race, flower arrangement, tug of war among others.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday greeted citizens on the occasion of Onam. "Happy Onam to each and every one of you! May this festive season bring joy and happiness to all," Gandhi, who was elected as an MP from Wayanad, said in a tweet.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday greeted citizens on the occasion of Onam. "Happy Onam to each and every one of you! May this festive season bring joy and happiness to all," Gandhi, who was elected as an MP from Wayanad, said in a tweet. Onam is a harvest festival mainly celebrated in Kerala. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the Great King Mahabali, who according to the legends is said to visit Kerala on this auspicious occasion. This 10-day long festivity witnesses people decorating their houses with 'Rangoli' and engaging themselves in activities like boat race, flower arrangement, tug of war among others.

Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi extends Onam greetings

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/interpol-secretary-general-jurgen-stock-calls-on-home-minister-amit-shah-246898">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> on Sunday slammed Rahul Gandhi stating that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-rahul-gandhi-should-listen-to-his-constructive-critics-246267">former Congress president should be "ashamed"</a> that his criticism of the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status is being cited by Pakistan against India.

"Congress has objected to the scrapping of Article 370. Even today, the statement Rahul Gandhi gives is praised in Pakistan. His statement is included in Pakistan's petition. Congress members should be ashamed that their statements are being used against India," Shah said at the inaugural function of Health and Wellness centre in Silvassa at Dadra Nagar Haveli.

Recently Pakistani Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, had stated that she wrote a letter to 18 United Nations Special Procedures mandate on the Kashmir issue. In her letter, Mazari had claimed that Rahul Gandhi has noted that people are dying in Jammu Kashmir.

While addressing the gathering, the Union Home Minister also claimed that revocation of Article 370 has also opened doors to the development and will curb the menace of terrorism in the region.

"With the withdrawal of 370, the road of development has opened in Jammu and Kashmir, the last nail in the coffin of terrorism has been laid, the task of integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India has been done. Everyone is with the government on this decision but some people are opposing it as well," Shah said.

The union minister also talked about the existing water crisis in the country and assured that the Centre will make efforts to conserve the precious resource by constructing new dams and finding ways to save water.

"Narendra Modi ji has formed a separate ministry for conserving the water. This ministry will make efforts to store water and expand the capacities of the dam. Water will be provided to every household, village and farms. The ministry will also work towards developing the technology in which less water will be used to grow the produced," home minister said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday slammed Rahul Gandhi stating that the former Congress president should be "ashamed" that his criticism of the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status is being cited by Pakistan against India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday slammed Rahul Gandhi stating that the former Congress president should be "ashamed" that his criticism of the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status is being cited by Pakistan against India. "Congress has objected to the scrapping of Article 370. Even today, the statement Rahul Gandhi gives is praised in Pakistan. His statement is included in Pakistan's petition. Congress members should be ashamed that their statements are being used against India," Shah said at the inaugural function of Health and Wellness centre in Silvassa at Dadra Nagar Haveli. Recently Pakistani Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, had stated that she wrote a letter to 18 United Nations Special Procedures mandate on the Kashmir issue. In her letter, Mazari had claimed that Rahul Gandhi has noted that people are dying in Jammu Kashmir. While addressing the gathering, the Union Home Minister also claimed that revocation of Article 370 has also opened doors to the development and will curb the menace of terrorism in the region. "With the withdrawal of 370, the road of development has opened in Jammu and Kashmir, the last nail in the coffin of terrorism has been laid, the task of integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India has been done. Everyone is with the government on this decision but some people are opposing it as well," Shah said. The union minister also talked about the existing water crisis in the country and assured that the Centre will make efforts to conserve the precious resource by constructing new dams and finding ways to save water. "Narendra Modi ji has formed a separate ministry for conserving the water. This ministry will make efforts to store water and expand the capacities of the dam. Water will be provided to every household, village and farms. The ministry will also work towards developing the technology in which less water will be used to grow the produced," home minister said.

Home Minister Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi for objecting to Article 370 abrogation

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.”&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&amp;K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.”&nbsp;

Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign.

It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice.&nbsp;

The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process.

After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-discomfiture-and-disarray-in-congress-2786246">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over.

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest. Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.” Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.” Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign. It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice. The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process. After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Discomfiture and disarray in Congress

Pakistan Quotes Rahul Gandhi's Comments On Kashmir In A Letter To United Nations. Rahul Gandhi Gives A Rebuttal

Gravitas: Pakistan quote Rahul Gandhi in letter to UN

From the time the government&nbsp;revoked Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) and split the state into two Union Territories (UTs), opposition leaders have used the move to attack the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;Although the decision was taken to improve the security situation and facilitate smooth integration of J&amp;K with India.

Rahul Gandhi, who ran 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign against the Prime Minister (targetting the PM as a corrupt leader) during Lok Sabha elections, this time too used the decision on Jammu and Kashmir to slam the government.

Several Congress leaders including Jyotiraditya Scindia, Milind Deora supported the abrogation of Article 370, however, Rahul Gandhi tried to steal the limelight by criticising the government and PM Modi.

Furthermore, a section of Congress's senior leadership came out in support of the decision, saying that demonising Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't help Congress. Jairam Ramesh said that&nbsp;Modi's governance model was not a "complete negative story". Echoing Ramesh's views, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said by demonising Modi all the time Congress was, in a way, is helping him.

Shashi Tharoor also joined the two&nbsp;leaders, saying that praising Modi for the right things he does would lend credibility to Congress's criticism of him.

It's worth noting here that after Congress's debacle in Lok Sabha elections, political&nbsp;pundits and a few Congress leaders had alerted Rahul Gandhi to refrain from launching negative campaigns against Narendra Modi.

Some even questioned Rahul's leadership skills and blamed him for keeping self above the party. But Rahul paid no heed to them.

The worry and concern of party leaders actually proved to be correct when Pakistan on Tuesday quoted Rahul Gandhi in its petition to the United Nations over India's decision to scrap Article 370.

Issuing a clarification, Rahul Gandhi asserted that J&amp;K is India's internal matter and Pakistan has no right to interfere in it. He further said that the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is sponsored by Pakistan.

Rahul, once again, came under the fire for giving Pakistan a reason to showcase India in a bad light in front of the international community. Like his senior party colleagues, Rahul should have supported the government's decision on Kashmir because it&nbsp;serves India's national security interests.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi had to step down as Congress President following his party's poor performance in Lok Sabha elections and now with Pakistan using his name to score points on the international front, he has met another blow. 
 
It's high time he realises that negative politics and his strategy to attack BJP and PM Modi all the time, would only harm his credibility.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

From the time the government revoked Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and split the state into two Union Territories (UTs), opposition leaders have used the move to attack the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

From the time the government revoked Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and split the state into two Union Territories (UTs), opposition leaders have used the move to attack the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although the decision was taken to improve the security situation and facilitate smooth integration of J&K with India. Rahul Gandhi, who ran 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign against the Prime Minister (targetting the PM as a corrupt leader) during Lok Sabha elections, this time too used the decision on Jammu and Kashmir to slam the government. Several Congress leaders including Jyotiraditya Scindia, Milind Deora supported the abrogation of Article 370, however, Rahul Gandhi tried to steal the limelight by criticising the government and PM Modi. Furthermore, a section of Congress's senior leadership came out in support of the decision, saying that demonising Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't help Congress. Jairam Ramesh said that Modi's governance model was not a "complete negative story". Echoing Ramesh's views, Abhishek Manu Singhvi said by demonising Modi all the time Congress was, in a way, is helping him. Shashi Tharoor also joined the two leaders, saying that praising Modi for the right things he does would lend credibility to Congress's criticism of him. It's worth noting here that after Congress's debacle in Lok Sabha elections, political pundits and a few Congress leaders had alerted Rahul Gandhi to refrain from launching negative campaigns against Narendra Modi. Some even questioned Rahul's leadership skills and blamed him for keeping self above the party. But Rahul paid no heed to them. The worry and concern of party leaders actually proved to be correct when Pakistan on Tuesday quoted Rahul Gandhi in its petition to the United Nations over India's decision to scrap Article 370. Issuing a clarification, Rahul Gandhi asserted that J&K is India's internal matter and Pakistan has no right to interfere in it. He further said that the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is sponsored by Pakistan. Rahul, once again, came under the fire for giving Pakistan a reason to showcase India in a bad light in front of the international community. Like his senior party colleagues, Rahul should have supported the government's decision on Kashmir because it serves India's national security interests. Rahul Gandhi had to step down as Congress President following his party's poor performance in Lok Sabha elections and now with Pakistan using his name to score points on the international front, he has met another blow. It's high time he realises that negative politics and his strategy to attack BJP and PM Modi all the time, would only harm his credibility. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Article 370 abrogation: Rahul Gandhi should listen to his 'constructive critics'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-acting-against-interests-of-country-union-minister-r-k-singh-243060">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi </a>on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-likens-rahul-gandhi-congress-to-pakistan-23338">Pakistan</a>'s interference.

The former Congress president in a series of tweets&nbsp;said that he disagrees with the government on many issues but made it clear that aspects related to Jammu and Kashmir are India's internal matter.

"I disagree with this government&nbsp;on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India's internal issue and&nbsp;there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it," Rahul said in a tweet.&nbsp;

"There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world," Rahul Gandhi wrote in another tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1166556116555317250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Centre had revoked Article 370 of the Constitution earlier last month&nbsp;and had reorganised the region into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.&nbsp;

In the past month, Pakistan has made desperate attempts to internationalise the issue but ended up being isolated at every forum with nations acknowledging Jammu and Kashmir to be New Delhi's internal matter.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for Pakistan's interference.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Pakistan for instigating violence in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that all matters related to the region are India's internal issues with no room for Pakistan's interference. The former Congress president in a series of tweets said that he disagrees with the government on many issues but made it clear that aspects related to Jammu and Kashmir are India's internal matter. "I disagree with this government on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India's internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it," Rahul said in a tweet. "There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world," Rahul Gandhi wrote in another tweet. There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 28, 2019 × The Centre had revoked Article 370 of the Constitution earlier last month and had reorganised the region into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In the past month, Pakistan has made desperate attempts to internationalise the issue but ended up being isolated at every forum with nations acknowledging Jammu and Kashmir to be New Delhi's internal matter.

Kashmir India's internal matter, no room for Pakistan to interfere: Rahul Gandhi

Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on Friday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging him to help flood-affected families who have lost their essential documents due to floods in his constituency.

The MP has requested the Chief Minister to designate a nodal officer in the district who can ensure the door-step delivery of duplicate documents to the flood-affected families.

"Instead of expecting the flood victims to approach many offices, you may like to designate a nodal officer at the office of District Collector, to receive a consolidated application from the affected families, with details of the lost documents. The nodal officer may coordinate with the respective departments, collect the duplicate copies of the documents and door deliver to the families," the letter stated.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also take stock of flood relief operations in his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad during a three-day visit starting from Monday.

Gandhi had visited his constituency earlier this month to review the flood relief measures.

Twelve people lost their lives in Wayanad while seven were missing after heavy rains and floods battered the region.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on Friday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging him to help flood-affected families who have lost their essential documents due to floods in his constituency.

Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on Friday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging him to help flood-affected families who have lost their essential documents due to floods in his constituency. The MP has requested the Chief Minister to designate a nodal officer in the district who can ensure the door-step delivery of duplicate documents to the flood-affected families. "Instead of expecting the flood victims to approach many offices, you may like to designate a nodal officer at the office of District Collector, to receive a consolidated application from the affected families, with details of the lost documents. The nodal officer may coordinate with the respective departments, collect the duplicate copies of the documents and door deliver to the families," the letter stated. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also take stock of flood relief operations in his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad during a three-day visit starting from Monday. Gandhi had visited his constituency earlier this month to review the flood relief measures. Twelve people lost their lives in Wayanad while seven were missing after heavy rains and floods battered the region.

Arrange delivery of duplicate copy of documents lost in rain: Rahul Gandhi urges Kerala CM

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is said to be mulling the possibilities of overhauling different state units and naming new party chiefs for them.

After Gandhi's meeting with the party leaders from Maharashtra on Friday, sources said that she may be set to overhaul the state units.

President's of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Goa are going to be announced soon by the party, they said.

There is a lot of infighting in Haryana and some solutions have been worked out as a truce between warring factions, the sources said.

The Congress top brass has also expressed serious concerns over desertions of MLAs in Karnataka and Goa.Gearing up for the coming Assembly polls in Jharkhand and Haryana, the party is prepping to strengthen its state units.

Having taken over as interim Congress chief, Gandhi has started holding meetings to review party's preparations in states expected to go to the polls later this year and held a meeting on Jharkhand on Wednesday.

Congress sources said Gandhi is expected to meet party in-charges of Haryana and Maharashtra in the next few days.

Gandhi was recently chosen as interim chief of Congress after a meeting of the party's Working Committee over two months after Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as party chief following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is said to be mulling the possibilities of overhauling different state units and naming new party chiefs for them. After Gandhi's meeting with the party leaders from Maharashtra on Friday, sources said that she may be set to overhaul the state units.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is said to be mulling the possibilities of overhauling different state units and naming new party chiefs for them. After Gandhi's meeting with the party leaders from Maharashtra on Friday, sources said that she may be set to overhaul the state units. President's of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Goa are going to be announced soon by the party, they said. There is a lot of infighting in Haryana and some solutions have been worked out as a truce between warring factions, the sources said. The Congress top brass has also expressed serious concerns over desertions of MLAs in Karnataka and Goa.Gearing up for the coming Assembly polls in Jharkhand and Haryana, the party is prepping to strengthen its state units. Having taken over as interim Congress chief, Gandhi has started holding meetings to review party's preparations in states expected to go to the polls later this year and held a meeting on Jharkhand on Wednesday. Congress sources said Gandhi is expected to meet party in-charges of Haryana and Maharashtra in the next few days. Gandhi was recently chosen as interim chief of Congress after a meeting of the party's Working Committee over two months after Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as party chief following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

Sonia mulling overhaul of state units, to name some chiefs

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed honour and pleasure to people of his Lok Sabha constituency for displaying 'bravery and dignity' when Kerala is facing the wrath of nature.

&nbsp;Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-fury-in-kerala-over-20-dead-in-two-days-wayanad-district-worst-hit-241641">state affected by torrential rainfall,</a> floods and landslides, tweeted, "I left Wayanad with nothing but pride for the people I represent. The display of bravery and dignity in the face of immense tragedy is truly humbling. It is such an honour and pleasure to be your MP. Thank you Kerala."

During his two-day visit in the district, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-around-30000-evacuated-to-relief-camps-in-wayanad-242076">Gandhi took stock of areas</a> affected by the deluge.

He also asked the District Collector to expedite efforts to recover the bodies of those missing in the landslide in Puthumala.

The Congress leader also apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the flood situation and sought the Centre's support to deal with the situations.

Eighty-eight people have died across 14 districts of flood-battered Kerala while 40 are missing, authorities said on Tuesday.

As per official data recorded till 9 am today, 34 people have sustained injuries in the natural calamity.

Torrential rains over the last few days in the state have led to many deaths and caused landslides in some districts.

Malappuram is the worst hit with the highest death toll of 29. As many as 1,332 relief camps are currently operational in the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted 'cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers' for the next five days in the state. 
Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in several areas across the state in past few days with daily lives of residents taking a hit.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed honour and pleasure to people of his Lok Sabha constituency for displaying 'bravery and dignity' when Kerala is facing the wrath of nature.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed honour and pleasure to people of his Lok Sabha constituency for displaying 'bravery and dignity' when Kerala is facing the wrath of nature. Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to the state affected by torrential rainfall, floods and landslides, tweeted, "I left Wayanad with nothing but pride for the people I represent. The display of bravery and dignity in the face of immense tragedy is truly humbling. It is such an honour and pleasure to be your MP. Thank you Kerala." During his two-day visit in the district, Gandhi took stock of areas affected by the deluge. He also asked the District Collector to expedite efforts to recover the bodies of those missing in the landslide in Puthumala. The Congress leader also apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the flood situation and sought the Centre's support to deal with the situations. Eighty-eight people have died across 14 districts of flood-battered Kerala while 40 are missing, authorities said on Tuesday. As per official data recorded till 9 am today, 34 people have sustained injuries in the natural calamity. Torrential rains over the last few days in the state have led to many deaths and caused landslides in some districts. Malappuram is the worst hit with the highest death toll of 29. As many as 1,332 relief camps are currently operational in the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted 'cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers' for the next five days in the state. Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in several areas across the state in past few days with daily lives of residents taking a hit.

Honoured to be Wayanad MP, Thank you Kerala: Rahul Gandhi

The death toll in Kerala floods has gone up to 83<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-death-toll-rises-to-72-58-reported-to-be-missing-242306">&nbsp;with 58 still missing</a>.

&nbsp;

Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days. Several isolated pockets of the state have been submerged due to swelling of rivers.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting his constituency Wayanad, said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rahul-gandhi-distributes-relief-materials-in-flood-hit-wayanad-242409">rescue operations are underway</a> but more help is required.

Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.

Over 2.5 people across 14 districts of Kerala have been affected by the floods.

IMD has predicted "heavy rainfall" at isolated parts over Kerala from August 12 till August 16. The meteorological department also advised fishermen to not venture into those areas.&nbsp;

The death toll in Kerala floods has gone up to 83 with 58 still missing. Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days.

The death toll in Kerala floods has gone up to 83 with 58 still missing. Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days. Several isolated pockets of the state have been submerged due to swelling of rivers. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting his constituency Wayanad, said the rescue operations are underway but more help is required. Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police. Over 2.5 people across 14 districts of Kerala have been affected by the floods. IMD has predicted "heavy rainfall" at isolated parts over Kerala from August 12 till August 16. The meteorological department also advised fishermen to not venture into those areas.

Death toll reaches 83 with 58 still missing in flood-hit Kerala

2019 is not 1998. Sonia Gandhi's appointment as interim Congress president may unite the party for some time but it fails to address the root question of its decline and shrinking in various states. Yes, Sonia Gandhi will continue as the president for longer than what people think but she too stares at a hard road ahead. Though she has been made interim president, there will be no hurry in calling the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. There is unlikely to be any challenger either. The reason is simple: Those who ensured that Sonia came back will also ensure that arrangement continues till she can function as the president. This arrangement makes (as I mentioned in my <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-return-of-ahmed-patel-233039">previous write up</a>) Ahmed Patel a very important person in the scheme of things. 
&nbsp; 
There is no doubt that Mr Patel did not have cosy relationship with Rahul Gandhi but he does enjoy a rapport with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Sonia's coming back and Rahul Gandhi functioning as a common MP will lead to re-consolidation of the team which worked with Sonia Gandhi from 1998 onwards. Another impact of the decision would be partial marginalisation of the office managers of Rahul Gandhi who enjoyed disproportionate power within the Congress party. 
&nbsp; 
Another major change would be toning down of difference between the old and young Congress as the young will to be more flexible with Sonia's team. Though many believe they would still have ears of Priyanka Gandhi, if closely observed, the older leadership feels at home with Priyanka and would not mind accommodating the new faces brought in by Rahul Gandhi on her insistence. This move also marks entry of Priyanka Gandhi in the larger scheme of things. Now, Congress leaders are openly talking about Priyanka as a natural successor to Sonia than Rahul Gandhi. There are senior leaders in the Congress who believe that a particular section always preferred Priyanka over Rahul but had to keep quiet because of Sonia's insistence as Rahul taking over the party. But with Rahul staying firm on his decision, the equation has changed within the Congress, till sibling rivalry comes to fore. 
&nbsp; 
The flip side is that Sonia Gandhi cannot be as active as she used to be in late 1990s. Sonia only focussed from 2010 onwards in projecting Rahul Gandhi as the real inheritor of the Congress. She will have to divert all her attention on bread and butter issues. She was brought in as the Congress president because the leaders at that point of time felt that Sitaram Kesari is not the totem pole around which Congress can fight BJP. This time Sonia's comeback is based more on internal power distribution in the party which lost its equilibrium after Rahul's entry into the mainstream organisation.

Priyanka Gandhi too has been politically exposed in the Lok Sabha elections. She will have to prove herself again in the next assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh if she wants to be taken seriously at the national level.

On the other hand, Congress is also all set to do badly again for next two years. There is no hope in hell for the Congress when it comes to assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have workers but decisive leadership at the state does not exist.

More so, selection of Sonia Gandhi as the president shows Congress as a political outfit has become intellectually hollow and weak. It does not have a strong ideological foundation anymore. Karan Singh, who did a press conference 48 hours before abrogation of Article 370, praised it once it was passed. The Chief Whip of the Congress party in Rajya Sabha resigned after issuing a three-line whip.

Senior leaders spoke in different voice on this issue. The travesty is that CWC was called after BJP was able to successfully pass the bill in Rajya Sabha. 
&nbsp; 
It showed that ideas do not bind Congress party together. It has forgotten what it used to be. Its institutional memory is limited to a family. On Saturday evening, it once again failed to show courage and demonstrate intellectual depth. It could not select a non-Gandhi. The old clique ensured that Sonia comes back so that it could function easily once again as Rahul Gandhi wanted to create a new at their expense. Rahul's venture would have worked in any other party but because he himself is a product of entitlement, his measures were never seen as convincing. 
&nbsp; 
Congress today is behaving like an old conglomerate which has not understood that business of politics has changed in India. Congress cannot wait for BJP to make mistake. Congress feels that BJP has made a big mistake in Kashmir whereas rest of India feels that Modi has done the right thing. The message in rest of India is that nation is not a soft state which can be harassed by politicians who have sustained the idea of persecution and difference for decades in the Valley.

Congress also should not suffer from selective amnesia. It arrested and jailed the popularly elected chief minister Sheikh Abdullah throughout 50s and 60s. He returned to a normal life as a broken man. It can take a leaf out of BJP's book. When Indira reigned as a supreme leader, Jan Sangh was reborn as BJP in 1980. At its centre, there was a collegium of leaders and powerful satraps. It made BJP survive Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh and Narsimha Rao. Congress need a collegium of leaders at the centre rather than the cult of Gandhis and Congress needs to understand this because as the biggest Opposition party, it is answerable to us, common citizens rather than one family.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

2019 is not 1998. Sonia Gandhi's appointment as interim Congress president may unite the party for some time but it fails to address the root question of its decline and shrinking in various states.

2019 is not 1998. Sonia Gandhi's appointment as interim Congress president may unite the party for some time but it fails to address the root question of its decline and shrinking in various states. Yes, Sonia Gandhi will continue as the president for longer than what people think but she too stares at a hard road ahead. Though she has been made interim president, there will be no hurry in calling the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. There is unlikely to be any challenger either. The reason is simple: Those who ensured that Sonia came back will also ensure that arrangement continues till she can function as the president. This arrangement makes (as I mentioned in my previous write up) Ahmed Patel a very important person in the scheme of things. There is no doubt that Mr Patel did not have cosy relationship with Rahul Gandhi but he does enjoy a rapport with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Sonia's coming back and Rahul Gandhi functioning as a common MP will lead to re-consolidation of the team which worked with Sonia Gandhi from 1998 onwards. Another impact of the decision would be partial marginalisation of the office managers of Rahul Gandhi who enjoyed disproportionate power within the Congress party. Another major change would be toning down of difference between the old and young Congress as the young will to be more flexible with Sonia's team. Though many believe they would still have ears of Priyanka Gandhi, if closely observed, the older leadership feels at home with Priyanka and would not mind accommodating the new faces brought in by Rahul Gandhi on her insistence. This move also marks entry of Priyanka Gandhi in the larger scheme of things. Now, Congress leaders are openly talking about Priyanka as a natural successor to Sonia than Rahul Gandhi. There are senior leaders in the Congress who believe that a particular section always preferred Priyanka over Rahul but had to keep quiet because of Sonia's insistence as Rahul taking over the party. But with Rahul staying firm on his decision, the equation has changed within the Congress, till sibling rivalry comes to fore. The flip side is that Sonia Gandhi cannot be as active as she used to be in late 1990s. Sonia only focussed from 2010 onwards in projecting Rahul Gandhi as the real inheritor of the Congress. She will have to divert all her attention on bread and butter issues. She was brought in as the Congress president because the leaders at that point of time felt that Sitaram Kesari is not the totem pole around which Congress can fight BJP. This time Sonia's comeback is based more on internal power distribution in the party which lost its equilibrium after Rahul's entry into the mainstream organisation. Priyanka Gandhi too has been politically exposed in the Lok Sabha elections. She will have to prove herself again in the next assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh if she wants to be taken seriously at the national level. On the other hand, Congress is also all set to do badly again for next two years. There is no hope in hell for the Congress when it comes to assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have workers but decisive leadership at the state does not exist. More so, selection of Sonia Gandhi as the president shows Congress as a political outfit has become intellectually hollow and weak. It does not have a strong ideological foundation anymore. Karan Singh, who did a press conference 48 hours before abrogation of Article 370, praised it once it was passed. The Chief Whip of the Congress party in Rajya Sabha resigned after issuing a three-line whip. Senior leaders spoke in different voice on this issue. The travesty is that CWC was called after BJP was able to successfully pass the bill in Rajya Sabha. It showed that ideas do not bind Congress party together. It has forgotten what it used to be. Its institutional memory is limited to a family. On Saturday evening, it once again failed to show courage and demonstrate intellectual depth. It could not select a non-Gandhi. The old clique ensured that Sonia comes back so that it could function easily once again as Rahul Gandhi wanted to create a new at their expense. Rahul's venture would have worked in any other party but because he himself is a product of entitlement, his measures were never seen as convincing. Congress today is behaving like an old conglomerate which has not understood that business of politics has changed in India. Congress cannot wait for BJP to make mistake. Congress feels that BJP has made a big mistake in Kashmir whereas rest of India feels that Modi has done the right thing. The message in rest of India is that nation is not a soft state which can be harassed by politicians who have sustained the idea of persecution and difference for decades in the Valley. Congress also should not suffer from selective amnesia. It arrested and jailed the popularly elected chief minister Sheikh Abdullah throughout 50s and 60s. He returned to a normal life as a broken man. It can take a leaf out of BJP's book. When Indira reigned as a supreme leader, Jan Sangh was reborn as BJP in 1980. At its centre, there was a collegium of leaders and powerful satraps. It made BJP survive Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh and Narsimha Rao. Congress need a collegium of leaders at the centre rather than the cult of Gandhis and Congress needs to understand this because as the biggest Opposition party, it is answerable to us, common citizens rather than one family. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress needs to do more, 2019 is not 1998

As many as 72 people have died as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-from-indian-floods-reaches-147-hundreds-of-thousands-evacuated-242250">flood and landslides wreak havoc in Kerala</a> while 58 have been reported missing.

In Malappuram district, alone at least 11 people have been killed and around 50 others are missing after a landslide hit Kavalappara village following incessant rains in the region.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting his constituency <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-around-30000-evacuated-to-relief-camps-in-wayanad-242076">Wayanad</a>, said the rescue operations are underway but more help is required.

"I visited Kavalappara, the site of the landslide in Bhoothanam. Several people are still trapped and rescue operations are underway but more help is required immediately," Gandhi tweeted.

Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days. Several isolated pockets of the state have been submerged due to swelling of rivers.

Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.

The rescue operation teams were seen evacuating senior citizens, women, children, and others by carrying them either on their shoulders or palanquins through the debris of landslides and floodwater.&nbsp;

As many as 72 people have died as flood and landslides wreak havoc in Kerala while 58 have been reported missing. In Malappuram district, alone at least 11 people have been killed and around 50 others are missing after a landslide hit Kavalappara village following incessant rains in the region.

As many as 72 people have died as flood and landslides wreak havoc in Kerala while 58 have been reported missing. In Malappuram district, alone at least 11 people have been killed and around 50 others are missing after a landslide hit Kavalappara village following incessant rains in the region. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting his constituency Wayanad, said the rescue operations are underway but more help is required. "I visited Kavalappara, the site of the landslide in Bhoothanam. Several people are still trapped and rescue operations are underway but more help is required immediately," Gandhi tweeted. Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days. Several isolated pockets of the state have been submerged due to swelling of rivers. Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police. The rescue operation teams were seen evacuating senior citizens, women, children, and others by carrying them either on their shoulders or palanquins through the debris of landslides and floodwater.

Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 72; 58 reported to be missing

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday distributed relief materials to people in his Lok Sabha constituency <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-wayanad-tomorrow-241999">Wayanad</a>, one of the worst flood-affected districts in Kerala.

Gandhi, who visisted a relief camp&nbsp;in Kaithapoyil in Wayanad, said that he has sought immediate help and support from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"As your MP, I called the Chief Minister and requested him to provide help as aggressively as possible. I also called the Prime Minister and explained to him the tragedy that has taken place here and the need for support from the Centre," he said.

The Congress leader had on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in flood-hit Malappuram district and reviewed the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-around-30000-evacuated-to-relief-camps-in-wayanad-242076"> relief measures</a>.

Twelve people have lost their lives in Wayanad while seven are missing, according to the Kerala Chief Minister's Office.

Heavy rains and floods in the state have claimed 76 lives. Fifty people are missing in the affected districts.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army and the local authorities are carrying out rescue operations.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday distributed relief materials to people in his Lok Sabha constituency Wayanad, one of the worst flood-affected districts in Kerala.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday distributed relief materials to people in his Lok Sabha constituency Wayanad, one of the worst flood-affected districts in Kerala. Gandhi, who visisted a relief camp in Kaithapoyil in Wayanad, said that he has sought immediate help and support from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "As your MP, I called the Chief Minister and requested him to provide help as aggressively as possible. I also called the Prime Minister and explained to him the tragedy that has taken place here and the need for support from the Centre," he said. The Congress leader had on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in flood-hit Malappuram district and reviewed the relief measures. Twelve people have lost their lives in Wayanad while seven are missing, according to the Kerala Chief Minister's Office. Heavy rains and floods in the state have claimed 76 lives. Fifty people are missing in the affected districts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army and the local authorities are carrying out rescue operations.

Kerala: Rahul Gandhi distributes relief materials in flood-hit Wayanad

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district.

Gandhi, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad, interacted with the flood victims with the help of local leaders.

As many as 11 people have died in the district alone due to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../flood-fury-continues-in-southwest-india-42- dead-in-kerala-242065"> floods</a>.

Gandhi reached Kerala today for his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-wayanad-tomorrow-241999"> two-day visit.</a>

"For the next few days, I will be based in my Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad that has been ravaged by floods. I will be visiting relief camps across Wayanad and reviewing relief measures with District and State officials," Gandhi tweeted, earlier in the day.

Operations at Cochin International Airport, which were suspended following heavy rains, resumed on Sunday.

Rescue operations are underway by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.&nbsp;

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district.

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district. Gandhi, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad, interacted with the flood victims with the help of local leaders. As many as 11 people have died in the district alone due to floods. Gandhi reached Kerala today for his two-day visit. "For the next few days, I will be based in my Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad that has been ravaged by floods. I will be visiting relief camps across Wayanad and reviewing relief measures with District and State officials," Gandhi tweeted, earlier in the day. Operations at Cochin International Airport, which were suspended following heavy rains, resumed on Sunday. Rescue operations are underway by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.

Kerala: Rahul Gandhi visits relief camp in Nilambur

As incessant rains crippled normal life in the district, nearly 30,000 people were preventively evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad.

Heavy downpour coupled with flooding and frequent landslides have wreaked havoc in the southern state.

"We have done preventive evacuation from most of the vulnerable locations, nearly 30,000 people are now in relief camps," said AR Ajayakumar, District Collector Wayanad.

"The situation is totally under control at present, there is no need to panic. Apart from a major landslide reported in Puthumala near Meppadi, no other such major incident has been reported," he said.

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-wayanad-tomorrow-241999">Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Wayanad</a>, his Lok Sabha constituency, on Sunday.

Around 28 people have died and 27 others have sustained injuries following incessant rains and overflowing of rivers in several parts of Kerala, said the state government on Friday.

The rescue operation teams were seen evacuating senior citizens, women, children, and others by carrying them either on their shoulders or palanquins through the debris of landslides and floodwater.

As many as 24 relief camps have started functioning in the state. As many as eight Engineer Task Force (ETF) teams have been deployed in various districts like Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode.

As incessant rains crippled normal life in the district, nearly 30,000 people were preventively evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad. Heavy downpour coupled with flooding and frequent landslides have wreaked havoc in the southern state.

As incessant rains crippled normal life in the district, nearly 30,000 people were preventively evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad. Heavy downpour coupled with flooding and frequent landslides have wreaked havoc in the southern state. "We have done preventive evacuation from most of the vulnerable locations, nearly 30,000 people are now in relief camps," said AR Ajayakumar, District Collector Wayanad. "The situation is totally under control at present, there is no need to panic. Apart from a major landslide reported in Puthumala near Meppadi, no other such major incident has been reported," he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Wayanad, his Lok Sabha constituency, on Sunday. Around 28 people have died and 27 others have sustained injuries following incessant rains and overflowing of rivers in several parts of Kerala, said the state government on Friday. The rescue operation teams were seen evacuating senior citizens, women, children, and others by carrying them either on their shoulders or palanquins through the debris of landslides and floodwater. As many as 24 relief camps have started functioning in the state. As many as eight Engineer Task Force (ETF) teams have been deployed in various districts like Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode.

Kerala: Around 30,000 evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad

Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway&nbsp;at the party headquarters to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cwc-to-meet-again-at-830pm-today-to-choose-new-party-chief-as-rahul-refuses-to-budge-242011">choose next party president</a>&nbsp;after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following poll debacle.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting a little while ago.

Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her daughter and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reached the party headquarters for the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. <a href="https://t.co/iTKsqHtTaP">pic.twitter.com/iTKsqHtTaP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1160204549845671939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier, Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi were not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief.

"Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," she said.

According to sources, the front runners for the position are party's general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge.

Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019.&nbsp;

Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway at the party headquarters to choose next party president after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following poll debacle.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway at the party headquarters to choose next party president after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following poll debacle. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting a little while ago. Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her daughter and party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reached the party headquarters for the meeting. #Delhi: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. pic.twitter.com/iTKsqHtTaP — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2019 × Earlier, Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi were not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief. "Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," she said. According to sources, the front runners for the position are party's general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge. Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

Congress Working Committee meeting underway to choose next party president

Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Saturday constituted five regional groups to be headed by Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gan Priyanka Gandhi, and Ahmed Patel to carry out wider consultations and decide on a name for the President's post, but the Gandhis refused to be part of it.&nbsp;

Under the decision was taken by the party's highest decision-making body, Sonia Gandhi will the eastern region group, Singh the southern group, Rahul the western region, Priyanka the north region and Patel the northeast region. However, Sonia told reporters that to put their (Sonia and Rahul) names was not right. "We cannot be part of this consultation committees. That is why we are leaving" she said.

&nbsp;Rahul also left the deliberations. Many names are doing rounds for the post of Congress president but no consensus has been achieved yet. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has batted for a young leader to head the party, while Mumbai Congress leader Milind Deora suggested the names of Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot to take up the responsibility.

A few leaders like Shashi Tharoor have suggested that an interim president be appointed at the earliest. A lawmaker from Wayanad constituency, Gandhi offered to step down from the post of Congress president at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party's drubbing in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

However, his offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC with several top leaders rallying behind him asking him to continue to lead the party. Almost two months after that not only did the 49-year-old leader make his resignation public but also removed the tag of 'Congress President' from the bio of his twitter handle.

Many protests and scores of resignations have come to the fore to stop Rahul Gandhi from resigning. Chief Ministers of all Congress-ruled states had met with Gandhi in Delhi to advice him to reconsider his decision to resign but of no avail.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than its 2014 Lok Sabha results.&nbsp;

Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Saturday constituted five regional groups to be headed by Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gan Priyanka Gandhi, and Ahmed Patel to carry out wider consultations and decide on a name for the President's post, but the Gandhis refused to be part of it.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Saturday constituted five regional groups to be headed by Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gan Priyanka Gandhi, and Ahmed Patel to carry out wider consultations and decide on a name for the President's post, but the Gandhis refused to be part of it. Under the decision was taken by the party's highest decision-making body, Sonia Gandhi will the eastern region group, Singh the southern group, Rahul the western region, Priyanka the north region and Patel the northeast region. However, Sonia told reporters that to put their (Sonia and Rahul) names was not right. "We cannot be part of this consultation committees. That is why we are leaving" she said. Rahul also left the deliberations. Many names are doing rounds for the post of Congress president but no consensus has been achieved yet. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has batted for a young leader to head the party, while Mumbai Congress leader Milind Deora suggested the names of Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot to take up the responsibility. A few leaders like Shashi Tharoor have suggested that an interim president be appointed at the earliest. A lawmaker from Wayanad constituency, Gandhi offered to step down from the post of Congress president at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party's drubbing in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, his offer was unanimously rejected by the CWC with several top leaders rallying behind him asking him to continue to lead the party. Almost two months after that not only did the 49-year-old leader make his resignation public but also removed the tag of 'Congress President' from the bio of his twitter handle. Many protests and scores of resignations have come to the fore to stop Rahul Gandhi from resigning. Chief Ministers of all Congress-ruled states had met with Gandhi in Delhi to advice him to reconsider his decision to resign but of no avail. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than its 2014 Lok Sabha results.

CWC constitutes groups to carry out wider consultations to choose new Congress chief

The crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet again today at 8pm to chose the party chief. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have opted out of the process.

Emerging from the meeting, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi are not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief.

"Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," former party chief Sonia Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi told reporters: "I am going to Wayanad tomorrow for two days as the condition is very disturbing there."

The CWC, the party`s top decision-making body, met to elect a new party chief after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following the party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

According to sources, the front runners for the position are general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge.

Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019.&nbsp;

The CWC has been divided into five region-wise groups to hold further talks with the state in-charges, state party chiefs, AICC department chairman, party MPs and CLPs to build a consensus on the name of the new party chief.

Besides Rahul and Sonia, the meeting of the CWC was attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, senior party leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Anand Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Ahmed Patel, P Chidambaram and several others.

The CWC will meet again at 8.30 pm to get final recommendations from the five groups. The new Congress chief`s name will be finalised on Sunday, said a senior party leader.

The crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet again today at 8pm to chose the party chief. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have opted out of the process. Emerging from the meeting, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi are not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief.

The crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet again today at 8pm to chose the party chief. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have opted out of the process. Emerging from the meeting, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi told reporters she and Rahul Gandhi are not a part of the five regionwise groups formed in the CWC to elect the new party chief. "Rahul and I cannot participate in the election of the new party chief. Putting our names is not good," former party chief Sonia Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi told reporters: "I am going to Wayanad tomorrow for two days as the condition is very disturbing there." The CWC, the party`s top decision-making body, met to elect a new party chief after Rahul Gandhi refused to reconsider his resignation following the party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, the front runners for the position are general secretary Mukul Wasnik and Karnataka stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge. Wasnik is the senior-most general secretary acceptable to most of the factions. Kharge, on the other hand, is a veteran leader from South India who lost Lok Sabha elections in 2019. The CWC has been divided into five region-wise groups to hold further talks with the state in-charges, state party chiefs, AICC department chairman, party MPs and CLPs to build a consensus on the name of the new party chief. Besides Rahul and Sonia, the meeting of the CWC was attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, senior party leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Anand Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Ahmed Patel, P Chidambaram and several others. The CWC will meet again at 8.30 pm to get final recommendations from the five groups. The new Congress chief`s name will be finalised on Sunday, said a senior party leader.

CWC to meet again at 8:30pm today to choose new party chief as Rahul refuses to budge 

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public.

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-working-committee-to-meet-after-parliament-session-randeep-singh-surjewala-239881">the CWC </a>is likely to select a provisional chief to replace Rahul Gandhi and may form a panel also to look for the new party president.

Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC.

Meanwhile, party leader Abhishek Singhvi on Friday said that any further delay in the selection of the new chief is not an option.

"On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In a lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections," he tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On Sat, a consensus builder party pres <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INC</a> must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vatican?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vatican</a> locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAMSinghvi/status/1159683285796048897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-hurting-us-giving-impression-of-drift-indecision-tharoor-on-appointment-of-congress-president-239220">Shashi Tharoor</a> too had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision."&nbsp;

Some Congressmen also made a call for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra </a>to take over from her brother Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet on Saturday amid the crisis over the appointment of new Congress chief after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public. According to reports, the CWC is likely to select a provisional chief to replace Rahul Gandhi and may form a panel also to look for the new party president. Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC. Meanwhile, party leader Abhishek Singhvi on Friday said that any further delay in the selection of the new chief is not an option. "On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In a lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections," he tweeted. On Sat, a consensus builder party pres #INC must be selected. slightest delay is not an option. In lighter vein, I gave analogy of wise men of #Vatican locked in a room indefinitely until they got a nomination! Subsequently, it has to be followed by full intra party elections. — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) August 9, 2019 × Congress leader Shashi Tharoor too had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." Some Congressmen also made a call for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to take over from her brother Rahul Gandhi. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress Working Committee to meet on Saturday, likely to select provisional party chief

Rahul Gandhi finally breaks his silence and reacts over J&k reorganistaion bill that yesterday passed in Rajya Sabha and same introduced in the Lok Sabha today. He says that 'Nation made by people, not plots of land'

Rahul Gandhi finally reacts to J&k bill; says 'Nation made by people, not plots of land'

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president.

Concurring with the proposal made by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for the appointment of a young leader to the top post, Deora told ANI that either of the two must be given the responsibility, which will also strengthen the government in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

On being asked if the party will accept a 'non-Gandhi'&nbsp;president, Deora said that he does not see any reason why the senior leaders would not accept Captain Amrinder Singh's proposal.

"Senior leaders must follow the view of Captain Amarinder Singh. I do not know why they are not following it. The party will have to depart from the conventional political route," he said.

Responding to a question on the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be appointed as the party president, Deora said, "I will be happy if she leads the party, but when Gandhi family has clarified that the next president should not be from Gandhi family, so this possibility does not arise."

Last month, following the resignation put forth by Rahul Gandhi, Deora had stepped down from the post of Mumbai unit Congress president. His resignation was, however, rejected by the party.

"I felt Rahul was hurt that no one else had offered to resign. It is unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi had to resign. He did his best for the party," he added.

Expressing concern over the upcoming Assembly elections in the various states, the Congress leader said that a further delay in electing a president could impact the party's prospects adversely.

When asked about the leadership vacuum in Karnataka and Goa, Deora said, "A lot of unfortunate incidents have occurred in the last two months but we must get our act together immediately."

"If we had had strong and decisive leadership at the centre during the past few months, many of these events could have been avoided. I speak on behalf of all workers when I say that we should put our best foot forward. We do not have the luxury of time," he said.&nbsp;

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president.

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president. Concurring with the proposal made by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for the appointment of a young leader to the top post, Deora told ANI that either of the two must be given the responsibility, which will also strengthen the government in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. On being asked if the party will accept a 'non-Gandhi' president, Deora said that he does not see any reason why the senior leaders would not accept Captain Amrinder Singh's proposal. "Senior leaders must follow the view of Captain Amarinder Singh. I do not know why they are not following it. The party will have to depart from the conventional political route," he said. Responding to a question on the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be appointed as the party president, Deora said, "I will be happy if she leads the party, but when Gandhi family has clarified that the next president should not be from Gandhi family, so this possibility does not arise." Last month, following the resignation put forth by Rahul Gandhi, Deora had stepped down from the post of Mumbai unit Congress president. His resignation was, however, rejected by the party. "I felt Rahul was hurt that no one else had offered to resign. It is unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi had to resign. He did his best for the party," he added. Expressing concern over the upcoming Assembly elections in the various states, the Congress leader said that a further delay in electing a president could impact the party's prospects adversely. When asked about the leadership vacuum in Karnataka and Goa, Deora said, "A lot of unfortunate incidents have occurred in the last two months but we must get our act together immediately." "If we had had strong and decisive leadership at the centre during the past few months, many of these events could have been avoided. I speak on behalf of all workers when I say that we should put our best foot forward. We do not have the luxury of time," he said.

Milind Deora recommends Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia's name for Congress president's post

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session.

Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting.

Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of&nbsp;the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh</a> also said that only CWC is authorised to decide on the issue. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said.

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-hurting-us-giving-impression-of-drift-indecision-tharoor-on-appointment-of-congress-president-239220">Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration </a>over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision."&nbsp;

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session. Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet after the Parliament session. Meanwhile, he did not specify any agenda for the meeting. Congress is facing the backlash from party leaders and opposition over the delay in appointment of the new party president after Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public on July 3, taking the responsibility of party's debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had said that the new president will be appointed by the CWC. On Monday, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also said that only CWC is authorised to decide on the issue. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid leadership crisis, Congress Working Committee to meet after Parliament Session

The issue of leadership crisis is likely to come up for discussion prominently among other things at the Congress` general secretaries meeting at the party headquarters here on Wednesday.

According to sources, the meeting will also chalk out a plan to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-party-is-not-orphaned-kc-venugopal-239254">Congress general secretary in-charge (organisation) KC Venugopal</a> had earlier instructed Pardesh Congress Committees (PCCs) to celebrate Gandhi`s anniversary from the state to block level.

It is going to be the first meeting of party general secretaries after Congress president Rahul Gandhi offered to step down from his post at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party`s drubbing in the 17th Lok Sabha elections.

The issue of leadership crisis is likely to come up for discussion prominently among other things at the Congress` general secretaries meeting at the party headquarters here on Wednesday.

The issue of leadership crisis is likely to come up for discussion prominently among other things at the Congress` general secretaries meeting at the party headquarters here on Wednesday. According to sources, the meeting will also chalk out a plan to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Congress general secretary in-charge (organisation) KC Venugopal had earlier instructed Pardesh Congress Committees (PCCs) to celebrate Gandhi`s anniversary from the state to block level. It is going to be the first meeting of party general secretaries after Congress president Rahul Gandhi offered to step down from his post at the CWC meeting on May 25, taking moral responsibility for the party`s drubbing in the 17th Lok Sabha elections.

Congress general secretaries meeting today likely to take up leadership issue

Responding to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-hurting-us-giving-impression-of-drift-indecision-tharoor-on-appointment-of-congress-president-239220&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_mdqWmNrjAhUKSo8KHaiaDOgQFjABegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw38vJlBfnzHpNdoaZQ2XFWd">Congress MP Shashi Tharoor</a>'s concerns for the party, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_mdqWmNrjAhUKSo8KHaiaDOgQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1O1Ybv9TnkGk1KuCYse4vh">Congress</a> general secretary KC Venugopal on Monday said the party has not been orphaned.

Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision".

Talking to media today, Venugopal said,&nbsp;"Shashi Tharoor has expressed the sentiments of a common Congressman. It is, however, not an orphaned scenario."

"The Congress president has stepped down. When he (Rahul Gandhi) did that, he offered to run the office until a replacement was found. He said this in the last Working Committee meeting," he added.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) has been involving himself in the day to day activities of the parties," he further said.

Tharoor had lamented the disarray in the party, saying that it was "not worthy of a grand national party" that the Congress is.&nbsp;

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor.

Demanding that someone should be given authority to make decisions, he added: "First thing is to appoint an interim president or authorise someone to take decisions."

Responding to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's concerns for the party, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Monday said the party has not been orphaned. Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision".

Responding to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's concerns for the party, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Monday said the party has not been orphaned. Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision". Talking to media today, Venugopal said, "Shashi Tharoor has expressed the sentiments of a common Congressman. It is, however, not an orphaned scenario." "The Congress president has stepped down. When he (Rahul Gandhi) did that, he offered to run the office until a replacement was found. He said this in the last Working Committee meeting," he added. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has been involving himself in the day to day activities of the parties," he further said. Tharoor had lamented the disarray in the party, saying that it was "not worthy of a grand national party" that the Congress is. "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor. Demanding that someone should be given authority to make decisions, he added: "First thing is to appoint an interim president or authorise someone to take decisions."

Congress party is not orphaned: General Secretary KC Venugopal

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Congress president </a>saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision".

"To my mind, the delay is hurting us. It gives an impression of drift and indecision. Some very well-known names have expressed the same frustration to me. They have chosen not to go public. But my reason to go public is that this cannot be allowed to drag on," he said while speaking to ANI.

Tharoor lamented the disarray in the party saying that it was "not worthy of a grand national party that" Congress is.

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said the Thiruvananthapuram MP.

Demanding that someone should be given authority to take decisions, Tharoor said, "First thing is to appoint an interim president or authorise someone to take decisions. So if somebody like Goa opposition leader leaves with most of the party, someone should be there to stop, persuade, argue or to do something rather than it just happening."

Praising the fight put up by Congress leader DK Shivakumar in Karnataka, Tharoor said, "Similarly in Karnataka, a brave fight was led by DK Shivakumar, but there was no visible national leader to backstop him. This is not good for a party like us. Who are they going to try and take next? Maybe they will come to Madhya Pradesh. Are we going to sit quietly and indifferently while this goes on? No. We must have a leader and the leader must work."

"At the same time, it's important to open up the process because right now, a lot of people are losing faith in us because of what has happened. If they would open up the process, name interim president, dissolve working committee, call for elections within a reasonable period of time, in which candidates may come forward, and then ask AICC which is 1000 people or PCC of roughly 10,000 people to actually have an election," he added.

Tharoor said that Congress is an opposition party which this democracy needs because it represents "very important principles."

"I believe in democracy, we should not be scared of elections. We want a leader to emerge who will galvanise the workers and inspire the voters. Too many voters have turned away in recent years and that is not good. We are the one opposition party that this democracy needs. Not only because we have a national footprint but also because we represent very important principles in Indian democracy."

"In our democracy, we must offer a robust defence of the idea of an inclusive India. That is something the Congress party is very-very well placed...it has been doing it for 70 years. After all, who was expressing this idea in the national movement? It was the Congress party. This is why I think India and Indian democracy need the Congress party. So the Congress party has to wake up and do its duty to India and Indian democracy," said Tharoor.

Asked about the delay in appointment of an interim president, he said, "Sadly, it is more than two months since Rahul Gandhi announced his resignation first. Then as we know that it was initially not accepted but then he made it very clear that they had no choice and he was walking out. I want my party to stay strong and for us to be a strong party we need leadership. I think the leader will have to be initially an interim president.

"Talking about the chances of a non-Gandhi becoming a Congress president, he said, "Personally, I have not said that there should be a non-Gandhi. In fact, when I was asked some days ago, I had said that Priyanka Gandhi has the charisma, she has the ability and many party workers admire her. I hope that she would throw her hat in the ring. Even she would gain from an electoral process within the party."

"But as we know, it is Rahul Gandhi himself who had said that no member of his family should lead. Now once that is closed, it is family themselves who can decide if they want to change that position. If they change, it will be welcomed in the party. But, if they don't change, the party can't wait. It has to act. It is the absence of the determination that is frustrating many people in the party," he added.

Talking about the role of Rahul Gandhi in the party, he said, "Congress party's DNA is inextricably tied with the DNA of Nehru-Gandhi family. So, whatever role he takes or doesn't take, even if he takes no position...his views, his influence in many ways is a sort of conscience keeper."

"In other words, if the new president does something which a prominent member of the Gandhi family was to disapprove, it would be a very serious issue within the party," he said.

Tharoor said that if Gandhi family says that they don't want to continue the leadership then the party has to respect it.

Criticising the ruling BJP, the Congress leader said, "As long as the ruling element continues to condone or encourage bigoted behaviour, it becomes indispensable that there is a voice which says there is another way. That this is not India that Mahatma Gandhi fought to free."

"That is the ideology Rahul Gandhi is talking about and he is right to talk about it," he said.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision".

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision". "To my mind, the delay is hurting us. It gives an impression of drift and indecision. Some very well-known names have expressed the same frustration to me. They have chosen not to go public. But my reason to go public is that this cannot be allowed to drag on," he said while speaking to ANI. Tharoor lamented the disarray in the party saying that it was "not worthy of a grand national party that" Congress is. "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said the Thiruvananthapuram MP. Demanding that someone should be given authority to take decisions, Tharoor said, "First thing is to appoint an interim president or authorise someone to take decisions. So if somebody like Goa opposition leader leaves with most of the party, someone should be there to stop, persuade, argue or to do something rather than it just happening." Praising the fight put up by Congress leader DK Shivakumar in Karnataka, Tharoor said, "Similarly in Karnataka, a brave fight was led by DK Shivakumar, but there was no visible national leader to backstop him. This is not good for a party like us. Who are they going to try and take next? Maybe they will come to Madhya Pradesh. Are we going to sit quietly and indifferently while this goes on? No. We must have a leader and the leader must work." "At the same time, it's important to open up the process because right now, a lot of people are losing faith in us because of what has happened. If they would open up the process, name interim president, dissolve working committee, call for elections within a reasonable period of time, in which candidates may come forward, and then ask AICC which is 1000 people or PCC of roughly 10,000 people to actually have an election," he added. Tharoor said that Congress is an opposition party which this democracy needs because it represents "very important principles." "I believe in democracy, we should not be scared of elections. We want a leader to emerge who will galvanise the workers and inspire the voters. Too many voters have turned away in recent years and that is not good. We are the one opposition party that this democracy needs. Not only because we have a national footprint but also because we represent very important principles in Indian democracy." "In our democracy, we must offer a robust defence of the idea of an inclusive India. That is something the Congress party is very-very well placed...it has been doing it for 70 years. After all, who was expressing this idea in the national movement? It was the Congress party. This is why I think India and Indian democracy need the Congress party. So the Congress party has to wake up and do its duty to India and Indian democracy," said Tharoor. Asked about the delay in appointment of an interim president, he said, "Sadly, it is more than two months since Rahul Gandhi announced his resignation first. Then as we know that it was initially not accepted but then he made it very clear that they had no choice and he was walking out. I want my party to stay strong and for us to be a strong party we need leadership. I think the leader will have to be initially an interim president. "Talking about the chances of a non-Gandhi becoming a Congress president, he said, "Personally, I have not said that there should be a non-Gandhi. In fact, when I was asked some days ago, I had said that Priyanka Gandhi has the charisma, she has the ability and many party workers admire her. I hope that she would throw her hat in the ring. Even she would gain from an electoral process within the party." "But as we know, it is Rahul Gandhi himself who had said that no member of his family should lead. Now once that is closed, it is family themselves who can decide if they want to change that position. If they change, it will be welcomed in the party. But, if they don't change, the party can't wait. It has to act. It is the absence of the determination that is frustrating many people in the party," he added. Talking about the role of Rahul Gandhi in the party, he said, "Congress party's DNA is inextricably tied with the DNA of Nehru-Gandhi family. So, whatever role he takes or doesn't take, even if he takes no position...his views, his influence in many ways is a sort of conscience keeper." "In other words, if the new president does something which a prominent member of the Gandhi family was to disapprove, it would be a very serious issue within the party," he said. Tharoor said that if Gandhi family says that they don't want to continue the leadership then the party has to respect it. Criticising the ruling BJP, the Congress leader said, "As long as the ruling element continues to condone or encourage bigoted behaviour, it becomes indispensable that there is a voice which says there is another way. That this is not India that Mahatma Gandhi fought to free." "That is the ideology Rahul Gandhi is talking about and he is right to talk about it," he said.

Delay hurting us, giving impression of drift, indecision: Tharoor on appointment of Congress president

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to&nbsp;take over as the party president.&nbsp;

“Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said

This comes a day after Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." &nbsp;

"What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor.

Earlier, Former President Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee asked Priyanka Gandhi to take over the reins of Congress. She will drive it back to a landslide victory like her grandmother Indira Gandhi did, he said.

Veteran Congress leader and five-time MP Jai Prakash Agarwal&nbsp;too had insisted that Priyanka Gandhi was capable to lead the party.

On July 3, Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public as the party president.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi had offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC.

The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to take over as the party president.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to take over as the party president. “Priyanka would be a perfect choice to take over the party reins but it would all depend on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which alone is authorised to take a decision in the matter,” he said This comes a day after Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had expressed frustration over the delay in the appointment of a new Congress president, saying that it was giving an impression of "drift and indecision." "What we are seeing is a level of disarray which is not worthy of a grand national party that we are. It will end the moment a quick efficient decision is taken and then I believe a democratic process should take place that will open up the election to other candidates," said Tharoor. Earlier, Former President Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee asked Priyanka Gandhi to take over the reins of Congress. She will drive it back to a landslide victory like her grandmother Indira Gandhi did, he said. Veteran Congress leader and five-time MP Jai Prakash Agarwal too had insisted that Priyanka Gandhi was capable to lead the party. On July 3, Rahul Gandhi made his resignation public as the party president. Rahul Gandhi had offered to step down on May 25 at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee after party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections. However, his offer of resignation was unanimously rejected by the CWC. The Congress won 52 seats in the recent general elections, which is just eight more than 2014 in the outgoing Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

Priyanka Gandhi perfect choice for Congress president, CWC to take final call: Amarinder Singh

India bids farewell to Sheila Dikshit, thousands mourn her loss

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-delhi-chief-minister-congress-veteran-sheila-dikshit-passes-away-at-81-237286"> death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit</a>.

Gandhi took to Twitter to express his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-made-noteworthy-contribution-to-delhis-development-pm-modi-remembers-sheila-dikshit-condolences-pour-in-237288">shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit</a> who breathed her last on Saturday.

"I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family &amp; the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief."

Former PM Manmohan Singh also said he was shocked to hear about the demise of Sheila Dikshit.

"I'm shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to Delhi's development during her tenure as CM for 3 terms," he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit.&nbsp;"She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of the party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation and especially to Delhi, is immense," Vadra&nbsp;added.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Just now got to know about extremely terrible news about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit ji. It's a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace"

Earlier PM Modi, President Kovind, Union Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders also paid homage to the veteran Congress leader.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. 
 
My condolences to her family &amp; the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1152536506587680768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Expressing his grief over the death of Dikshit, PM Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday. "I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief." Former PM Manmohan Singh also said he was shocked to hear about the demise of Sheila Dikshit. "I'm shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to Delhi's development during her tenure as CM for 3 terms," he said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit. "She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of the party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation and especially to Delhi, is immense," Vadra added. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Just now got to know about extremely terrible news about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit ji. It's a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace" Earlier PM Modi, President Kovind, Union Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders also paid homage to the veteran Congress leader. I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 20, 2019 × Expressing his grief over the death of Dikshit, PM Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Rahul Gandhi 'devastated' on Sheila Dikshit's demise, calls her 'beloved daughter of Congress'

rahul-gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, News on Rahul Gandhi, stories on Rahul Gandhi, articles on Rahul Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi stories at Wion, Rahul Gandhi news, Rahul Gandhi latest news

rahul gandhi