Rahul Gandhi is the best person to pull the Congress out of its predicament following the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, says party leader Shashi Tharoor while declaring that his party is&nbsp;"alive and kicking" and it is too premature to write its obituary.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/with-rahul-gandhi-firm-on-quitting-as-party-chief-congress-working-committee-to-meet-again-this-week-222138">Congress has no time to sit and lick its wounds</a> as it must immediately pick itself up for the upcoming state elections, Tharoor said.

The party faces an existential crisis with the party president adamant on his decision to quit after the poll debacle -- winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats -- and its state governments facing an uncertain future.&nbsp;

Tharoor, who scored an electoral hat-trick by winning from the Thiruvananthapuram seat in the Lok Sabha polls, also said he is ready to take on the job of the Congress' leader in the Lok Sabha if offered the post.

The Congress still represents the only credible national alternative to the BJP and it will take its message to the country, hopefully under Gandhi's leadership, he said.

In his view, the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command "great clout and respect" within the party, on the basis of the tremendous contributions it has made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence.

The former Union minister said Gandhi has led the party from the front and still has far more to offer to the party.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul insists on resigning as Cong President; CWC to hold another meeting

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Asked about Gandhi's offer to resign and if he was still Congress' best bet in terms of leadership, Tharoor said attempts in the media to pin all the blame for the party's electoral setback on his shoulders are simplistic and unfair.

"I think it does a disservice to the very complex challenges facing the Congress party to reduce it to a question of one person.

"While Rahulji has bravely taken full responsibility for the defeat, we all are responsible for what went wrong and we all have a responsibility to ensure the party's revival," the 63-year-old leader said.

Gandhi will easily beat any other interested candidate by a landslide if the party decides to hold a free and fair election tomorrow for the position of party president, he claimed.

"That is the kind of place he has built in the hearts of the rank and file of the Congress party and therefore, to my mind, he still undoubtedly remains the best person to help rally the party out of the predicament it finds itself in and help us collectively move forward," Tharoor said.

Asked whether a non-Gandhi could lead the party, Tharoor said others can rise to prominent positions in the Congress and a case in point is that the last two Congress prime ministers were not Gandhis.

"Still, I have no doubt the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command great clout and respect within the party, just on the basis of the tremendous contributions they have made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence," the former diplomat said.

Two former prime ministers from the Gandhi family -- Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi -- even sacrificed their lives for the nation and this is the proud legacy to which Rahul Gandhi is heir, he said.

Asked if the Congress still remains a credible alternative to the BJP, he said, "It's far too premature to write an obituary for the party as Kerala and Punjab have shown, we are very much alive and kicking."

Despite Congress' poor showing across the country, the party performed well in Kerala and Punjab, winning 15 and eight seats respectively.

"I strongly believe that we have no time to sit and lick our wounds and must instead pick up again immediately and effectively not least because we have several state elections coming up, some of which are four or five months away," he said.

Elections are due in the states of Jharkhand, Haryana and Maharashtra later this year.

Tharoor said he strongly disagreed with Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav's recent "ill-considered" statement that the "Congress must die".

"I genuinely and passionately believe that what the Congress stands for and offers the nation is fundamentally indispensable to the future of the country," he said.

The Congress represents an alternate vision of the idea of India, an inclusive and pluralist vision, that reflects truly the heart and soul of the country, Tharoor said.

Asked if he would take up the role of Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, he said, "If offered, certainly I would, but that is not for me to determine. It is clear, though, that since so many of our stalwarts have lost these elections, those of us who remain will have to pull our weight and take on extra responsibility. I am ready for that."

Talking about polarisation playing a role in elections, Tharoor said certainly the party has to understand why voters chose not to vote in their economic self-interest.

With unemployment at a 45-year high, farmers in such distress that record numbers are committing suicide, and small and micro enterprises are shutting down all over the country, one would think that economics would decide the election, he said.

"...Why should a young man who voted for Mr Modi in 2014 in the hope of getting a job vote for him again in 2019 when he still doesn't have a job? And yet he did," Tharoor said.

"Undoubtedly, increasing religious polarisation was a factor. But it is not the whole story, I think. The larger-than-life personality cult around the PM seems to have convinced some voters that he is the only one to lead the country and keep it safe from real and imagined enemies, within and without," he said.

Rahul Gandhi is the best person to pull the Congress out of its predicament following the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, says party leader Shashi Tharoor while declaring that his party is "alive and kicking" and it is too premature to write its obituary.

Rahul Gandhi is the best person to pull the Congress out of its predicament following the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, says party leader Shashi Tharoor while declaring that his party is "alive and kicking" and it is too premature to write its obituary. The Congress has no time to sit and lick its wounds as it must immediately pick itself up for the upcoming state elections, Tharoor said. The party faces an existential crisis with the party president adamant on his decision to quit after the poll debacle -- winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats -- and its state governments facing an uncertain future. Tharoor, who scored an electoral hat-trick by winning from the Thiruvananthapuram seat in the Lok Sabha polls, also said he is ready to take on the job of the Congress' leader in the Lok Sabha if offered the post. The Congress still represents the only credible national alternative to the BJP and it will take its message to the country, hopefully under Gandhi's leadership, he said. In his view, the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command "great clout and respect" within the party, on the basis of the tremendous contributions it has made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence. The former Union minister said Gandhi has led the party from the front and still has far more to offer to the party. Watch: Rahul insists on resigning as Cong President; CWC to hold another meeting Asked about Gandhi's offer to resign and if he was still Congress' best bet in terms of leadership, Tharoor said attempts in the media to pin all the blame for the party's electoral setback on his shoulders are simplistic and unfair. "I think it does a disservice to the very complex challenges facing the Congress party to reduce it to a question of one person. "While Rahulji has bravely taken full responsibility for the defeat, we all are responsible for what went wrong and we all have a responsibility to ensure the party's revival," the 63-year-old leader said. Gandhi will easily beat any other interested candidate by a landslide if the party decides to hold a free and fair election tomorrow for the position of party president, he claimed. "That is the kind of place he has built in the hearts of the rank and file of the Congress party and therefore, to my mind, he still undoubtedly remains the best person to help rally the party out of the predicament it finds itself in and help us collectively move forward," Tharoor said. Asked whether a non-Gandhi could lead the party, Tharoor said others can rise to prominent positions in the Congress and a case in point is that the last two Congress prime ministers were not Gandhis. "Still, I have no doubt the Gandhi-Nehru family will continue to command great clout and respect within the party, just on the basis of the tremendous contributions they have made in shaping and guiding the party since Independence," the former diplomat said. Two former prime ministers from the Gandhi family -- Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi -- even sacrificed their lives for the nation and this is the proud legacy to which Rahul Gandhi is heir, he said. Asked if the Congress still remains a credible alternative to the BJP, he said, "It's far too premature to write an obituary for the party as Kerala and Punjab have shown, we are very much alive and kicking." Despite Congress' poor showing across the country, the party performed well in Kerala and Punjab, winning 15 and eight seats respectively. "I strongly believe that we have no time to sit and lick our wounds and must instead pick up again immediately and effectively not least because we have several state elections coming up, some of which are four or five months away," he said. Elections are due in the states of Jharkhand, Haryana and Maharashtra later this year. Tharoor said he strongly disagreed with Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav's recent "ill-considered" statement that the "Congress must die". "I genuinely and passionately believe that what the Congress stands for and offers the nation is fundamentally indispensable to the future of the country," he said. The Congress represents an alternate vision of the idea of India, an inclusive and pluralist vision, that reflects truly the heart and soul of the country, Tharoor said. Asked if he would take up the role of Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, he said, "If offered, certainly I would, but that is not for me to determine. It is clear, though, that since so many of our stalwarts have lost these elections, those of us who remain will have to pull our weight and take on extra responsibility. I am ready for that." Talking about polarisation playing a role in elections, Tharoor said certainly the party has to understand why voters chose not to vote in their economic self-interest. With unemployment at a 45-year high, farmers in such distress that record numbers are committing suicide, and small and micro enterprises are shutting down all over the country, one would think that economics would decide the election, he said. "...Why should a young man who voted for Mr Modi in 2014 in the hope of getting a job vote for him again in 2019 when he still doesn't have a job? And yet he did," Tharoor said. "Undoubtedly, increasing religious polarisation was a factor. But it is not the whole story, I think. The larger-than-life personality cult around the PM seems to have convinced some voters that he is the only one to lead the country and keep it safe from real and imagined enemies, within and without," he said.

Rahul best person to lead party, too premature to write Congress' obituary: Shashi Tharoor

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today.&nbsp;

This comes just a few days before the party is expected to hold another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/with-rahul-gandhi-firm-on-quitting-as-party-chief-congress-working-committee-to-meet-again-this-week-222138">Working Committee meeting this week</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

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UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post.&nbsp;

Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party.

It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today.

Congress top brass visited Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday amid reports of him not ready to take back his resignation as party chief. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala were spotted arriving at Gandhi's residence in Delhi today. This comes just a few days before the party is expected to hold another Working Committee meeting this week. The Congress party will be holding another Working Committee meeting this week to discuss the leadership issue amid reports of Rahul Gandhi not ready to take back his resignation as the party chief. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and senior party leaders have been trying to make Rahul change his mind from exiting the post. Party treasurer Ahmed Patel and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence yesterday and urged him to continue to lead the party. Congress Working Committee (CWC) met last weekend to deliberate on the poll debacle and strategise on ways to bring in structural reform in the party. It is being reported that taking the moral responsibility of party's nemesis in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Rahul offered to step down - a move that was unanimously rejected by party's top brass.

Post surgical analysis of Congress poll debacle, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot meet Rahul Gandhi

Watch 'India Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Watch; 27th May, 2019

Smriti Irani's close aide murdered in Amethi. He was one from them who campaigned in Amethi on behalf or with Smriti. We decodes 'Political Murder'with with experts Mr. Gautam Chikermane & Mr. Makarand R. Paranjape. Watch this video for complete details.

India Watch: Discusses Political Murders with some experts

In Amethi Police has arrested 3 suspects in Murder case of Surendra Singh who was Smriti Irani's close aide. Watch this video for more details.

India Watch: Irani Vows Justice For Surendra Singh

Today was PM Elect Modi's thanksgiving visit and speech to Varanasi. Modi won in Varanasi by nearly Five lakh votes. We discusses all in detail with experts Mr. Gautam Chikermane & Mr. Makarand R. Paranjape. Watch this video for complete details.

India Watch: Modi credits grassroot workers for win

PM Modi's first speech was about inclusive growth. He said, ''Election has broken Caste & Gender barriers. After His words ''Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas'' now he has added another term that is ''Sabka Vishwas.'' Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: From ''Vikas'' To ''Vishwas''

Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, the Congress was on Monday riven by internal turmoil with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-want-any-post-want-to-work-for-partys-ideology-rahul-gandhi-221816">Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting</a> as party president while its governments in Rajasthan and Karnataka teetered on the brink.&nbsp;

In the midst of the disquiet, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/punjab-congress-chief-sunil-jakhar-resigns-after-defeat-221988">several state Congress chiefs</a>, including Punjab's Sunil Jakhar, Jharkhand's Ajoy Kumar and Assam's Ripun Bora, also offered to resign following the party's drubbing in the elections, party insiders said.&nbsp;

Congress sources said Gandhi is insisting on resigning his post and is understood to have conveyed to several leaders that it is time for the grand old party to look for a new chief.&nbsp;

The Congress won only 52 out of 542 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha polls, just six more than its 2014 tally. The party could not open its account in 18 states and union territories.

Taking responsibility for the defeat, Gandhi on Saturday offered to resign as party president at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, but it was "unanimously rejected".&nbsp;

At the CWC meeting, Gandhi accused three senior leaders -- Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram -- of placing their sons above the party.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

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His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the entire top brass of the party left Rahul Gandhi alone to fight it out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp; &nbsp;

As the party grapples with a severe existential crisis, its governments in both Karnataka and Rajasthan face a tough time with reports suggesting the BJP may try to wrest power in both states.

It is learnt that Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and Dr Sudhakar visited BJP leader S M Krishna's residence in Bengaluru on Sunday along with several other BJP leaders and they are understood to have deliberated on dethroning the incumbent dispensation.

Sources said a number of Congress legislators in Karnataka are understood to be unhappy over the party's electoral loss.

In Rajasthan, there have been reports of internal turmoil with several ministers demanding fixing of accountability and seeking action against those responsible for the poll debacle in the state.

The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan as the NDA won all 25 seats. In Karnataka, where it formed a government with the JD(S) in May last year, the Congress managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat out of 28.

The party was crushed in most of the 29 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it had defeated BJP in the assembly polls in December.&nbsp;

As crisis beset the opposition party, its chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday urged everyone to respect the sanctity of the CWC meeting and asked the media not to fall into the trap of "conjectures, insinuations, gossip and rumour-mongering".

Surjewala said it is a democratic forum for exchange of ideas and taking corrective action. It was a "closed-door" meeting and any speculation about it was unwarranted and uncalled for, he added.

He was reacting to news reports about happenings at the May 25 meeting, the first of the CWC after the Congress's humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls.

"The Congress party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculation, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted.

"The CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019," the Congress leader said in a statement.

Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, the Congress was on Monday riven by internal turmoil with Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting as party president while its governments in Rajasthan and Karnataka teetered on the brink.

Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, the Congress was on Monday riven by internal turmoil with Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting as party president while its governments in Rajasthan and Karnataka teetered on the brink. In the midst of the disquiet, several state Congress chiefs, including Punjab's Sunil Jakhar, Jharkhand's Ajoy Kumar and Assam's Ripun Bora, also offered to resign following the party's drubbing in the elections, party insiders said. Congress sources said Gandhi is insisting on resigning his post and is understood to have conveyed to several leaders that it is time for the grand old party to look for a new chief. The Congress won only 52 out of 542 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha polls, just six more than its 2014 tally. The party could not open its account in 18 states and union territories. Taking responsibility for the defeat, Gandhi on Saturday offered to resign as party president at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, but it was "unanimously rejected". At the CWC meeting, Gandhi accused three senior leaders -- Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram -- of placing their sons above the party. Watch: Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the entire top brass of the party left Rahul Gandhi alone to fight it out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the party grapples with a severe existential crisis, its governments in both Karnataka and Rajasthan face a tough time with reports suggesting the BJP may try to wrest power in both states. It is learnt that Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and Dr Sudhakar visited BJP leader S M Krishna's residence in Bengaluru on Sunday along with several other BJP leaders and they are understood to have deliberated on dethroning the incumbent dispensation. Sources said a number of Congress legislators in Karnataka are understood to be unhappy over the party's electoral loss. In Rajasthan, there have been reports of internal turmoil with several ministers demanding fixing of accountability and seeking action against those responsible for the poll debacle in the state. The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan as the NDA won all 25 seats. In Karnataka, where it formed a government with the JD(S) in May last year, the Congress managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat out of 28. The party was crushed in most of the 29 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it had defeated BJP in the assembly polls in December. As crisis beset the opposition party, its chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday urged everyone to respect the sanctity of the CWC meeting and asked the media not to fall into the trap of "conjectures, insinuations, gossip and rumour-mongering". Surjewala said it is a democratic forum for exchange of ideas and taking corrective action. It was a "closed-door" meeting and any speculation about it was unwarranted and uncalled for, he added. He was reacting to news reports about happenings at the May 25 meeting, the first of the CWC after the Congress's humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls. "The Congress party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculation, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted. "The CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019," the Congress leader said in a statement.

Disquiet in Congress ranks as Rahul Gandhi insists on resigning, fate of Rajasthan and Karnataka governments uncertain

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people."

"The Congress party faced a more shameful defeat than 2014 this time," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"Rahul Gandhi's&nbsp;personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive. Is there anything that can inspire a person or the country from whatever Rahul Gandhi says?" it asked.

After analyzing Congress post the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena said the grand old party is visionless right now. It also stated, "Congress party has leaders, but lacks party workers."

Shiv Sena took a jibe at the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party's general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. "Congress won two seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, but only managed one in 2019," Shiv Sena stated.&nbsp;

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people.

Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people." "The Congress party faced a more shameful defeat than 2014 this time," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "Rahul Gandhi's personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive. Is there anything that can inspire a person or the country from whatever Rahul Gandhi says?" it asked. After analyzing Congress post the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena said the grand old party is visionless right now. It also stated, "Congress party has leaders, but lacks party workers." Shiv Sena took a jibe at the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party's general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. "Congress won two seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, but only managed one in 2019," Shiv Sena stated.

Rahul Gandhi's personality does not attract people: Shiv Sena

PM modi addresses gathering at Ahmedabad today. Watch this video to know more.

Pm Modi Addresses Gathering At Ahmedabad Today

Lack of organisational network and a strong disconnect with the rural population led to the fall of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/had-ensured-that-the-mp-from-amethi-would-be-chosen-from-our-party-smriti-irani-to-wion-221599">Congress stronghold Amethi</a>, which has remained loyal to the Gandhi family since 1980.

BJP's Smriti Irani defeated the Congress chief and sitting MP <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-at-cwc-meet-rahul-gandhi-offers-to-step-down-as-party-chief-committee-rejects-resignation-221506">Rahul Gandhi</a> by a margin of 55,120 votes.

Though the grand old party had been comfortably winning the seat, the victory had all through been thanks to the charisma and name of the Gandhi family without the support of the party organisation, political pundits opined. 
 
In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes.

On the first real challenge, in the face of concerted campaigning by Irani, the Congress fortress came tumbling down since she had prepared and strengthened her organisation in this dusty constituency, 120 Km from the state capital.

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The constituency also laments that though <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-historic-lok-sabha-polls-2019-rahul-gandhi-scripts-two-electoral-records-221043">Rahul Gandhi</a> had been a frequent visitor during this three stints as the MP, he had not reached the remote areas and failed to make a connection with those in the rural areas.

"Rahul used to get down at the Fursatganj airport and drive straight to Amethi and all his activities were confined there only. When he did not give enough time to the people how will he get the votes," said wholesale trader Neel Singh of Salon Navin Mandi area.

Indicating that Rahul's connect with the electorate was superficial, Raju Solanki who runs a tea stall at Salon bus stand, said, "It is his team of advisors that has spoilt his chances.

"His programmes used to be finalised around the main localities and highways but in contrast Smriti Irani reached villages and houses to establish a direct dialogue with the locals, seeking votes for development and change and also benefitted through it," he explained.

The locals feel Priyanka's presence had also failed to make a difference as her programmes too were finalised by those who had little knowledge of the nerve of the constituency.

"You don't get votes merely by waving hands and moving about on the roads in big vehicles," a local, Khilawan Raj, said.

Kishori Lal, a strong Congress supporter said the new generation in the constituency are not aware of the works done by the Congress for the development of the area and so the youth got carried away by the "BJP's selling of their schemes."

"The youth here does not know that this was usar (infertile) land which was got treated during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhiji. They got carried away by the BJP propaganda, and the manner in which they literally sold the central government schemes in the election market," Lal claimed.

Asha Singh of Pipri village said Smriti Irani went to every gram panchayat for canvassing and this appears to have made an impact.

Besides, they feel that local party leadership and staff of Rahul Gandhi had adopted a very high-handed attitude towards the people.

"They seem to have held the MP's office captive... It was easy to meet Rahul Gandhi than to meet his representatives who had to take follow up action of the works assigned by him for completion," Ram Pujan, a small trader said.

Political pundits say that the process of Congress' defeat in Amethi had started with its losses in the Assembly polls.

In the 2017 UP assembly polls, the Congress failed to win even a single seat though the BJP managed to bag four and Samajwadi Party one seat in the Lok Sabha constituency.

In the 2012 Assembly polls too, the Congress had only one seat - Jagdishpur - while rivals had taken up the remaining seats.

"Why the Congress leadership preferred to ignore taking corrective measures despite a poor show in Assembly polls is not understandable," they wonder.

Union minister Irani said on Friday that her win was not a "rocket science" as people of the Lok Sabha constituency wanted a representative who would work for them for the next five years.

Her victory was due to the development agenda of the Modi government, she said, adding that people of Amethi had reposed their trust in her by voting in large numbers for the BJP in 2014 and that she worked in the past five years to keep their faith.&nbsp;

Lack of organisational network and a strong disconnect with the rural population led to the fall of the Congress stronghold Amethi, which has remained loyal to the Gandhi family since 1980.

Lack of organisational network and a strong disconnect with the rural population led to the fall of the Congress stronghold Amethi, which has remained loyal to the Gandhi family since 1980. BJP's Smriti Irani defeated the Congress chief and sitting MP Rahul Gandhi by a margin of 55,120 votes. Though the grand old party had been comfortably winning the seat, the victory had all through been thanks to the charisma and name of the Gandhi family without the support of the party organisation, political pundits opined. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Gandhi had defeated Irani by 1,07,903 votes. On the first real challenge, in the face of concerted campaigning by Irani, the Congress fortress came tumbling down since she had prepared and strengthened her organisation in this dusty constituency, 120 Km from the state capital. × The constituency also laments that though Rahul Gandhi had been a frequent visitor during this three stints as the MP, he had not reached the remote areas and failed to make a connection with those in the rural areas. "Rahul used to get down at the Fursatganj airport and drive straight to Amethi and all his activities were confined there only. When he did not give enough time to the people how will he get the votes," said wholesale trader Neel Singh of Salon Navin Mandi area. Indicating that Rahul's connect with the electorate was superficial, Raju Solanki who runs a tea stall at Salon bus stand, said, "It is his team of advisors that has spoilt his chances. "His programmes used to be finalised around the main localities and highways but in contrast Smriti Irani reached villages and houses to establish a direct dialogue with the locals, seeking votes for development and change and also benefitted through it," he explained. The locals feel Priyanka's presence had also failed to make a difference as her programmes too were finalised by those who had little knowledge of the nerve of the constituency. "You don't get votes merely by waving hands and moving about on the roads in big vehicles," a local, Khilawan Raj, said. Kishori Lal, a strong Congress supporter said the new generation in the constituency are not aware of the works done by the Congress for the development of the area and so the youth got carried away by the "BJP's selling of their schemes." "The youth here does not know that this was usar (infertile) land which was got treated during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhiji. They got carried away by the BJP propaganda, and the manner in which they literally sold the central government schemes in the election market," Lal claimed. Asha Singh of Pipri village said Smriti Irani went to every gram panchayat for canvassing and this appears to have made an impact. Besides, they feel that local party leadership and staff of Rahul Gandhi had adopted a very high-handed attitude towards the people. "They seem to have held the MP's office captive... It was easy to meet Rahul Gandhi than to meet his representatives who had to take follow up action of the works assigned by him for completion," Ram Pujan, a small trader said. Political pundits say that the process of Congress' defeat in Amethi had started with its losses in the Assembly polls. In the 2017 UP assembly polls, the Congress failed to win even a single seat though the BJP managed to bag four and Samajwadi Party one seat in the Lok Sabha constituency. In the 2012 Assembly polls too, the Congress had only one seat - Jagdishpur - while rivals had taken up the remaining seats. "Why the Congress leadership preferred to ignore taking corrective measures despite a poor show in Assembly polls is not understandable," they wonder. Union minister Irani said on Friday that her win was not a "rocket science" as people of the Lok Sabha constituency wanted a representative who would work for them for the next five years. Her victory was due to the development agenda of the Modi government, she said, adding that people of Amethi had reposed their trust in her by voting in large numbers for the BJP in 2014 and that she worked in the past five years to keep their faith.

The fall of Amethi: Why did Rahul Gandhi lose Congress stronghold?

Congress president Rahul Gandhi still remains adamant on quitting as the party president despite the party's highest decision-making body – the Congress Working Committee – categorically refusing to accept his offer to resign from the top post.

Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

Congress president Rahul Gandhi reportedly told that he wanted to work for the party's ideology and not keen on any party post during Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The Congress president offered to quit as party president during CWC meeting but it was unanimously rejected. &nbsp;

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress president reportedly said, "Mahatma Gandhi fought for ideology and for people, irrespective of their cast and religion, but never took any post", according to sources.

He also accused senior party leaders of pressuring him to give tickets to their sons in the elections without naming Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and former finance minister P Chidambaram.

Rajasthan chief minister Gehlot`s son Vaibhav Gehlot contested from Jodhpur parliamentary constituency and lost, while Kamal Nath`s son Nakul Nath has won from Chhindwara and P Chidambaram`s son Karti Chidambaram registered a victory from Sivaganga.

When Jyotiraditya Scindia suggested that the party should consolidate leadership in specific regions, Gandhi, in a satirical tone, questioned him, "Is it necessary to consolidate leadership in a region so that chief ministers presser the party`s top brass to give tickets to their sons?"&nbsp;

Gandhi also expressed displeasure over sluggishness of the party leaders in raising the Rafale deal issue, sources added.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised party leaders saying that her brother Rahul was left alone when he was criticizing the BJP on its policies.

(With inputs from ANI)

Congress president Rahul Gandhi reportedly told that he wanted to work for the party's ideology and not keen on any party post during Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, reported news agency ANI.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi reportedly told that he wanted to work for the party's ideology and not keen on any party post during Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, reported news agency ANI. The Congress president offered to quit as party president during CWC meeting but it was unanimously rejected. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress president reportedly said, "Mahatma Gandhi fought for ideology and for people, irrespective of their cast and religion, but never took any post", according to sources. He also accused senior party leaders of pressuring him to give tickets to their sons in the elections without naming Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and former finance minister P Chidambaram. Rajasthan chief minister Gehlot`s son Vaibhav Gehlot contested from Jodhpur parliamentary constituency and lost, while Kamal Nath`s son Nakul Nath has won from Chhindwara and P Chidambaram`s son Karti Chidambaram registered a victory from Sivaganga. When Jyotiraditya Scindia suggested that the party should consolidate leadership in specific regions, Gandhi, in a satirical tone, questioned him, "Is it necessary to consolidate leadership in a region so that chief ministers presser the party`s top brass to give tickets to their sons?" Gandhi also expressed displeasure over sluggishness of the party leaders in raising the Rafale deal issue, sources added. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised party leaders saying that her brother Rahul was left alone when he was criticizing the BJP on its policies. (With inputs from ANI)

Don't want any post, want to work for party's ideology: Rahul Gandhi told CWC

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India Election Watch; 24th May, 2019

In this video, we bring to you the latest visuals from the Congress Working Committee meeting at the party office. Watch the full video to know more.

Delhi: Visuals from Congress Working Committee meeting at party office

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-draws-a-blank-in-18-states-and-union-territories-221310">facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections</a>, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said.

Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle.

However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results.

In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections.

Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle.

After facing a defeat for the second time in the consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is meeting today to discuss the reason for party's debacle. Though there was no official word on the agenda for the meeting, sources said the committee will talk about future strategies. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. The source also indicated that the committee is likely to discuss the party's complete loss in the states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. All members of the committee have been instructed to talk and put their proposal openly in front of the committee in the meeting today, the sources said. Speculations are that the party president Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation accepting moral responsibility for the debacle. However, Gandhi's offer may not be accepted and the party may reaffirm its faith to work under his leadership, said sources. Gandhi apparently wants to send a signal that he was also accountable for the party's performance which was not any better than the 2014 results. In the last elections, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest-score in its history, and improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the latest elections. Meanwhile, presidents of the party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for the poor showing of the party in the just-concluded elections.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress may introspect poll debacle in CWC meeting today

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrives for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. The meeting will begin shortly. Watch full video to know more.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrives for Congress Working Committee meeting

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.&nbsp;

Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes</a>.

A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments.&nbsp;

On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions.&nbsp;

Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one.&nbsp;

It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised.&nbsp;

Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-rahul-gandhi-concedes-defeat-asks-congress-workers-not-to-lose-hope-221026">conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election</a>.

Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''.&nbsp;

''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' &nbsp;the Congress president said.&nbsp;

''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party.&nbsp;

The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''.

Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election

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&nbsp;

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India.

With the Congress party staring at a massive loss in the Lok Sabha elections, party chief Rahul Gandhi set a couple of records that are bound to be remembered in the electoral history of India. Gandhi registered a landslide win from Kerala's Wayanad Parliamentary constituency by a margin of over 4 lakh votes, at the same time he lost Congress stronghold Amethi to BJP opponent and Union minister Smriti Irani by over 50,000 votes. A win from Wayanad exhibits locals' expectation from the Congress as the area, although being a hub of tourism in the state, is marred by severe infrastructural lapses. Locals here have to travel for kilometres to Calicut or neighbouring cities for medical treatments. On the other hand, losing Amethi translates into a big blow for the Congress. This could even exhibit the grand old party losing its grip in Uttar Pradesh, moreover on its traditional bastions. Gandhi, however, gave a tough fight to Irani and the electoral battle for Amethi, which throughout the counting day, was seen as a neck-to-neck one. It must be noted that the SP-BSP-RLD alliance had refrained from fielding candidates on Congress key seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, to ensure BJP's defeat - a strategy which hasn't quite seemed to have materialised. Gandhi on Thursday evening said that he respects people's verdict as he conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press conference as Modi's government returned to power with a thumping majority, Rahul Gandhi said people of India decided Narendra Modi will be the Prime Minister and ''I respect their verdict''. ''I congratulate PM Modi and the BJP for their win,'' the Congress president said. ''Our fight is ideological, he said and added there are two ideologies - one followed by Mr Narendra Modi and the other one followed by the Congress party. The Congress president asked the people not to be scared as ''we are there''. Congratulating BJP's Smriti Irani for her victory in Amethi, he said people of Amethi had given their mandate. Meanwhile, the result for the Lok Sabha polls spelt a massive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party and another term from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party, along with its allies, maintained a comfortable lead on over 280 seats, which rose up on over 340 seats as the day progressed. Watch: Congress accepts defeat in Lok Sabha Election ×

In historic Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi scripts two electoral records

After a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha polls, top Congress leaders will deliberate on party losses at a meeting of the working committee on Saturday where party chief Rahul Gandhi is likely to offer his resignation.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi likely to resign at CWC meeting today

Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as President of Congress party. CWC unanimously rejected Rahul's rejection. Randeep Surjewala said, CWC expresses its gratitude to 12.13 voters who stood behind Congress in election.

Surjewala: CWC expresses its gratitude to 12.13 crore voters who stood behind Congress in election

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-at-cwc-meet-rahul-gandhi-offers-to-step-down-as-party-chief-committee-rejects-resignation-221506">Rahul Gandhi offered to resign</a> in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-narendra-modi-surge-swept-aside-all-predictions-221494">humiliating defeat</a> at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama.

Gandhi insisted at the meeting that he wants to resign as Congress president saying he wants to fight for the party, strengthen it and he doesn't have to be the party president to do that, said Congress sources. He also said that he doesn't want a Gandhi to be the Congress president, ruling out Priyanka's name too, said sources.

But the proposal was rejected unanimously and the party stuck to its tradition of not looking beyond the Nehru-Gandhi family. It is very similar to what happened in 2014 when Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress president, had offered to resign after the party's loss in Lok Sabha elections.

Sources also said that the CWC passed a resolution today authorising Gandhi to restructure the party.

Rahul Gandhi left the meeting venue without saying anything to the medipersons outside. But senior party leaders maintained that his leadership was not questioned.

The meeting of CWC, the party's highest decision-making body, was called to deliberate upon the reasons behind the party's electoral debacle and discuss as to why its poll narrative failed to convince the people.

"I don't agree that it was a disastrous performance, but we were not able to rise up to the expectations. Party will discuss this in details...Today we had only general discussions," Congress leader AK Antony said.

The meeting, chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Uttar Pradesh (East) in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and chief ministers of four party-ruled states - Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh - and of the Union Territory Puducherry.

Senior leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram was also present in the meeting alongside other party colleagues including AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sheila Dikshit, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ambika Soni, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Watch: Why did Congress' strategy fail?

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Though the Congress improved on its 2014 tally of 44, it could win just 52 Lok Sabha seats this year. In 18 states and Union Territories, the party could not open its account.

Some of the Congress leaders have sent their resignations to Rahul Gandhi in the wake of the party's poll defeat. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik are among them.

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president Rahul Gandhi offered to resign in the wake of humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections.

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, party president Rahul Gandhi offered to resign in the wake of humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in Lok Sabha elections. The proposal was, however, rejected but not without drama. Gandhi insisted at the meeting that he wants to resign as Congress president saying he wants to fight for the party, strengthen it and he doesn't have to be the party president to do that, said Congress sources. He also said that he doesn't want a Gandhi to be the Congress president, ruling out Priyanka's name too, said sources. But the proposal was rejected unanimously and the party stuck to its tradition of not looking beyond the Nehru-Gandhi family. It is very similar to what happened in 2014 when Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress president, had offered to resign after the party's loss in Lok Sabha elections. Sources also said that the CWC passed a resolution today authorising Gandhi to restructure the party. Rahul Gandhi left the meeting venue without saying anything to the medipersons outside. But senior party leaders maintained that his leadership was not questioned. The meeting of CWC, the party's highest decision-making body, was called to deliberate upon the reasons behind the party's electoral debacle and discuss as to why its poll narrative failed to convince the people. "I don't agree that it was a disastrous performance, but we were not able to rise up to the expectations. Party will discuss this in details...Today we had only general discussions," Congress leader AK Antony said. The meeting, chaired by Congress president Rahul Gandhi, was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Uttar Pradesh (East) in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and chief ministers of four party-ruled states - Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh - and of the Union Territory Puducherry. Senior leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram was also present in the meeting alongside other party colleagues including AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sheila Dikshit, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ambika Soni, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Watch: Why did Congress' strategy fail? × Though the Congress improved on its 2014 tally of 44, it could win just 52 Lok Sabha seats this year. In 18 states and Union Territories, the party could not open its account. Some of the Congress leaders have sent their resignations to Rahul Gandhi in the wake of the party's poll defeat. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar and Odisha Congress president Niranjan Patnaik are among them.

What happened at the CWC meeting: The inside story

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

"Reports of Congress president offering resignation are incorrect," party chief spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala said even as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was underway to discuss the Lok Sabha election defeat.

Earlier reports suggested that Gandhi had offered to step down and it was rejected by the CWC.

Several senior leaders, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh, Motilal Vora, former union ministers RPN Singh, PL Punia and P Chidambaram, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, were present at the meeting.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, was also present in the huddle.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah are also present at the meeting.&nbsp;

The CWC, sources said, is taking stock of the party`s loss in Uttar Pradesh, the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha.

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat - Raebareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi - in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi, who was the MP from Amethi since 2004, lost to Union Minister Smriti Irani.

The party put up a poor show in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago.

In the 2014 general election, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest score in its history. It has improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the 2019 polls.

Meanwhile, the chiefs of party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for Congress` poor performance.&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

Congress on Saturday dismissed reports that party president Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign from his post following the party`s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. "Reports of Congress president offering resignation are incorrect," party chief spokesperson Rajdeep Singh Surjewala said even as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was underway to discuss the Lok Sabha election defeat. Earlier reports suggested that Gandhi had offered to step down and it was rejected by the CWC. Several senior leaders, including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh, Motilal Vora, former union ministers RPN Singh, PL Punia and P Chidambaram, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, were present at the meeting. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, was also present in the huddle. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah are also present at the meeting. The CWC, sources said, is taking stock of the party`s loss in Uttar Pradesh, the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat - Raebareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi - in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi, who was the MP from Amethi since 2004, lost to Union Minister Smriti Irani. The party put up a poor show in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had won the Assembly elections just five months ago. In the 2014 general election, the Congress had won 44 seats, the lowest score in its history. It has improved its tally marginally by 8 to reach 52 seats in the 2019 polls. Meanwhile, the chiefs of party units in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have offered to resign from their post accepting responsibility for Congress` poor performance.

Congress dismisses talk of Rahul Gandhi's resignation

BJP leader Smriti Irani who emerged as the giant killer of Lok Sabha election 2019 by defeating Congress president Rahul Gandhi in his family bastion of Amethi said on Friday that her fight was not personal but she was only trying to secure a win for the party in the Lok Sabha constituency.

My fight with Rahul Gandhi not personal, was only trying to secure win for BJP, says Smriti Irani

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-narendra-modi-likely-to-take-oath-as-prime-minister-on-may-30-221221">PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony</a>. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30. WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian government sources have said, "At the moment, we have no information on this matter. &nbsp;We will share details with the media once a decision is taken."

During the first tenure of his government, PM Modi had visited all South Asian countries. Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka saw multiple visits. Last year, all 10 heads of the ASEAN countries were invited for the Republic Day celebration.

Pakistan still hasn't received the invite for the oath-taking ceremony.

In 2014, PM Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries for his oath-taking ceremony. These included PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and speaker of Bangladesh's PM Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.&nbsp;

Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office as she was re-elected last year, rest all the countries have seen a change in government.&nbsp;

It is still not clear if leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe, France's Emmanuel Macron and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the oath-taking ceremony. All these leaders had called PM Modi to congratulate him on his re-election. &nbsp;

Isreal is still in the government formation mode. Netanyahu has been given a mandate by the president to try and form a government and as of now, a coalition hasn't been finalised.

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30.

India has started sending out invites to neighbouring countries and ASEAN nations for PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony. The ceremony is likely to take place on May 30. WION has learnt that Sri Lankan President's office has confirmed to media that President Maithripala Sirisena will be attending the oath-taking ceremony. This is in line with the Modi government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and "Act East" policy as well as its growing focus on the BIMSTEC grouping. Meanwhile, Indian government sources have said, "At the moment, we have no information on this matter. We will share details with the media once a decision is taken." During the first tenure of his government, PM Modi had visited all South Asian countries. Countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka saw multiple visits. Last year, all 10 heads of the ASEAN countries were invited for the Republic Day celebration. Pakistan still hasn't received the invite for the oath-taking ceremony. In 2014, PM Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries for his oath-taking ceremony. These included PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and speaker of Bangladesh's PM Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office as she was re-elected last year, rest all the countries have seen a change in government. It is still not clear if leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe, France's Emmanuel Macron and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the oath-taking ceremony. All these leaders had called PM Modi to congratulate him on his re-election. Isreal is still in the government formation mode. Netanyahu has been given a mandate by the president to try and form a government and as of now, a coalition hasn't been finalised.

India begins sending out invites to foreign leaders for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not in attendancein the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held here on Saturday. Watch full video to know more.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath skips crucial CWC meet

Congress'&nbsp;Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It was reported that Gandhi offered his resignation during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-elections-2019-congress-may-introspect-poll-debacle-in-cwc-meeting-today-221445">Working Committee (CWC) meeting</a>&nbsp;earlier today and that the resignation was rejected by the top brass.&nbsp;

Rumours of the Congress chief stepping down started doing the rounds soon after the party tasted a bitter defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

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Sources: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers his resignation at CWC, but it has not been accepted by the Committee. <a href="https://t.co/Imw1m4ypbQ">pic.twitter.com/Imw1m4ypbQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1132179316924567554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met today to discuss the reason for the party's debacle.

The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not present at the crucial CWC meeting in New Delhi today.

The meeting saw Congress bigwigs in attendance including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among other notable and veteran leaders.&nbsp;

Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/focus-is-now-on-the-next-five-years-team-will-deliver-better-pm-modi-221500">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>-led Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide win in the general elections bagging over 300 seats.

The Congress party, on the other hand, drew a blank in 18 states, including some of the prominent regions in the Hindi heartland of the country.&nbsp;

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported.

Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday rubbished reports of Rahul Gandhi stepping down as party chief, adding that the Working Committee meeting is underway, news agency ANI reported. It was reported that Gandhi offered his resignation during the Working Committee (CWC) meeting earlier today and that the resignation was rejected by the top brass. Rumours of the Congress chief stepping down started doing the rounds soon after the party tasted a bitter defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. Sources: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers his resignation at CWC, but it has not been accepted by the Committee. pic.twitter.com/Imw1m4ypbQ — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2019 × The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met today to discuss the reason for the party's debacle. The CWC is also expected to take stock of the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it was reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was not present at the crucial CWC meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting saw Congress bigwigs in attendance including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, AICC general secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among other notable and veteran leaders. Congress, despite extensive campaigning by its president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, was decimated to a single seat in Uttar Pradesh - Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Amethi seat since 2004, lost to BJP's Smriti Irani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party registered a landslide win in the general elections bagging over 300 seats. The Congress party, on the other hand, drew a blank in 18 states, including some of the prominent regions in the Hindi heartland of the country.

Congress rubbishes reports of Rahul Gandhi's resignation as party chief

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-a-neck-and-neck-battle-smriti-irani-defeats-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221025">Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections</a> by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.

Irani was leading by 468514 votes to register a win in the political hotbed of Amethi.

Soon after Congress President Rahul Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible."

From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted.

The 43-year-old made a mark in the world of entertainment by playing the pivotal role in Ekta Kapoor's show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi', one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history.

By the time she announced her decision to step into Indian politics and joined BJP back in 2003, her acting career had already made Smriti a household name.

While she was respected by many for her acting skills, Smriti as a politician had a rough time proving herself. The fact that she couldn't manage to win even a single election in her career, including losing to Kapil Sibal in Chandni Chowk in 2004 to losing Amethi to Rahul Gandhi in 2014, did not work in her favour.

Adding another hurdle to her already unsteady political career, Smriti also came under the scanner for provided contradictory information about her educational qualifications in the affidavits she filed for elections in 2004, 2011 and 2014.

During her journey as a politician, Smriti has also faced her share of sexist remarks in the world of politics dominated by male leaders. From snide comments about her former years in the show business to some extremely distastefully personal remarks, she endured it all.

Sanjay Nirumpam, former President of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, had once, during a TV debate, said to Irani, "Aap to TV pe thumke lagati thi, aaj chunavi visleshak ban gayi!" (You once danced for TV, and now you have become a psephologist?).

Earlier in April, Congress ally and PRP leader Jaydeep Kawade said that the size of the Smriti's bindi denotes the number of husbands she has.

In spite of all the hurdles, Smriti kept on moving forward. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Smriti locked horns with Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi.

While she ended up losing in the constituency, BJP emerged victoriously and formed the government in the centre. Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India and Smriti was appointed as the Minister of HR Development in the cabinet.

However, in 2016, following the controversy about her education qualification, the HRD Ministry was taken away from Irani, and she was given the Ministry of Textiles instead.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi Loses Cong Baston Amethi

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This change in the title did not keep her from working hard. In 2017, when M Venkaiah Naidu resigned as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smriti was given the charge of the ministry.

In spite of all the drama in her life as a politician, Smriti is one of the few Indian politicians who appreciated for their witty and funny Social media updates. From sharing memes about trending issues, to giving a hilarious twist to her own life updates, Smriti's Instagram feed has posts that common people relate to.

As BJP started gearing up for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti's eyes were sent on Amethi. Determined to defeat Rahul this time, she tirelessly campaigned throughout the constituency urging and convincing people to vote for BJP.

Up until today, Amethi had always been a nightmare for a non-congress politician who dared to contest from the constituency.

The Gandhi family established a bond with the people of Amethi back in 1977, when Sanjay Gandhi first came to contest for the parliamentary election from here. Since then, Amethi became a bastion of the Gandhi family, a relationship that lasted for decades.

Amethi did not fall into Smriti's hands overnight. The victory is a result of countless rallies, road shows and speeches, during which she exhausted her lungs listing all the reasons why people of Amethi should not vote for Congress, like they do every time, and give her a chance

While Rahul did give her a tough competition, the voters of Amethi have made a choice and for the first time in decades, it is not Congress.

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades. Irani was leading by 468514 votes to register a win in the political hotbed of Amethi. Soon after Congress President Rahul Gandhi conceded defeat and congratulated her, Irani tweeted a line out of Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar. "Kaun kehta hai aasmaan mein suraakh nahin ho sakata", she tweeted. It translates to mean "Nothing is impossible." From featuring in one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history, to tirelessly campaigning through the streets of Amethi, it was a long journey for the actor-turned-politician. Needless to say, she has owned every bit of the success she has tasted. The 43-year-old made a mark in the world of entertainment by playing the pivotal role in Ekta Kapoor's show 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi', one of the most watched soap operas in Indian history. By the time she announced her decision to step into Indian politics and joined BJP back in 2003, her acting career had already made Smriti a household name. While she was respected by many for her acting skills, Smriti as a politician had a rough time proving herself. The fact that she couldn't manage to win even a single election in her career, including losing to Kapil Sibal in Chandni Chowk in 2004 to losing Amethi to Rahul Gandhi in 2014, did not work in her favour. Adding another hurdle to her already unsteady political career, Smriti also came under the scanner for provided contradictory information about her educational qualifications in the affidavits she filed for elections in 2004, 2011 and 2014. During her journey as a politician, Smriti has also faced her share of sexist remarks in the world of politics dominated by male leaders. From snide comments about her former years in the show business to some extremely distastefully personal remarks, she endured it all. Sanjay Nirumpam, former President of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, had once, during a TV debate, said to Irani, "Aap to TV pe thumke lagati thi, aaj chunavi visleshak ban gayi!" (You once danced for TV, and now you have become a psephologist?). Earlier in April, Congress ally and PRP leader Jaydeep Kawade said that the size of the Smriti's bindi denotes the number of husbands she has. In spite of all the hurdles, Smriti kept on moving forward. In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Smriti locked horns with Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. While she ended up losing in the constituency, BJP emerged victoriously and formed the government in the centre. Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India and Smriti was appointed as the Minister of HR Development in the cabinet. However, in 2016, following the controversy about her education qualification, the HRD Ministry was taken away from Irani, and she was given the Ministry of Textiles instead. Watch: Rahul Gandhi Loses Cong Baston Amethi This change in the title did not keep her from working hard. In 2017, when M Venkaiah Naidu resigned as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smriti was given the charge of the ministry. In spite of all the drama in her life as a politician, Smriti is one of the few Indian politicians who appreciated for their witty and funny Social media updates. From sharing memes about trending issues, to giving a hilarious twist to her own life updates, Smriti's Instagram feed has posts that common people relate to. As BJP started gearing up for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti's eyes were sent on Amethi. Determined to defeat Rahul this time, she tirelessly campaigned throughout the constituency urging and convincing people to vote for BJP. Up until today, Amethi had always been a nightmare for a non-congress politician who dared to contest from the constituency. The Gandhi family established a bond with the people of Amethi back in 1977, when Sanjay Gandhi first came to contest for the parliamentary election from here. Since then, Amethi became a bastion of the Gandhi family, a relationship that lasted for decades. Amethi did not fall into Smriti's hands overnight. The victory is a result of countless rallies, road shows and speeches, during which she exhausted her lungs listing all the reasons why people of Amethi should not vote for Congress, like they do every time, and give her a chance While Rahul did give her a tough competition, the voters of Amethi have made a choice and for the first time in decades, it is not Congress.

Nothing is impossible: 'Giant slayer' Smriti Irani topples Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

Congress was trounced by Modi’s party in 2014 and reduced to its worst ever showing of 44 seats. It improved on that result on Thursday, but loss of Amethi and the BJP’s penetration of the country’s east, north-east and south confirmed that Gandhi’s party has been superseded as India’s only national political force.

Gravitas: Congress off-shoots earn voters trust

The district unit president of the Congress, Yogendra Misra, on Friday resigned, taking responsibility for the defeat of party president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi.

Gravitas: Rahul Gandhi loses in his bastion

Narendra Modi relected as India's PM with a heavy mandate. The stats are very huge and sweeps away each and every opposition party in India. Looks like today India shows that they had choose development over the 'Dynasty' rule.

Gravitas: India rejects dynastic politics

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/elections-in-india-an-inspiration-around-the-world-us-221140">Elections in India an inspiration around the world: US</a>

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/nothing-is-impossible-giantslayer-smriti-irani-topples-rahul-gandhi-in-amethi-221132">Nothing is impossible: 'Giantslayer' Smriti Irani topples Rahul Gandhi in Amethi</a>

Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-proves-sceptics-wrong-with-stunning-performance-in-hindi-heartland-221136">BJP proves sceptics wrong with stunning performance in Hindi heartland</a>

The BJP repeated it superlative performance in five key Hindi-speaking states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as the party along with its allies not only bagged or was leading in 165 out of 185 Lok Sabha seats, but also enjoyed a massive vote swing in its favour.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-17-new-espionage-charges-against-wikileaks-julian-assange-221127">US announces 17 new espionage charges against Wikileaks' Julian Assange</a>

The US Justice Department unveiled 17 new criminal charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Thursday, saying he unlawfully published the names of classified sources and conspired with and assisted ex-Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in obtaining access to classified information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-holds-first-gay-marriages-in-historic-day-for-asia-221142">Taiwan holds first gay marriages in historic day for Asia</a>

Taiwan's first official same-sex weddings kicked off Friday in a landmark moment for LGBT rights in Asia as gay couples took the historic step of registering as married, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality.

Elections in India an inspiration around the world: US Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world.

Elections in India an inspiration around the world: US Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, the United States has said that the just-concluded elections in India, the largest democratic exercise in human history, is an inspiration for people around the world. Nothing is impossible: 'Giantslayer' Smriti Irani topples Rahul Gandhi in Amethi Putting an end to Amethi's decades-long-relationship with Congress, Smriti Irani has emerged as the star of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by giving Rahul Gandhi a run for his money in a constituency which was considered a bastion of the Gandhi family for decades. BJP proves sceptics wrong with stunning performance in Hindi heartland The BJP repeated it superlative performance in five key Hindi-speaking states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as the party along with its allies not only bagged or was leading in 165 out of 185 Lok Sabha seats, but also enjoyed a massive vote swing in its favour. US announces 17 new espionage charges against Wikileaks' Julian Assange The US Justice Department unveiled 17 new criminal charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Thursday, saying he unlawfully published the names of classified sources and conspired with and assisted ex-Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in obtaining access to classified information. Taiwan holds first gay marriages in historic day for Asia Taiwan's first official same-sex weddings kicked off Friday in a landmark moment for LGBT rights in Asia as gay couples took the historic step of registering as married, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality.

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