Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-pm-narendra-modi-lost-but-rahul-gandhi-did-not-win-183412">tore into Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> for saying he made "a woman"&nbsp;defend him in Parliament over the Rafale deal, a reference to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, terming the remark as an insult to all women in the country.

Mounting a fresh offensive against the Congress as well as the SP and the BSP at rallies in Solapur in Maharashtra and Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Modi also called himself a chowkidar (watchman) who can pick out a wrongdoer even in darkness in his fight against corruption.

Modi said his "safai" (clean-up) mission to uproot corruption has made the opposition parties scared of the chowkidar that even arch-rivals SP and the BSP are coming together to throw him out of power. Modi referred to himself by the term 'chowkidar' Rahul Gandhi often uses while targeting the prime minister.

Calling Modi a prime minister who claimed to have a broad chest, Gandhi said he had "run away" from the debate in Parliament on the Rafale deal last week.

The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman Ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me, Gandhi said at a farmers' rally in Jaipur.

In his public meeting a few hours later in Agra, Modi accused Congress leaders of insulting all women in the country.

Modi said Sitharaman had floored the Opposition in the Lok Sabha by coming up with "fact after fact" on the Rafale deal.

"They are bent upon insulting a woman defence minister," he said, without naming Gandhi.

"This is not an insult to a woman, but an insult to entire India's women power, for which these irresponsible leaders will have to pay the price."

The prime minister said it was a matter of pride that a woman had become defence minister for the first time in the country.

Targeting the Congress, Modi asked it to clarify what was driving its relentless allegations on the Rafale fighter jet procurement issue.

Modi also latched on to media reports that claimed that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi-role aircraft deal.

"During the earlier (UPA) regime, the middlemen culture had become a part of the system. They had snatched the rights of the poor and also played with the security of the nation," Modi said, adding Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well.

"He (Michel) has made a shocking revelation. As per media reports, he was not just involved in the (AgustaWestland) chopper deal but also involved in the deal relating to the fighter planes (Rafale), when the earlier government was in power," Modi said.

"Media says that Michel was also lobbying for some other company. Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel. They should give an account of each and every penny spent," he said. Congress did not immediately react to Modi's remark.

He also said that 'Michel mama' the 'confidence' is in the custody of country and that the Congress is worried that he might reveal secrets.

"Do you support the chowkidar," Modi asked the crowd at the Solapur rally.&nbsp;

"Was the deal stopped then because of Michel mama's 'saudebaazi' (deals)," he said, apparently referring to the 126 jet plan that didn't materialise.

Calling himself a chowkidar, Modi said he has undertaken a "safai" (clean-up) mission to uproot corruption and that he cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly.

"Modi is made up of different mettle. He cannot be bought nor can anyone scare him. I will take an account of every single penny. This chowkidar doesn't sleep and can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness. They may continue abusing me but I will not stop my mission to uproot corruption," the prime minister said.

In Agra, Modi hit out at the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party(SP) and the Mayawati-headed Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP), which are in the process of tying up an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, saying political rivals, who did not even like to look at each other, were now coming together just to oppose the BJP.

"Rivals are coming together just to oppose us. Political rivals, who didn't even like to look at each other, are now coming together just to oppose us," he told a public meeting after launching various projects worth Rs 3,907 crore.

"They fear the chowkidar, which is why they want to throw me out of power," Modi said, citing alleged scams in sand and gravel mining in Uttar Pradesh during the separate regimes of these two parties in the state earlier.

"The investigating agencies are seeking an answer from them of their misdeeds and so they are conspiring against the chowkidar...," Modi said, alleging they have now started a cooperation campaign in corruption,"...To hide their scams and corruption (they) are shaking hands...Those who were not ready to see eye to eye are shaking hands for petty political gains and are (also) ready to forget the shameful guest house case and other incidents," Modi said referring to the infamous state guest house incident in 1995. SP workers manhandled Mayawati in the state guest house in Lucknow on June 2, 1995, in a bid to obtain BSP's support for the party's coalition government.

"This is happening only because the chowkidar is awake and is standing in front of them with full honesty...To remove the chowkidar they are collecting all the 'tinkas' and 'tukdas'(straw and broken pieces)," he said.

Modi defended the introduction of the 10 per cent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education, adding the bill's passage in the Lok Sabha is a strong answer to those "spreading lies".

On the Lok Sabha's approval of the Citizenship(Amendment) Bill, seeking to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Modi assured people of Assam and the North-East their rights will not be curtailed in any way.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday tore into Congress president Rahul Gandhi for saying he made "a woman" defend him in Parliament over the Rafale deal, a reference to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, terming the remark as an insult to all women in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday tore into Congress president Rahul Gandhi for saying he made "a woman" defend him in Parliament over the Rafale deal, a reference to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, terming the remark as an insult to all women in the country. Mounting a fresh offensive against the Congress as well as the SP and the BSP at rallies in Solapur in Maharashtra and Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Modi also called himself a chowkidar (watchman) who can pick out a wrongdoer even in darkness in his fight against corruption. Modi said his "safai" (clean-up) mission to uproot corruption has made the opposition parties scared of the chowkidar that even arch-rivals SP and the BSP are coming together to throw him out of power. Modi referred to himself by the term 'chowkidar' Rahul Gandhi often uses while targeting the prime minister. Calling Modi a prime minister who claimed to have a broad chest, Gandhi said he had "run away" from the debate in Parliament on the Rafale deal last week. The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman Ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me, Gandhi said at a farmers' rally in Jaipur. In his public meeting a few hours later in Agra, Modi accused Congress leaders of insulting all women in the country. Modi said Sitharaman had floored the Opposition in the Lok Sabha by coming up with "fact after fact" on the Rafale deal. "They are bent upon insulting a woman defence minister," he said, without naming Gandhi. "This is not an insult to a woman, but an insult to entire India's women power, for which these irresponsible leaders will have to pay the price." The prime minister said it was a matter of pride that a woman had become defence minister for the first time in the country. Targeting the Congress, Modi asked it to clarify what was driving its relentless allegations on the Rafale fighter jet procurement issue. Modi also latched on to media reports that claimed that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi-role aircraft deal. "During the earlier (UPA) regime, the middlemen culture had become a part of the system. They had snatched the rights of the poor and also played with the security of the nation," Modi said, adding Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well. "He (Michel) has made a shocking revelation. As per media reports, he was not just involved in the (AgustaWestland) chopper deal but also involved in the deal relating to the fighter planes (Rafale), when the earlier government was in power," Modi said. "Media says that Michel was also lobbying for some other company. Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel. They should give an account of each and every penny spent," he said. Congress did not immediately react to Modi's remark. He also said that 'Michel mama' the 'confidence' is in the custody of country and that the Congress is worried that he might reveal secrets. "Do you support the chowkidar," Modi asked the crowd at the Solapur rally. "Was the deal stopped then because of Michel mama's 'saudebaazi' (deals)," he said, apparently referring to the 126 jet plan that didn't materialise. Calling himself a chowkidar, Modi said he has undertaken a "safai" (clean-up) mission to uproot corruption and that he cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly. "Modi is made up of different mettle. He cannot be bought nor can anyone scare him. I will take an account of every single penny. This chowkidar doesn't sleep and can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness. They may continue abusing me but I will not stop my mission to uproot corruption," the prime minister said. In Agra, Modi hit out at the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party(SP) and the Mayawati-headed Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP), which are in the process of tying up an alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, saying political rivals, who did not even like to look at each other, were now coming together just to oppose the BJP. "Rivals are coming together just to oppose us. Political rivals, who didn't even like to look at each other, are now coming together just to oppose us," he told a public meeting after launching various projects worth Rs 3,907 crore. "They fear the chowkidar, which is why they want to throw me out of power," Modi said, citing alleged scams in sand and gravel mining in Uttar Pradesh during the separate regimes of these two parties in the state earlier. "The investigating agencies are seeking an answer from them of their misdeeds and so they are conspiring against the chowkidar...," Modi said, alleging they have now started a cooperation campaign in corruption,"...To hide their scams and corruption (they) are shaking hands...Those who were not ready to see eye to eye are shaking hands for petty political gains and are (also) ready to forget the shameful guest house case and other incidents," Modi said referring to the infamous state guest house incident in 1995. SP workers manhandled Mayawati in the state guest house in Lucknow on June 2, 1995, in a bid to obtain BSP's support for the party's coalition government. "This is happening only because the chowkidar is awake and is standing in front of them with full honesty...To remove the chowkidar they are collecting all the 'tinkas' and 'tukdas'(straw and broken pieces)," he said. Modi defended the introduction of the 10 per cent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education, adding the bill's passage in the Lok Sabha is a strong answer to those "spreading lies". On the Lok Sabha's approval of the Citizenship(Amendment) Bill, seeking to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Modi assured people of Assam and the North-East their rights will not be curtailed in any way.

Modi slams Rahul for saying he made 'a woman' defend him in Parliament

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Sunday expressed optimism that the public sector entity's financial condition would improve by the end of the current fiscal.

The state-owned aerospace firm has said to have "taken an overdraft of Rs 962 crore but the situation is expected to improve by end of the financial year" thanks to "anticipated collections."

"In view of the various media along with reports on HAL, following is clarified, HAL has taken overdraft of Rs 962 crore. With anticipated collection up to March, the cash position is expected to improve. Orders for LCA Mk1 A (83) &amp; LCH (15) are in advanced stages," Bangalore-based HAL tweeted.

A political controversy erupted after a media report quoted HAL CMD R Madhavan, saying that after many years, the aerospace company had to borrow close to Rs 1,000 crore as an overdraft.

There were other reports as well, suggesting the HAL was yet to get orders from the Central government.

Earlier on Sunday, the war of words erupted between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, where he accused the Defence Minister of lying in the Parliament about giving orders to HAL and asked her to prove it or resign.

Defence Minister Sitharaman retaliated by showing the documents, which suggested that HAL signed contracts worth Rs 26,570 crore and Rs 73,000 crore worth contracts were in the pipeline for the aerospace firm.&nbsp;

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Sunday expressed optimism that the public sector entity's financial condition would improve by the end of the current fiscal.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Sunday expressed optimism that the public sector entity's financial condition would improve by the end of the current fiscal. The state-owned aerospace firm has said to have "taken an overdraft of Rs 962 crore but the situation is expected to improve by end of the financial year" thanks to "anticipated collections." "In view of the various media along with reports on HAL, following is clarified, HAL has taken overdraft of Rs 962 crore. With anticipated collection up to March, the cash position is expected to improve. Orders for LCA Mk1 A (83) & LCH (15) are in advanced stages," Bangalore-based HAL tweeted. A political controversy erupted after a media report quoted HAL CMD R Madhavan, saying that after many years, the aerospace company had to borrow close to Rs 1,000 crore as an overdraft. There were other reports as well, suggesting the HAL was yet to get orders from the Central government. Earlier on Sunday, the war of words erupted between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, where he accused the Defence Minister of lying in the Parliament about giving orders to HAL and asked her to prove it or resign. Defence Minister Sitharaman retaliated by showing the documents, which suggested that HAL signed contracts worth Rs 26,570 crore and Rs 73,000 crore worth contracts were in the pipeline for the aerospace firm.

HAL expects 'cash position' to improve by end of current fiscal

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told Lok Sabha that "doubts raised" over her statement on HAL contracts are "incorrect and misleading."

The Union Minister added that she had received a&nbsp;confirmation from HAL on contracts signed worth Rs 26,570.80 crore during 2014-18 and other orders in the pipeline worth Rs 73,000 crore.

"I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 crore approx are in the pipeline," she noted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Congress chief took to Twitter on Monday stating that it isn't surprising that HAL doesn't have enough money to pay its own employees.

<img alt="rahul gandhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="013a7172-1a7a-414f-ab93-9ce5a1fa3e78" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rahul%20gandhi%20tweet.JPG" />

Sitharaman's comments came a day after Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-nirmala-sitharaman-hits-back-at-congress-president-says-rahul-gandhi-misleading-nation-188560">Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused her</a> of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).&nbsp;

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Defence Minister in Lok Sabha: I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 Cr approx are in the pipeline <a href="https://t.co/UeWFQ2Gc37">pic.twitter.com/UeWFQ2Gc37</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082166483139076096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power.

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Rahul Gandhi: Today Nirmala Sitharaman lied in parliament.I'm again requesting the Defence minister and PM Modi to answer "did Air Force and Defence ministry senior officers object to your interference in Rafale deal?" Please answer in a "Yes or No." <a href="https://t.co/BcbPCucPeS">pic.twitter.com/BcbPCucPeS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082189673445748736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted out.

Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told Lok Sabha that "doubts raised" over her statement on HAL contracts are "incorrect and misleading." The Union Minister added that she had received a confirmation from HAL on contracts signed worth Rs 26,570.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told Lok Sabha that "doubts raised" over her statement on HAL contracts are "incorrect and misleading." The Union Minister added that she had received a confirmation from HAL on contracts signed worth Rs 26,570.80 crore during 2014-18 and other orders in the pipeline worth Rs 73,000 crore. "I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 crore approx are in the pipeline," she noted. Meanwhile, the Congress chief took to Twitter on Monday stating that it isn't surprising that HAL doesn't have enough money to pay its own employees. Sitharaman's comments came a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Defence Minister in Lok Sabha: I have received confirmation from HAL that contracts during 2014-18 worth Rs 26,570.80 crore have already been signed with HAL. Orders worth Rs 73,000 Cr approx are in the pipeline pic.twitter.com/UeWFQ2Gc37 — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power. Rahul Gandhi: Today Nirmala Sitharaman lied in parliament.I'm again requesting the Defence minister and PM Modi to answer "did Air Force and Defence ministry senior officers object to your interference in Rafale deal?" Please answer in a "Yes or No." pic.twitter.com/BcbPCucPeS — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × “It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted out. Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign, news agency PTI reported. Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”. (With inputs from PTI)

Doubts raised incorrect and misleading: Sitharaman over HAL statement in Parliament 

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday hit back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi after he accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).&nbsp;

In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power.

“It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted.

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It's a shame that the president of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> is misleading the nation. 
 
HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. 
 
Will <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> apologise to the country from the floor of the house? <a href="https://t.co/KIQsWikByG">pic.twitter.com/KIQsWikByG</a>
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1081866784289026048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign.

Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”.

The media report cited senior HAL management officials in order to back its claim. The Congress has been targeting the government, alleging that it denied the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) an offset contract under the Rafale fighter jets deal with France, a charge the government has denied.

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When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. 
 
In her eagerness to defend the PM's Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament. 
 
Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. 
 
Or resign. <a href="https://t.co/dYafyklH9o">pic.twitter.com/dYafyklH9o</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1081828418805813248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has accused the Congress of not supporting HAL during its rule and asserted that the government is now strengthening the defence public sector undertaking.

“When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. In her eagerness to defend the PM’s Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament,” Gandhi tweeted.

“Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. Or resign,” he said.

Gandhi had on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “weakening” HAL to help his “suit-boot” friend.

His criticism followed a media report which claimed that HAL, grappling with low finances, was forced to borrow Rs 1,000 crore to pay salaries to its employees for the first time in years.

Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted on Sunday: “The Lying Defence Minister’s Lies Get Exposed! Defence Minister claimed that procurement orders worth Rs 1 Lakh Crore provided to HAL! HAL says Not a SINGLE PAISA has come, as Not a SINGLE ORDER has been signed!”

“For the first time, HAL forced to take a loan of Rs1000 Cr to pay salaries!,” he added.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday hit back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi after he accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday hit back at Congress President Rahul Gandhi after he accused her of lying in Parliament about procurement orders worth Rs 1 lakh crore for state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In her counteroffensive, Sitharaman said it was a matter of “shame” that the Congress president was misleading the country on the issue. She also tweeted details of the contract awarded to HAL since 2014 when the BJP came to power. “It’s a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house?” the defence minister tweeted. It's a shame that the president of @INCIndia is misleading the nation. HAL has signed contracts worth Rs 26570.8 Cr (Between 2014 and 2018) and contracts worth Rs 73000 Cr are in the pipeline. Will @RahulGandhi apologise to the country from the floor of the house? pic.twitter.com/KIQsWikByG — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) January 6, 2019 × Earlier, Gandhi alleged that she “lied” in Parliament that government orders worth Rs one lakh crore were provided to HAL while demanding that she should either place the documents in support of her statement in the House or resign. Gandhi’s attack came after a media report claimed that “not a single rupee of the said Rs 1 lakh crore has come to HAL, since not a single order, as claimed, has been signed till now”. The media report cited senior HAL management officials in order to back its claim. The Congress has been targeting the government, alleging that it denied the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) an offset contract under the Rafale fighter jets deal with France, a charge the government has denied. When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. In her eagerness to defend the PM's Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament. Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. Or resign. pic.twitter.com/dYafyklH9o — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 6, 2019 × The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has accused the Congress of not supporting HAL during its rule and asserted that the government is now strengthening the defence public sector undertaking. “When you tell one lie, you need to keep spinning out more lies, to cover up the first one. In her eagerness to defend the PM’s Rafale lie, the RM lied to Parliament,” Gandhi tweeted. “Tomorrow, RM must place before Parliament documents showing 1 Lakh crore of Govt orders to HAL. Or resign,” he said. Gandhi had on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “weakening” HAL to help his “suit-boot” friend. His criticism followed a media report which claimed that HAL, grappling with low finances, was forced to borrow Rs 1,000 crore to pay salaries to its employees for the first time in years. Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted on Sunday: “The Lying Defence Minister’s Lies Get Exposed! Defence Minister claimed that procurement orders worth Rs 1 Lakh Crore provided to HAL! HAL says Not a SINGLE PAISA has come, as Not a SINGLE ORDER has been signed!” “For the first time, HAL forced to take a loan of Rs1000 Cr to pay salaries!,” he added.

Rafale deal: Nirmala Sitharaman hits back at Rahul Gandhi after his dare, says he is 'misleading the nation'

The BJP Saturday claimed that it was in possession of a letter allegedly written by middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which reveals the "saga of Rome and RaGa".

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra in a press conference read out the "letter" from Michel to AgustaWestland in which he wrote that "all the hurdles in the way of the deal have been dealt with".

"Christian Michel had written thousands of letters in the form of dispatches that were sent despite he living in India. When he was in India as a 'dalal' and middleman, he used to write letters to AgustaWestland's CEO.

"Our agencies have managed to procure some of these letters. We have accessed one such letter through the media. The letter will reveal the story behind the saga of Rome and RaGa," he said.

Patra said Michel stressed that no publicity about the deal is done in Italy.

"Can Rome be asked to cooperate? By any cost, by any cost, pressure must be built on Rome's government to not create any publicity in Italy with regard to this. Not many people in Italy should be aware of this deal. Hurdles in the way of clearing the files have been removed," the BJP spokesperson quoted Michel saying in the letter, dated July 31, 2009.

Patra wondered why Michel did not want to publicise the deal in Italy after it was finalised.

"So that the bribe givers are not harassed in Italy," he reasoned.

Patra alleged that Michel had even access to cabinet meetings.

"Cabinet meetings on security are closed-door meetings and this man knew exactly what was going on in there," he alleged.&nbsp;

He also alleged that in the letter Michel had written that a Congress leader would talk to the then Finance minister if he created any further issues with the clearance of the deal.

The BJP Saturday claimed that it was in possession of a letter allegedly written by middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which reveals the "saga of Rome and RaGa".

The BJP Saturday claimed that it was in possession of a letter allegedly written by middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, which reveals the "saga of Rome and RaGa". BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra in a press conference read out the "letter" from Michel to AgustaWestland in which he wrote that "all the hurdles in the way of the deal have been dealt with". "Christian Michel had written thousands of letters in the form of dispatches that were sent despite he living in India. When he was in India as a 'dalal' and middleman, he used to write letters to AgustaWestland's CEO. "Our agencies have managed to procure some of these letters. We have accessed one such letter through the media. The letter will reveal the story behind the saga of Rome and RaGa," he said. Patra said Michel stressed that no publicity about the deal is done in Italy. "Can Rome be asked to cooperate? By any cost, by any cost, pressure must be built on Rome's government to not create any publicity in Italy with regard to this. Not many people in Italy should be aware of this deal. Hurdles in the way of clearing the files have been removed," the BJP spokesperson quoted Michel saying in the letter, dated July 31, 2009. Patra wondered why Michel did not want to publicise the deal in Italy after it was finalised. "So that the bribe givers are not harassed in Italy," he reasoned. Patra alleged that Michel had even access to cabinet meetings. "Cabinet meetings on security are closed-door meetings and this man knew exactly what was going on in there," he alleged. He also alleged that in the letter Michel had written that a Congress leader would talk to the then Finance minister if he created any further issues with the clearance of the deal.

Have letter which reveals 'saga of Rome and RaGa' in AgustaWestland deal: BJP

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation and GST, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dubbed him as an "incompetent man who listens to nobody".

The Congress president accused Modi of destroying India's growth story through these two measures.

"Congress built the India growth story. Modi has used demonetisation and the Gabbar Singh Tax to completely destroy it. He's an incompetent man who listens to nobody," Gandhi tweeted, citing a media report.

The report claimed that demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax were headed to look like bigger failures (than they actually are) due to flow of black money and tax evasion.

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation and GST, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dubbed him as an "incompetent man who listens to nobody".

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation and GST, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dubbed him as an "incompetent man who listens to nobody". The Congress president accused Modi of destroying India's growth story through these two measures. "Congress built the India growth story. Modi has used demonetisation and the Gabbar Singh Tax to completely destroy it. He's an incompetent man who listens to nobody," Gandhi tweeted, citing a media report. The report claimed that demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax were headed to look like bigger failures (than they actually are) due to flow of black money and tax evasion.

Narendra Modi an 'incompetent man' who listens to nobody: Rahul Gandhi

The Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress will be contesting together in upcoming Lok Sabha elections, NCP leader Praful Patel said on Saturday.

"We have decided that NCP and Congress will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together on 40 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra," Patel said.

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Praful Patel, NCP: We have decided that NCP &amp; Congress will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections together on 40 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. However, a decision is yet to be taken for the remaining 8 Lok Sabha seats of the state. <a href="https://t.co/INMjJj9gxr">pic.twitter.com/INMjJj9gxr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081391025787088896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"However, a decision is yet to be taken for the remaining 8 Lok Sabha seats of the state," he added.

Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh's 80.

In December, NCP president Sharad Pawar had also confirmed that his party and Congress have reached consensus on sharing 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats.

"We have decided the seat-sharing on 40 seats, still, eight are left. If any consensus is not reached on remaining eight seats then the final decision will be taken by the two party chiefs in New Delhi," ANI reported Pawar as saying.

During 2014 general elections, the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress had fielded political contenders for 27 constituencies in Maharashtra, while the Pawar-led NCP had contested on 21 seats. Earlier, the seat sharing was fixed at 26:22, but later the NCP decided not to contest from the Hatkanangale constituency as it did not have any contender.&nbsp;

This seat was later contested by the Congress.

Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh's 80.

The Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress will be contesting together in upcoming Lok Sabha elections, NCP leader Praful Patel said on Saturday. "We have decided that NCP and Congress will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together on 40 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra," Patel said. Praful Patel, NCP: We have decided that NCP & Congress will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections together on 40 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. However, a decision is yet to be taken for the remaining 8 Lok Sabha seats of the state. pic.twitter.com/INMjJj9gxr — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2019 × "However, a decision is yet to be taken for the remaining 8 Lok Sabha seats of the state," he added. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh's 80. In December, NCP president Sharad Pawar had also confirmed that his party and Congress have reached consensus on sharing 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats. "We have decided the seat-sharing on 40 seats, still, eight are left. If any consensus is not reached on remaining eight seats then the final decision will be taken by the two party chiefs in New Delhi," ANI reported Pawar as saying. During 2014 general elections, the Rahul Gandhi-led Congress had fielded political contenders for 27 constituencies in Maharashtra, while the Pawar-led NCP had contested on 21 seats. Earlier, the seat sharing was fixed at 26:22, but later the NCP decided not to contest from the Hatkanangale constituency as it did not have any contender. This seat was later contested by the Congress.

NCP, Congress to contest Lok Sabha polls together in Maharashtra: Praful Patel

Months before the general election, Congress' Delhi chief Ajay Maken resigned from the post on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.

"It was not easy to step down in difficult circumstances. I thank you all for everything," said Maken on Twitter following his resignation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Since 2015 Assembly elections, as the chief of Delhi Congress unit, I have received huge support from Congress party workers, the media covering the party and Rahul Gandhi. It was not easy to step down in difficult circumstances. I thank you all for everything," also said," Maken tweeted.

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2015 विधान सभा के उपरान्त- 
बतौर <a href="https://twitter.com/INCDelhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCDelhi</a> अध्यक्ष-पिछले 4 वर्षों से,दिल्ली कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ताओं द्वारा,कांग्रेस कवर करने वाली मीडिया द्वारा,एवं हमारे नेता <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> जी द्वारा,मुझे अपार स्नेह तथा सहयोग मिला है। 
 
इन कठिन परिस्थितियों में यह आसान नहीं था! इसके लिए ह्रदय से आभार!
— Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaymaken/status/1081013607855472640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to the report, Maken had met party President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday to submit his resignation which is believed to be due to health reasons.

Gandhi has accepted his resignation, according to reports.

According to a report by PTI,&nbsp;former chief minister Sheila Dikshit could replace Maken as the Congress's Delhi unit president. She has maintained that the party high command's decision on alliance will be accepted by her.

Congress leaders Yoganand Shastri, Rajkumar Chauhan, Haroon Yusuf and Chatar Singh could also be considered for the post of the party's Delhi unit chief, the sources said.

Maken has been serving as the Delhi chief from since 2015 as he replaced Arvinder Singh Lovely.

Maken has served as the Congress General Secretary until 2015 when he resigned after the party's failure to win any seat in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly election. However, he later joined back after Rahul Gandhi who was&nbsp;then vice president asked him to continue.

In September this year, there were media reports saying that Maken has resigned from the party. But, the reports were later denied by the party saying that he had "temporarily stepped down" because of health problems.

Following the resignation, Maken said, 'It was not easy to step down in difficult circumstances. I thank you all for everything,' on Twitter.

Months before the general election, Congress' Delhi chief Ajay Maken resigned from the post on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. "It was not easy to step down in difficult circumstances. I thank you all for everything," said Maken on Twitter following his resignation. "Since 2015 Assembly elections, as the chief of Delhi Congress unit, I have received huge support from Congress party workers, the media covering the party and Rahul Gandhi. It was not easy to step down in difficult circumstances. I thank you all for everything," also said," Maken tweeted. 2015 विधान सभा के उपरान्त- बतौर @INCDelhi अध्यक्ष-पिछले 4 वर्षों से,दिल्ली कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ताओं द्वारा,कांग्रेस कवर करने वाली मीडिया द्वारा,एवं हमारे नेता @RahulGandhi जी द्वारा,मुझे अपार स्नेह तथा सहयोग मिला है। इन कठिन परिस्थितियों में यह आसान नहीं था! इसके लिए ह्रदय से आभार! — Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) January 4, 2019 × According to the report, Maken had met party President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday to submit his resignation which is believed to be due to health reasons. Gandhi has accepted his resignation, according to reports. According to a report by PTI, former chief minister Sheila Dikshit could replace Maken as the Congress's Delhi unit president. She has maintained that the party high command's decision on alliance will be accepted by her. Congress leaders Yoganand Shastri, Rajkumar Chauhan, Haroon Yusuf and Chatar Singh could also be considered for the post of the party's Delhi unit chief, the sources said. Maken has been serving as the Delhi chief from since 2015 as he replaced Arvinder Singh Lovely. Maken has served as the Congress General Secretary until 2015 when he resigned after the party's failure to win any seat in the 2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly election. However, he later joined back after Rahul Gandhi who was then vice president asked him to continue. In September this year, there were media reports saying that Maken has resigned from the party. But, the reports were later denied by the party saying that he had "temporarily stepped down" because of health problems.

Ajay Maken resigns as Delhi Congress chief

A day after Rahul Gandhi referred to a journalist as "pliable" and accused her of having a soft stance towards PM Modi while interviewing him, his comments made rounds on the internet drawing criticism from the centre and several media organistaions.

Addressing a press conference after PM Modi's interview to news agency ANI, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday termed the ANI Editor Smita Prakash who was interviewing PM Modi as " pliable journalist".

He even claimed that the interviewer was asking questions and at the same time was also answering it.

Gandhi's comments ignited the netizens and the media fraternity who responded in huge numbers.

Expressing concern over his comments, Editors Guild of India stated, "labelling of journalists has emerged as a favourite tactic on the part of the establishment to discredit, delegitimise and intimidate them".

The Guild further cited events from the past and added, "We have seen our political class use this for some time now. In the recent past, top BJP leaders, as well as those of AAP, have used unambiguously abusive expressions such as 'presstitute', news traders, 'bazaaru' (saleable commodities) or 'dalals' (pimps) for journalists."

The Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps and Press Association also issued a joint statement separately, saying the media expects "restraint from political class".

They further called the terms used against media as "inappropriate" and something that "lower the dignity of discourse". 
 
Though the attack on a journalist is not new in our country, the criticism and the outrage against the inappropriate comment against media personnel is quite unprecedented. 
 
Journalists have time and again been a subject of criticism and attack by the people in power, be it centre or the opposition. 
 
Anything that does not goes down well with the people in power from any fraternity, politics, entertainment or sports, is often termed as false and fabricated.&nbsp; 
 
The fraternity which is supposed to act as the fourth pillar in the democracy is often mocked for questioning and doing its job. In an extreme case, the country also witnessed an era of censorship where the power had hampered press freedom.

The situation is not restricted to a single country as journalists are often disliked for questioning the powerful almost everywhere.

US President Donald Trump has time and again termed the media as "fake". Recently he even bashed and ridiculed a CNN journalist during a press conference.&nbsp;

Trump is frequently known for criticising the reporters who question him. According to reports,&nbsp;CNN and Jim Acosta, in particular, have been regular targets of the president.

A more severe consequence for questioning the power was borne by Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was brutally killed for criticising the Saudi royal family. Khashoggi, who was on a self-imposed exile in the United States, was murdered inside the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul allegedly at the behest of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

A day after Rahul Gandhi referred to a journalist as "pliable" and accused her of having a soft stance towards PM Modi while interviewing him, his comments made rounds on the internet drawing criticism from the centre and several media organistaions.

A day after Rahul Gandhi referred to a journalist as "pliable" and accused her of having a soft stance towards PM Modi while interviewing him, his comments made rounds on the internet drawing criticism from the centre and several media organistaions. Addressing a press conference after PM Modi's interview to news agency ANI, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday termed the ANI Editor Smita Prakash who was interviewing PM Modi as " pliable journalist". He even claimed that the interviewer was asking questions and at the same time was also answering it. Gandhi's comments ignited the netizens and the media fraternity who responded in huge numbers. Expressing concern over his comments, Editors Guild of India stated, "labelling of journalists has emerged as a favourite tactic on the part of the establishment to discredit, delegitimise and intimidate them". The Guild further cited events from the past and added, "We have seen our political class use this for some time now. In the recent past, top BJP leaders, as well as those of AAP, have used unambiguously abusive expressions such as 'presstitute', news traders, 'bazaaru' (saleable commodities) or 'dalals' (pimps) for journalists." The Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps and Press Association also issued a joint statement separately, saying the media expects "restraint from political class". They further called the terms used against media as "inappropriate" and something that "lower the dignity of discourse". Though the attack on a journalist is not new in our country, the criticism and the outrage against the inappropriate comment against media personnel is quite unprecedented. Journalists have time and again been a subject of criticism and attack by the people in power, be it centre or the opposition. Anything that does not goes down well with the people in power from any fraternity, politics, entertainment or sports, is often termed as false and fabricated. The fraternity which is supposed to act as the fourth pillar in the democracy is often mocked for questioning and doing its job. In an extreme case, the country also witnessed an era of censorship where the power had hampered press freedom. The situation is not restricted to a single country as journalists are often disliked for questioning the powerful almost everywhere. US President Donald Trump has time and again termed the media as "fake". Recently he even bashed and ridiculed a CNN journalist during a press conference. Trump is frequently known for criticising the reporters who question him. According to reports, CNN and Jim Acosta, in particular, have been regular targets of the president. A more severe consequence for questioning the power was borne by Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was brutally killed for criticising the Saudi royal family. Khashoggi, who was on a self-imposed exile in the United States, was murdered inside the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul allegedly at the behest of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How free is the fourth pillar of democracy?

Union minister Smriti Irani Friday asked why Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "silent" when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath had said that people from UP and Bihar get employment in MP at the cost of the local population.

"Why was Rahul silent when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath spoke against people from UP and Bihar working in that state? How will he look into the eyes of people in Amethi today?" she said, ahead of Gandhi's visit to his Lok Sabha constituency.

Irani was on a day's visit to Amethi, about 140km from the state capital Lucknow.

For her visit, local BJP leaders had put up posters seeking an explanation from the Congress president on Kamal Nath's statement on workers from UP and Bihar.

One of the posters carried a collage of newspaper clippings of his statement.

Similarly for Gandhi's visit scheduled later in the day, Congress workers had put up posters praising him over the party's victories in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The visit was cancelled as Gandhi was in Lok Sabha for a debate on the Rafale jet controversy.

"Teen rajyon ki jeet ke baad swagat (Welcome after victory in three states," read a poster. Another said, "Amethi ke MP, 2019 ke PM (Amethi MP is future PM)."

Irani had unsuccessfully contested against Gandhi in the 2014 Lok Sabha election and they are likely to fight again from Amethi in the general election later this year.

Soon after being sworn in as Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Kamal Nath had announced a new state government policy under which industries availing investment incentives will need to give 70 per cent employment to the local youth.

He had said, "Lot of industries are set up in which people from other states, like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, come to work. I do not want to criticise them, but the youth of Madhya Pradesh are deprived (of jobs).

"So those who want to come here and take advantage of the investment policies will have to give employment to 70 per cent locals of Madhya Pradesh," he had said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had hit out at Kamal Nath. Congress legislature party leader Ajay Kumar 'Lalu' had said the statement was "misinterpreted."

Union minister Smriti Irani Friday asked why Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "silent" when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath had said that people from UP and Bihar get employment in MP at the cost of the local population.

Union minister Smriti Irani Friday asked why Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "silent" when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath had said that people from UP and Bihar get employment in MP at the cost of the local population. "Why was Rahul silent when Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath spoke against people from UP and Bihar working in that state? How will he look into the eyes of people in Amethi today?" she said, ahead of Gandhi's visit to his Lok Sabha constituency. Irani was on a day's visit to Amethi, about 140km from the state capital Lucknow. For her visit, local BJP leaders had put up posters seeking an explanation from the Congress president on Kamal Nath's statement on workers from UP and Bihar. One of the posters carried a collage of newspaper clippings of his statement. Similarly for Gandhi's visit scheduled later in the day, Congress workers had put up posters praising him over the party's victories in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The visit was cancelled as Gandhi was in Lok Sabha for a debate on the Rafale jet controversy. "Teen rajyon ki jeet ke baad swagat (Welcome after victory in three states," read a poster. Another said, "Amethi ke MP, 2019 ke PM (Amethi MP is future PM)." Irani had unsuccessfully contested against Gandhi in the 2014 Lok Sabha election and they are likely to fight again from Amethi in the general election later this year. Soon after being sworn in as Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Kamal Nath had announced a new state government policy under which industries availing investment incentives will need to give 70 per cent employment to the local youth. He had said, "Lot of industries are set up in which people from other states, like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, come to work. I do not want to criticise them, but the youth of Madhya Pradesh are deprived (of jobs). "So those who want to come here and take advantage of the investment policies will have to give employment to 70 per cent locals of Madhya Pradesh," he had said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had hit out at Kamal Nath. Congress legislature party leader Ajay Kumar 'Lalu' had said the statement was "misinterpreted."

Why was Rahul 'silent' when Kamal Nath spoke against workers from UP, Bihar: Smriti Irani

The Rafale debate is set to resume in the Parliament today with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expected to lead with the government's response on the matter.

Following a heated argument that unfolded in the Parliament over the controversial deal on Wednesday, Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for posing a list of questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter. Sitharaman called Gandhi 'a student who failed in the classroom.'

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A student who fails in the classroom boasts and challenges from outside. <a href="https://t.co/YOEUIN4JGT">https://t.co/YOEUIN4JGT</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1080493227071877120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"A student who fails in the classroom boasts and challenges from outside," she tweeted.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, tweeted out four questions to PM Modi with respect to the Rafale deal. He asked if the prime minister would show up or send a proxy.

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Tomorrow, the PM faces an Open Book <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleDeal</a> Exam in Parliament. 
 
Here are the exam questions in advance: 
 
Q1. Why 36 aircraft, instead of the 126 the IAF needed? 
 
Q2. Why 1,600 Cr instead of 560 Cr per aircraft. 
 
Q4. Why AA instead of HAL? 
 
Will he show up? Or send a proxy?
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1080484355825373184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-does-not-have-guts-to-come-to-parliament-to-confront-questions-on-rafale-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-187882">Gandhi opened the debate in the Parliament</a> and hit out at the government over Rafale deal. He attacked PM Modi saying his interview to news agency ANI on the first day of the new year was staged.

Gandhi said the PM does not have the guts to face questions on Rafale deal and is "hiding in his room".

He also sought Speaker's permission to play an audio clip wherein a Goa minister is allegedly heard quoting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the latter has Rafale files in his bedroom. However, the Speaker denied him permission after Jaitley stepped in. Rahul then sought to read the transcript of the purported statement.&nbsp;

The Rafale debate is set to resume in the Parliament today with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expected to lead with the government's response on the matter.

The Rafale debate is set to resume in the Parliament today with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expected to lead with the government's response on the matter. Following a heated argument that unfolded in the Parliament over the controversial deal on Wednesday, Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for posing a list of questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter. Sitharaman called Gandhi 'a student who failed in the classroom.' A student who fails in the classroom boasts and challenges from outside. https://t.co/YOEUIN4JGT — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 2, 2019 × "A student who fails in the classroom boasts and challenges from outside," she tweeted. Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, tweeted out four questions to PM Modi with respect to the Rafale deal. He asked if the prime minister would show up or send a proxy. Tomorrow, the PM faces an Open Book #RafaleDeal Exam in Parliament. Here are the exam questions in advance: Q1. Why 36 aircraft, instead of the 126 the IAF needed? Q2. Why 1,600 Cr instead of 560 Cr per aircraft. Q4. Why AA instead of HAL? Will he show up? Or send a proxy? — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 2, 2019 × Earlier on Wednesday, Gandhi opened the debate in the Parliament and hit out at the government over Rafale deal. He attacked PM Modi saying his interview to news agency ANI on the first day of the new year was staged. Gandhi said the PM does not have the guts to face questions on Rafale deal and is "hiding in his room". He also sought Speaker's permission to play an audio clip wherein a Goa minister is allegedly heard quoting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the latter has Rafale files in his bedroom. However, the Speaker denied him permission after Jaitley stepped in. Rahul then sought to read the transcript of the purported statement.

Student who fails in classroom boasts and challenges from outside: Sitharaman on Rahul Gandhi

In pics: War of words over Rafale jet deal - who said what

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">"public versus coalition"</a> contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi.

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He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years.

"I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul.

Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added.

Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections."

Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together."

The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues."

He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people."

Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence."

Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country.

To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly.

"They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said.

"Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said.

He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said.

PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi.

"I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing".

His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi.

In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP.

"Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added.

He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful."

The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma.

"Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added.

Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom."

Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition.

Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot."

Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."&nbsp;

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties. In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014. The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi. × He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years. "I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul. Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added. Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections." Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together." The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues." He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people." Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence." Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country. To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly. "They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said. "Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said. He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said. PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi. "I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied. The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing". His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi. In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP. "Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added. He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful." The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma. "Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added. Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom." Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition. Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot." Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed.

The ruling party fielded Smriti Irani to attack Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whom the Union minister accused of supporting terrorists in his tweet that said "nobody killed" Shaikh and he "just died".

Rahul Gandhi had tweeted this after a special CBI court in Mumbai on December 21 acquitted all 22 accused in the case of the killing of Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Tulsi Prajapati in alleged fake encounters by Gujarat police between 2005 and 2006 citing insufficient evidence.

Shah, who was the minister of state for home in Gujarat at that time, was also arrested briefly in 2010 in the case before being discharged in December 2014.

"It is now clear that the CBI had arrested Amit Shah in 2010 at the prodding of the Congress leadership," Irani said.

She alleged Shah was targeted by the CBI as a part of a "political conspiracy" of the Congress and its then-president because Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, and Shah were seen as political rivals by the party.

"The Congress and its president used the CBI to manufacture evidence to politically destroy Shah. It is one of the finest examples of the length to which the Congress will go to destroy its political opponents," she said.

She described the case as a trial by fire for Shah and said he came out unscathed, as the country's verdict had shown that "truth cannot be destroyed".

There was no immediate response from the Congress to her allegations.

The Congress is always willing to trample upon justice and the Constitution to finish off its political rivals, Irani alleged.&nbsp;

Targeting Rahul Gandhi, she said his tweet was an expression of frustration that Shah came out of the case unscathed despite eight years of harassment.

Following the court's order acquitting the accused, Gandhi had tweeted, "No one killed Haren Pandya. Tulsiram Prajapati. Justice Loya. Prakash Thombre. Shrikant Khandalkar. Kauser Bi. Sohrabuddin Shiekh. They just died."&nbsp;

Irani alleged that the Congress will not spare anybody who comes in the way of its pursuit of power which it uses not to serve people but "one family".

She noted that activist Harsh Mander, who she claimed was a member of Sonia Gandhi's "kitchen cabinet", had moved the Supreme Court against Shah's discharge.

Irani read from the Mumbai court's order that criticised the CBI probe and said the agency created evidence to suit its "preconceived and premeditated" theory to implicate political leaders.

The BJP leader alleged that Shah was arrested in 2010 on the "order" of the Congress leadership and left to "rot" in jail before he was granted bail by the court.

"The court has admitted that these cases were slapped against Shah for purely political reasons. Not only in the Mumbai High Court but also in the Supreme Court, the Congress' conspiracy got defeated, " Irani told reporters.&nbsp;

To a question about AgustaWestland case accused Christian Michel's speaking of "Mrs Gandhi" and making other references which the BJP has linked to the Gandhi family, Irani said sarcastically that she was not in a position to explain it as she is neither Italian and nor her son's name begins with 'R'.

She alleged that the Congress had dispatched its lawyers to help Michel whose "historical relations" with the Gandhi family are established.

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed.

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed. The ruling party fielded Smriti Irani to attack Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whom the Union minister accused of supporting terrorists in his tweet that said "nobody killed" Shaikh and he "just died". Rahul Gandhi had tweeted this after a special CBI court in Mumbai on December 21 acquitted all 22 accused in the case of the killing of Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Tulsi Prajapati in alleged fake encounters by Gujarat police between 2005 and 2006 citing insufficient evidence. Shah, who was the minister of state for home in Gujarat at that time, was also arrested briefly in 2010 in the case before being discharged in December 2014. "It is now clear that the CBI had arrested Amit Shah in 2010 at the prodding of the Congress leadership," Irani said. She alleged Shah was targeted by the CBI as a part of a "political conspiracy" of the Congress and its then-president because Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, and Shah were seen as political rivals by the party. "The Congress and its president used the CBI to manufacture evidence to politically destroy Shah. It is one of the finest examples of the length to which the Congress will go to destroy its political opponents," she said. She described the case as a trial by fire for Shah and said he came out unscathed, as the country's verdict had shown that "truth cannot be destroyed". There was no immediate response from the Congress to her allegations. The Congress is always willing to trample upon justice and the Constitution to finish off its political rivals, Irani alleged. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, she said his tweet was an expression of frustration that Shah came out of the case unscathed despite eight years of harassment. Following the court's order acquitting the accused, Gandhi had tweeted, "No one killed Haren Pandya. Tulsiram Prajapati. Justice Loya. Prakash Thombre. Shrikant Khandalkar. Kauser Bi. Sohrabuddin Shiekh. They just died." Irani alleged that the Congress will not spare anybody who comes in the way of its pursuit of power which it uses not to serve people but "one family". She noted that activist Harsh Mander, who she claimed was a member of Sonia Gandhi's "kitchen cabinet", had moved the Supreme Court against Shah's discharge. Irani read from the Mumbai court's order that criticised the CBI probe and said the agency created evidence to suit its "preconceived and premeditated" theory to implicate political leaders. The BJP leader alleged that Shah was arrested in 2010 on the "order" of the Congress leadership and left to "rot" in jail before he was granted bail by the court. "The court has admitted that these cases were slapped against Shah for purely political reasons. Not only in the Mumbai High Court but also in the Supreme Court, the Congress' conspiracy got defeated, " Irani told reporters. To a question about AgustaWestland case accused Christian Michel's speaking of "Mrs Gandhi" and making other references which the BJP has linked to the Gandhi family, Irani said sarcastically that she was not in a position to explain it as she is neither Italian and nor her son's name begins with 'R'. She alleged that the Congress had dispatched its lawyers to help Michel whose "historical relations" with the Gandhi family are established.

Congress used Sohrabuddin case to 'politically destroy' Amit Shah: BJP

Launching a scathing attack on Congress during a debate on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petitioners-arun-shourie-yashwant-sinha-prashant-bhushan-to-move-sc-for-review-of-rafale-judgment-187838">Rafale deal </a>in Parliament, Union minister Arun Jaitley said that Rahul Gandhi is too scared to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-dont-think-there-is-anything-to-worry-about-french-ambassador-to-india-on-rafale-deal-controversy-186865">authenticate the tape</a> he wants to produce in Lok Sabha.

"On the last occasion, he (Rahul Gandhi) manufactured a conversation between him and the former French president. Today, he repeats the same. Today, he tried to produce a tap but he is too scared to authenticate it," Jaitley said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Accusing Rahul Gandhi of lying, Jaitley said, "The country is disappointed because every word the Congress lead speaker (Rahul Gandhi) has said is a lie on the word of the Supreme Court. When the apex court speaks on every issue, it is treated as the last word, except for the jurisdiction on certain issues in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi here says each of the contentions was raised before the court. There are some people who have a natural dislike for truth, from the first to the last word, every word has spoken is a lie."&nbsp;

Earlier today, Rahul opened the debate and hit out at the government. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his interview to news agency ANI on the first day of the new year was staged.

Rahul said the PM does not have the guts to face questions on Rafale deal and is "hiding in his room".

He also sought Speaker's permission to play an audio clip wherein a Goa minister is allegedly heard quoting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the latter has Rafale files in his bedroom. However, the Speaker denied him permission after Jaitley stepped in. Rahul then sought to read the transcript of the purported statement.

"PM spoke for 90 minutes in a staged interview but still did not answer questions on Rafale," Rahul said.

The Congress president said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that nobody was accusing him of wrongdoing on Rafale. "This is untrue. The entire nation is asking a direct question on Rafale but the prime minister could not answer a straight question even in a one-hour-long staged interview," Rahul said.

Continuing his attack, Gandhi also said that PM Modi does not have the guts to come to parliament to confront questions on rafale.

Launching a scathing attack on Congress during a debate on Rafale deal in Parliament, Union minister Arun Jaitley said that Rahul Gandhi is too scared to authenticate the tape he wants to produce in Lok Sabha. "On the last occasion, he (Rahul Gandhi) manufactured a conversation between him and the former French president. Today, he repeats the same. Today, he tried to produce a tap but he is too scared to authenticate it," Jaitley said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Accusing Rahul Gandhi of lying, Jaitley said, "The country is disappointed because every word the Congress lead speaker (Rahul Gandhi) has said is a lie on the word of the Supreme Court. When the apex court speaks on every issue, it is treated as the last word, except for the jurisdiction on certain issues in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi here says each of the contentions was raised before the court. There are some people who have a natural dislike for truth, from the first to the last word, every word has spoken is a lie." Earlier today, Rahul opened the debate and hit out at the government. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his interview to news agency ANI on the first day of the new year was staged. Rahul said the PM does not have the guts to face questions on Rafale deal and is "hiding in his room". He also sought Speaker's permission to play an audio clip wherein a Goa minister is allegedly heard quoting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that the latter has Rafale files in his bedroom. However, the Speaker denied him permission after Jaitley stepped in. Rahul then sought to read the transcript of the purported statement. "PM spoke for 90 minutes in a staged interview but still did not answer questions on Rafale," Rahul said. The Congress president said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that nobody was accusing him of wrongdoing on Rafale. "This is untrue. The entire nation is asking a direct question on Rafale but the prime minister could not answer a straight question even in a one-hour-long staged interview," Rahul said.

Rafale deal debate: Arun Jaitley flays Rahul Gandhi who said PM Modi doesn't have guts to face questions

Congress party president Rahul Gandhi on Monday approved the appointment of 10 persons as national spokespersons of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of communications, AICC, informed that Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, Member of Rajya Sabha, Pawan Khera, Jaiveer Shergill, Ragini Nayak, Dr Gourav Vallabh, Rajiv Tyagi, Akhilesh Pratap Singh, Sunil Ahire, Hina Kaware, and Dr Sravan Dasoju have been appointed as national spokespersons by the party president.&nbsp;

Congress party president Rahul Gandhi on Monday approved the appointment of 10 persons as national spokespersons of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of communications, AICC, informed that Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, Member of Rajya Sabha, Pawan Khera, Jaiveer Shergill, Ragini Nayak, Dr Gourav Vallabh, Rajiv Tyagi, Akhilesh Pratap Singh, Sunil Ahire, Hina Kaware, and Dr Sravan Dasoju have been appointed as national spokespersons by the party president.

Rahul Gandhi appoints 10 national spokespersons for AICC

Like the year 2017, &nbsp;2018 also ends with a round of important state elections. But unlike 2017 which the Bharatiya Janata Party rounded off with a hard-fought victory in Gujarat, 2018 has seen curtains down for the party in the key states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. That alone makes 2019 crucial, but what adds to the importance is the fact that that year will also witness a contest to determine which party or combination of parties rules the country.&nbsp;

It is, therefore, natural that electoral issues will be thrown up in the coming months. Although different topics will seek to occupy the primary narrative, every party will swear by the development agenda. While the BJP will present the development it has done in the past five years, others will dig up credit-worry material from the past when they were in power. The question is: Will the politics of development alone be the decisive factor? This is important because, if the answer is in the affirmative, then various other issues, many of them polarising and contentious, ought to be consigned to the dustbin. But the country’s recent political history does not point in that direction.&nbsp;

The Congress-led regime of PV Narasimha Rao presided over the most dramatic economic reforms the country has seen since Independence. It discarded decades of a socialist structure that had impeded growth and openness in the Indian economy. Its impact has been so profound that it is not just being felt today but will continue to be felt for many more years to come. Those bold measures were remarkable for another important reason: They were helmed by a leader who had himself spent a lifetime soaked in the Congress’s socialist credentials as far as economic policies were concerned. And they saved the country from certain bankruptcy. And yet, the Rao government lost power in 1996. The development agenda failed to click.&nbsp;

The fate of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee dispensation was no different. Prime Minister Vajpayee initiated arguably the biggest reform in decades in the infrastructure sector — national highways, rural roads, electricity, telecommunications. The India Shining campaign highlighted those undisputed achievements, but the BJP was ousted from power by the Congress which had only less than a decade ago played a role in the destabilisation of two non-Congress governments. Besides, it had also virtually trashed Rao’s development politics by relegating him to a non-entity in the Congress’s galaxy of tall leaders. People had not forgotten the shabby treatment it had given to Rao even after his death. But nothing mattered, and the Congress-led alliance formed the government in 2004. &nbsp;

Both Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, in their long stints at the helm, had to a large extent succeeded in improving a lot of the people of their respective States through developmental politics. Madhya Pradesh is an especially interesting case because it had been considered part of the BIMARU (sick) conglomeration of states when Chouhan took charge. In more than a decade in office, his regime had managed to extricate it out of this pejorative terminology— which then comprised Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. But the people of the state voted his regime out recently.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Political parties understand this reality, which is why, although they talk of the politics of development, they are careful to cultivate other factors as well, sometimes at the cost of development. The constant use of identities — of religion, caste, regional pride — is one such weapon that these parties deploy. To be fair to them, they do so because they know that the voters also —despite being vocal on public platforms — about issues of development — are often swayed by parochial considerations.&nbsp;

This explains the budding romance between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh. If the alliance between the two regional heavyweights happens, it can signal big trouble for the BJP in the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha and which can well decide on who will form the next government at the Centre. It cannot be the politics of development which has brought the two entities this close, because both have a miserable track record on that front. What we can witness is the return of unabashed caste politics in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Similar is the story with other parties. The BJP has enough to talk about developmental politics — from empowering the common man to have bank accounts to enhancing road, rail and air connectivity to providing cooking gas connections to millions of needy families to implementing various new insurance schemes for the farming and the health sectors, and the Make in India, Digital India, Startup India projects etc. But even it realises that these may not be enough.

That said, it must be acknowledged that voters do have issues other than development which bothers them, and when such issues are ignored or belittled, the people let their annoyance known through the EVMs.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Like the year 2017, 2018 also ends with a round of important state elections. But unlike 2017 which the Bharatiya Janata Party rounded off with a hard-fought victory in Gujarat, 2018 has seen curtains down for the party in the key states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Like the year 2017, 2018 also ends with a round of important state elections. But unlike 2017 which the Bharatiya Janata Party rounded off with a hard-fought victory in Gujarat, 2018 has seen curtains down for the party in the key states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. That alone makes 2019 crucial, but what adds to the importance is the fact that that year will also witness a contest to determine which party or combination of parties rules the country. It is, therefore, natural that electoral issues will be thrown up in the coming months. Although different topics will seek to occupy the primary narrative, every party will swear by the development agenda. While the BJP will present the development it has done in the past five years, others will dig up credit-worry material from the past when they were in power. The question is: Will the politics of development alone be the decisive factor? This is important because, if the answer is in the affirmative, then various other issues, many of them polarising and contentious, ought to be consigned to the dustbin. But the country’s recent political history does not point in that direction. The Congress-led regime of PV Narasimha Rao presided over the most dramatic economic reforms the country has seen since Independence. It discarded decades of a socialist structure that had impeded growth and openness in the Indian economy. Its impact has been so profound that it is not just being felt today but will continue to be felt for many more years to come. Those bold measures were remarkable for another important reason: They were helmed by a leader who had himself spent a lifetime soaked in the Congress’s socialist credentials as far as economic policies were concerned. And they saved the country from certain bankruptcy. And yet, the Rao government lost power in 1996. The development agenda failed to click. The fate of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee dispensation was no different. Prime Minister Vajpayee initiated arguably the biggest reform in decades in the infrastructure sector — national highways, rural roads, electricity, telecommunications. The India Shining campaign highlighted those undisputed achievements, but the BJP was ousted from power by the Congress which had only less than a decade ago played a role in the destabilisation of two non-Congress governments. Besides, it had also virtually trashed Rao’s development politics by relegating him to a non-entity in the Congress’s galaxy of tall leaders. People had not forgotten the shabby treatment it had given to Rao even after his death. But nothing mattered, and the Congress-led alliance formed the government in 2004. Both Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, in their long stints at the helm, had to a large extent succeeded in improving a lot of the people of their respective States through developmental politics. Madhya Pradesh is an especially interesting case because it had been considered part of the BIMARU (sick) conglomeration of states when Chouhan took charge. In more than a decade in office, his regime had managed to extricate it out of this pejorative terminology— which then comprised Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. But the people of the state voted his regime out recently. Political parties understand this reality, which is why, although they talk of the politics of development, they are careful to cultivate other factors as well, sometimes at the cost of development. The constant use of identities — of religion, caste, regional pride — is one such weapon that these parties deploy. To be fair to them, they do so because they know that the voters also —despite being vocal on public platforms — about issues of development — are often swayed by parochial considerations. This explains the budding romance between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh. If the alliance between the two regional heavyweights happens, it can signal big trouble for the BJP in the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha and which can well decide on who will form the next government at the Centre. It cannot be the politics of development which has brought the two entities this close, because both have a miserable track record on that front. What we can witness is the return of unabashed caste politics in Uttar Pradesh. Similar is the story with other parties. The BJP has enough to talk about developmental politics — from empowering the common man to have bank accounts to enhancing road, rail and air connectivity to providing cooking gas connections to millions of needy families to implementing various new insurance schemes for the farming and the health sectors, and the Make in India, Digital India, Startup India projects etc. But even it realises that these may not be enough. That said, it must be acknowledged that voters do have issues other than development which bothers them, and when such issues are ignored or belittled, the people let their annoyance known through the EVMs. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It will take more than just 'politics of development' as parties prepare for 2019 Lok Sabha elections

Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep".

In a series of tweets, Shah also asked if Michel wanted details of his questioning by investigators to be passed onto "Mrs Gandhi".

"Trails of the AgustaWestland Case?the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs Gandhi to his lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs Gandhi herself? Why?" he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Trails of the AgustaWestland Case…the SOS of Christian Michel. 
 
Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs. Gandhi to his Lawyer?&nbsp; 
 
Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs. Gandhi herself? Why?
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651578670399488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shah said Michel's lawyer had admitted that the alleged middleman indeed passed paper to him and claimed that he thought it was a list of medicines.

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Michel’s lawyer has admitted that the paper was indeed passed on to him. He thought that it was a list of medicines, which could have been transparently given in any case.&nbsp; 
 
We have heard of Zandu Balm and Tiger Balm but what is this ‘Family Balm’ that every middleman wants?
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651611763445763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP president took an apparent swipe at the Gandhi family, saying people have heard of Zandu balm and Tiger balm -- medicines used to relieve pain -- but what is this "family balm" that every middleman wants.

"In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel's lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a sham. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs Gandhi!" Shah said.

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In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel’s lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a SHAM. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs. Gandhi!
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651679996399616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress had expelled Aljo K Joseph, an office bearer in its youth wing, after he appeared as a counsel for Michel.

"In national interest, Michel's lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep," Shah said.&nbsp;

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In national interest, Michel’s lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs. Gandhi. 
 
Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651737420603393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A Delhi court had Saturday imposed restrictions on Michel, the alleged middleman in the purchase of VVIP choppers during the UPA's tenure, meeting his lawyers in Enforcement Directorate's custody. The directions were given after the probe agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi".

The agency also claimed that he has spoken about "son of an Italian lady" and taken "Mrs Gandhi's" name in reference to a query.

The BJP has used this disclosure to attack the Congress, especially the Gandhi family.

Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep".

Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep". In a series of tweets, Shah also asked if Michel wanted details of his questioning by investigators to be passed onto "Mrs Gandhi". "Trails of the AgustaWestland Case?the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs Gandhi to his lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs Gandhi herself? Why?" he tweeted. Trails of the AgustaWestland Case…the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs. Gandhi to his Lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs. Gandhi herself? Why? — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × Shah said Michel's lawyer had admitted that the alleged middleman indeed passed paper to him and claimed that he thought it was a list of medicines. Michel’s lawyer has admitted that the paper was indeed passed on to him. He thought that it was a list of medicines, which could have been transparently given in any case. We have heard of Zandu Balm and Tiger Balm but what is this ‘Family Balm’ that every middleman wants? — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × The BJP president took an apparent swipe at the Gandhi family, saying people have heard of Zandu balm and Tiger balm -- medicines used to relieve pain -- but what is this "family balm" that every middleman wants. "In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel's lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a sham. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs Gandhi!" Shah said. In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel’s lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a SHAM. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs. Gandhi! — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × The Congress had expelled Aljo K Joseph, an office bearer in its youth wing, after he appeared as a counsel for Michel. "In national interest, Michel's lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep," Shah said. In national interest, Michel’s lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs. Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × A Delhi court had Saturday imposed restrictions on Michel, the alleged middleman in the purchase of VVIP choppers during the UPA's tenure, meeting his lawyers in Enforcement Directorate's custody. The directions were given after the probe agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi". The agency also claimed that he has spoken about "son of an Italian lady" and taken "Mrs Gandhi's" name in reference to a query. The BJP has used this disclosure to attack the Congress, especially the Gandhi family.

Friendship between one family and Christian Michel 'time-tested and deep': Amit Shah

Former defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony Monday accused the BJP and the government of "manufacturing" lies in the AgustaWestland case and said Sonia Gandhi and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sad-slams-rahul-gandhi-amarinder-for-betraying-farmers-in-punjab-186896">Rahul Gandhi</a> never interfered in any defence deals during the UPA regime.

"The Government and the BJP are misusing agencies to manufacture lies. I am surprised to know that the present government is spreading lies....Is trying to manufacture something out of nothing," Antony said.

"I would like to say categorically that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never showed any interest ... Never interfered in the AgustaWestland deal. During my entire tenure as defence minister, Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals," he told reporters.

Addressing a press conference in Parliament, he said, "Without any iota of truth, they are trying to follow vendetta politics." His comments came after the Congress and the BJP were engaged in a slugfest on Sunday.

While the opposition party alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government were AgustaWestland's protectors and promoters, the saffron party accused it of defending Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the deal, and asked why it was scared of a probe into the case.

The former defence minister said it was the Congress-led UPA government that ordered a CBI inquiry the moment it came to know of corruption allegations in the VVIP AgustaWestland helicopter deal and initiated proceedings to blacklist the company.

Antony claimed that the UPA government fought the case "unusually" in a Milan court against the chopper-making company and won it too.

"We cancelled the contract and started proceedings of blacklisting. But after we left, the Modi government did nothing against AgustaWestland. Instead of acting against the company, they favoured the company," he said.

Antony said if the Congress had anything to hide, it would not have ordered a CBI probe or gone to Italy to fight the case.

The senior Congress leader alleged that the government and the BJP were trying to divert attention from the allegations raised by his party on the Rafale fighter jet deal and were not initiating an inquiry into the matter or a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the charges.

"During our time, whenever there were allegations, even in media reports, we took action and held an inquiry," he said while attacking the BJP government for not ordering a JPC probe into the Rafale deal.

On the BJP's charges of the Congress being jittery ever since Michel was extradited to India, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said this was like "chor machaye shor" (the thief is making noise).

Former defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony Monday accused the BJP and the government of "manufacturing" lies in the AgustaWestland case and said Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals during the UPA regime.

Former defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony Monday accused the BJP and the government of "manufacturing" lies in the AgustaWestland case and said Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals during the UPA regime. "The Government and the BJP are misusing agencies to manufacture lies. I am surprised to know that the present government is spreading lies....Is trying to manufacture something out of nothing," Antony said. "I would like to say categorically that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never showed any interest ... Never interfered in the AgustaWestland deal. During my entire tenure as defence minister, Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals," he told reporters. Addressing a press conference in Parliament, he said, "Without any iota of truth, they are trying to follow vendetta politics." His comments came after the Congress and the BJP were engaged in a slugfest on Sunday. While the opposition party alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government were AgustaWestland's protectors and promoters, the saffron party accused it of defending Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the deal, and asked why it was scared of a probe into the case. The former defence minister said it was the Congress-led UPA government that ordered a CBI inquiry the moment it came to know of corruption allegations in the VVIP AgustaWestland helicopter deal and initiated proceedings to blacklist the company. Antony claimed that the UPA government fought the case "unusually" in a Milan court against the chopper-making company and won it too. "We cancelled the contract and started proceedings of blacklisting. But after we left, the Modi government did nothing against AgustaWestland. Instead of acting against the company, they favoured the company," he said. Antony said if the Congress had anything to hide, it would not have ordered a CBI probe or gone to Italy to fight the case. The senior Congress leader alleged that the government and the BJP were trying to divert attention from the allegations raised by his party on the Rafale fighter jet deal and were not initiating an inquiry into the matter or a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the charges. "During our time, whenever there were allegations, even in media reports, we took action and held an inquiry," he said while attacking the BJP government for not ordering a JPC probe into the Rafale deal. On the BJP's charges of the Congress being jittery ever since Michel was extradited to India, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said this was like "chor machaye shor" (the thief is making noise).

Sonia, Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deal: A K Antony

Dalit rights activist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardik-patel-fast-enters-17th-day-mevani-says-government-must-hold-talks-164949">Jignesh Mevani </a>Saturday was evasive when asked about <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">his stand on Rahul Gandhi</a>, being propped by the DMK as the opposition's Prime Ministerial candidate.

The independent MLA from Gujarat, when asked who he would support in the Lok Sabha polls next year, told reporters "my support will be to we the people, to the poorest of the poor, to the workers and peasants."

The Gujarat based activist was here to take part in a cultural event coordinated by noted film director Pa Ranjit.

Asked specifically about his opinion on Rahul Gandhi's candidature for the Prime Minister's post, the MLA did not give a direct answer and said: "yes, yes, we should get two crore jobs and farmers suicides should not happen".

Again, when asked if his support would be for the Congress, he repeated "I support we the people...I support Ambedkar...Phule."

DMK president M K Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister and lauded him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the&nbsp; 
Centre.

He stated this at a rally that day followed by the unveiling of a bronze statue of DMK patriarch and his father late M Karunanidhi at party headquarters Anna Arivalayam here.

Besides the DMK, key opposition parties like Congress, TDP and CPI(M) had come together at the event to reaffirm their resolve to dislodge the BJP-led NDA government.

Mevani later joined those present at the event in raising the "Jai Bhim" slogan.

To another question, he referred to the electoral setback for the BJP in states like Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.

The backdrop of such electoral drubbings and the Dalit assertion made it amply clear that notwithstanding the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and RSS, "they will not be able to bring back Dalits into the fold of RSS and BJP... They (BJP) will have to suffer a lot," he said.

He lashed out at the Saffron party and alleged that it was "fascist and has a "casteist, manuvadi mentality and agenda."&nbsp;

Dalit rights activist Jignesh Mevani Saturday was evasive when asked about his stand on Rahul Gandhi, being propped by the DMK as the opposition's Prime Ministerial candidate.

Dalit rights activist Jignesh Mevani Saturday was evasive when asked about his stand on Rahul Gandhi, being propped by the DMK as the opposition's Prime Ministerial candidate. The independent MLA from Gujarat, when asked who he would support in the Lok Sabha polls next year, told reporters "my support will be to we the people, to the poorest of the poor, to the workers and peasants." The Gujarat based activist was here to take part in a cultural event coordinated by noted film director Pa Ranjit. Asked specifically about his opinion on Rahul Gandhi's candidature for the Prime Minister's post, the MLA did not give a direct answer and said: "yes, yes, we should get two crore jobs and farmers suicides should not happen". Again, when asked if his support would be for the Congress, he repeated "I support we the people...I support Ambedkar...Phule." DMK president M K Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister and lauded him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. He stated this at a rally that day followed by the unveiling of a bronze statue of DMK patriarch and his father late M Karunanidhi at party headquarters Anna Arivalayam here. Besides the DMK, key opposition parties like Congress, TDP and CPI(M) had come together at the event to reaffirm their resolve to dislodge the BJP-led NDA government. Mevani later joined those present at the event in raising the "Jai Bhim" slogan. To another question, he referred to the electoral setback for the BJP in states like Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. The backdrop of such electoral drubbings and the Dalit assertion made it amply clear that notwithstanding the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and RSS, "they will not be able to bring back Dalits into the fold of RSS and BJP... They (BJP) will have to suffer a lot," he said. He lashed out at the Saffron party and alleged that it was "fascist and has a "casteist, manuvadi mentality and agenda."

Dalit rights activist Jignesh Mevani evasive on support to 'Rahul for PM pitch'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-contribute-rs-4500-crore-in-bhutans-12th-five-year-planpm-modi-186982"> Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering </a>here and the two discussed the political situation in the region.

The meeting took place at a local hotel.

"I had an excellent meeting today with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. We discussed the political situation in the region and other matters of common interest. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the future," Gandhi said on Twitter.

Later, in a Facebook post, he said the India-Bhutan relations has endured the test of time.&nbsp;

"It's a relationship that has endured the test of time. We are joined not only by a pleasant past but also by our hopes to create a better future for the region," Gandhi said in his post.

The Bhutanese prime minister is on a state visit to India and had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.&nbsp;

Tshering arrived here on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering here and the two discussed the political situation in the region. The meeting took place at a local hotel.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering here and the two discussed the political situation in the region. The meeting took place at a local hotel. "I had an excellent meeting today with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. We discussed the political situation in the region and other matters of common interest. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the future," Gandhi said on Twitter. Later, in a Facebook post, he said the India-Bhutan relations has endured the test of time. "It's a relationship that has endured the test of time. We are joined not only by a pleasant past but also by our hopes to create a better future for the region," Gandhi said in his post. The Bhutanese prime minister is on a state visit to India and had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Tshering arrived here on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections.

Rahul Gandhi meets Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh to explain why they had duped the poster boy of its promised loan waiver scheme - Budh Singh and lakhs of Punjab farmers by promising 'karja kurki khatam' but refused to implement the same for nearly two years now.

Former Cabinet Minister in the Punjab Government and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said that by betraying the solemn promise made to Budh Singh that his loan would be the first loan to the waived off, both Rahul Gandhi and Captain Amarinder, who had authored the scheme and assured its implementation respectively, had committed a crime against humanity.

"They have collectively destroyed the lives of lakhs of farmers and have driven hundreds to suicide. Still, they are unmoved by the misery of the farmers and are refusing to honour the pledge made to Budh Singh as well as all other farmers of the State. It was unfortunate that after destroying the Punjab peasantry, Rahul Gandhi had promised a similar fraudulent loan waiver scheme to farmers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh," he asserted.

Terming the present plight of the Punjab peasantry as a tragedy beyond compare, Majithia said Captain Amarinder had as Pradesh Congress president stood beside Budh Singh of Dera Baba Nanak constituency and used him as the poster boy of the Congress party's 'karja kurki khatam, fasal ki puri rakam' loan waiver scheme.

He said Budh Singh and scores of other farmers across the State had voted for the Congress party in the 2017 elections after Capt Amarinder Singh uploaded a video promising them a complete loan waiver of Rs 90,000 crore covering nationalised and cooperative banks as well as private money lenders.&nbsp;

"Two years have passed since this promise. The entire farming community feels cheated. More than 500 farmers have ended their lives when like Budh Singh their loans multiplied because they stopped paying instalments in the hope for of an early waiver. The government, however, remained unmoved by the plight of the peasantry and even refused to give jobs to family members of suicide victims".

Asserting that he had raised the issue of the suffering of Budh Singh in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha also one year back, Majithia said he had been assured that the farmer's loan would be waived off.&nbsp;

"Apparently the Congress government is in the habit of lying in the sacred Vidhan Sabha also", he said, adding the government had not only failed to implement the promised loan waiver but had also started 'kurki' proceedings against farmers.&nbsp;

He further said that a notice was also posted on the door of Budh Singh's house in Kotli Surat Mali in Gurdaspur district.&nbsp;

"Same is the case with other farmers, with recovery (kurki) proceedings being initiated against them despite lies by the Congress in the Vidhan Sabha that no 'kurki' was being done against farmers," he added.

Stating that farmers in Punjab were facing the worst crisis ever, the Akali leader said they had not been paid for crop damage for more than one year now.

&nbsp;He stated that paddy farmers had suffered huge losses due to Congress government's dictatorial order delaying paddy transplantation by ten days, which resulted in low yields and high moisture content in food grain forcing farmers to pay bribes of Rs 100 to Rs 150 per quintal to get their paddy procured.

Majithia said sugarcane farmers had not been paid Rs 400 crore dues pending since one year besides being offered the lowest procurement rate in Northern India.&nbsp;

"Recently potato farmers have suffered crippling losses but the government has failed to come out with a relief package to save them from ruin. Punjab has not witnessed such an anti-farmer government ever", he added.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh to explain why they had duped the poster boy of its promised loan waiver scheme - Budh Singh and lakhs of Punjab farmers by promising 'karja kurki khatam' but refused to implement the same for nearly two years now.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh to explain why they had duped the poster boy of its promised loan waiver scheme - Budh Singh and lakhs of Punjab farmers by promising 'karja kurki khatam' but refused to implement the same for nearly two years now. Former Cabinet Minister in the Punjab Government and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said that by betraying the solemn promise made to Budh Singh that his loan would be the first loan to the waived off, both Rahul Gandhi and Captain Amarinder, who had authored the scheme and assured its implementation respectively, had committed a crime against humanity. "They have collectively destroyed the lives of lakhs of farmers and have driven hundreds to suicide. Still, they are unmoved by the misery of the farmers and are refusing to honour the pledge made to Budh Singh as well as all other farmers of the State. It was unfortunate that after destroying the Punjab peasantry, Rahul Gandhi had promised a similar fraudulent loan waiver scheme to farmers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh," he asserted. Terming the present plight of the Punjab peasantry as a tragedy beyond compare, Majithia said Captain Amarinder had as Pradesh Congress president stood beside Budh Singh of Dera Baba Nanak constituency and used him as the poster boy of the Congress party's 'karja kurki khatam, fasal ki puri rakam' loan waiver scheme. He said Budh Singh and scores of other farmers across the State had voted for the Congress party in the 2017 elections after Capt Amarinder Singh uploaded a video promising them a complete loan waiver of Rs 90,000 crore covering nationalised and cooperative banks as well as private money lenders. "Two years have passed since this promise. The entire farming community feels cheated. More than 500 farmers have ended their lives when like Budh Singh their loans multiplied because they stopped paying instalments in the hope for of an early waiver. The government, however, remained unmoved by the plight of the peasantry and even refused to give jobs to family members of suicide victims". Asserting that he had raised the issue of the suffering of Budh Singh in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha also one year back, Majithia said he had been assured that the farmer's loan would be waived off. "Apparently the Congress government is in the habit of lying in the sacred Vidhan Sabha also", he said, adding the government had not only failed to implement the promised loan waiver but had also started 'kurki' proceedings against farmers. He further said that a notice was also posted on the door of Budh Singh's house in Kotli Surat Mali in Gurdaspur district. "Same is the case with other farmers, with recovery (kurki) proceedings being initiated against them despite lies by the Congress in the Vidhan Sabha that no 'kurki' was being done against farmers," he added. Stating that farmers in Punjab were facing the worst crisis ever, the Akali leader said they had not been paid for crop damage for more than one year now. He stated that paddy farmers had suffered huge losses due to Congress government's dictatorial order delaying paddy transplantation by ten days, which resulted in low yields and high moisture content in food grain forcing farmers to pay bribes of Rs 100 to Rs 150 per quintal to get their paddy procured. Majithia said sugarcane farmers had not been paid Rs 400 crore dues pending since one year besides being offered the lowest procurement rate in Northern India. "Recently potato farmers have suffered crippling losses but the government has failed to come out with a relief package to save them from ruin. Punjab has not witnessed such an anti-farmer government ever", he added.

SAD slams Rahul Gandhi, Amarinder Singh for betraying farmers in Punjab

No film should be banned. Art should not be banned. Books should not be banned. Free speech is part of our fundamental right and Indian Constitution provides enough freedom to individuals to express their views. Despite the provisions, films, books and art installations are banned frequently. If they are not banned, then the promoter and artists are subjected to undue harassment creating a situation that withdrawal becomes the best option. 
 
From films like 'Aandhi', 'Kissa Kursi Ka' to 'Udta Punjab' to 'Padmaavat', political parties created conditions whereby either the film had to go under the knife or the name was changed. India has also witnessed books like 'Satanic Verses' being banned.&nbsp;

Renowned artist MF Husain was harassed to such end that he had to leave the country. This brings us to the movie 'The Accidental Prime Minister' which has created a storm for its negative portrayal of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. This film must not be banned&nbsp;nor opposed by the Congress party.

In its long sojourn in power, Congress has used censor’s knife, again and again, to ban, alter or curate the content. The only thing which is hurting the party most is that it brings back the memory of an ineffective Prime Minister who was dictated by the party and lacked functional autonomy.

It is a fact which Congress cannot run away from. Nehru-Gandhi dynasty is both Congress party’s strength and weakness. Without the family, the party has 90 per cent potential to disintegrate and with their continuation, no top talent can become the president of the Congress party.&nbsp;

The film would remind people of the way Rahul Gandhi tore the ordinance on convicted lawmakers during his infamous press conference at Delhi’s Press Club. It will bring back the memory and ruthless push which Sonia Gandhi created for Rahul Gandhi’s elevation in the party. It will be a fillip to Narendra Modi who weaponised the word dynasty during 2014 elections.&nbsp;

It will also bring back memories of Rahul Gandhi’s tense relationship with party seniors. It will revitalise the charge of BJP against Congress that PMO was remote-controlled by the family and all of it right before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

But will it have an electoral impact? No, because no one issue can be milked twice.

Rahul Gandhi has been cultivating a different image from last 3 years where he is constantly seen with the old guard. Even Manmohan Singh is not politically ignored as special care is taken to ensure that on every occasion he remains with Rahul Gandhi. Lastly, Rahul Gandhi is not a political greenhorn anymore. For a politician, ultimate legitimacy flows from electoral victory and Rahul Gandhi got his own in three north Indian states.&nbsp;

The only thing the film would end up doing is to provide potshot for the ruling dispensation to attack the Opposition. The only thing Congress must do is to behave gracefully because today even BJP cannot escape the fact that it is remote-controlled by the RSS which claims to be a cultural organisation but, surreptitiously through BJP, is participating in elections.&nbsp;

But the debate must not end here. What makes political parties so confident that they can dictate terms to people who work in other walks of life?

Unlike modern western democracies where political parties are not all-pervasive, it is exactly the opposite in India. All of them have used bans to promote their respective political interests.&nbsp;

The civil institutions which should stand independently from political pressure give in&nbsp;easily in India. The bane of the ban flows from political legitimacy for the cultural and artistic quest.&nbsp;

India cannot afford to continue with it. It only happens in totalitarian regimes where the artistic quest is subject to the political vision of those who control the state.

Mature democracies allow a lot of freedom to dissenting voices and artistic freedom is not subject to the moods of political parties. In India despite elections, bans have become tools of social and political mobilisation which has acquired acceptability in Indian political culture.&nbsp;

This needs to be checked for our democracy to become more robust and open. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

No film should be banned. Art should not be banned. Books should not be banned. Free speech is part of our fundamental right and Indian Constitution provides enough freedom to individuals to express their views.

No film should be banned. Art should not be banned. Books should not be banned. Free speech is part of our fundamental right and Indian Constitution provides enough freedom to individuals to express their views. Despite the provisions, films, books and art installations are banned frequently. If they are not banned, then the promoter and artists are subjected to undue harassment creating a situation that withdrawal becomes the best option. From films like 'Aandhi', 'Kissa Kursi Ka' to 'Udta Punjab' to 'Padmaavat', political parties created conditions whereby either the film had to go under the knife or the name was changed. India has also witnessed books like 'Satanic Verses' being banned. Renowned artist MF Husain was harassed to such end that he had to leave the country. This brings us to the movie 'The Accidental Prime Minister' which has created a storm for its negative portrayal of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. This film must not be banned nor opposed by the Congress party. In its long sojourn in power, Congress has used censor’s knife, again and again, to ban, alter or curate the content. The only thing which is hurting the party most is that it brings back the memory of an ineffective Prime Minister who was dictated by the party and lacked functional autonomy. It is a fact which Congress cannot run away from. Nehru-Gandhi dynasty is both Congress party’s strength and weakness. Without the family, the party has 90 per cent potential to disintegrate and with their continuation, no top talent can become the president of the Congress party. The film would remind people of the way Rahul Gandhi tore the ordinance on convicted lawmakers during his infamous press conference at Delhi’s Press Club. It will bring back the memory and ruthless push which Sonia Gandhi created for Rahul Gandhi’s elevation in the party. It will be a fillip to Narendra Modi who weaponised the word dynasty during 2014 elections. It will also bring back memories of Rahul Gandhi’s tense relationship with party seniors. It will revitalise the charge of BJP against Congress that PMO was remote-controlled by the family and all of it right before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. But will it have an electoral impact? No, because no one issue can be milked twice. Rahul Gandhi has been cultivating a different image from last 3 years where he is constantly seen with the old guard. Even Manmohan Singh is not politically ignored as special care is taken to ensure that on every occasion he remains with Rahul Gandhi. Lastly, Rahul Gandhi is not a political greenhorn anymore. For a politician, ultimate legitimacy flows from electoral victory and Rahul Gandhi got his own in three north Indian states. The only thing the film would end up doing is to provide potshot for the ruling dispensation to attack the Opposition. The only thing Congress must do is to behave gracefully because today even BJP cannot escape the fact that it is remote-controlled by the RSS which claims to be a cultural organisation but, surreptitiously through BJP, is participating in elections. But the debate must not end here. What makes political parties so confident that they can dictate terms to people who work in other walks of life? Unlike modern western democracies where political parties are not all-pervasive, it is exactly the opposite in India. All of them have used bans to promote their respective political interests. The civil institutions which should stand independently from political pressure give in easily in India. The bane of the ban flows from political legitimacy for the cultural and artistic quest. India cannot afford to continue with it. It only happens in totalitarian regimes where the artistic quest is subject to the political vision of those who control the state. Mature democracies allow a lot of freedom to dissenting voices and artistic freedom is not subject to the moods of political parties. In India despite elections, bans have become tools of social and political mobilisation which has acquired acceptability in Indian political culture. This needs to be checked for our democracy to become more robust and open. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'The Accidental Prime Minister': The issue can't be milked twice

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-file-appeal-in-herald-house-eviction-case-sources-185857">The Congress</a> in Tamil Nadu Tuesday announced state-wide public meetings next month to highlight the "anti-people" approach of the Central and state governments, with focus on the Rafale deal.

TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar said the meetings would be held between January 2 and 12, 2019, in line with a decision arrived earlier in a party's district leaders meeting.

In a statement, he recalled Congress President Rahul Gandhi's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe into the pricing issue relating to the French combat aircraft.

"The Congress has a big democratic responsibility to inform people about this mega scam," Thirunavukkarasar said.

The party also had the 'responsibility' to highlight the 'anti-people' approach of both the BJP-led Central government as well as the AIADMK rule in Tamil Nadu on many issues, he added.

With the Lok Sabha elections "due soon," the party's high command has issued directions to conduct such meetings.

Opposition parties led by the Congress have been attacking the Modi government over the deal, alleging that it was struck at an exorbitant price and benefited an Indian businessman at the cost of the government-run HAL.

However, the charges have been denied by the government.

The Supreme Court had on December 14 given the Narendra Modi government a clean chit on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and dismissed all petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the deal.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had recently demanded in the Lok Sabha that Rahul Gandhi should apologise on the floor of the House for "misleading" the country on the Rafale jet deal issue.

The Congress in Tamil Nadu Tuesday announced state-wide public meetings next month to highlight the "anti-people" approach of the Central and state governments, with focus on the Rafale deal.

The Congress in Tamil Nadu Tuesday announced state-wide public meetings next month to highlight the "anti-people" approach of the Central and state governments, with focus on the Rafale deal. TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar said the meetings would be held between January 2 and 12, 2019, in line with a decision arrived earlier in a party's district leaders meeting. In a statement, he recalled Congress President Rahul Gandhi's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe into the pricing issue relating to the French combat aircraft. "The Congress has a big democratic responsibility to inform people about this mega scam," Thirunavukkarasar said. The party also had the 'responsibility' to highlight the 'anti-people' approach of both the BJP-led Central government as well as the AIADMK rule in Tamil Nadu on many issues, he added. With the Lok Sabha elections "due soon," the party's high command has issued directions to conduct such meetings. Opposition parties led by the Congress have been attacking the Modi government over the deal, alleging that it was struck at an exorbitant price and benefited an Indian businessman at the cost of the government-run HAL. However, the charges have been denied by the government. The Supreme Court had on December 14 given the Narendra Modi government a clean chit on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and dismissed all petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the deal. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had recently demanded in the Lok Sabha that Rahul Gandhi should apologise on the floor of the House for "misleading" the country on the Rafale jet deal issue.

Congress announces meetings in Tamil Nadu on Rafale deal

After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front.

Rao, who was instrumental in the formation of the Telangana state, has asserted that his party will play a crucial role in national politics. KCR &nbsp;has said that he intends to give a new definition to the national scenario - just like Telangana which stands a non-Congress and non-BJP state.

KCR's victory in the state Assembly polls was no less than a historic one, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member House.&nbsp;

On Monday, KCR met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. However, both Patnaik and Mamata have not committed their participation in the Federal Front yet. Hiding his visible disappointment, Rao said their dialogue will continue for an alternative front to the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliances.

Carrying on with his mission of creating a non-Congress Federal Front, KCR will now meet Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On the other hand, KCR's arch-rival and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu is also running pillar to post to unite all the like-minded Opposition parties to take on the BJP in 2019 elections.&nbsp;

In a significant move, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached party president Rahul Gandhi to garner his support for the Grand Alliance. Putting aside over three decades of rivalry, both the leaders even addressed public meetings together as part of their campaign for just-concluded Telangana Assembly polls.

Mamata Banerjee, a key interlocutor among Opposition parties, too has been trying to bring anti-BJP parties under one umbrella. Naidu and Mamata have been in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. Therefore, it's unlikely that Mamata will support KCR's Federal Front (Regional Federation) over the national-level Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).

Furthermore, seasoned leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah have authorised Chandrababu Naidu to speak to Opposition leaders to devise the future strategy for United Opposition. DMK chief Stalin has already proposed the Congress president's name as United Opposition's PM candidate. Naidu also has the support of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Here is another reason which might hold back political parties from supporting KCR - the Telangana chief minister is accused of acting as team B of BJP-led NDA and trying to weaken the proposed Mahagathbandhan.

Moreover, after Congress's triumph in the recently held Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a confident and formidable leader. It is nearly impossible for Opposition leaders to ignore the Gandhi scion.&nbsp;

KCR has indeed proved his mettle by leading the struggle for Telangana and forming government in the state for the second time, however, only seasoned politicians coming together on one platform - Mahagathbandhan, can put up a strong candidature against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has done some unparalleled work in the last four and a half years. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front.

After sweeping the Assembly elections in Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has revived his efforts for a non-Congress and non-BJP Federal Front. Rao, who was instrumental in the formation of the Telangana state, has asserted that his party will play a crucial role in national politics. KCR has said that he intends to give a new definition to the national scenario - just like Telangana which stands a non-Congress and non-BJP state. KCR's victory in the state Assembly polls was no less than a historic one, bagging 88 seats in the 119-member House. On Monday, KCR met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. However, both Patnaik and Mamata have not committed their participation in the Federal Front yet. Hiding his visible disappointment, Rao said their dialogue will continue for an alternative front to the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliances. Carrying on with his mission of creating a non-Congress Federal Front, KCR will now meet Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati. On the other hand, KCR's arch-rival and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu is also running pillar to post to unite all the like-minded Opposition parties to take on the BJP in 2019 elections. In a significant move, Naidu dropped his 'non-Congress Third Front' plank and approached party president Rahul Gandhi to garner his support for the Grand Alliance. Putting aside over three decades of rivalry, both the leaders even addressed public meetings together as part of their campaign for just-concluded Telangana Assembly polls. Mamata Banerjee, a key interlocutor among Opposition parties, too has been trying to bring anti-BJP parties under one umbrella. Naidu and Mamata have been in sync with each other to achieve their common goal - demolishing BJP. Therefore, it's unlikely that Mamata will support KCR's Federal Front (Regional Federation) over the national-level Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan). Furthermore, seasoned leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah have authorised Chandrababu Naidu to speak to Opposition leaders to devise the future strategy for United Opposition. DMK chief Stalin has already proposed the Congress president's name as United Opposition's PM candidate. Naidu also has the support of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Here is another reason which might hold back political parties from supporting KCR - the Telangana chief minister is accused of acting as team B of BJP-led NDA and trying to weaken the proposed Mahagathbandhan. Moreover, after Congress's triumph in the recently held Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a confident and formidable leader. It is nearly impossible for Opposition leaders to ignore the Gandhi scion. KCR has indeed proved his mettle by leading the struggle for Telangana and forming government in the state for the second time, however, only seasoned politicians coming together on one platform - Mahagathbandhan, can put up a strong candidature against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has done some unparalleled work in the last four and a half years. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

KCR is trying hard, but is a non-Congress Federal Front possible?

Congress President Rahul Gandhi gave the party members a message stating that while hard workers will be rewarded, hardliners will be dealt with strictly.

After multiple meetings with Rajasthan leaders and observers, Rahul Gandhi gave the final nod to team Gehlot in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

As many as 23 MLAs are going to take oath on Monday including an MLA from alliance partner Rashtriya Lokdal.&nbsp;

However, five ministerial berths will reportedly remain vacant. While deciding the Rajasthan cabinet, AICC general secretary in charge of Rajasthan, Avinash Pandey and Congress observer for the state on government formation, KC Venugopal was involved in the process.

"Congress President intends to focus on having a cabinet with a majority being fresh faces. The cabinet can be summarised into a blend of the old guards with new energetic leaders from the state guard this will give governance a good shape," the Congress leader said.

Rahul Gandhi intends to send a message to his party men that any harm to the party will not be ignored. Cabinet has been finalised for Rajasthan and for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh meetings are underway with the state leaders, stated a source. Karnataka Cabinet Expansion is a clear example of Rahul`s actions, where two ministers, including Ramesh Jarkiholi, were shunned by Congress from the Cabinet.

Jarkiholi was dropped for his alleged hobnobbing with opposition leaders and by missing the Cabinet meetings and party assignments. The message from Gandhi was loud and clear that anti-party activities wouldn't be tolerated, the sources added. The source said Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are likely to follow Rajasthan Formula.&nbsp;

A senior Congress leader involved in the process told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi was of the opinion that those who have tried to harm the party or have ignored the party's agenda must not be let off."

Congress President is also expected to soon finalise the list for cabinet members for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, According to sources, 10 MLAs are expected to be the part of the cabinet in Chhattisgarh. The cabinet expansion is scheduled for December 25 in Raipur.&nbsp;

Recently Congress has witnessed victory in states of , Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, where the party was out of power for years. It is noteworthy that Lok Sabha elections are only a few months away and will be the real test for the party and party chief Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi gave the party members a message stating that while hard workers will be rewarded, hardliners will be dealt with strictly. After multiple meetings with Rajasthan leaders and observers, Rahul Gandhi gave the final nod to team Gehlot in Rajasthan.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi gave the party members a message stating that while hard workers will be rewarded, hardliners will be dealt with strictly. After multiple meetings with Rajasthan leaders and observers, Rahul Gandhi gave the final nod to team Gehlot in Rajasthan. As many as 23 MLAs are going to take oath on Monday including an MLA from alliance partner Rashtriya Lokdal. However, five ministerial berths will reportedly remain vacant. While deciding the Rajasthan cabinet, AICC general secretary in charge of Rajasthan, Avinash Pandey and Congress observer for the state on government formation, KC Venugopal was involved in the process. "Congress President intends to focus on having a cabinet with a majority being fresh faces. The cabinet can be summarised into a blend of the old guards with new energetic leaders from the state guard this will give governance a good shape," the Congress leader said. Rahul Gandhi intends to send a message to his party men that any harm to the party will not be ignored. Cabinet has been finalised for Rajasthan and for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh meetings are underway with the state leaders, stated a source. Karnataka Cabinet Expansion is a clear example of Rahul`s actions, where two ministers, including Ramesh Jarkiholi, were shunned by Congress from the Cabinet. Jarkiholi was dropped for his alleged hobnobbing with opposition leaders and by missing the Cabinet meetings and party assignments. The message from Gandhi was loud and clear that anti-party activities wouldn't be tolerated, the sources added. The source said Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are likely to follow Rajasthan Formula. A senior Congress leader involved in the process told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi was of the opinion that those who have tried to harm the party or have ignored the party's agenda must not be let off." Congress President is also expected to soon finalise the list for cabinet members for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, According to sources, 10 MLAs are expected to be the part of the cabinet in Chhattisgarh. The cabinet expansion is scheduled for December 25 in Raipur. Recently Congress has witnessed victory in states of , Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, where the party was out of power for years. It is noteworthy that Lok Sabha elections are only a few months away and will be the real test for the party and party chief Rahul Gandhi.

Hard workers will be rewarded and hardliners will be dealt with strictly: Rahul Gandhi to party members

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date.

"Some people questioned whether I can propose Rahul Gandhi's name as the prime ministerial candidate. What is wrong in that?" he said at an event here.&nbsp;

"If we do not propose (Rahul Gandhi's name), then who will? Did anyone deny it? Some state leaders are planning to decide on it after sorting out differences in their respective states," he said.

Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister, lauding him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

"In 2018, on the occasion of unveiling Thalaivar Kalaignar statue, I propose, we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. We will build a new India, as the son of Thalaivar Kalaignar, I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu," he had said.&nbsp;

The DMK chief reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a 'sadist' as he did not visit Tamil Nadu after cyclone Gaja that left a trail of destruction and claimed more than 50 lives in the state.

"Today, the topic is being widely debated. What's wrong in my comment? I did not say it at a personal level. Not as a leader of the BJP, he's the prime minister now. I am saying he did not even offer condolences to those who lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja," Stalin said.

Reacting to his remarks, BJP Tamil Nadu unit President Tamilisai Soundarrajan said in Chennai that Stalin has become the "saddest Stalin".

"Stalin called Modi sadist in the presence of Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, but it is he who is the saddest," she told reporters.

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date.

DMK Chief M K Stalin Sunday stood by his remarks about making Congress president Rahul Gandhi the Opposition's prime ministerial candidate and said that some state leaders would take a call on the recommendation at a later date. "Some people questioned whether I can propose Rahul Gandhi's name as the prime ministerial candidate. What is wrong in that?" he said at an event here. "If we do not propose (Rahul Gandhi's name), then who will? Did anyone deny it? Some state leaders are planning to decide on it after sorting out differences in their respective states," he said. Stalin had on December 16 vowed to make Congress chief Rahul Gandhi the country's next prime minister, lauding him for having the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. "In 2018, on the occasion of unveiling Thalaivar Kalaignar statue, I propose, we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. We will build a new India, as the son of Thalaivar Kalaignar, I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu," he had said. The DMK chief reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a 'sadist' as he did not visit Tamil Nadu after cyclone Gaja that left a trail of destruction and claimed more than 50 lives in the state. "Today, the topic is being widely debated. What's wrong in my comment? I did not say it at a personal level. Not as a leader of the BJP, he's the prime minister now. I am saying he did not even offer condolences to those who lost their lives due to cyclone Gaja," Stalin said. Reacting to his remarks, BJP Tamil Nadu unit President Tamilisai Soundarrajan said in Chennai that Stalin has become the "saddest Stalin". "Stalin called Modi sadist in the presence of Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, but it is he who is the saddest," she told reporters.

Stalin says state leaders planning to take call on Rahul as PM

National Conference chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sajjad-lones-father-brought-gun-to-valley-farooq-abdullah-181099">Farooq Abdullah</a> Friday said Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Rahul Gandhi</a> is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states. 
 
Speaking at an event here, he also questioned the need for the BJP's proposed Rath Yatra in West Bengal and wondered whether the party wants to project itself as a saviour of the Hindus. 
 
"Rahul Gandhi is no longer a Pappu. He has proved his mettle by winning three states," Abdullah said during an interactive session. 
 
Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition as "Pappu", a colloquial sneer. 
 
Abdullah took on the government saying institutions like the RBI are being polluted under the present regime. He alleged that efforts are being made to divide the country on religious lines. 
 
"It is wrong the way they are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion. The way there has been interference in Muslim religion and its practices is unfortunate," the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah Friday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah Friday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi is no longer a "Pappu" and has proved his mettle as a leader by winning elections in three Hindi heartland states. Speaking at an event here, he also questioned the need for the BJP's proposed Rath Yatra in West Bengal and wondered whether the party wants to project itself as a saviour of the Hindus. "Rahul Gandhi is no longer a Pappu. He has proved his mettle by winning three states," Abdullah said during an interactive session. Gandhi has often been mocked by the BJP and his opposition as "Pappu", a colloquial sneer. Abdullah took on the government saying institutions like the RBI are being polluted under the present regime. He alleged that efforts are being made to divide the country on religious lines. "It is wrong the way they are trying to divide the nation on the basis of religion. The way there has been interference in Muslim religion and its practices is unfortunate," the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said.

Rahul no longer a 'Pappu' after poll win in three states: Farooq Abdullah

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-it-going-to-be-rahul-gandhi-vs-narendra-modi-in-2019-185056">Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a> on Friday gave the go-ahead for induction of six new faces and replacement of two ministers in the JD(S)-led coalition government in Karnataka, party sources said. 
 
MTB Nagaraj, Raheem Khan, E Tukaram and P T Parameshwara Naik are among the six leaders whose names are understood to have been finalised after discussions with state leaders in a meeting held here, they added.

Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah, Pradesh Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao, Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, and Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal were present in the meeting. 
 
Besides inducting six new faces, the sources said the Congress chief is understood to have approved dropping two ministers Municipal Administration Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi and Forest Minister R Shankar from the cabinet. 
 
Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been allegedly hobnobbing with BJP leaders, will be replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi, whereas Shankar by C S Shivalli from Kuruba community, the sources said. 
 
In the meeting, the Congress chief has given a green signal for appointing Congress leaders V Muniappa as political secretary and Ajay Singh as the state representative in the national capital. 
 
The sources said the swearing-in ceremony of new members will take place depending on the availability of state Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. 
 
According to the pact reached between the two partners at the time of formation of the coalition government in May, there are at present six vacant ministerial positions left for the Congress and two for the JD(S). 
 
The cabinet expansion is expected to pacify members of the Congress camp who have become restless following its repeated postponement.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday gave the go-ahead for induction of six new faces and replacement of two ministers in the JD(S)-led coalition government in Karnataka, party sources said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday gave the go-ahead for induction of six new faces and replacement of two ministers in the JD(S)-led coalition government in Karnataka, party sources said. MTB Nagaraj, Raheem Khan, E Tukaram and P T Parameshwara Naik are among the six leaders whose names are understood to have been finalised after discussions with state leaders in a meeting held here, they added. Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah, Pradesh Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao, Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, and Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal were present in the meeting. Besides inducting six new faces, the sources said the Congress chief is understood to have approved dropping two ministers Municipal Administration Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi and Forest Minister R Shankar from the cabinet. Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been allegedly hobnobbing with BJP leaders, will be replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi, whereas Shankar by C S Shivalli from Kuruba community, the sources said. In the meeting, the Congress chief has given a green signal for appointing Congress leaders V Muniappa as political secretary and Ajay Singh as the state representative in the national capital. The sources said the swearing-in ceremony of new members will take place depending on the availability of state Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. According to the pact reached between the two partners at the time of formation of the coalition government in May, there are at present six vacant ministerial positions left for the Congress and two for the JD(S). The cabinet expansion is expected to pacify members of the Congress camp who have become restless following its repeated postponement.

Rahul Gandhi gives nod for Karnataka cabinet expansion

The Rajya Sabha was Thursday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after ruckus in the House over the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-rules-out-setting-up-jpc-on-rafale-deal-184589"> Rafale fighter jet deal</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-row-hd-kumaraswamy-meeting-pm-a-waste-of-time-says-djayakumar--145439">Cauvery river issue</a>.

Soon after the House met for the day, slogan-shouting members of Tamil parties - AIADMK and DMK -- trooped into the well of the House over the Cauvery issue.

Opposition Congress members also shouted slogans and held placards seeking a probe by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the purchase of Rafale jets from France.

Treasury benches countered Congress members with slogans demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi following the Supreme Court clean chit to the Rafale deal.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said all issues can be discussed and members should allow the House to function.

"Many issues are pending. Important bills are there. We have to discuss about (devastation caused by) cyclones (in some states)," he said.

He said a notice has been given on the Rafale deal. "We can discuss Rafale deal too. The government has given in writing that it has no objection to a discussion on Rafale."

Besides discussions on distress in the agriculture sector and price rise are also slated, he said.

"The entire country is agitated about the way the House is functioning. The whole country is watching," he said before adjourning the proceedings for the day.

Earlier, Naidu said he had gone into the records after Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel had on Wednesday demanded that Congress deputy leader Anand Sharma withdraw his remarks about him.

Naidu said Sharma had on December 18, while raising a point of order, stated that Goel had sought an apology from Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of the Lok Sabha, over the Rafale issue.

However, Goel had on December 19 stated that he made no reference to Rahul Gandhi and Anand Sharma should withdraw his remarks, Naidu said, adding he went through the records carefully and found that Goel had not referred to Gandhi.

"Therefore the averment made by Goel is correct," he said.

Sharma said he respects the ruling of the Chair but there were a din and commotion in the House and ruling party members were standing and shouting slogans seeking an apology from Gandhi.

Naidu, however, said the record is straight.

"Statement made by Goel seems to be correct," Naidu said.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha was Thursday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after ruckus in the House over the Rafale fighter jet deal and Cauvery river issue.

The Rajya Sabha was Thursday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after ruckus in the House over the Rafale fighter jet deal and Cauvery river issue. Soon after the House met for the day, slogan-shouting members of Tamil parties - AIADMK and DMK -- trooped into the well of the House over the Cauvery issue. Opposition Congress members also shouted slogans and held placards seeking a probe by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) into the purchase of Rafale jets from France. Treasury benches countered Congress members with slogans demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi following the Supreme Court clean chit to the Rafale deal. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said all issues can be discussed and members should allow the House to function. "Many issues are pending. Important bills are there. We have to discuss about (devastation caused by) cyclones (in some states)," he said. He said a notice has been given on the Rafale deal. "We can discuss Rafale deal too. The government has given in writing that it has no objection to a discussion on Rafale." Besides discussions on distress in the agriculture sector and price rise are also slated, he said. "The entire country is agitated about the way the House is functioning. The whole country is watching," he said before adjourning the proceedings for the day. Earlier, Naidu said he had gone into the records after Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel had on Wednesday demanded that Congress deputy leader Anand Sharma withdraw his remarks about him. Naidu said Sharma had on December 18, while raising a point of order, stated that Goel had sought an apology from Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of the Lok Sabha, over the Rafale issue. However, Goel had on December 19 stated that he made no reference to Rahul Gandhi and Anand Sharma should withdraw his remarks, Naidu said, adding he went through the records carefully and found that Goel had not referred to Gandhi. "Therefore the averment made by Goel is correct," he said. Sharma said he respects the ruling of the Chair but there were a din and commotion in the House and ruling party members were standing and shouting slogans seeking an apology from Gandhi. Naidu, however, said the record is straight. "Statement made by Goel seems to be correct," Naidu said.

Rajya Sabha adjourned after ruckus over Rafale, Cauvery river issue

What is Madhya Pradesh's new chief minister Kamal Nath up to? Given his reputation as an astute politician, not so much a grassroots leader as a backroom strategist, one would not dismiss his latest statement favouring jobs for local citizens of his state by structuring state incentives and his reference to migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh taking away jobs as a goofy, foot-in-the-mouth outpouring.&nbsp;

There is a likely political strategy behind this and for this, we need to take stock of what is happening within the Indian National Congress.

It is quite clear that Nath's claim to fame despite being elected from the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency several times is that he is essentially where he is because he has built for himself the reputation as a doer on the back of his proximity to the Nehru-Gandhi political family that goes back to his days in Doon School as a chum of the late Sanjay Gandhi.

But he needs all the popular support he can muster in order to keep his place in a state where the rival BJP is extremely strong and power struggles within his own party can be even stronger - given that we have Jyotiraditya Scindia, Digvijaya Singh and even Ajay Singh, the son of late Arjun Singh, among formidable politicians with strong local support in varying degrees.

Nath's moment of glory has been in his signing a paper to waive off farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh as part of his party's election promise. What better occasion than this photo opportunity for him to buy himself a future populist card sitting on a big chair? It must be remembered that the Congress is not what it used to be and Nath needs something beyond the blessings of 10, Janpath, the residence of Ms Sonia Gandhi, to stay ahead in the party and in the public eye. A populist gesture will also help him boost his image as a grassroots leader. Knowing him, the statement he made could not have been off-the-cuff at all.

Sadly, however, his statement in more than one sense reminds of two other historic figures associated with Madhya Pradesh, each with a story that resembles his. They are the famous poet Kalidasa and the celebrated singer Kishore Kumar.&nbsp;

What Kamal Nath is doing now may be for his party something resembling what the poet Kalidasa is supposed to have done as a youth when he started cutting the very branch of a tree he was sitting on, before he was coaxed out of his ignorant ways to become the most celebrated dramatist of India's leading classical language, Sanskrit.&nbsp;

Kamal Nath was born in UP, and it is said Kalidas, though associated with Ujjain in MP, may have migrated from Kashmir. Kishore Kumar, though a Bengali speaker, was born in Khandwa which is part of Madhya Pradesh. These illustrious sons would not have made Madhya Pradesh proud without the region following a welcome policy for outside workers. Nath himself is an outsider to MP. For him to talk of nativism based on domicile status is a case of irony wrapped in contradictions.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's diplomatic evasion of comment on the nativist issue is understandable but he has to speak up sooner than later. The Nehru-Gandhi family traces its own origins to Delhi and Kashmir and not Uttar Pradesh where its political base lies.

Moreover, it is the Congress that led the move to frame India's Republican Constitution that promises fundamental rights, two of which are challenged by the kind of words Kamal Nath has used and a third implicitly so. The right to equality that is against discrimination including one based on place of birth and the right to freedom including one that allows freedom of movement and practice of a profession are two vital rights in Kamal Nath hit list. To this, we may add the idea of 'right to work' enshrined among the directive principles of the Constitution.&nbsp;

In effect, Kamal Nath, in a seemingly shrewd political move, may be cutting the branch of his Congress tree - or worse, the tree's very trunk. Parties like Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) and K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are known to play on nativism with a focus on domicile status. For Congress to do this would be naive at best and suicidal at worst.

The BJP's supporters and sympathisers frequently invoke Sonia Gandhi's Italian origins to call her a 'foreigner' despite all the hard work she has put in, including a level of fluency in Hindi that BJP's south Indian leaders cannot boast of. All that will come to nought if Kamal Nath is not pulled up for what he said. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on Zeenews. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/kamal-naths-migrant-comment-could-be-a-foot-in-the-congress-mouth-2164331.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

What is Madhya Pradesh's new chief minister Kamal Nath up to? Given his reputation as an astute politician, not so much a grassroots leader as a backroom strategist, one would not dismiss his latest statement favouring jobs for local citizens of his state by structuring state incentives and his reference to migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh taking away jobs as a goofy, foot-in-the-mouth outpouring.

What is Madhya Pradesh's new chief minister Kamal Nath up to? Given his reputation as an astute politician, not so much a grassroots leader as a backroom strategist, one would not dismiss his latest statement favouring jobs for local citizens of his state by structuring state incentives and his reference to migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh taking away jobs as a goofy, foot-in-the-mouth outpouring. There is a likely political strategy behind this and for this, we need to take stock of what is happening within the Indian National Congress. It is quite clear that Nath's claim to fame despite being elected from the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency several times is that he is essentially where he is because he has built for himself the reputation as a doer on the back of his proximity to the Nehru-Gandhi political family that goes back to his days in Doon School as a chum of the late Sanjay Gandhi. But he needs all the popular support he can muster in order to keep his place in a state where the rival BJP is extremely strong and power struggles within his own party can be even stronger - given that we have Jyotiraditya Scindia, Digvijaya Singh and even Ajay Singh, the son of late Arjun Singh, among formidable politicians with strong local support in varying degrees. Nath's moment of glory has been in his signing a paper to waive off farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh as part of his party's election promise. What better occasion than this photo opportunity for him to buy himself a future populist card sitting on a big chair? It must be remembered that the Congress is not what it used to be and Nath needs something beyond the blessings of 10, Janpath, the residence of Ms Sonia Gandhi, to stay ahead in the party and in the public eye. A populist gesture will also help him boost his image as a grassroots leader. Knowing him, the statement he made could not have been off-the-cuff at all. Sadly, however, his statement in more than one sense reminds of two other historic figures associated with Madhya Pradesh, each with a story that resembles his. They are the famous poet Kalidasa and the celebrated singer Kishore Kumar. What Kamal Nath is doing now may be for his party something resembling what the poet Kalidasa is supposed to have done as a youth when he started cutting the very branch of a tree he was sitting on, before he was coaxed out of his ignorant ways to become the most celebrated dramatist of India's leading classical language, Sanskrit. Kamal Nath was born in UP, and it is said Kalidas, though associated with Ujjain in MP, may have migrated from Kashmir. Kishore Kumar, though a Bengali speaker, was born in Khandwa which is part of Madhya Pradesh. These illustrious sons would not have made Madhya Pradesh proud without the region following a welcome policy for outside workers. Nath himself is an outsider to MP. For him to talk of nativism based on domicile status is a case of irony wrapped in contradictions. Congress president Rahul Gandhi's diplomatic evasion of comment on the nativist issue is understandable but he has to speak up sooner than later. The Nehru-Gandhi family traces its own origins to Delhi and Kashmir and not Uttar Pradesh where its political base lies. Moreover, it is the Congress that led the move to frame India's Republican Constitution that promises fundamental rights, two of which are challenged by the kind of words Kamal Nath has used and a third implicitly so. The right to equality that is against discrimination including one based on place of birth and the right to freedom including one that allows freedom of movement and practice of a profession are two vital rights in Kamal Nath hit list. To this, we may add the idea of 'right to work' enshrined among the directive principles of the Constitution. In effect, Kamal Nath, in a seemingly shrewd political move, may be cutting the branch of his Congress tree - or worse, the tree's very trunk. Parties like Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) and K Chandrashekar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are known to play on nativism with a focus on domicile status. For Congress to do this would be naive at best and suicidal at worst. The BJP's supporters and sympathisers frequently invoke Sonia Gandhi's Italian origins to call her a 'foreigner' despite all the hard work she has put in, including a level of fluency in Hindi that BJP's south Indian leaders cannot boast of. All that will come to nought if Kamal Nath is not pulled up for what he said. (This article was originally published on Zeenews. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kamal Nath's migrant comment could be a foot in the Congress mouth

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