Joining the debate on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh-congress-announces-farm-loan-waiver-in-rajasthan-185365">farm loan waivers</a>, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress.

Congress chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waiver-promise-tipped-scales-in-congress-favour-in-mp-183555">Rahul Gandhi</a> has been pressing the government on the issue, saying he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until a loan waiver is given to all farmers.

"Farm loan waiver is not a solution to farm sector distress. It is not a solution but is palliative," Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference after the release of its 'Strategy for New India @ 75' document.

Kumar, however, added that in states where there is genuine farm distress, some short-term measures have to be taken.

Niti Aayog Member and agriculture policy expert Ramesh Chand also said the biggest problem with loan waiver is that it will benefit only a small fraction of farmers.

"In poorer states, only 10-15 per cent of farmers are benefited from loan waiver as few number of farmers get institutional loans in such states. In many states, not even 25 per cent of farmers avail institutional credit," Chand pointed out.

He noted that when you have this kind of variations in states in terms of farmers' access to institutional credit, it is not worth spending so much money on farm loan waivers.

"Even CAG report says that farm loan waivers does not help. Loan waivers is no solution to address distress in farm sector," Chand said.

Citing a recent study, he pointed out that in some states, more than 3/4th of farm loans are taken for consumption purpose and not for agriculture.

Chand argued that the demand for loan waiver arises because income of farmers is not increasing at a reasonable rate.

"We are discussing much better solution to address farm distress. We want to increase income of farmers," the Niti Aayog member insisted.

Both Kumar and Chand said the Aayog has suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture to link allocations to states to reform measures undertaken by them in the farm sector.

Replying to a query on GST, Kumar said the average rate will gravitate towards 15 per cent with increased resources and widening of the tax base.

"As the GST net widens, all these will gravitate towards average 15 per cent. It would be good rate if you compare with the previous indirect tax rate which used to be around 30 per cent. It will give impetus to consumption and economic growth," Kumar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday said the effort will be to ensure that 99 per cent of all items, including almost all items used by the common man, are kept at a GST slab of 18 per cent or less.

To a question on job creation, the Niti Aayog vice chairman said, "On the employment front, I am not sure crisis is appropriate word to use."

"We are concerned with the employment situation. In fact, I am one of those economists who has said our policy targets could well be in terms of employment maximisation and growth will come out of that," he added.

Kumar also noted that aspirational levels are much higher today among the youth than what it was earlier.

He also announced that data on job creation will be released very soon as the work is in advanced stage.

Noting that the government wants to look at regional inequality, Kumar said, "We are not following Washington Consensus."

He also said after the release of 'Strategy for New India @ 75', the Aayog will now start working on the 15-year vision document.

Asked to comment on a recent report prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agri-loan-waiver-should-not-form-part-of-poll-promises-rajan-184112">former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan</a>, Kumar said that the Aayog's strategy document is much more realistic and ground-based.

On status of the three-year action agenda which was released last year, he said," Three-year action agenda is very much part of the government's operating agenda."

Joining the debate on farm loan waivers, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress.

Joining the debate on farm loan waivers, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been pressing the government on the issue, saying he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until a loan waiver is given to all farmers. "Farm loan waiver is not a solution to farm sector distress. It is not a solution but is palliative," Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference after the release of its 'Strategy for New India @ 75' document. Kumar, however, added that in states where there is genuine farm distress, some short-term measures have to be taken. Niti Aayog Member and agriculture policy expert Ramesh Chand also said the biggest problem with loan waiver is that it will benefit only a small fraction of farmers. "In poorer states, only 10-15 per cent of farmers are benefited from loan waiver as few number of farmers get institutional loans in such states. In many states, not even 25 per cent of farmers avail institutional credit," Chand pointed out. He noted that when you have this kind of variations in states in terms of farmers' access to institutional credit, it is not worth spending so much money on farm loan waivers. "Even CAG report says that farm loan waivers does not help. Loan waivers is no solution to address distress in farm sector," Chand said. Citing a recent study, he pointed out that in some states, more than 3/4th of farm loans are taken for consumption purpose and not for agriculture. Chand argued that the demand for loan waiver arises because income of farmers is not increasing at a reasonable rate. "We are discussing much better solution to address farm distress. We want to increase income of farmers," the Niti Aayog member insisted. Both Kumar and Chand said the Aayog has suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture to link allocations to states to reform measures undertaken by them in the farm sector. Replying to a query on GST, Kumar said the average rate will gravitate towards 15 per cent with increased resources and widening of the tax base. "As the GST net widens, all these will gravitate towards average 15 per cent. It would be good rate if you compare with the previous indirect tax rate which used to be around 30 per cent. It will give impetus to consumption and economic growth," Kumar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday said the effort will be to ensure that 99 per cent of all items, including almost all items used by the common man, are kept at a GST slab of 18 per cent or less. To a question on job creation, the Niti Aayog vice chairman said, "On the employment front, I am not sure crisis is appropriate word to use." "We are concerned with the employment situation. In fact, I am one of those economists who has said our policy targets could well be in terms of employment maximisation and growth will come out of that," he added. Kumar also noted that aspirational levels are much higher today among the youth than what it was earlier. He also announced that data on job creation will be released very soon as the work is in advanced stage. Noting that the government wants to look at regional inequality, Kumar said, "We are not following Washington Consensus." He also said after the release of 'Strategy for New India @ 75', the Aayog will now start working on the 15-year vision document. Asked to comment on a recent report prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Kumar said that the Aayog's strategy document is much more realistic and ground-based. On status of the three-year action agenda which was released last year, he said," Three-year action agenda is very much part of the government's operating agenda."

Loan waiver not a solution to farm distress: Niti Aayog

Assembly election results in five states reflect the anger of the farmers who have waited for four-and-a-half years for the government to fulfil their poll promise of loan waiver and minimum support price (MSP) for the crops in accordance with the Swaminathan report.&nbsp;

These two demands are the centre point of the countrywide struggle by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella of 209 farming organisations.&nbsp;

Sensing the mood of the farmers’ movement, the Congress along with 20 other political parties has signed a resolution to support the two bills, namely Freedom From Debt and Guaranteed Remunerative Minimum Support Prices.&nbsp;

Instead of one-time complete loan waiver, the Congress party in its manifesto mentioned a waiver of Rs 2 lakh. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, immediately after being sworn in, has written off loans up to Rs 2 lakh, with cutoff date mentioned as March 31, 2018.&nbsp;

There is no clarification as yet whether all those who took loans as on March 31, 2018, would be entitled to this benefit or only defaulters would be entitled to the declaration. It should not be like the last waiver by the Congress government at the Centre in 2008-09, which waived loans only of defaulters.&nbsp;

This would not only end up in large-scale manipulations by bank officers but also dissuade those who have returned the loans in adverse circumstances, by either borrowing or raising money by accumulating further debt.

The farmer usually gets crop loans for six months and it is likely that many of them would have renewed the same in September 2018. These days, the banks have evolved a technique to renew loans. On one hand, loan entry is reversed from the suspense account or any other account at 2 per cent additional cost and on the other, the limit of the farmer is increased, whereby he gets some money for his subsistence.&nbsp;

In these circumstances, if the farmer has repaid the debt taken by him on March 31, 2018, it would be very unfortunate to exclude him from the loan waiver scheme and would be against the spirit of the agenda to empower the farmers. The only way would be to credit a maximum of Rs 2 lakh in the account of every farmer who had taken the loan as on March 31, 2018.

Loan waiver without increasing the MSP or without a guarantee to ensure that the farmers get the MSP will only accumulate loans in the future. These two demands are closely connected – if the issue of remunerative prices alone is tackled without providing relief from indebtedness, the increased returns will only go to pay back increasing loans.&nbsp;

On the other hand, if only loan waivers are provided without addressing the issue of remunerative prices, farmers will again be pushed back into the debt trap. Therefore, AIKSCC seeks to secure these two as legal rights for all farmers, through the enactment of two Central legislation.&nbsp;

The bills were submitted as private member bills by Raju Shetti in the Lok Sabha and KK Ragesh in the Rajya Sabha. They may have been submitted as private member bills, but they have the mandate of all the country’s farmers.

The first bill clearly mentions that it is a one-time loan waiver and would be benefitting all the farmers who have paid the loan or who have defaulted with their payment. The second bill ensures that the MSP is fixed as per the Swaminathan report, i.e, one-and-a-half times the production cost.&nbsp;

The production cost must be a comprehensive one (C2) wherein apart from input cost (A2), cost of family labour (FL), the interest on capital, rent of land and depreciation of machinery is also taken into account.&nbsp;

The bill also guarantees that no person can purchase the produce below the MSP and if anyone buys below the MSP, then he would be imprisoned and will also have to pay double the difference of the amount paid and the MSP as a penalty to the farmer.&nbsp;

This is the only way to get farming back on track. The next generation is not interested in continuing with farming, as agriculture is a losing proposition.

The only way out to discuss and pass the bills, which has the consent of 21 political parties, is by calling for a special session of the Parliament. This is the solution to discuss the agrarian crisis in the present scenario. In the last session the No Confidence motion was not allowed to be taken up due to disorder in the house and no business has been transacted in this session so far.&nbsp;

If the country can have a midnight special session for GST, don’t the farmers of the country who have been sacrificing their lives to feed the nation, deserve the passing of these bills in the hope of a better living. These bills will ensure that once the debt is over and done with, there is no further debt once the farmer gets one-and-a-half times his production cost, i.e C2.&nbsp;

All this will go a long way in providing livelihood to the next generation, who in the absence of job availability and agriculture being a losing preposition, are disillusioned and are getting into depression or into drugs. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-wretched-of-the-earth-2697728">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly election results in five states reflect the anger of the farmers who have waited for four-and-a-half years for the government to fulfil their poll promise of loan waiver and minimum support price (MSP) for the crops in accordance with the Swaminathan report.

Assembly election results in five states reflect the anger of the farmers who have waited for four-and-a-half years for the government to fulfil their poll promise of loan waiver and minimum support price (MSP) for the crops in accordance with the Swaminathan report. These two demands are the centre point of the countrywide struggle by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella of 209 farming organisations. Sensing the mood of the farmers’ movement, the Congress along with 20 other political parties has signed a resolution to support the two bills, namely Freedom From Debt and Guaranteed Remunerative Minimum Support Prices. Instead of one-time complete loan waiver, the Congress party in its manifesto mentioned a waiver of Rs 2 lakh. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, immediately after being sworn in, has written off loans up to Rs 2 lakh, with cutoff date mentioned as March 31, 2018. There is no clarification as yet whether all those who took loans as on March 31, 2018, would be entitled to this benefit or only defaulters would be entitled to the declaration. It should not be like the last waiver by the Congress government at the Centre in 2008-09, which waived loans only of defaulters. This would not only end up in large-scale manipulations by bank officers but also dissuade those who have returned the loans in adverse circumstances, by either borrowing or raising money by accumulating further debt. The farmer usually gets crop loans for six months and it is likely that many of them would have renewed the same in September 2018. These days, the banks have evolved a technique to renew loans. On one hand, loan entry is reversed from the suspense account or any other account at 2 per cent additional cost and on the other, the limit of the farmer is increased, whereby he gets some money for his subsistence. In these circumstances, if the farmer has repaid the debt taken by him on March 31, 2018, it would be very unfortunate to exclude him from the loan waiver scheme and would be against the spirit of the agenda to empower the farmers. The only way would be to credit a maximum of Rs 2 lakh in the account of every farmer who had taken the loan as on March 31, 2018. Loan waiver without increasing the MSP or without a guarantee to ensure that the farmers get the MSP will only accumulate loans in the future. These two demands are closely connected – if the issue of remunerative prices alone is tackled without providing relief from indebtedness, the increased returns will only go to pay back increasing loans. On the other hand, if only loan waivers are provided without addressing the issue of remunerative prices, farmers will again be pushed back into the debt trap. Therefore, AIKSCC seeks to secure these two as legal rights for all farmers, through the enactment of two Central legislation. The bills were submitted as private member bills by Raju Shetti in the Lok Sabha and KK Ragesh in the Rajya Sabha. They may have been submitted as private member bills, but they have the mandate of all the country’s farmers. The first bill clearly mentions that it is a one-time loan waiver and would be benefitting all the farmers who have paid the loan or who have defaulted with their payment. The second bill ensures that the MSP is fixed as per the Swaminathan report, i.e, one-and-a-half times the production cost. The production cost must be a comprehensive one (C2) wherein apart from input cost (A2), cost of family labour (FL), the interest on capital, rent of land and depreciation of machinery is also taken into account. The bill also guarantees that no person can purchase the produce below the MSP and if anyone buys below the MSP, then he would be imprisoned and will also have to pay double the difference of the amount paid and the MSP as a penalty to the farmer. This is the only way to get farming back on track. The next generation is not interested in continuing with farming, as agriculture is a losing proposition. The only way out to discuss and pass the bills, which has the consent of 21 political parties, is by calling for a special session of the Parliament. This is the solution to discuss the agrarian crisis in the present scenario. In the last session the No Confidence motion was not allowed to be taken up due to disorder in the house and no business has been transacted in this session so far. If the country can have a midnight special session for GST, don’t the farmers of the country who have been sacrificing their lives to feed the nation, deserve the passing of these bills in the hope of a better living. These bills will ensure that once the debt is over and done with, there is no further debt once the farmer gets one-and-a-half times his production cost, i.e C2. All this will go a long way in providing livelihood to the next generation, who in the absence of job availability and agriculture being a losing preposition, are disillusioned and are getting into depression or into drugs. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Farmers' woes: Without MSP hike, loan waivers won't end agrarian crisis

Won't let PM Modi sleep till he waives farm loans, says Rahul Gandhi

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit.

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Kushwaha said, "People of NDA have become arrogant, particularly in the context of Bihar such as Nitish Kumar, who is also being supported by the key leadership of BJP. Their conceit was somewhere a big reason behind us getting away from them. Others would also not be safe from this arrogance for long. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) must also come out of alliance as soon as possible. These people have decided to destroy small parties and if LJP has also started to feel the same, they must exit the alliance at the earliest."

He also launched a scathing attack on Bihar government and asserted that it has completely failed to fulfil the expectations of people.&nbsp;

"Janta Dal (United) and BJP have governed Bihar for about 13-14 years now. There were a lot of expectations from Nitish Kumar and this government. Education would improve, healthcare facilities for poor will get better, youth migration will stop but nothing as such happened."

"If they could not do it in all these years when their third term is about to end, people would naturally desire a change. In this time whosoever will be with Nitish Kumar would also face worse. It is good that if BJP is with them, they will also go down with them and both Bihar and the country would get a good government", he added.

Kushwaha also outlined that no decision on whether his party will join the grand alliance or would fight independently. He, however, confirmed that for his party the grand alliance and the third front are options.

Kushwaha, who had pulled out of the NDA on December 10 and had also resigned as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, cornered the Central government as well and emphasised that people are looking for a change now.

"Countdown for the Central government has begun. People had a great expectation from it but it disappointed people of the country. Farmers are in distress, the youth did not get employment. So naturally, there will be change now", said Kushwaha.

While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his `personality` and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi.

Kushwaha also criticised BJP on the Ram Mandir issue and said that BJP is not interested in constructing it but is only misleading people for votes.

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit.

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Kushwaha said, "People of NDA have become arrogant, particularly in the context of Bihar such as Nitish Kumar, who is also being supported by the key leadership of BJP. Their conceit was somewhere a big reason behind us getting away from them. Others would also not be safe from this arrogance for long. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) must also come out of alliance as soon as possible. These people have decided to destroy small parties and if LJP has also started to feel the same, they must exit the alliance at the earliest." He also launched a scathing attack on Bihar government and asserted that it has completely failed to fulfil the expectations of people. "Janta Dal (United) and BJP have governed Bihar for about 13-14 years now. There were a lot of expectations from Nitish Kumar and this government. Education would improve, healthcare facilities for poor will get better, youth migration will stop but nothing as such happened." "If they could not do it in all these years when their third term is about to end, people would naturally desire a change. In this time whosoever will be with Nitish Kumar would also face worse. It is good that if BJP is with them, they will also go down with them and both Bihar and the country would get a good government", he added. Kushwaha also outlined that no decision on whether his party will join the grand alliance or would fight independently. He, however, confirmed that for his party the grand alliance and the third front are options. Kushwaha, who had pulled out of the NDA on December 10 and had also resigned as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, cornered the Central government as well and emphasised that people are looking for a change now. "Countdown for the Central government has begun. People had a great expectation from it but it disappointed people of the country. Farmers are in distress, the youth did not get employment. So naturally, there will be change now", said Kushwaha. While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his `personality` and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi. Kushwaha also criticised BJP on the Ram Mandir issue and said that BJP is not interested in constructing it but is only misleading people for votes.

BJP's arrogance among reasons to leave NDA, LJP must also quit: Upendra Kushwaha

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has written to party president Rahul Gandhi submitting his resignation from the primary membership of the party, sources in the party said on Tuesday.

On Monday, the Delhi High Court convicted Kumar for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and sentenced him to imprisonment for life.

"I tender my resignation with immediate effect from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress in the wake of the judgement of the honourable high court of Delhi against me," he said in the letter to Gandhi.

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has written to party president Rahul Gandhi submitting his resignation from the primary membership of the party, sources in the party said on Tuesday.

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has written to party president Rahul Gandhi submitting his resignation from the primary membership of the party, sources in the party said on Tuesday. On Monday, the Delhi High Court convicted Kumar for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and sentenced him to imprisonment for life. "I tender my resignation with immediate effect from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress in the wake of the judgement of the honourable high court of Delhi against me," he said in the letter to Gandhi.

Sajjan Kumar resigns from Congress primary membership, writes to Rahul Gandhi

Congress announces farm loan waivers in three states

Kisan politics is back in India with a bang. Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced in Delhi that in case Prime Minister Narendra Modi fails to announce farm loan waiver for the farmers, the Congress would do so if it comes to power in 2019. He also said that Congress would mount pressure on BJP to announce farm loan waivers where they are required.

Rahul's claim came with a taunt that he would not allow the PM to sleep until this demand is met.

This statement comes in the wake of the announcement of farm loan waivers in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan which were wrested away from BJP by Congress in Assembly elections.

Such has been the renewed focus on farm loans that Assam government also announced a loan waiver on Tuesday, and Gujarat waived off rural power bill to the tune of Rs 650 crore on the same day. 
&nbsp; 
Kisan politics dominated Indian politics from Independence till the 1980s when caste-based reservation, economic reforms and Babri Masjid demolition overtook agrarian issues. 
 
Unfortunately, Kisan politics evolved into&nbsp;the caste-based idea of social justice.&nbsp;Traditionally, Kisan movements were led by the OBC leaders who by 1990s were either firmly entrenched in social justice politics or had become mascots of BJP’s Hindutva stance. The example, in this case, is Kalyan Singh.

Loan waivers make for good politics. In 2008, Congress announced a loan waiver and they swept back to power with 200+ seats in Lok Sabha. The state governments who have announced loan waiver post-2014 have all been returned to power in India.

However, the waivers do not benefit all borrowers equally&nbsp;and rich farmers benefit from borrowing more. Moreover, waiver impacts credit culture and makes access to more credit difficult for the farmers.

The loan waivers also put state finances on razor’s edge. The waiver increases fiscal deficit without addressing the core issue. But with Lok &nbsp;Sabha election around the corner, Congress has decided to focus on the agrarian sector. The problem of farm sector is real in India. It is unprofitable and more people are employed than needed. It is this labour which needs to be re-directed to industry from the farming sector for employment. Loans are a short-term relief and do not solve the basic problem of the farming sector.

Ironically, the politics of loan waiver also breaks consensus between BJP and Congress on economic issues which emerged post-1991 when late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao liberalised the economy. It was done under the aegis of Manmohan Singh who then functioned as country’s finance minister. Liberal economic policies continued till Vajpayee’s tenure but were strongly peppered with social schemes during UPA 1 and 2 when Sonia Gandhi’s writ ran large.

Now it has become farm politics versus industry. This binary can harm India tremendously. One result of such focus is that religious polarisation done by BJP today can only be matched by popular agrarian politics by the Opposition.&nbsp;

Under Rahul Gandhi, the strong left turn in politics and economy has become strong. He cannot be blamed for it. Indian politics over the years has become competitive and partisan. It lacks political consensus on crucial issues. But farm politics under Rahul Gandhi is back as the main agenda of the Congress.&nbsp;

Rahul's Bhatta Parsaul campaign in Uttar Pradesh in 2011 did not work but loan waiver&nbsp;as a political campaign has clicked. 
 
How much will it work for the Congress as a national issue is a tough question to answer but Kisan politics as political debate point is here to stay till 2019. And that is a long shift from an anti-corruption campaign which BJP capitalised during 2014.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Kisan politics is back in India with a bang. Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced in Delhi that in case Prime Minister Narendra Modi fails to announce farm loan waiver for the farmers, the Congress would do so if it comes to power in 2019.

Kisan politics is back in India with a bang. Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced in Delhi that in case Prime Minister Narendra Modi fails to announce farm loan waiver for the farmers, the Congress would do so if it comes to power in 2019. He also said that Congress would mount pressure on BJP to announce farm loan waivers where they are required. Rahul's claim came with a taunt that he would not allow the PM to sleep until this demand is met. This statement comes in the wake of the announcement of farm loan waivers in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan which were wrested away from BJP by Congress in Assembly elections. Such has been the renewed focus on farm loans that Assam government also announced a loan waiver on Tuesday, and Gujarat waived off rural power bill to the tune of Rs 650 crore on the same day. Kisan politics dominated Indian politics from Independence till the 1980s when caste-based reservation, economic reforms and Babri Masjid demolition overtook agrarian issues. Unfortunately, Kisan politics evolved into the caste-based idea of social justice. Traditionally, Kisan movements were led by the OBC leaders who by 1990s were either firmly entrenched in social justice politics or had become mascots of BJP’s Hindutva stance. The example, in this case, is Kalyan Singh. Loan waivers make for good politics. In 2008, Congress announced a loan waiver and they swept back to power with 200+ seats in Lok Sabha. The state governments who have announced loan waiver post-2014 have all been returned to power in India. However, the waivers do not benefit all borrowers equally and rich farmers benefit from borrowing more. Moreover, waiver impacts credit culture and makes access to more credit difficult for the farmers. The loan waivers also put state finances on razor’s edge. The waiver increases fiscal deficit without addressing the core issue. But with Lok Sabha election around the corner, Congress has decided to focus on the agrarian sector. The problem of farm sector is real in India. It is unprofitable and more people are employed than needed. It is this labour which needs to be re-directed to industry from the farming sector for employment. Loans are a short-term relief and do not solve the basic problem of the farming sector. Ironically, the politics of loan waiver also breaks consensus between BJP and Congress on economic issues which emerged post-1991 when late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao liberalised the economy. It was done under the aegis of Manmohan Singh who then functioned as country’s finance minister. Liberal economic policies continued till Vajpayee’s tenure but were strongly peppered with social schemes during UPA 1 and 2 when Sonia Gandhi’s writ ran large. Now it has become farm politics versus industry. This binary can harm India tremendously. One result of such focus is that religious polarisation done by BJP today can only be matched by popular agrarian politics by the Opposition. Under Rahul Gandhi, the strong left turn in politics and economy has become strong. He cannot be blamed for it. Indian politics over the years has become competitive and partisan. It lacks political consensus on crucial issues. But farm politics under Rahul Gandhi is back as the main agenda of the Congress. Rahul's Bhatta Parsaul campaign in Uttar Pradesh in 2011 did not work but loan waiver as a political campaign has clicked. How much will it work for the Congress as a national issue is a tough question to answer but Kisan politics as political debate point is here to stay till 2019. And that is a long shift from an anti-corruption campaign which BJP capitalised during 2014. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Raining farm loan waivers: Kisan politics is back with bang

Though the Congress leadership has come under a dark cloud over its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the life sentence given to its former MP Sajjan Kumar, the party hopes that the controversy over Kamal Nath, whose name is also involved in the riots, will soon die down. &nbsp;

1984 riots in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assassination will remain a blot on the Congress till it squarely and openly admits the role of its leaders and shuns them from the party. But that controversy aside in the last few days Congress president Rahul Gandhi has scored a few crucial political points over its main rival the BJP. Despite some ugly wrangling over chief ministership in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Gandhi scion has ensured a relatively smooth process of appointment of chief ministers in three central Indian states. &nbsp;

It is not just a coincidence that since the results of these crucial Assembly elections have come out the BJP President Amit Shah has not really spoken on it. He just said, “Congress might have won but the BJP hasn’t lost either”. In a way Shah is correct as barring Chhattisgarh, Congress has been able to reach the majority figure only with the help of allies like the BSP and SP, as well as some independents. Moreover, with the crushing defeat in Mizoram, the Congress lost its last bastion in the northeast there making it 'Congress Mukt'. &nbsp;

Despite that, on the whole, far from being 'Congress Mukt' the country seems to be warming up again to the grand old party and its young leader, Rahul Gandhi. 
 
Adding more allure to Rahul’s appeal are the farm loan-waivers being undertaken by MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan government. “Victory has many fathers and failure has none”, goes the saying. Today, this holds true for Rahul Gandhi as on one hand his acceptability both in the Congress old guard and the opposition ranks is now a debate that is settled.&nbsp;

DMK’s M K Stalin may have prematurely pushed for Rahul as the Opposition’s PM candidate, but even if it precipitated disapproving murmurs from parties like the TMC, Rahul’s case for becoming the face of 'Grand Alliance' has only been strengthened by the Assembly victories. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Though the Congress leadership has come under a dark cloud over its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the life sentence given to its former MP Sajjan Kumar, the party hopes that the controversy over Kamal Nath, whose name is also involved in the riots, will soon die down.

Though the Congress leadership has come under a dark cloud over its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the life sentence given to its former MP Sajjan Kumar, the party hopes that the controversy over Kamal Nath, whose name is also involved in the riots, will soon die down. 1984 riots in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assassination will remain a blot on the Congress till it squarely and openly admits the role of its leaders and shuns them from the party. But that controversy aside in the last few days Congress president Rahul Gandhi has scored a few crucial political points over its main rival the BJP. Despite some ugly wrangling over chief ministership in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Gandhi scion has ensured a relatively smooth process of appointment of chief ministers in three central Indian states. It is not just a coincidence that since the results of these crucial Assembly elections have come out the BJP President Amit Shah has not really spoken on it. He just said, “Congress might have won but the BJP hasn’t lost either”. In a way Shah is correct as barring Chhattisgarh, Congress has been able to reach the majority figure only with the help of allies like the BSP and SP, as well as some independents. Moreover, with the crushing defeat in Mizoram, the Congress lost its last bastion in the northeast there making it 'Congress Mukt'. Despite that, on the whole, far from being 'Congress Mukt' the country seems to be warming up again to the grand old party and its young leader, Rahul Gandhi. Adding more allure to Rahul’s appeal are the farm loan-waivers being undertaken by MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan government. “Victory has many fathers and failure has none”, goes the saying. Today, this holds true for Rahul Gandhi as on one hand his acceptability both in the Congress old guard and the opposition ranks is now a debate that is settled. DMK’s M K Stalin may have prematurely pushed for Rahul as the Opposition’s PM candidate, but even if it precipitated disapproving murmurs from parties like the TMC, Rahul’s case for becoming the face of 'Grand Alliance' has only been strengthened by the Assembly victories. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is it going to be Rahul Gandhi vs Narendra Modi in 2019?

Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-sworn-in-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-184795">farms loans </a>have been waived.

In a stinging attack on what he described as crony capitalism, Gandhi said the government has turned a blind eye to the loans given to 15 top industrialists of the country, including Anil Ambani, but has made no effort to alleviate the woes of the farmers in the last four years.

"We promised to waive loans in 10 days. In two states, we did it in six hours," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.

"We will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until loans of all farmers are waived," the Congress president said.

Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all farms loans have been waived.

Addressing India's distressed farmers directly from Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until all farms loans have been waived. In a stinging attack on what he described as crony capitalism, Gandhi said the government has turned a blind eye to the loans given to 15 top industrialists of the country, including Anil Ambani, but has made no effort to alleviate the woes of the farmers in the last four years. "We promised to waive loans in 10 days. In two states, we did it in six hours," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament. "We will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until loans of all farmers are waived," the Congress president said.

Won't let PM Modi sleep until all farms loans waived: Rahul Gandhi

The BJP has moved a privilege motion against Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale issue.&nbsp;

The motion was moved by BJP MP from Himachal's Hamirpur Anurag Thakur.&nbsp;

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BJP moves Privilege Motion in Lok Sabha against Rahul Gandhi over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> issue. The Motion has been moved by Anurag Thakur. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Lfia6e1WPE">pic.twitter.com/Lfia6e1WPE</a>
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Gandhi and other leaders had alleged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-increased-benchmark-price-of-rafale-jets-negotiating-team-overruled-by-mr-56-rahul-gandhi-177594">the price of the Rafale jets were inflated</a> in the new deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French president Francois Hollande. Gandhi said the price of the jets was inflated by as much as three times what the previous UPA government had agreed on with Rafale.&nbsp;

Gandhi had also alleged that that Rafale's India partner — Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence — had been offered a sweetheart deal by the Modi government. The original offset partner had been HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) but the PSU had suddenly been junked in favour of Reliance Defence.&nbsp;

Consequently, a number of petitions were filed in the Supreme Court asking the court to look into the deal.&nbsp;

The court however said last week that there appeared to be nothing wrong with the deal and that it did not need to be probed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The BJP has moved a privilege motion against Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale issue. The motion was moved by BJP MP from Himachal's Hamirpur Anurag Thakur.

The BJP has moved a privilege motion against Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale issue. The motion was moved by BJP MP from Himachal's Hamirpur Anurag Thakur. BJP moves Privilege Motion in Lok Sabha against Rahul Gandhi over #Rafale issue. The Motion has been moved by Anurag Thakur. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Lfia6e1WPE — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2018 × Gandhi and other leaders had alleged the price of the Rafale jets were inflated in the new deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French president Francois Hollande. Gandhi said the price of the jets was inflated by as much as three times what the previous UPA government had agreed on with Rafale. Gandhi had also alleged that that Rafale's India partner — Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence — had been offered a sweetheart deal by the Modi government. The original offset partner had been HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) but the PSU had suddenly been junked in favour of Reliance Defence. Consequently, a number of petitions were filed in the Supreme Court asking the court to look into the deal. The court however said last week that there appeared to be nothing wrong with the deal and that it did not need to be probed.

BJP's Anurag Thakur moves privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over Rafale deal

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the BJP for being determined to destroy constitutional values, and sought "steadfast and strong ties" between her party and the DMK to trounce the saffron party in the next year's Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Gandhi, who unveiled a statue of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi at the Dravidian party's headquarters here, heaped praise on the late leader.

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Sonia Gandhi in Chennai: It's my desire that mutual support of our parties to each other remain strong as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us,as we wage together a battle with political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values&amp;the idea of India as we know it <a href="https://t.co/js5Vi5gaIE">pic.twitter.com/js5Vi5gaIE</a>
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"Karunanidhi was a Democrat to the core and a believer in parliamentary institutions," she said, adding her party will always remember his support to former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 and 1980 towards Indira's bank nationalisation and the abolition of privy purses initiatives.&nbsp;

''It is my earnest desire that the mutual support of our parties to each other must remain strong and steadfast as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us...And as we wage together a battle with the political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values, our institutions and the idea of India as you know it,'' she said in an apparent reference to the BJP.&nbsp;

Gandhi said the message of unity among the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) should go to the people.

"Let the message go to the people of Tamil Nadu and the country that we are united and determined to protect and preserve our country's constitution and its values that has built and sustained India over the last 70 years," she asserted.&nbsp;

Recalling her association with Karunanidhi, the Congress leader said the late patriarch was a great support and strength for the UPA from 2004 to 2014.&nbsp;

''I personally remember that we looked up to his knowledge and experience to guide our coalition government," she said.&nbsp;

Gandhi lauded Karunanidhi for his service to the people, his literary passion, love for Tamil language and his powerful oratory.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion Rahul Gandhi said the BJP government believes "only one idea should run India".&nbsp;

Training his guns on the Narendra Modi government, Gandhi accused it of targeting institutions of the country, besides the culture of India.&nbsp;

"We are not going to allow the destruction of the idea of India. We are not going to allow the destruction of institutions, the Supreme Court, Reserve Bank of India, Election Commission of India," he said.&nbsp;

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the BJP for being determined to destroy constitutional values, and sought "steadfast and strong ties" between her party and the DMK to trounce the saffron party in the next year's Lok Sabha elections.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the BJP for being determined to destroy constitutional values, and sought "steadfast and strong ties" between her party and the DMK to trounce the saffron party in the next year's Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi, who unveiled a statue of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi at the Dravidian party's headquarters here, heaped praise on the late leader. Sonia Gandhi in Chennai: It's my desire that mutual support of our parties to each other remain strong as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us,as we wage together a battle with political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values&the idea of India as we know it pic.twitter.com/js5Vi5gaIE — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2018 × "Karunanidhi was a Democrat to the core and a believer in parliamentary institutions," she said, adding her party will always remember his support to former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 and 1980 towards Indira's bank nationalisation and the abolition of privy purses initiatives. ''It is my earnest desire that the mutual support of our parties to each other must remain strong and steadfast as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us...And as we wage together a battle with the political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values, our institutions and the idea of India as you know it,'' she said in an apparent reference to the BJP. Gandhi said the message of unity among the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) should go to the people. "Let the message go to the people of Tamil Nadu and the country that we are united and determined to protect and preserve our country's constitution and its values that has built and sustained India over the last 70 years," she asserted. Recalling her association with Karunanidhi, the Congress leader said the late patriarch was a great support and strength for the UPA from 2004 to 2014. ''I personally remember that we looked up to his knowledge and experience to guide our coalition government," she said. Gandhi lauded Karunanidhi for his service to the people, his literary passion, love for Tamil language and his powerful oratory. Speaking on the occasion Rahul Gandhi said the BJP government believes "only one idea should run India". Training his guns on the Narendra Modi government, Gandhi accused it of targeting institutions of the country, besides the culture of India. "We are not going to allow the destruction of the idea of India. We are not going to allow the destruction of institutions, the Supreme Court, Reserve Bank of India, Election Commission of India," he said.

Sonia bats for strong Cong-DMK ties to take on BJP in Lok Sabha elections

Outgoing Chhattisgarh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-take-responsibility-for-this-defeat-will-forge-strong-opposition-for-chhattisgarhs-development-raman-singh-183294">Chief Minister Raman Singh</a> said on Friday that he will not move to the Centre but remain in state politics.

The Congress, in the recently concluded election, ended the BJP's 15-year rule in the state.

"Mai yahi tha aur yahi rahunga (I was here and will stay here)," Mr Singh said at a press conference.

"Now I will keep on coming to the BJP office in my new role. I will be meeting the press more often. Earlier as a chief minister, there were certain limitations for me but now I will come to party office and keep on meeting my workers," a smiling Singh said.

He also touched on the Supreme Court's ruling on the Rafale issue, and slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

"For the last eight months, as part of a well-planned conspiracy, an attempt was being made to malign the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by levelling false charges."

"The Supreme Court's decision has exposed the lies of the Congress president," he said.

The Congress, itself embroiled in corruption scandals, was spreading lies against the BJP and the prime minister who has been discharging his duty with complete honesty, he said.

Rahul Gandhi and his party should apologise, he demanded, saying that such a smear campaign against a prime minister was never seen earlier.

The Congress will pay for this in Lok Sabha elections, he said, seeking Rahul Gandhi's resignation as Congress chief.

Mr Gandhi had raised the issue of alleged irregularities in Rafale deal throughout his poll campaign in Chhattisgarh.

When asked if the issue had any impact in the elections, Mr Singh said, "There has been no assessment of its impact so far. But such issues which are based on lies should not be raised by the president of a leading party."

Asked about the Congress' promise of loan waiver to farmers, Singh said he will speak about it after ten days.

The Gandhi-led party had promised to waive loans of farmers within ten days of coming to power.

The Congress won 68 out of 90 seats in the Assembly elections.

Outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said on Friday that he will not move to the Centre but remain in state politics. The Congress, in the recently concluded election, ended the BJP's 15-year rule in the state.

Outgoing Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said on Friday that he will not move to the Centre but remain in state politics. The Congress, in the recently concluded election, ended the BJP's 15-year rule in the state. "Mai yahi tha aur yahi rahunga (I was here and will stay here)," Mr Singh said at a press conference. "Now I will keep on coming to the BJP office in my new role. I will be meeting the press more often. Earlier as a chief minister, there were certain limitations for me but now I will come to party office and keep on meeting my workers," a smiling Singh said. He also touched on the Supreme Court's ruling on the Rafale issue, and slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. "For the last eight months, as part of a well-planned conspiracy, an attempt was being made to malign the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by levelling false charges." "The Supreme Court's decision has exposed the lies of the Congress president," he said. The Congress, itself embroiled in corruption scandals, was spreading lies against the BJP and the prime minister who has been discharging his duty with complete honesty, he said. Rahul Gandhi and his party should apologise, he demanded, saying that such a smear campaign against a prime minister was never seen earlier. The Congress will pay for this in Lok Sabha elections, he said, seeking Rahul Gandhi's resignation as Congress chief. Mr Gandhi had raised the issue of alleged irregularities in Rafale deal throughout his poll campaign in Chhattisgarh. When asked if the issue had any impact in the elections, Mr Singh said, "There has been no assessment of its impact so far. But such issues which are based on lies should not be raised by the president of a leading party." Asked about the Congress' promise of loan waiver to farmers, Singh said he will speak about it after ten days. The Gandhi-led party had promised to waive loans of farmers within ten days of coming to power. The Congress won 68 out of 90 seats in the Assembly elections.

'Will remain in state politics': Raman Singh after Chhattisgarh result

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">BJP</a> Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit</a>.

The apex court dismissed all the petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar defense deal.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict</a>

Welcoming the judgement, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Every deal is not Bofors deal."&nbsp;

"It is the culture and tradition of Congress and its top leadership to mint money from such deals on the cost of country's national security," he said.

Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making false allegations against him and questioning his credibility, he added.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said there is a necessity for fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without the jets.

The CJI, who read out the judgement for the three-judge bench, said no reasons were found to interfere in the procurement process for the fighter jets.

The verdict was pronounced on a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into deal.

The BJP Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit.

The BJP Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit. The apex court dismissed all the petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar defense deal. Also read: Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict Welcoming the judgement, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Every deal is not Bofors deal." "It is the culture and tradition of Congress and its top leadership to mint money from such deals on the cost of country's national security," he said. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making false allegations against him and questioning his credibility, he added. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said there is a necessity for fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without the jets. The CJI, who read out the judgement for the three-judge bench, said no reasons were found to interfere in the procurement process for the fighter jets. The verdict was pronounced on a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into deal.

Rafale deal verdict: BJP demands apology to PM Modi from Congress and Rahul Gandhi

One of the main petitioners of Rafale jet deal petition in Supreme Court, Prashant Bhusan on Friday called the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">verdict</a> "totally wrong" and told media that they may file a review petition.

"In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition," Prashant Bhushan said.

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Prashant Bhushan: In our opinion the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafaledeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafaledeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/djJheTLAhr">https://t.co/djJheTLAhr</a>
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The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process."

Meanwhile, home minister Rajnath Singh while hailing the court verdict said that "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">the matter was crystal clear from the beginning</a>".&nbsp;

"We have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnasth Singh added.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition.

Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court.

The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. 
&nbsp;

One of the main petitioners of Rafale jet deal petition in Supreme Court, Prashant Bhusan on Friday called the verdict "totally wrong" and told media that they may file a review petition.

One of the main petitioners of Rafale jet deal petition in Supreme Court, Prashant Bhusan on Friday called the verdict "totally wrong" and told media that they may file a review petition. "In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition," Prashant Bhushan said. Prashant Bhushan: In our opinion the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition #Rafaledeal https://t.co/djJheTLAhr — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process." Meanwhile, home minister Rajnath Singh while hailing the court verdict said that "the matter was crystal clear from the beginning". "We have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnasth Singh added. A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition. Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court. Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court. The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict

The Supreme Court on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal</a>. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning".

"The matter was crystal clear from the beginning and we have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

"There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict.

Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court.

The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition.

Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning".

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning". "The matter was crystal clear from the beginning and we have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media. A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. "There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict. Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court. The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition. Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

Matter was crystal clear from the beginning: Rajnath Singh on Rafale deal verdict

Congress leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspends-ends-kamal-nath-is-the-new-madhya-pradesh-cm-183854">Kamal Nath</a> will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17&nbsp;at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal.

The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi.

After the announcement, speaking to the media Nath said that as the new chief minister he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-fulfill-all-promise-made-by-congress-kamal-nath-183909">would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled</a> and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/master-strategist-and-gandhi-family-loyalist-kamal-nath-to-rule-madhya-pradesh-183922">Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh</a>

Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats.

The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Congress leader Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

Congress leader Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs. His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi. After the announcement, speaking to the media Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure. Also read: Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats. The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.

Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath to take oath as Chief Minister on December 17

For Kamal Nath, appointment as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday is a reward for his sharp political maneuvering skills which are credited with the Congress victory in a state where BJP was ruling for three consecutive terms.

The 72-year-old leader is known as a master strategist and Gandhi family loyalist, with a distinction of representing the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh for several terms.

He led the party from the front in the just-concluded Assembly elections and underlined the importance of unity for changing the fortunes of a divided Congress.

"United we stand and divided we fall," was the message he underlined while asking the rank and file to give their best collectively.

Nath became the game changer as he recognised that timing was important. Others simply followed his lead, realising the necessity of putting their differences at the back burner.

Currently one of the longest servicing members of the Lok Sabha from Chhindwara parliamentary constituency is a party loyalist who has remained in the Congress all along his political career unlike many leaders who left the party and only to return later.

The Kanpur boy headed several ministries but he gained fame for firmly putting up India's stand on safeguarding farmers'&nbsp;rights at the Earth Summit in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro and fiercely negotiating at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

He not only received the government's accolades but from the Opposition as well.

His words at the WTO summit still echo at many conferences.

He said, "Next time, can you bring a picture of an American farmer? I haven`t ever seen one. I have only seen US conglomerates masquerading as farmers".

The Doon School alumnus was close to Sanjay Gandhi and was a faithful of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao and now, close to party president Rahul Gandhi, a Doon School alumnus himself.

He stood by Indira Gandhi in her fight against Morarji Desai in 1979 and now, four decades later, the loyalist steeled his grit and put all his political acumen to regain the state and oust Madhya Pradesh's longest-serving chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who served three consecutive terms.

Getting back to the thick of things in the state wasn't an easy task for him, especially, after the set back he received in Punjab before the assembly election. He had to return from Punjab as 1984 riots controversy overshadowed his leadership.

Madhya Pradesh too wasn't an easy task.

A video clip which went viral put him in the dock. The clip showed Nath telling Muslim clerics to ensure that 90 per cent votes from Muslim-dominated areas are cast in favour of Congress.

Yet, he bounced back and ensured that internal conflict in the party ended and all factions worked towards the party's victory.

Notwithstanding the rivalry with Guna Lok Sabha MP, especially, after he was made the state party chief in the state, Nath brought Jyotiraditya Scindia under the wings along with former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri.

It was necessary to bring everyone together and fight the battle undivided. He went step by step.

After having achieved his target within the party, he went after the rival BJP and took on "ghoshnaveer" Chouhan, knowing well enough that a fourth term will be a herculean task for the outgoing Chief Minister.

The road ahead, however, may be bumpy for the Chief Minister as 2019 Lok Sabha election is too close to convince the voters with promises at the national level.

But the veteran nine-time MP knows how to win the hearts and minds of the people.&nbsp;

For Kamal Nath, appointment as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday is a reward for his sharp political maneuvering skills which are credited with the Congress victory in a state where BJP was ruling for three consecutive terms.

For Kamal Nath, appointment as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday is a reward for his sharp political maneuvering skills which are credited with the Congress victory in a state where BJP was ruling for three consecutive terms. The 72-year-old leader is known as a master strategist and Gandhi family loyalist, with a distinction of representing the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh for several terms. He led the party from the front in the just-concluded Assembly elections and underlined the importance of unity for changing the fortunes of a divided Congress. "United we stand and divided we fall," was the message he underlined while asking the rank and file to give their best collectively. Nath became the game changer as he recognised that timing was important. Others simply followed his lead, realising the necessity of putting their differences at the back burner. Currently one of the longest servicing members of the Lok Sabha from Chhindwara parliamentary constituency is a party loyalist who has remained in the Congress all along his political career unlike many leaders who left the party and only to return later. The Kanpur boy headed several ministries but he gained fame for firmly putting up India's stand on safeguarding farmers' rights at the Earth Summit in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro and fiercely negotiating at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He not only received the government's accolades but from the Opposition as well. His words at the WTO summit still echo at many conferences. He said, "Next time, can you bring a picture of an American farmer? I haven`t ever seen one. I have only seen US conglomerates masquerading as farmers". The Doon School alumnus was close to Sanjay Gandhi and was a faithful of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao and now, close to party president Rahul Gandhi, a Doon School alumnus himself. He stood by Indira Gandhi in her fight against Morarji Desai in 1979 and now, four decades later, the loyalist steeled his grit and put all his political acumen to regain the state and oust Madhya Pradesh's longest-serving chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who served three consecutive terms. Getting back to the thick of things in the state wasn't an easy task for him, especially, after the set back he received in Punjab before the assembly election. He had to return from Punjab as 1984 riots controversy overshadowed his leadership. Madhya Pradesh too wasn't an easy task. A video clip which went viral put him in the dock. The clip showed Nath telling Muslim clerics to ensure that 90 per cent votes from Muslim-dominated areas are cast in favour of Congress. Yet, he bounced back and ensured that internal conflict in the party ended and all factions worked towards the party's victory. Notwithstanding the rivalry with Guna Lok Sabha MP, especially, after he was made the state party chief in the state, Nath brought Jyotiraditya Scindia under the wings along with former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri. It was necessary to bring everyone together and fight the battle undivided. He went step by step. After having achieved his target within the party, he went after the rival BJP and took on "ghoshnaveer" Chouhan, knowing well enough that a fourth term will be a herculean task for the outgoing Chief Minister. The road ahead, however, may be bumpy for the Chief Minister as 2019 Lok Sabha election is too close to convince the voters with promises at the national level. But the veteran nine-time MP knows how to win the hearts and minds of the people.

Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh

Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal, who met Congress party president Rahul Gandhi late on Thursday evening, said that there would be a final decision on who would assume the office of chief minister in Rajasthan on Friday morning.

"Rahul Gandhi needs some more time for deliberations and a final decision. No meeting (has been scheduled) for tomorrow. In the morning there will be a decision," Venugopal told reporters in the national capital after meeting the Congress chief yesterday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-two-most-powerful-warriors-are-patience-and-time-tweets-rahul-as-suspense-over-cms-continues-183835">As suspense over CMs builds, Rahul tweets: 'The two most powerful warriors are...'</a>

In addition to Venugopal, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-meets-with-rajasthan-cm-hopefuls-its-advantage-gehlot-183738">Ashok Gehlot </a>and Sachin Pilot, who are considered as the front-runners for the post of chief minister, and Congress leader Avinash Pandey, were also present in the meeting.

Earlier on Thursday, supporters of Pilot, who is perceived to be the one who slogged in the trenches for five years to elevate the Congress from a 21-seat winning party in 2013 to 99 this time around, demonstrated in Rajasthan's Karauli district, blocking traffic and raising slogans for Pilot's appointment as the chief minister.

In the recently-concluded Assembly elections in Rajasthan, the Congress bagged 99 seats out of 199, while their key opponent- the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- managed to secure 73.

Among the remaining seats, six went to Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) while 21 went to independent candidates.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal, who met Congress party president Rahul Gandhi late on Thursday evening, said that there would be a final decision on who would assume the office of chief minister in Rajasthan on Friday morning.

Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal, who met Congress party president Rahul Gandhi late on Thursday evening, said that there would be a final decision on who would assume the office of chief minister in Rajasthan on Friday morning. "Rahul Gandhi needs some more time for deliberations and a final decision. No meeting (has been scheduled) for tomorrow. In the morning there will be a decision," Venugopal told reporters in the national capital after meeting the Congress chief yesterday. Also read: As suspense over CMs builds, Rahul tweets: 'The two most powerful warriors are...' In addition to Venugopal, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, who are considered as the front-runners for the post of chief minister, and Congress leader Avinash Pandey, were also present in the meeting. Earlier on Thursday, supporters of Pilot, who is perceived to be the one who slogged in the trenches for five years to elevate the Congress from a 21-seat winning party in 2013 to 99 this time around, demonstrated in Rajasthan's Karauli district, blocking traffic and raising slogans for Pilot's appointment as the chief minister. In the recently-concluded Assembly elections in Rajasthan, the Congress bagged 99 seats out of 199, while their key opponent- the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- managed to secure 73. Among the remaining seats, six went to Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) while 21 went to independent candidates.

Congress leader Venugopal to announce final decision on Rajasthan CM today

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspends-ends-kamal-nath-is-the-new-madhya-pradesh-cm-183854">Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister</a>, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders.

Flanked by Jyotiraditya Scindia, the other senior leader from the state who was in contention for the top post, Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure.

Asserting that the state unit of the party was united and there were no "camps", Nath said that he has no problems with Scindia and maintains good relations with all leaders in the state.

Nath, 72, will meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at 10.30 am Friday to take forward the government formation and discuss the details of swearing-in ceremony.

Asked about the Congress's manifesto promise of farm loan waiver, he said, "It is a challenging time and we will all together fulfil the promises made in our 'Vachan Patra'."

Nath, who has earlier held multiple portfolios in the union cabinet, recalled his association with the former prime minister Indira Gandhi and said it was she who had introduced him to Chhindwara, which has since become his home turf electing him to Lok Sabha nine times.

He also said that he has had the privilege of working with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi.

Nath also thanked Scindia and said that he had also worked with his father late Madhavrao Scindia. "He has supported me and that matters a lot," he said.

The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state A K Antony after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs, soon after the veteran leader reached Bhopal to a rousing welcome by his supporters chanting 'Jai Jai Kamal Nath'.

His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi had also reached the Tughlaq Lane house when the deliberations were on, but it could not be confirmed whether she was also a participant.

Soon after arriving in Bhopal, Nath and Scindia reached Indira Bhawan, the Congress state headquarters, and held a meeting of party's newly elected MLAs and conveyed the party high command's decision.&nbsp;

Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats.

The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.&nbsp;

Nath said he was "hungry" for the Congress's return to power in the state and asserted that the party has got "unconditional" support from the SP and the BSP.&nbsp;

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders.

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders. Flanked by Jyotiraditya Scindia, the other senior leader from the state who was in contention for the top post, Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure. Asserting that the state unit of the party was united and there were no "camps", Nath said that he has no problems with Scindia and maintains good relations with all leaders in the state. Nath, 72, will meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at 10.30 am Friday to take forward the government formation and discuss the details of swearing-in ceremony. Asked about the Congress's manifesto promise of farm loan waiver, he said, "It is a challenging time and we will all together fulfil the promises made in our 'Vachan Patra'." Nath, who has earlier held multiple portfolios in the union cabinet, recalled his association with the former prime minister Indira Gandhi and said it was she who had introduced him to Chhindwara, which has since become his home turf electing him to Lok Sabha nine times. He also said that he has had the privilege of working with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi. Nath also thanked Scindia and said that he had also worked with his father late Madhavrao Scindia. "He has supported me and that matters a lot," he said. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state A K Antony after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs, soon after the veteran leader reached Bhopal to a rousing welcome by his supporters chanting 'Jai Jai Kamal Nath'. His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi. Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi had also reached the Tughlaq Lane house when the deliberations were on, but it could not be confirmed whether she was also a participant. Soon after arriving in Bhopal, Nath and Scindia reached Indira Bhawan, the Congress state headquarters, and held a meeting of party's newly elected MLAs and conveyed the party high command's decision. Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats. The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005. Nath said he was "hungry" for the Congress's return to power in the state and asserted that the party has got "unconditional" support from the SP and the BSP.

Will fulfill all promise made by Congress: Kamal Nath

Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">dismissing&nbsp;petitions seeking an investigation</a> into&nbsp;multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal. He said that it "establishes the falsity of politically motivated allegations against&nbsp;him and his firm."

"I welcome the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court verdict&nbsp;summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally,"&nbsp;Anil Ambani said in a statement.

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Anil Ambani statement: Welcome judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court today summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally
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"Company committed to India's national security, including implementing offset deal with Dassault," Ambani added.

The Supreme Court today dismissed all petitions pertaining Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process."

A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier in October said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/reliance-has-10-per-cent-of-offset-in-rafael-deal-dassault-ceo-170983">joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments</a> under the Rafale jet deal. After the report, it was alleged that Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by PM Modi, despite it having almost no experience in the aviation sector.

According to the report, Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India.

But those talks were cancelled after PM Modi took office when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France.&nbsp;

The Friday's verdict on Rafale jet has been welcomed by BJP party.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">matter war crystal clear from the beginning</a>.&nbsp;

"The allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage."

Meanwhile, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan has said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">campaign certainly won't drop</a> and they may file a review petition.

"In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition."

Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of dismissing petitions seeking an investigation into multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal.

Reliance chairman Anil Ambani on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's verdict of dismissing petitions seeking an investigation into multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jet deal. He said that it "establishes the falsity of politically motivated allegations against him and his firm." "I welcome the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court verdict summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally," Anil Ambani said in a statement. Anil Ambani statement: Welcome judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court today summarily dismissing PILs filed on Rafale contracts, and conclusively establishing complete falsity of wild, baseless and politically motivated allegations levelled against Reliance Group and me personally — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "Company committed to India's national security, including implementing offset deal with Dassault," Ambani added. The Supreme Court today dismissed all petitions pertaining Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process." A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier in October said that the joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal. After the report, it was alleged that Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by PM Modi, despite it having almost no experience in the aviation sector. According to the report, Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India. But those talks were cancelled after PM Modi took office when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France. The Friday's verdict on Rafale jet has been welcomed by BJP party. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the matter war crystal clear from the beginning. "The allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage." Meanwhile, one of the main petitioners, Prashant Bhushan has said that the campaign certainly won't drop and they may file a review petition. "In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition."

Falsity of wild, baseless allegations against Reliance Group established: Anil Ambani on Rafale verdict

The Rafale verdict by the Supreme Court of India is a big blow to the Opposition and the Congress Party. The Supreme Court’s decision to throw off the petitions has taken the sting of the Rafale campaign which was kicked off by the Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

He was able to cast a seed of doubt in the electorate’s mind on the issue of purchase. Though Rafale was never an issue in the Hindi heartland elections where Congress won but it did put Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his entire Cabinet on the edge. It made BJP defensive and the party was seen defending every jibe thrown by the Congress. BJP which made the anti-corruption campaign as its political shield for the first time became politically vulnerable.&nbsp;

It made it difficult for them to attack Congress in the same breath. Congress felt a Bofors moment in the case until the matter went to the court where hara-kiri was committed.

Today, Congress is adamant that it wants a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the issue and the court’s decision to not to intervene in the matter does not mean that corruption has not taken place.&nbsp;

The decision to not to evaluate a case on a key ground is not akin to corruption not taking place, will be very difficult for the entire Opposition to explain to the voters.

It will have no political resonance. The fact that the matter went to the judiciary for political resolution was the biggest undoing of an issue whose ultimate intention was to check Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha campaign. The demand of the Congress will be met by skepticism and BJP will never agree for a JPC; it will treat the Supreme Court’s verdict as a clean chit.

SC’s decision has finished the doubt which got entrenched in the political discourse. In fact, the heat would be on Rahul Gandhi who will have to come out with a cogent explanation. It is, for this reason, Rafale will never become a solid and credible electoral issue for Congress again. On top of it, Congress may come across as insincere when it comes to defence and national interest. Chowkidar Chor Hai may remain a catchy line but would lack the punch which came with it.

It also tells us the peril of running to the court again and again on political issues. In politics, issues have to be fought on the ground. When courts become means to an end&nbsp;for a swift political resolution to affect public opinion, political parties walk into traps.&nbsp;

A judgment comes with its own wisdom. The Rafale issue is one such example of it.

Even Bofors died a death in the court of law only after it was milked politically by former Prime Minister VP Singh. It could never become an electoral issue again. The same is the case with Babri Masjid. It helped BJP one time but did not give the party a second chance to consolidated Hindu vote till Narendra Modi milked anti-corruption campaign to BJP’s advantage.

It also puts Congress in a bind. It can neither disown the charge nor afford to waste further time on it. They will have to carry the Rafale issue like a dud weapon in its political armour. It is a great respite to BJP after disastrous Assembly election results. It gives Prime Minister Modi enough political elbow room to attack Congress much more ferociously.&nbsp;

Nothing is certain and permanent in politics but today’s decision creates a new challenge for the Congress Party to corner Narendra Modi. Sticking to small business, agrarian distress and farmers issue may serve Congress party much better in Lok Sabha elections. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

The Rafale verdict by the Supreme Court of India is a big blow to the Opposition and the Congress Party. The Supreme Court’s decision to throw off the petitions has taken the sting of the Rafale campaign which was kicked off by the Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The Rafale verdict by the Supreme Court of India is a big blow to the Opposition and the Congress Party. The Supreme Court’s decision to throw off the petitions has taken the sting of the Rafale campaign which was kicked off by the Congress president Rahul Gandhi. He was able to cast a seed of doubt in the electorate’s mind on the issue of purchase. Though Rafale was never an issue in the Hindi heartland elections where Congress won but it did put Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his entire Cabinet on the edge. It made BJP defensive and the party was seen defending every jibe thrown by the Congress. BJP which made the anti-corruption campaign as its political shield for the first time became politically vulnerable. It made it difficult for them to attack Congress in the same breath. Congress felt a Bofors moment in the case until the matter went to the court where hara-kiri was committed. Today, Congress is adamant that it wants a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the issue and the court’s decision to not to intervene in the matter does not mean that corruption has not taken place. The decision to not to evaluate a case on a key ground is not akin to corruption not taking place, will be very difficult for the entire Opposition to explain to the voters. It will have no political resonance. The fact that the matter went to the judiciary for political resolution was the biggest undoing of an issue whose ultimate intention was to check Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha campaign. The demand of the Congress will be met by skepticism and BJP will never agree for a JPC; it will treat the Supreme Court’s verdict as a clean chit. SC’s decision has finished the doubt which got entrenched in the political discourse. In fact, the heat would be on Rahul Gandhi who will have to come out with a cogent explanation. It is, for this reason, Rafale will never become a solid and credible electoral issue for Congress again. On top of it, Congress may come across as insincere when it comes to defence and national interest. Chowkidar Chor Hai may remain a catchy line but would lack the punch which came with it. It also tells us the peril of running to the court again and again on political issues. In politics, issues have to be fought on the ground. When courts become means to an end for a swift political resolution to affect public opinion, political parties walk into traps. A judgment comes with its own wisdom. The Rafale issue is one such example of it. Even Bofors died a death in the court of law only after it was milked politically by former Prime Minister VP Singh. It could never become an electoral issue again. The same is the case with Babri Masjid. It helped BJP one time but did not give the party a second chance to consolidated Hindu vote till Narendra Modi milked anti-corruption campaign to BJP’s advantage. It also puts Congress in a bind. It can neither disown the charge nor afford to waste further time on it. They will have to carry the Rafale issue like a dud weapon in its political armour. It is a great respite to BJP after disastrous Assembly election results. It gives Prime Minister Modi enough political elbow room to attack Congress much more ferociously. Nothing is certain and permanent in politics but today’s decision creates a new challenge for the Congress Party to corner Narendra Modi. Sticking to small business, agrarian distress and farmers issue may serve Congress party much better in Lok Sabha elections. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rafale is a dud bomb now

After several rounds of discussions on selecting the chief minister of Rajasthan, top contenders for the post, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, reached the residence of party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday for a final settlement on the issue.

According to sources, both Gehlot and Pilot were called by the Congress president for an amicable settlement to the issue amid a clear fight between the old and the young guard in the party.

Sources said former Union minister and party leader from Rajasthan Jitendra Singh met Pilot earlier in the day and then met Gandhi.

Party's central observer for Rajasthan K C Venugopal and AICC general secretary in-charge of party affairs in the state Avinash Pande were also present at Gandhi's residence during the discussions.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was present during the resolution of the issue in Madhya Pradesh between Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia, was present at Gandhi's residence Friday, though she left ahead of a meeting with Gehlot and Pilot.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, when asked about the differences within the Rajasthan unit, denied it and said a due process of consultation was on.

"There is no dispute or difference within the Congress units on chief minister's post in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh," he told reporters here.

"Be it Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh, a due process of discussions is on among the leaders so that we can form a good government. Madhya Pradesh has been decided and chief minister's issue will be decided for Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in a day or two also," he said.

Sources said the issue would be resolved Friday itself and the announcement would be made at the Congress Legislature Party meeting.

Meanwhile, there was sloganeering in favour of Pilot by some of his supporters outside Gandhi's residence when the meeting took place.&nbsp;

After several rounds of discussions on selecting the chief minister of Rajasthan, top contenders for the post, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, reached the residence of party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday for a final settlement on the issue.

After several rounds of discussions on selecting the chief minister of Rajasthan, top contenders for the post, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, reached the residence of party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday for a final settlement on the issue. According to sources, both Gehlot and Pilot were called by the Congress president for an amicable settlement to the issue amid a clear fight between the old and the young guard in the party. Sources said former Union minister and party leader from Rajasthan Jitendra Singh met Pilot earlier in the day and then met Gandhi. Party's central observer for Rajasthan K C Venugopal and AICC general secretary in-charge of party affairs in the state Avinash Pande were also present at Gandhi's residence during the discussions. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was present during the resolution of the issue in Madhya Pradesh between Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia, was present at Gandhi's residence Friday, though she left ahead of a meeting with Gehlot and Pilot. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, when asked about the differences within the Rajasthan unit, denied it and said a due process of consultation was on. "There is no dispute or difference within the Congress units on chief minister's post in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh," he told reporters here. "Be it Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh, a due process of discussions is on among the leaders so that we can form a good government. Madhya Pradesh has been decided and chief minister's issue will be decided for Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in a day or two also," he said. Sources said the issue would be resolved Friday itself and the announcement would be made at the Congress Legislature Party meeting. Meanwhile, there was sloganeering in favour of Pilot by some of his supporters outside Gandhi's residence when the meeting took place.

Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot meet Rahul Gandhi for another round of talks on Rajasthan CM post

Amid hectic deliberations and lobbying for selection of chief ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that the party was taking inputs from MLAs and workers and the names will be declared soon.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mlas-authorise-rahul-gandhi-to-decide-cms-for-chhattisgarh-mp-rajasthan-183599">Gandhi held hectic deliberations</a> with Congress workers earlier at his residence ahead of selecting the party's chief ministers for the three states.

"You will see chief ministers soon. We are taking inputs from MLAs, party workers and others," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the potential chief minister candidates in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh arrived in the city Thursday for a meeting with the Congress president who will take a final call on the top post in the states.&nbsp;

While Kamal Nath is considered top contender for the post in Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Gehlot leads the race in Rajasthan, but Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Sachin Pilot is not giving up his claim and is putting up stiff resistance.

The contenders for the top post in Rajasthan -- Gehlot and Pilot -- and in Madhya Pradesh -- Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia -- arrived early morning in the national capital.

The Congress president will first meet party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race.

The observers had already held discussions with the newly-elected party MLAs in Jaipur and Bhopal Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers.

Over the last 24 hours, an audio message from Gandhi has gone to 7.3 lakh party workers across the three states in which they have been asked to name their chief ministerial choice.

In the audio message, he is heard congratulating the leaders for the party's victory in the assembly elections in the three heartland states.&nbsp;

"Now I want to ask you a vital question: Who should be the chief minister? Please mention just one name. I'm the only person who would know whom you are naming. No one in the party will know. Please speak after the beep".&nbsp;

Amid hectic deliberations and lobbying for selection of chief ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that the party was taking inputs from MLAs and workers and the names will be declared soon.

Amid hectic deliberations and lobbying for selection of chief ministers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that the party was taking inputs from MLAs and workers and the names will be declared soon. Gandhi held hectic deliberations with Congress workers earlier at his residence ahead of selecting the party's chief ministers for the three states. "You will see chief ministers soon. We are taking inputs from MLAs, party workers and others," he told reporters. Meanwhile, the potential chief minister candidates in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh arrived in the city Thursday for a meeting with the Congress president who will take a final call on the top post in the states. While Kamal Nath is considered top contender for the post in Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Gehlot leads the race in Rajasthan, but Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Sachin Pilot is not giving up his claim and is putting up stiff resistance. The contenders for the top post in Rajasthan -- Gehlot and Pilot -- and in Madhya Pradesh -- Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia -- arrived early morning in the national capital. The Congress president will first meet party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race. The observers had already held discussions with the newly-elected party MLAs in Jaipur and Bhopal Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers. Over the last 24 hours, an audio message from Gandhi has gone to 7.3 lakh party workers across the three states in which they have been asked to name their chief ministerial choice. In the audio message, he is heard congratulating the leaders for the party's victory in the assembly elections in the three heartland states. "Now I want to ask you a vital question: Who should be the chief minister? Please mention just one name. I'm the only person who would know whom you are naming. No one in the party will know. Please speak after the beep".

You will see chief ministers soon, taking inputs from party workers: Rahul Gandhi

Frontrunners of a chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-assembly-elections-2018-congress-to-stake-claim-on-government-in-rajasthan-says-pradesh-congress-committee-president-sachin-pilot-183417">Sachin Pilot</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-magician-at-heart-could-become-rajasthan-cm-183349">Ashok Gehlot </a>arrived in New Delhi today to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi is expected to take a call on the next chief minister of Rajasthan where the Congress won a whopping 99 of 199 Assembly seats, dethroning Vasundhara Raje-led Bharatiya Janata Party.

Pilot on Wednesday had informed that the decision on the chief ministership would be taken on Thursday by the party president Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the party.

Speaking to the media, Ashok Gehlot said that "observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken &nbsp;today."

"Observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had to take a decision (on Rajasthan CM candidate), observers have arrived in Delhi. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today."

The Congress president will first meet the party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and KC Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race.

The observers had already held discussions with newly-elected party MLAs on Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers.

Using an internal messaging platform for the party workers, Gandhi sent out to party workers a pre-recorded audio message seeking their feedback for selection of the chief minister in their respective states.

&nbsp;

Frontrunners of a chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot arrived in New Delhi today to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi. After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi is expected to take a call on the next chief minister of Rajasthan where the Congress won a whopping 99 of 199 Assembly seats, dethroning Vasundhara Raje-led Bharatiya Janata Party.

Frontrunners of a chief ministerial race in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot arrived in New Delhi today to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi. After the meeting, Rahul Gandhi is expected to take a call on the next chief minister of Rajasthan where the Congress won a whopping 99 of 199 Assembly seats, dethroning Vasundhara Raje-led Bharatiya Janata Party. Pilot on Wednesday had informed that the decision on the chief ministership would be taken on Thursday by the party president Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the party. Speaking to the media, Ashok Gehlot said that "observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today." "Observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had to take a decision (on Rajasthan CM candidate), observers have arrived in Delhi. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today." The Congress president will first meet the party observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and KC Venugopal for Rajasthan before meeting those in the race. The observers had already held discussions with newly-elected party MLAs on Wednesday and would give their inputs to Gandhi on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers. Using an internal messaging platform for the party workers, Gandhi sent out to party workers a pre-recorded audio message seeking their feedback for selection of the chief minister in their respective states.

Rajasthan frontrunners Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot to meet Rahul Gandhi today

Even as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-meets-with-rajasthan-cm-hopefuls-its-advantage-gehlot-183738">the suspense over who will become the chief ministers of three Hindi heartland states</a> -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh --continues, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today tweeted a photo of two prospective candidates for Madhya Pradesh chiefministership -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia -- flanking him beaming.

The caption below the picture was a quote from Leo Tolstoy: The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. 
 
- Leo Tolstoy <a href="https://t.co/MiRq2IlrIg">pic.twitter.com/MiRq2IlrIg</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1073222791330258944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The tweet tweeted half-an-hour ago has already received more than 14,000 like and 3,600 retweets.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh is one of the three states that Congress wrested from the BJP following the recently concluded Assembly elections.

''It is not a race, it is not about chair. We are here to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh. I am leaving for Bhopal and you will get to know the decision today,'' Scindia said while leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence on the prospect of him becoming chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

''I am leaving for Bhopal, MLAs meeting will be held and we will announce the CM name after that,'' said Kamal Nath as he was leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence. &nbsp;

Even as the suspense over who will become the chief ministers of three Hindi heartland states -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh --continues, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today tweeted a photo of two prospective candidates for Madhya Pradesh chiefministership -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia -- flanking him beaming.

Even as the suspense over who will become the chief ministers of three Hindi heartland states -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh --continues, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today tweeted a photo of two prospective candidates for Madhya Pradesh chiefministership -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia -- flanking him beaming. The caption below the picture was a quote from Leo Tolstoy: The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. - Leo Tolstoy pic.twitter.com/MiRq2IlrIg — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 13, 2018 × The tweet tweeted half-an-hour ago has already received more than 14,000 like and 3,600 retweets. Madhya Pradesh is one of the three states that Congress wrested from the BJP following the recently concluded Assembly elections. ''It is not a race, it is not about chair. We are here to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh. I am leaving for Bhopal and you will get to know the decision today,'' Scindia said while leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence on the prospect of him becoming chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. ''I am leaving for Bhopal, MLAs meeting will be held and we will announce the CM name after that,'' said Kamal Nath as he was leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence.

As suspense over CMs builds, Rahul tweets: 'The two most powerful warriors are...'

With numbers in place to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the elected Congress MLAs on Wednesday authorised the party's national president<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waiver-promise-tipped-scales-in-congress-favour-in-mp-183555"> Rahul Gandhi</a> to decide the chief ministers as senior leaders including top contenders held hectic parleys through the day and till late in night.

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-eyes-now-on-whom-rahul-gandhi-will-choose-as-his-chief-ministers-183485">suspense mounted on who would get the top job in the three states</a>, party leaders said the names could now be announced on Thursday after Gandhi meets the observers appointed for the three states and other senior leaders.

Gandhi, on the other hand, has also reached out directly to the party workers in the three states to know their top choice for the chief minister post through an internal mobile messaging app, party leaders said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-pm-narendra-modi-lost-but-rahul-gandhi-did-not-win-183412">PM Narendra Modi lost, but Rahul Gandhi did not win</a>

Among other two states that also went to polls, K Chandrashekar Rao would be sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday with his party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, storming back to power for the second consecutive term and with a bigger mandate.&nbsp;

In Mizoram, where Mizo National Front has trounced Congress to wrest power of the hill state, the party president Zoramthanga would be sworn in as chief minister on Saturday.

In all the three states where Congress has emerged victorious signalling a newfound energy in the party ranks to stop the BJP juggernaut before the 2019 general elections, the newly-elected MLAs met in the presence of party's central observers, while party leaders also met governors in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to stake government formation claims.

In Rajasthan, the top contenders for the top post are Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both of whom won huge victories in their constituencies.

After a late night meeting, Pilot told waiting reporters that the process of getting the feedback was almost complete and the party high-command would take the final decision on Thursday.

He did not give any direct reply to a pointed question on whether he was ready to take the responsibility, saying "Let's see, what happens".

In Madhya Pradesh, where three-time Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, the Congress team that later met the governor to stake government claim included two top contenders for the top job -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Scindia also later told reporters that a final decision was expected Thursday.

The MLAs in Chhattisgarh also met late evening in Raipur in presence of the party's central observer Mallikarjun Kharge. There are as many four names doing the round for the state chief minister post -- Lok Sabha member Tamradhwaj Sahu, state party chief Bhupesh Baghel, leader of opposition in the outgoing assembly T S Singhdeo and senior leader Charandas Mahant.

The legislature party meeting in Jaipur lasted for almost seven hours, while Bhopal and Raipur also saw long-running meetings. 
The top leaders from the three states, as also the central observers, are expected to meet Gandhi on Thursday, while hectic lobbying was expected to continue through the night on Wednesday.

Central observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan took the opinion of newly-elected MLAs, party leaders said.

Senior party leaders in the national capital said the meetings of MLAs and authorising the party chief is part of an established process within the party for selecting the chief ministers.

Belying predictions of exit polls, the Congress won convincingly in Chattisgarh, less so in Rajasthan, and scraped through with a wafer-thin lead in Madhya Pradesh, final results showed after the vote count on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi described the party's good showing in the Hindi heartland states as a victory over the BJP's "negative politics".

The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan in Tuesday's vote count, winning 99 seats. It's ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one seat for a total of 100 seats -- the required number to form government.

The BJP got 73 seats, and the Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats. BSP leader Mayawati on Wednesday pledged support for the Congress. The CPI(M) got two seats, Independents won 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission.&nbsp;

The Congress victory in Chhattisgarh ended the 15-year rule of the Raman Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government. It won 68 seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the BJP got only 15 seats. A party needs to win 46 seats to form government in the state.

The Congress got 43 per cent of the total votes polled in the state, while the BJP got 33 per cent.&nbsp;

After a see-saw battle on Tuesday, Congress emerged as the single largest party in Madhya Pradesh with 114 seats, two short of a simple majority. The BJP, which had ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats.

Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced their parties' support to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, where BSP has got two and SP one seat.

Congress has also claimed support of the four independents, all party rebels, who have emerged victorious.

In Mumbai, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said the Assembly election results mark the "beginning of a change" and a "rejection" of the BJP-led government's policies.

The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, said people have brought "those flying in the air back to the ground".

With numbers in place to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the elected Congress MLAs on Wednesday authorised the party's national president Rahul Gandhi to decide the chief ministers as senior leaders including top contenders held hectic parleys through the day and till late in night.

With numbers in place to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the elected Congress MLAs on Wednesday authorised the party's national president Rahul Gandhi to decide the chief ministers as senior leaders including top contenders held hectic parleys through the day and till late in night. As suspense mounted on who would get the top job in the three states, party leaders said the names could now be announced on Thursday after Gandhi meets the observers appointed for the three states and other senior leaders. Gandhi, on the other hand, has also reached out directly to the party workers in the three states to know their top choice for the chief minister post through an internal mobile messaging app, party leaders said. Also read: PM Narendra Modi lost, but Rahul Gandhi did not win Among other two states that also went to polls, K Chandrashekar Rao would be sworn in as Chief Minister on Thursday with his party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, storming back to power for the second consecutive term and with a bigger mandate. In Mizoram, where Mizo National Front has trounced Congress to wrest power of the hill state, the party president Zoramthanga would be sworn in as chief minister on Saturday. In all the three states where Congress has emerged victorious signalling a newfound energy in the party ranks to stop the BJP juggernaut before the 2019 general elections, the newly-elected MLAs met in the presence of party's central observers, while party leaders also met governors in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to stake government formation claims. In Rajasthan, the top contenders for the top post are Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both of whom won huge victories in their constituencies. After a late night meeting, Pilot told waiting reporters that the process of getting the feedback was almost complete and the party high-command would take the final decision on Thursday. He did not give any direct reply to a pointed question on whether he was ready to take the responsibility, saying "Let's see, what happens". In Madhya Pradesh, where three-time Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, the Congress team that later met the governor to stake government claim included two top contenders for the top job -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Scindia also later told reporters that a final decision was expected Thursday. The MLAs in Chhattisgarh also met late evening in Raipur in presence of the party's central observer Mallikarjun Kharge. There are as many four names doing the round for the state chief minister post -- Lok Sabha member Tamradhwaj Sahu, state party chief Bhupesh Baghel, leader of opposition in the outgoing assembly T S Singhdeo and senior leader Charandas Mahant. The legislature party meeting in Jaipur lasted for almost seven hours, while Bhopal and Raipur also saw long-running meetings. The top leaders from the three states, as also the central observers, are expected to meet Gandhi on Thursday, while hectic lobbying was expected to continue through the night on Wednesday. Central observers A K Antony for Madhya Pradesh and K C Venugopal for Rajasthan took the opinion of newly-elected MLAs, party leaders said. Senior party leaders in the national capital said the meetings of MLAs and authorising the party chief is part of an established process within the party for selecting the chief ministers. Belying predictions of exit polls, the Congress won convincingly in Chattisgarh, less so in Rajasthan, and scraped through with a wafer-thin lead in Madhya Pradesh, final results showed after the vote count on Tuesday. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi described the party's good showing in the Hindi heartland states as a victory over the BJP's "negative politics". The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan in Tuesday's vote count, winning 99 seats. It's ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one seat for a total of 100 seats -- the required number to form government. The BJP got 73 seats, and the Bahujan Samaj Party won 6 seats. BSP leader Mayawati on Wednesday pledged support for the Congress. The CPI(M) got two seats, Independents won 13 and other parties got 6, according to the state Election Commission. The Congress victory in Chhattisgarh ended the 15-year rule of the Raman Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government. It won 68 seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the BJP got only 15 seats. A party needs to win 46 seats to form government in the state. The Congress got 43 per cent of the total votes polled in the state, while the BJP got 33 per cent. After a see-saw battle on Tuesday, Congress emerged as the single largest party in Madhya Pradesh with 114 seats, two short of a simple majority. The BJP, which had ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats. Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced their parties' support to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, where BSP has got two and SP one seat. Congress has also claimed support of the four independents, all party rebels, who have emerged victorious. In Mumbai, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said the Assembly election results mark the "beginning of a change" and a "rejection" of the BJP-led government's policies. The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, said people have brought "those flying in the air back to the ground".

Congress MLAs authorise Rahul Gandhi to decide CMs for Chhattisgarh, MP, Rajasthan

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-congress-cms-party-mlas-say-rahul-will-decide-183569">before taking a final call</a> on who would head government in the desert state.&nbsp;

Gandhi also held deliberations with the party's central observer KC Venugopal and party in-charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pande and took inputs from them to ascertain the views of the Congress' newly elected legislators on the matter, sources said.&nbsp;

The Congress president gave separate hearings to both Pilot and Gehlot, one representing the young face of the party and the other, the old guard.&nbsp;

The individual meetings lasted around 10-15 minutes each and neither Gehlot nor Pilot talked to the media after the meeting.&nbsp;

There has been hectic lobbying for the top post and both leaders have staked their claims for the post of chief minister, sources said.&nbsp;

Pilot's supporters raised slogans outside Gandhi's office. They vociferously voiced their demand on Wednesday evening too when state legislators were meeting in the Rajasthan capital.&nbsp;

Gandhi sought the views of party workers through an internal messaging system with a pre-recorded message asking them to send their views directly to him through the application.

A decision on the post of chief minister will be taken by this evening to enable the oath-taking soon. The Congress has already staked its claim for government formation in Rajasthan, even though it fell slightly short of the simple majority mark. PTI&nbsp;

 
Advantage Gehlot 
Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot appears to be emerging as the favourite for the chief minister's post in Rajasthan, after party chief Rahul Gandhi held hectic deliberations with senior leaders including him.

It is advantage Gehlot, sources said, after he came out of Gandhi's residence.

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot is also a strong contender for the post. However, Gehlot looks set to return as chief minister of the western state for the third time.

Gandhi also held a separate meeting with Pilot, prior to meeting Gehlot.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, before taking a final call on who would head government in the desert state.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday held one-on-one meetings with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, before taking a final call on who would head government in the desert state. Gandhi also held deliberations with the party's central observer KC Venugopal and party in-charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pande and took inputs from them to ascertain the views of the Congress' newly elected legislators on the matter, sources said. The Congress president gave separate hearings to both Pilot and Gehlot, one representing the young face of the party and the other, the old guard. The individual meetings lasted around 10-15 minutes each and neither Gehlot nor Pilot talked to the media after the meeting. There has been hectic lobbying for the top post and both leaders have staked their claims for the post of chief minister, sources said. Pilot's supporters raised slogans outside Gandhi's office. They vociferously voiced their demand on Wednesday evening too when state legislators were meeting in the Rajasthan capital. Gandhi sought the views of party workers through an internal messaging system with a pre-recorded message asking them to send their views directly to him through the application. A decision on the post of chief minister will be taken by this evening to enable the oath-taking soon. The Congress has already staked its claim for government formation in Rajasthan, even though it fell slightly short of the simple majority mark. PTI Advantage Gehlot Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot appears to be emerging as the favourite for the chief minister's post in Rajasthan, after party chief Rahul Gandhi held hectic deliberations with senior leaders including him. It is advantage Gehlot, sources said, after he came out of Gandhi's residence. Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot is also a strong contender for the post. However, Gehlot looks set to return as chief minister of the western state for the third time. Gandhi also held a separate meeting with Pilot, prior to meeting Gehlot.

Rahul meets with Rajasthan CM hopefuls; it's advantage Gehlot

The Prime Minister’s exhortation to political parties at the start of the winter session of Parliament to debate issues, bore an extraordinarily friendly tinge. “Let’s debate sharply if you want. Let’s rise above party politics to discuss public issues and have a ‘samwad’, ( dialogue ) he said.

It is hard to read whether that mellowed and fervent appeal from PM Modi reflected his mental turmoil at a time when counting for five state elections were in progress and the BJP seemed to be trailing in all the five states.&nbsp;

As the trends started pouring in for the five states, it became clear the K Chandrashekhar Rao government was retaining its hold over Telangana and the people wanted Raman Singh and Lal Thanhawla out in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram respectively.

But it were the electoral trends in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan that kept party workers, supporters and political pundits, guessing through the day. The two states saw a tortuous seesaw battle between the two major contenders – the BJP which was defending its turf in both the states, and the Congress, the principal challenger.&nbsp;

A few takeaways. Chhattisgarh proved to be a veritable case of voter fatigue. The Congress’s early start to campaigning in the state coupled with populist promises of farm loan waiver proved decisive. The anti-incumbency only rubbed the proverbial salt into Raman Singh’s wounds bringing his juggernaut to a halt.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh may well be in the Congress kitty, but there are no less than four contenders for the post of chief minister, including party state unit chief Bhupesh Baghel, the party’s lone MP from Durg, Tamradhwaj Sahu and former leader in last state assembly T S Singh Deo. Former minister Charan Das Mahant is also in the race.

In MP, Congress leaders went into a huddle deliberating each and every result as they poured in. They don’t want the BJP to do a Goa in MP. In such a close contest, the Congress shall prefer a veteran like Kamal Nath over Jyotiraditya to lead the party in the Assembly, in the event of it maintaining the lead and being invited to form the government.

In neighbouring MP, Shivraj Singh proved to be a tough customer, refusing to cede ground to the Congress. As the trend emerged it seemed ‘Mamaji’ could sail through. But by late afternoon, the trends had tipped towards the Congress. It consistently hovered around the mid-way mark of 115, at times even slipping as the BJP caught up to close the gap, keeping the game wide open for either party.

It appears the Congress strategy of not projecting a CM face did not go down well with the voters in a state that had grown familiar with the style and functioning of Chouhan over the last decade-and-a-half. His ‘personal touch’ with constituents is now legendary. This only shrunk Congress’s lead.

Even in Rajasthan, the party fell short of its own expectations. The state alternates between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP had returned to power in 2013 with more than three-fourth majority. By evening, the Congress barely crossed the halfway mark on Tuesday, as the trend showed BJP losing half of its seats.&nbsp;

As in other states, the Congress had not projected any CM face and had relied on the ingeniousness of a veteran like Ashok Gehlot and a young colt like Sachin Pilot, heading the party in the state. &nbsp;But the ticket distribution triggered rebellion in the party. The trends showed 25 ‘Others’ leading in their respective constituencies. Later it turned out, many of these ‘Others’ were Congress rebels. Gehlot seems to have an edge over Pilot in the race for chief ministership.

The Congress went alone in both these states, failing to strike an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party. And this could have led to party’s less than bright showing in the state.

With Mizoram having slipped from the Congress kitty, the BJP has partly realised its dream of a Congress-mukt North-East, though the BJP barely managed to win a single seat.&nbsp;

The BJP was handed a drubbing in Telangana, where voters rejected brand Hindutva. The BJP did everything it could to polarise the elections by pitching Yogi Adityanath as star campaigner in the last leg. Yogi’s acerbic utterances in Hyderabad boomeranged on the party. Modi lost, but Rahul did not win. Congress’s Hindu card and its recent flirtation with religiosity did not yield results.&nbsp;

In fact, the monster of demonetisation followed by clumsy execution of GST only weighed heavily on the three BJP chief ministers, as they geared for campaigning at the start of the elections. Posters and banners bore images of chief ministers, rather than Prime Minister Modi. Agrarian distress coupled with shrinking job avenues did not help matters.

The state election results have proved that the BJP’s hypothesis of delivering a Congress-mukt Bharat had no firm basis. If at all, the BJP needs Congress for its survival and vice-versa.&nbsp;

The election results may give Rahul more heft in the Mahagathbandhan, if it firms up, but it has also underlined that if he fails to stitch up strategic alliances he shall be a loser nonetheless. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-hand-that-rocked-the-boat-2695006">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Prime Minister’s exhortation to political parties at the start of the winter session of Parliament to debate issues, bore an extraordinarily friendly tinge. “Let’s debate sharply if you want.

The Prime Minister’s exhortation to political parties at the start of the winter session of Parliament to debate issues, bore an extraordinarily friendly tinge. “Let’s debate sharply if you want. Let’s rise above party politics to discuss public issues and have a ‘samwad’, ( dialogue ) he said. It is hard to read whether that mellowed and fervent appeal from PM Modi reflected his mental turmoil at a time when counting for five state elections were in progress and the BJP seemed to be trailing in all the five states. As the trends started pouring in for the five states, it became clear the K Chandrashekhar Rao government was retaining its hold over Telangana and the people wanted Raman Singh and Lal Thanhawla out in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram respectively. But it were the electoral trends in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan that kept party workers, supporters and political pundits, guessing through the day. The two states saw a tortuous seesaw battle between the two major contenders – the BJP which was defending its turf in both the states, and the Congress, the principal challenger. A few takeaways. Chhattisgarh proved to be a veritable case of voter fatigue. The Congress’s early start to campaigning in the state coupled with populist promises of farm loan waiver proved decisive. The anti-incumbency only rubbed the proverbial salt into Raman Singh’s wounds bringing his juggernaut to a halt. Chhattisgarh may well be in the Congress kitty, but there are no less than four contenders for the post of chief minister, including party state unit chief Bhupesh Baghel, the party’s lone MP from Durg, Tamradhwaj Sahu and former leader in last state assembly T S Singh Deo. Former minister Charan Das Mahant is also in the race. In MP, Congress leaders went into a huddle deliberating each and every result as they poured in. They don’t want the BJP to do a Goa in MP. In such a close contest, the Congress shall prefer a veteran like Kamal Nath over Jyotiraditya to lead the party in the Assembly, in the event of it maintaining the lead and being invited to form the government. In neighbouring MP, Shivraj Singh proved to be a tough customer, refusing to cede ground to the Congress. As the trend emerged it seemed ‘Mamaji’ could sail through. But by late afternoon, the trends had tipped towards the Congress. It consistently hovered around the mid-way mark of 115, at times even slipping as the BJP caught up to close the gap, keeping the game wide open for either party. It appears the Congress strategy of not projecting a CM face did not go down well with the voters in a state that had grown familiar with the style and functioning of Chouhan over the last decade-and-a-half. His ‘personal touch’ with constituents is now legendary. This only shrunk Congress’s lead. Even in Rajasthan, the party fell short of its own expectations. The state alternates between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP had returned to power in 2013 with more than three-fourth majority. By evening, the Congress barely crossed the halfway mark on Tuesday, as the trend showed BJP losing half of its seats. As in other states, the Congress had not projected any CM face and had relied on the ingeniousness of a veteran like Ashok Gehlot and a young colt like Sachin Pilot, heading the party in the state. But the ticket distribution triggered rebellion in the party. The trends showed 25 ‘Others’ leading in their respective constituencies. Later it turned out, many of these ‘Others’ were Congress rebels. Gehlot seems to have an edge over Pilot in the race for chief ministership. The Congress went alone in both these states, failing to strike an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party. And this could have led to party’s less than bright showing in the state. With Mizoram having slipped from the Congress kitty, the BJP has partly realised its dream of a Congress-mukt North-East, though the BJP barely managed to win a single seat. The BJP was handed a drubbing in Telangana, where voters rejected brand Hindutva. The BJP did everything it could to polarise the elections by pitching Yogi Adityanath as star campaigner in the last leg. Yogi’s acerbic utterances in Hyderabad boomeranged on the party. Modi lost, but Rahul did not win. Congress’s Hindu card and its recent flirtation with religiosity did not yield results. In fact, the monster of demonetisation followed by clumsy execution of GST only weighed heavily on the three BJP chief ministers, as they geared for campaigning at the start of the elections. Posters and banners bore images of chief ministers, rather than Prime Minister Modi. Agrarian distress coupled with shrinking job avenues did not help matters. The state election results have proved that the BJP’s hypothesis of delivering a Congress-mukt Bharat had no firm basis. If at all, the BJP needs Congress for its survival and vice-versa. The election results may give Rahul more heft in the Mahagathbandhan, if it firms up, but it has also underlined that if he fails to stitch up strategic alliances he shall be a loser nonetheless. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

PM Narendra Modi lost, but Rahul Gandhi did not win

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's promise of a farm loan waiver, if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, seems to have helped it reap a rich harvest of votes and end 15-year-long wait for power.

In the wake of Gandhi's populist promise made during campaigning for the November 28 polls, cultivators did not sell their paddy produce and stocked them to reap the benefit of the promised loan write-off, a farmer leader said Wednesday.

This was done to avoid paying loan instalments to banks as sale proceeds would have been directly deposited in their accounts, he said.

The Congress chief had promised loan waiver for farmers within 10 days of forming the government in the state.

Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation, popularly known as MP Markfed, procured just 67,148 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy from farmers between November 15 and December 8, an official said.

The paddy procurement was 4.30 lakh MT between the same period last year.

The procurement carried out by the MP Civil Supplies Corporation was also reportedly negligible, though its chairman Hitesh Bajpai did not provide any figures.

"Farmers held back their paddy produce knowing if they sell it off, their payment under Minimum Support Price (MSP) would be deposited in their accounts by government procurement agencies and the banks would deduct their loan instalments," Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM) president Shiv Kumar Sharma told.

"They have voted en masse for the Congress," he said.

On the polling eve, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in an interview had dismissed suggestions that paddy procurement was low due to Gandhi's loan waiver promise, and said it was due to late harvesting.

The BJP Chief Minister had dubbed the Congress loan waiver promise as a "gimmick".

"It won't cast a shadow on polls because loans won't be waived in real term. They promised a loan waiver of Rs 58,000 crore in Punjab which got confined to just Rs 2,500 crore," Chouhan had said.

"If the Congress does not waive loans in 10 days as promised by Rahul Gandhi in his public meetings, we will launch a protest," said Sharma, a former RSS ideologue who also served as MP unit president of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh.

The Congress has emerged as the single largest party in the state, winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in the 230-member house, but has claimed the support of seven more MLAs.

The BJP, ruling Madhya Pradesh since 2003, bagged 109 seats.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's promise of a farm loan waiver, if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, seems to have helped it reap a rich harvest of votes and end 15-year-long wait for power.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's promise of a farm loan waiver, if his party is voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, seems to have helped it reap a rich harvest of votes and end 15-year-long wait for power. In the wake of Gandhi's populist promise made during campaigning for the November 28 polls, cultivators did not sell their paddy produce and stocked them to reap the benefit of the promised loan write-off, a farmer leader said Wednesday. This was done to avoid paying loan instalments to banks as sale proceeds would have been directly deposited in their accounts, he said. The Congress chief had promised loan waiver for farmers within 10 days of forming the government in the state. Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing Federation, popularly known as MP Markfed, procured just 67,148 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy from farmers between November 15 and December 8, an official said. The paddy procurement was 4.30 lakh MT between the same period last year. The procurement carried out by the MP Civil Supplies Corporation was also reportedly negligible, though its chairman Hitesh Bajpai did not provide any figures. "Farmers held back their paddy produce knowing if they sell it off, their payment under Minimum Support Price (MSP) would be deposited in their accounts by government procurement agencies and the banks would deduct their loan instalments," Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM) president Shiv Kumar Sharma told. "They have voted en masse for the Congress," he said. On the polling eve, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in an interview had dismissed suggestions that paddy procurement was low due to Gandhi's loan waiver promise, and said it was due to late harvesting. The BJP Chief Minister had dubbed the Congress loan waiver promise as a "gimmick". "It won't cast a shadow on polls because loans won't be waived in real term. They promised a loan waiver of Rs 58,000 crore in Punjab which got confined to just Rs 2,500 crore," Chouhan had said. "If the Congress does not waive loans in 10 days as promised by Rahul Gandhi in his public meetings, we will launch a protest," said Sharma, a former RSS ideologue who also served as MP unit president of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. The Congress has emerged as the single largest party in the state, winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in the 230-member house, but has claimed the support of seven more MLAs. The BJP, ruling Madhya Pradesh since 2003, bagged 109 seats.

Promise of loan waiver tipped scales in Congress's favour in MP

After discussions that lasted hours, the Congress Wednesday failed to bring about a consensus in its ranks in Rajasthan on who should be the chief minister even as it staked its claim to form the government.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-eyes-now-on-whom-rahul-gandhi-will-choose-as-his-chief-ministers-183485">decision on the chief minister will be taken Thursday by party president Rahul Gandhi</a>, All India Congress Committee general secretary Avinash Pande told reporters after a party delegation met Governor Kalyan Singh to seek an invitation to form the government.

Pande said Gandhi will be briefed about the deliberations by the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Jaipur over the chief minister's post

Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both MLAs, are the frontrunners for the post and were part of the delegation that met Kalyan Singh.

Earlier in the day, the CLP held a scheduled meeting at the party office, where it passed a one-line resolution in which the newly elected MLAs authorised Gandhi to decide on the chief minister's post.

After the resolution was passed, K C Venugopal, the AICC observer sent by the party to Jaipur, held discussions with individual MLAs, seeking their opinion.

The exercise went on for several hours but there was no consensus and the CLP then left the decision on Gandhi. 
"We will hand over our report to the party president tomorrow," Pande said.

Apart from AICC general secretaries Venugopal and Pande, the party had also sent four AICC secretaries to Jaipur. 
They are all expected to meet Gandhi in Delhi. Both Pilot and Gehlot would remain in Jaipur, party leaders said.

"A delegation of the party met the Governor. We have the majority and will form the government," Pande said. 
Leader of opposition Rameshwar Dudi, who lost election on Nokha seat, was also part of the delegation.

"The party observer held discussions with the MLAs and the name of the chief minister will be decided at the level of the party president Rahul Gandhi by tomorrow evening," Dudi told reporters outside Raj Bhawan.

Congress won 99 out of the 199 seats that went to the polls on December 7. Its alliance partner Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also bagged a seat, taking the combined tally to 100 needed to form the government.

The party is also looking for support from independent candidates and non-BJP parties.

Pande said several other MLAs have also extended support to the Congress in writing and the final list will be handed over to the Governor later.

The Bharatiya Janata Party won 73 seats.&nbsp;

Resolution unanimous that Rahul will decide

Meanwhile, newly-elected Congress MLAs in Madhya Pradesh Wednesday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to nominate the new legislature party leader.

At a meeting here in the evening, they unanimously passed a resolution authorising Gandhi to name the CLP leader.

"The resolution was moved by senior MLA Arif Aqueel and seconded by other MLAs. They passed it unanimously, authorising the Congress president to nominate the legislature party leader," state Congress media cell chairperson, Shobha Oza told reporters.

The meeting lasted for about two hours, she said.

Senior Congress leaders A K Antony and Bhanwar Jitendra Singh attended the meeting as the central observers.

Oza said Gandhi will be conveyed the decision of the newly-elected MLAs, after which he will name the CLP leader.

The observers are also talking to the MLAs to seek their views, she said.

All the four independent MLAs, elected in the November 28 poll, were also present in the meeting, she said.

The Congress Wednesday emerged as the single largest party in the state by winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in 230-member house and claimed that it has the support of 121 members.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday morning extended support of her party to the Congress.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan Wednesday tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, who met a Congress delegation here at noon after the party leaders wrote to her last night, seeking a chance to form the new government in the central Indian state.&nbsp;

After discussions that lasted hours, the Congress Wednesday failed to bring about a consensus in its ranks in Rajasthan on who should be the chief minister even as it staked its claim to form the government.

After discussions that lasted hours, the Congress Wednesday failed to bring about a consensus in its ranks in Rajasthan on who should be the chief minister even as it staked its claim to form the government. The decision on the chief minister will be taken Thursday by party president Rahul Gandhi, All India Congress Committee general secretary Avinash Pande told reporters after a party delegation met Governor Kalyan Singh to seek an invitation to form the government. Pande said Gandhi will be briefed about the deliberations by the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Jaipur over the chief minister's post Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both MLAs, are the frontrunners for the post and were part of the delegation that met Kalyan Singh. Earlier in the day, the CLP held a scheduled meeting at the party office, where it passed a one-line resolution in which the newly elected MLAs authorised Gandhi to decide on the chief minister's post. After the resolution was passed, K C Venugopal, the AICC observer sent by the party to Jaipur, held discussions with individual MLAs, seeking their opinion. The exercise went on for several hours but there was no consensus and the CLP then left the decision on Gandhi. "We will hand over our report to the party president tomorrow," Pande said. Apart from AICC general secretaries Venugopal and Pande, the party had also sent four AICC secretaries to Jaipur. They are all expected to meet Gandhi in Delhi. Both Pilot and Gehlot would remain in Jaipur, party leaders said. "A delegation of the party met the Governor. We have the majority and will form the government," Pande said. Leader of opposition Rameshwar Dudi, who lost election on Nokha seat, was also part of the delegation. "The party observer held discussions with the MLAs and the name of the chief minister will be decided at the level of the party president Rahul Gandhi by tomorrow evening," Dudi told reporters outside Raj Bhawan. Congress won 99 out of the 199 seats that went to the polls on December 7. Its alliance partner Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also bagged a seat, taking the combined tally to 100 needed to form the government. The party is also looking for support from independent candidates and non-BJP parties. Pande said several other MLAs have also extended support to the Congress in writing and the final list will be handed over to the Governor later. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 73 seats. Resolution unanimous that Rahul will decide Meanwhile, newly-elected Congress MLAs in Madhya Pradesh Wednesday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to nominate the new legislature party leader. At a meeting here in the evening, they unanimously passed a resolution authorising Gandhi to name the CLP leader. "The resolution was moved by senior MLA Arif Aqueel and seconded by other MLAs. They passed it unanimously, authorising the Congress president to nominate the legislature party leader," state Congress media cell chairperson, Shobha Oza told reporters. The meeting lasted for about two hours, she said. Senior Congress leaders A K Antony and Bhanwar Jitendra Singh attended the meeting as the central observers. Oza said Gandhi will be conveyed the decision of the newly-elected MLAs, after which he will name the CLP leader. The observers are also talking to the MLAs to seek their views, she said. All the four independent MLAs, elected in the November 28 poll, were also present in the meeting, she said. The Congress Wednesday emerged as the single largest party in the state by winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority of 116 in 230-member house and claimed that it has the support of 121 members. BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday morning extended support of her party to the Congress. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhhan Wednesday tendered his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel, who met a Congress delegation here at noon after the party leaders wrote to her last night, seeking a chance to form the new government in the central Indian state.

New Congress CMs? Party MLAs say Rahul will decide

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