For 'Shiv Bhakt' Rahul Gandhi, Diwali, the festival of lights could not have been better. Because it seems, that at least in Karnataka, the BJP wave is over.&nbsp;

Less than six months after the Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance dashed BJP’s plans of forming a government in the southern state, the alliance has done even better in the bypolls. &nbsp;Out of five seats (3 Lok Sabha and 2 Assembly), the BJP could win only one; BJP managed to retain Shimoga where B S Yeddyurappa’s son B Y Raghavendra defeated the JD(S) candidate with a margin of just over fifty thousand votes. &nbsp;

The&nbsp;victories in Karnataka are a big morale booster for the Congress, ahead of straight contests with the BJP in three important states in the Hindi belt later this month. &nbsp;

The margin of victories in all the four seats won by the Congress-JD(S) speak volumes about the disenchantment that Karnataka’s voters have displayed with the BJP. Even in Bellary, a supposedly impregnable fortress of the BJP, the Congress’s V S Ugrappa scored a ferocious win by defeating mining baron B Sriramalu’s sister J. Shantha by nearly 2.5 lakh votes. In the three other seats as well the alliance partners’ margins are massive. In Mandya, the JD(S) won by over three lakh votes, in Ramnagara Assembly seat by over a lakh, and Congress retained Jamkhandi by polling almost twice the number of votes garnered by BJP. &nbsp;

The BJP’s reaction to the crushing defeats in these bypolls has been muted. The party’s string of spokespersons have so far refrained from even tweeting on the election results. They seem to have been stunned into silence by the shockingly large margins, however, at least in Mandya Lok Sabha seat, the BJP’s vote has doubled from nearly 87,000 to 2.44 lakhs.

Therefore while JD(S)-Congress combine has a lot to celebrate today, it needs to deliver on the promise of loan waiver if it wants to retain the support of the farmers who remain crucial to any election in Karnataka. &nbsp;

Message for Opposition

Even though the Congress-BSP alliance failed to materialise in MP, Chhattisgarh, the Congress and other opposition parties must heed to the key message that the Karnataka voter has delivered: Only a united opposition can defeat the BJP.&nbsp;

However, there is perhaps a more significant message for Rahul Gandhi, the Congress president and his core team. Like in Karnataka, the Congress needs to overcome infighting if it is serious about regaining power in the states. One reason why the BSP-Congress alliance could not be formed in Madhya Pradesh, for instance, is because the state Congress unit is riven with petty factionalism. &nbsp;

With less than two weeks to go before polling, and according to many surveys the Congress still not in a winning position, it would do the grand old party a lot of good if it sent out a clear message of unity among its state leadership and cadres. &nbsp;

Similarly, for states like Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, the opposition parties need to quickly crystalise their alliances so that their respective rank and file get enough time to prepare on the ground. In UP especially, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, Mayawati’s BSP and Akhilesh &nbsp;Yadav’s SP have been bitter adversaries. Though they formed strategic tie-ups that succeeded in dislodging BJP from Gorakhpur, and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, the absence of a visible unity since then has again started the rumour mills of BSP having come to a secret understanding with the BJP.&nbsp;

Similarly, Akhilesh’s problems have been compounded by&nbsp;launch of&nbsp;a new party by his uncle and influential leader, Shivpal Yadav. If the opposition is indeed serious about taking on the BJP in 2019, it first needs to set its own house in order, that is the biggest takeaway of Karnataka bypolls.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For 'Shiv Bhakt' Rahul Gandhi, Diwali, the festival of lights could not have been better. Because it seems, that at least in Karnataka, the BJP wave is over. Less than six months after the Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance dashed BJP’s plans of forming a government in the southern state, the alliance has done even better in the bypolls.

For 'Shiv Bhakt' Rahul Gandhi, Diwali, the festival of lights could not have been better. Because it seems, that at least in Karnataka, the BJP wave is over. Less than six months after the Congress-JD(S) post-poll alliance dashed BJP’s plans of forming a government in the southern state, the alliance has done even better in the bypolls. Out of five seats (3 Lok Sabha and 2 Assembly), the BJP could win only one; BJP managed to retain Shimoga where B S Yeddyurappa’s son B Y Raghavendra defeated the JD(S) candidate with a margin of just over fifty thousand votes. The victories in Karnataka are a big morale booster for the Congress, ahead of straight contests with the BJP in three important states in the Hindi belt later this month. The margin of victories in all the four seats won by the Congress-JD(S) speak volumes about the disenchantment that Karnataka’s voters have displayed with the BJP. Even in Bellary, a supposedly impregnable fortress of the BJP, the Congress’s V S Ugrappa scored a ferocious win by defeating mining baron B Sriramalu’s sister J. Shantha by nearly 2.5 lakh votes. In the three other seats as well the alliance partners’ margins are massive. In Mandya, the JD(S) won by over three lakh votes, in Ramnagara Assembly seat by over a lakh, and Congress retained Jamkhandi by polling almost twice the number of votes garnered by BJP. The BJP’s reaction to the crushing defeats in these bypolls has been muted. The party’s string of spokespersons have so far refrained from even tweeting on the election results. They seem to have been stunned into silence by the shockingly large margins, however, at least in Mandya Lok Sabha seat, the BJP’s vote has doubled from nearly 87,000 to 2.44 lakhs. Therefore while JD(S)-Congress combine has a lot to celebrate today, it needs to deliver on the promise of loan waiver if it wants to retain the support of the farmers who remain crucial to any election in Karnataka. Message for Opposition Even though the Congress-BSP alliance failed to materialise in MP, Chhattisgarh, the Congress and other opposition parties must heed to the key message that the Karnataka voter has delivered: Only a united opposition can defeat the BJP. However, there is perhaps a more significant message for Rahul Gandhi, the Congress president and his core team. Like in Karnataka, the Congress needs to overcome infighting if it is serious about regaining power in the states. One reason why the BSP-Congress alliance could not be formed in Madhya Pradesh, for instance, is because the state Congress unit is riven with petty factionalism. With less than two weeks to go before polling, and according to many surveys the Congress still not in a winning position, it would do the grand old party a lot of good if it sent out a clear message of unity among its state leadership and cadres. Similarly, for states like Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, the opposition parties need to quickly crystalise their alliances so that their respective rank and file get enough time to prepare on the ground. In UP especially, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, Mayawati’s BSP and Akhilesh Yadav’s SP have been bitter adversaries. Though they formed strategic tie-ups that succeeded in dislodging BJP from Gorakhpur, and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, the absence of a visible unity since then has again started the rumour mills of BSP having come to a secret understanding with the BJP. Similarly, Akhilesh’s problems have been compounded by launch of a new party by his uncle and influential leader, Shivpal Yadav. If the opposition is indeed serious about taking on the BJP in 2019, it first needs to set its own house in order, that is the biggest takeaway of Karnataka bypolls. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Karnataka bypolls: United opposition is the way forward

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that while the opposition parties were joining hands to protect their ruling dynasties, the BJP was working to change the country's destiny. He dubbed some opposition leaders as "lying machines who fire off lies like AK-47".

PM Modi asked the BJP workers not to be concerned with the "alliance" of opposition parties, saying people do not accept them and even "hate" them for their negative works, refusal to recognise the country's good works and "abuses and insults" of the Army.

Though the prime minister did not name any rival, the BJP has been taking on Congress president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-confidence-motion-rahul-reminds-modi-of-jobs-promise-again-compares-indias-job-creation-to-chinas-153188">Rahul Gandhi for his alleged lies</a> to describe the Rafale deal as a scam. The party has also often accused Mr Gandhi of insulting the country and the Army.

PM Modi's comments targeting the alliance of opposition parties came after a BJP worker sought his response during a video interaction on the coming together of "anti-national" forces like the communists and Congress whenever he takes a step to "protect" Indian values.

Responding to another question in the interaction with party workers of five Lok Sabha constituencies, he accused the opposition of telling lies against his government and said people now had many means to find correct information.

"Some leaders are like lying machines. Whenever they open their mouths, they fire off lies like AK 47," he said, asking Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to unmask their lies by taking correct information to the masses.

PM Modi made a reference to a WhatsApp post in which, he said, media persons found that people attending a recent opposition's protests had little idea about the reasons for which they were raising slogans against him. They became a laughing stock, he said.

Some opposition leaders give many different figures in a day, PM Modi said in an apparent reference to different figures cited by Mr Gandhi on the Rafale issue.

However, he said, people know the truth and if a party worker speaks to 100 persons his confidence will grow many times.

In a reference to his and the BJP-led state governments, PM Modi said while they were working to change the country's destiny, the opposition was concerned about its ruling dynasties.

Opposition parties are coming together as their leaders wanted to leave behind something for their sons, he said. "They fear what will happen to 200-500 dynasties if the BJP remains in power for five to 10 more years," PM Modi said, adding that these families have had a tight hold over the country since its independence.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that while the opposition parties were joining hands to protect their ruling dynasties, the BJP was working to change the country's destiny.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that while the opposition parties were joining hands to protect their ruling dynasties, the BJP was working to change the country's destiny. He dubbed some opposition leaders as "lying machines who fire off lies like AK-47". PM Modi asked the BJP workers not to be concerned with the "alliance" of opposition parties, saying people do not accept them and even "hate" them for their negative works, refusal to recognise the country's good works and "abuses and insults" of the Army. Though the prime minister did not name any rival, the BJP has been taking on Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged lies to describe the Rafale deal as a scam. The party has also often accused Mr Gandhi of insulting the country and the Army. PM Modi's comments targeting the alliance of opposition parties came after a BJP worker sought his response during a video interaction on the coming together of "anti-national" forces like the communists and Congress whenever he takes a step to "protect" Indian values. Responding to another question in the interaction with party workers of five Lok Sabha constituencies, he accused the opposition of telling lies against his government and said people now had many means to find correct information. "Some leaders are like lying machines. Whenever they open their mouths, they fire off lies like AK 47," he said, asking Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to unmask their lies by taking correct information to the masses. PM Modi made a reference to a WhatsApp post in which, he said, media persons found that people attending a recent opposition's protests had little idea about the reasons for which they were raising slogans against him. They became a laughing stock, he said. Some opposition leaders give many different figures in a day, PM Modi said in an apparent reference to different figures cited by Mr Gandhi on the Rafale issue. However, he said, people know the truth and if a party worker speaks to 100 persons his confidence will grow many times. In a reference to his and the BJP-led state governments, PM Modi said while they were working to change the country's destiny, the opposition was concerned about its ruling dynasties. Opposition parties are coming together as their leaders wanted to leave behind something for their sons, he said. "They fear what will happen to 200-500 dynasties if the BJP remains in power for five to 10 more years," PM Modi said, adding that these families have had a tight hold over the country since its independence.

Lying machines who fire off lies like AK-47: Modi on 'some opposition leaders'

Latching on to the remark of Congress leader Raj Babbar on the Naxal movement in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, BJP chief Amit Shah Sunday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to make clear his party's stand on Naxalism.

Shah also claimed that Babbar had described Naxalism as a "revolution".

Addressing a public meeting in Ambagarh Chowki town in Rajnandgaon district, Shah said, "A Congress leader yesterday described Naxalism as a revolution and said that Maoists were engaged in revolution.

"I want to ask the Congress chief to make his stand clear on Naxalism. Your leader called it a revolution. What is your stand?"

Shah was referring to the remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar during a press conference held in Raipur Saturday, when he had said Naxals had launched a "revolution" which cannot be stopped through guns, and the menace should be resolved through talks.

When Babbar was asked whether he was suggesting Naxals were revolutionaries, he had said, "I want to clarify that I said the issue can be solved through talks with those who call themselves revolutionaries by indulging in acts of terrorism."

On Sunday, the BJP chief campaigned in Khujji Assembly constituency, which will go to polls in the first phase on November 12.

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Hirendra Sahu from Khujji seat.

"Revolution does not come through Naxalism. Revolution does not come by indulging in the act of violence and by bullets or bombs (but) revolution takes place when cattle were distributed to poor women to bring white revolution and milk revolution," Shah said.

He hailed Raman Singh, who is seeking a fourth straight term as chief minister, for "bringing revolution" in the state through welfare measures.

"When our 'chawal wale baba' (as the CM is popularly known) provides rice at Rs 2 per kg to the poor people then it is a revolution...When farmers sweat in their farms and get a good return on their produce, then it is revolution," he said.

Playing on Babbar's remarks, Shah said Rahul Gandhi didnt's understand revolution.

"You (Gandhi) don't know what is revolution. I want to tell people that the Congress consider Naxalism as revolution, but the BJP sees revolution in development," said the BJP chief.

"Rahul baba Chhattisgarh was under the grip of Naxalism during your time (when the Congress government was in power from 2000 to 2003). Putting his life at stake,

Raman Singh has destroyed the Naxalites and flushed them out from the state (during the last 15 years of the BJP rule)," he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress chief, Shah said Gandhi considers Chhattisgarh as a "tourist spot" where he comes for a picnic.

"Sometimes I see Rahul baba here. Chhattisgarh is not more than a tourist place for him. He comes here for a picnic. Rahul baba used to say 'Made in Chhattisgarh' should take place here.

"Rahul your government was in power (at Centre) for 55 years. Your government ruled right from panchayat to parliament for 55 years, but what development took place in Chhattisgarh," he asked.

Shah said development was ushered in by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Today, handicraft items made by tribal women are being sold at airports through the initiative of the prime minister," he said.

Shah said Chhattisgarh has become a power-surplus state under Raman Singh and supplying electricity to other states. "Chhattisgarh is among top states in cement and aluminium production," he said.

When Ajit Jogi, first chief minister of Congress in Chhattisgarh from 2000-2003, was in power, the budget of the state stood at Rs 9,000 crore, which has increased to Rs 83,180 crore under the BJP government, which is in power in the state since 2003, he said.

"No state in the country has witnessed a 10-fold rise in its budget, but the Chhattisgarh BJP government has done this during the last 15 years," he added.

Shah is scheduled to address two more rallies in Khairagarh and Kondagaon assembly constituencies&nbsp;on Sunday.

Eighteen of the total 90 assembly constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts in Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and rest in the second phase on November 20.

Counting of votes will be held on December 11.&nbsp;

Latching on to the remark of Congress leader Raj Babbar on the Naxal movement in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, BJP chief Amit Shah Sunday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to make clear his party's stand on Naxalism.

Latching on to the remark of Congress leader Raj Babbar on the Naxal movement in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, BJP chief Amit Shah Sunday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to make clear his party's stand on Naxalism. Shah also claimed that Babbar had described Naxalism as a "revolution". Addressing a public meeting in Ambagarh Chowki town in Rajnandgaon district, Shah said, "A Congress leader yesterday described Naxalism as a revolution and said that Maoists were engaged in revolution. "I want to ask the Congress chief to make his stand clear on Naxalism. Your leader called it a revolution. What is your stand?" Shah was referring to the remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar during a press conference held in Raipur Saturday, when he had said Naxals had launched a "revolution" which cannot be stopped through guns, and the menace should be resolved through talks. When Babbar was asked whether he was suggesting Naxals were revolutionaries, he had said, "I want to clarify that I said the issue can be solved through talks with those who call themselves revolutionaries by indulging in acts of terrorism." On Sunday, the BJP chief campaigned in Khujji Assembly constituency, which will go to polls in the first phase on November 12. Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Hirendra Sahu from Khujji seat. "Revolution does not come through Naxalism. Revolution does not come by indulging in the act of violence and by bullets or bombs (but) revolution takes place when cattle were distributed to poor women to bring white revolution and milk revolution," Shah said. He hailed Raman Singh, who is seeking a fourth straight term as chief minister, for "bringing revolution" in the state through welfare measures. "When our 'chawal wale baba' (as the CM is popularly known) provides rice at Rs 2 per kg to the poor people then it is a revolution...When farmers sweat in their farms and get a good return on their produce, then it is revolution," he said. Playing on Babbar's remarks, Shah said Rahul Gandhi didnt's understand revolution. "You (Gandhi) don't know what is revolution. I want to tell people that the Congress consider Naxalism as revolution, but the BJP sees revolution in development," said the BJP chief. "Rahul baba Chhattisgarh was under the grip of Naxalism during your time (when the Congress government was in power from 2000 to 2003). Putting his life at stake, Raman Singh has destroyed the Naxalites and flushed them out from the state (during the last 15 years of the BJP rule)," he said. Taking a dig at the Congress chief, Shah said Gandhi considers Chhattisgarh as a "tourist spot" where he comes for a picnic. "Sometimes I see Rahul baba here. Chhattisgarh is not more than a tourist place for him. He comes here for a picnic. Rahul baba used to say 'Made in Chhattisgarh' should take place here. "Rahul your government was in power (at Centre) for 55 years. Your government ruled right from panchayat to parliament for 55 years, but what development took place in Chhattisgarh," he asked. Shah said development was ushered in by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Today, handicraft items made by tribal women are being sold at airports through the initiative of the prime minister," he said. Shah said Chhattisgarh has become a power-surplus state under Raman Singh and supplying electricity to other states. "Chhattisgarh is among top states in cement and aluminium production," he said. When Ajit Jogi, first chief minister of Congress in Chhattisgarh from 2000-2003, was in power, the budget of the state stood at Rs 9,000 crore, which has increased to Rs 83,180 crore under the BJP government, which is in power in the state since 2003, he said. "No state in the country has witnessed a 10-fold rise in its budget, but the Chhattisgarh BJP government has done this during the last 15 years," he added. Shah is scheduled to address two more rallies in Khairagarh and Kondagaon assembly constituencies on Sunday. Eighteen of the total 90 assembly constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts in Chhattisgarh will go to polls on November 12 and rest in the second phase on November 20. Counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Chhattisgarh polls: Amit Shah asks Rahul Gandhi to clear stand on Raj Babbar's Naxalism remark

BJP MP Anurag Thakur Saturday alleged Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "pretending to be a religious person to deceive voters", adding that the Congress' "pretence" for "Hindu interests" made it clear that only those who talked of Hindus would rule the country.&nbsp;

The ongoing campaign for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, slated for November 28, has seen the Congress projecting Gandhi as a 'Shiv bhakt' with the party chief offering prayers at several temples, including the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.

"Rahul is pretending to be a religious person. The Congress did not remember 'janeu' (sacred thread worn by Hindus) in the last 70 years. But the Congress chief is now showing his thread to deceive voters," the Himachal MP, also the BJP's chief whip in Lok Sabha, said.

"Congress used to talk about Hindu terrorism and saffron terrorism earlier. But Rahul is repeatedly visiting temples now. This has made one thing clear that those who talk about interests of Hindus would rule the country. But the Congress is only pretending to be bothered about Hindu interests," Thakur said.&nbsp;

In reply to a question, the BJP MP from Hamirpur said, "Rahul alleges (liquor baron) Vijay Mallya, (diamantaires) Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi fled the country after taking loans worth thousands of crore rupees from Indian banks. But these businessmen were close to the Congress during the UPA regime".&nbsp;

Speaking about alleged differences between senior Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia on ticket distribution, Thakur said the "battle" within the opposition party had led to its failure in projecting a CM face for the state.&nbsp;

"The state Congress has been engaged in the battle of raja (Digvijaya) and maharaja (Scindia). It has even failed to decide about a chief ministerial face," the BJP leader said.

The counting of votes for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls will be held on December 11.&nbsp;

BJP MP Anurag Thakur Saturday alleged Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "pretending to be a religious person to deceive voters", adding that the Congress' "pretence" for "Hindu interests" made it clear that only those who talked of Hindus would rule the country.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur Saturday alleged Congress chief Rahul Gandhi was "pretending to be a religious person to deceive voters", adding that the Congress' "pretence" for "Hindu interests" made it clear that only those who talked of Hindus would rule the country. The ongoing campaign for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, slated for November 28, has seen the Congress projecting Gandhi as a 'Shiv bhakt' with the party chief offering prayers at several temples, including the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. "Rahul is pretending to be a religious person. The Congress did not remember 'janeu' (sacred thread worn by Hindus) in the last 70 years. But the Congress chief is now showing his thread to deceive voters," the Himachal MP, also the BJP's chief whip in Lok Sabha, said. "Congress used to talk about Hindu terrorism and saffron terrorism earlier. But Rahul is repeatedly visiting temples now. This has made one thing clear that those who talk about interests of Hindus would rule the country. But the Congress is only pretending to be bothered about Hindu interests," Thakur said. In reply to a question, the BJP MP from Hamirpur said, "Rahul alleges (liquor baron) Vijay Mallya, (diamantaires) Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi fled the country after taking loans worth thousands of crore rupees from Indian banks. But these businessmen were close to the Congress during the UPA regime". Speaking about alleged differences between senior Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia on ticket distribution, Thakur said the "battle" within the opposition party had led to its failure in projecting a CM face for the state. "The state Congress has been engaged in the battle of raja (Digvijaya) and maharaja (Scindia). It has even failed to decide about a chief ministerial face," the BJP leader said. The counting of votes for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls will be held on December 11.

Rahul 'pretending' to be religious to 'deceive' voters: BJP MP

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's comments about the Rafale deal, saying he is 'a confused man' as he has been saying different things about it over time.

She was responding to questions from reporters here on Gandhi's comments over the issue, that the Rafale deal was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Anil Ambani.

"You don't get confused...Rahul Gandhi is a confused man. He talks about different rates over the deal at different times. Besides, he has been saying at different places that we (government) had helped many persons...Sometimes he says it is Adani and sometimes Ambani," she said.

The Congress has accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets.

The Congress has alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal.

However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains.

The minister declined to comment on AIADMK MP and Lok Sabha deputy Speaker M Thambidurai's charge that the Centre has not released Rs 18,000 crore pending funds for Tamil Nadu for various schemes, saying that she did not know what he had specifically said.

Sitharaman said she, however, had a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, thanking her for helping the state secure the release of amount.

She declined to take further questions on the Rafale issue.

Thambidurai had said in response to union minister Pon Radhakrishnan's comment that he should 'self introspect' when he asked for speedy disbursal of the amount, that the centre might announce schemes, but it was the state government which implements them.

Funds are essential for implementation of any scheme, he had said.

The minister, who was here to participate in the announcement of 12 schemes as support and outreach for MSMEs by the Prime Minister through videoconferencing, said

182 applications had so far been uploaded, seeking loans and in principle approval given for Rs 47.50 crore for MSMEs in Coimbatore.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's comments about the Rafale deal, saying he is 'a confused man' as he has been saying different things about it over time.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's comments about the Rafale deal, saying he is 'a confused man' as he has been saying different things about it over time. She was responding to questions from reporters here on Gandhi's comments over the issue, that the Rafale deal was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Anil Ambani. "You don't get confused...Rahul Gandhi is a confused man. He talks about different rates over the deal at different times. Besides, he has been saying at different places that we (government) had helped many persons...Sometimes he says it is Adani and sometimes Ambani," she said. The Congress has accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. The Congress has alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal. However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains. The minister declined to comment on AIADMK MP and Lok Sabha deputy Speaker M Thambidurai's charge that the Centre has not released Rs 18,000 crore pending funds for Tamil Nadu for various schemes, saying that she did not know what he had specifically said. Sitharaman said she, however, had a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, thanking her for helping the state secure the release of amount. She declined to take further questions on the Rafale issue. Thambidurai had said in response to union minister Pon Radhakrishnan's comment that he should 'self introspect' when he asked for speedy disbursal of the amount, that the centre might announce schemes, but it was the state government which implements them. Funds are essential for implementation of any scheme, he had said. The minister, who was here to participate in the announcement of 12 schemes as support and outreach for MSMEs by the Prime Minister through videoconferencing, said 182 applications had so far been uploaded, seeking loans and in principle approval given for Rs 47.50 crore for MSMEs in Coimbatore.

Rahul Gandhi is 'confused man' on Rafale, says Nirmala Sitharaman

While Congress has almost finalised its list of candidates for 115 seats out of a total of 230, insiders in the state unit say that the party is likely to alienate many district units and booth level workers because of the way candidates were selected. &nbsp;The Congress’s first list is expected to be out next week. For half of these 115 seats, most of the 58 sitting MLAs have been given the ticket again.

Many of the remaining 57 seats have been distributed using PCC President Kamalnath’s criterion of ‘winnability’. This has meant that many Congress loyalists have been ignored and are now sulking. The difference between victory and defeat in most of the seats in the 2013 elections was only a 2,000-3,000 votes and these disgruntled Congressmen are likely to hurt the party’s chances at the booth level.&nbsp;

But Congress’s problems are not limited to resentment caused by ‘outsiders’ alone. Even though Congress president Rahul Gandhi had categorically stated that ‘outsiders’ will not be given tickets, his state president seems to have quickly realised that given the rampant factionalism in Congress at every level, bringing in ‘outsider’ candidates would perhaps be least damaging to the party’s chances. &nbsp;

In many assembly seats, Congress is also facing what can be called the mini-dynasty syndrome. In such places, one family has been fighting elections on the party’s tickets for decades. Naturally, the party’s prospects have suffered because of that. But it seems even in this crucial election, Congress is unable to recognise this dynastic-politics as a problem.&nbsp;

Take the example of Raisen district bordering Bhopal where for at least the last two decades a particular candidate, Prabhuram Chaudhary, has been getting the Congress ticket. While he has lost the last two elections to BJP minister Gauri Shankar Shejwar, &nbsp;sources in the Congress say Chaudhary is tipped to be given the ticket this time as well. &nbsp;

This has led to a disillusionment with the party, and as a result, many local Congress leaders are likely to stay on the sidelines instead of working for the same old candidate. In such seats, &nbsp;Kamalnath’s ‘winnability factor’ is trumped by cynical factionalism that has been the bane of Congress in Madhya Pradesh and other states.&nbsp;

Chaudhary is said to be backed by chief ministerial aspirant and Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia, and therefore despite his clear ‘unwinnability’ he is most likely to get the ticket. &nbsp;Another seat being closely watched is Budhni, from where chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is an MLA. &nbsp;It is being speculated that a total outsider, Arjun Arya, is likely to get the Congress nomination from this seat. &nbsp;Congress still has significant support in Budhni and garnered more than 36, 000 votes in the 2013 election despite infighting. If Congress’s state leadership can send a message of unity from this seat it will certainly boost its cadres' morale in the rest of the state. &nbsp;

But Scindia is just one of the factional leaders in the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, and has influence over 15-17 seats in the state. Besides him, there are other big and small factions like Digvijaya Singh (who controls more than half of the present Congress MLAs), Kamalnath himself and Arun Yadav, the former state president with influence in a few seats. &nbsp;

Almost every seat in the state has different factions with allegiance to one of the aforementioned leaders and to get them all united towards the common aim of defeating the BJP is proving to be a Herculean task for the grand old party. &nbsp;

It is this factionalism that was at blatant display at the Bhopal rally of Rahul Gandhi. When state media in charge Shobha Ozha tried to get Scindia and Kamalnath to join hands in a show of support, Scindia was seen pulling away from it. This move was just one visible sign of the disunity in the party.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2013 elections as well Congress’s crab mentality had led to its poor performance, winning just 58 seats as opposed to the incumbent BJP which had won 166 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the moment Congress leaders, aware as they are of the serious infighting, are only hoping that they will be able to come closer to the halfway mark of 116 seats. This speaks volumes about the party’s organisational unity and strength as it goes into polls against a three-term BJP government beset with anti-incumbency.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

While Congress has almost finalised its list of candidates for 115 seats out of a total of 230, insiders in the state unit say that the party is likely to alienate many district units and booth level workers because of the way candidates were selected.

While Congress has almost finalised its list of candidates for 115 seats out of a total of 230, insiders in the state unit say that the party is likely to alienate many district units and booth level workers because of the way candidates were selected. The Congress’s first list is expected to be out next week. For half of these 115 seats, most of the 58 sitting MLAs have been given the ticket again. Many of the remaining 57 seats have been distributed using PCC President Kamalnath’s criterion of ‘winnability’. This has meant that many Congress loyalists have been ignored and are now sulking. The difference between victory and defeat in most of the seats in the 2013 elections was only a 2,000-3,000 votes and these disgruntled Congressmen are likely to hurt the party’s chances at the booth level. But Congress’s problems are not limited to resentment caused by ‘outsiders’ alone. Even though Congress president Rahul Gandhi had categorically stated that ‘outsiders’ will not be given tickets, his state president seems to have quickly realised that given the rampant factionalism in Congress at every level, bringing in ‘outsider’ candidates would perhaps be least damaging to the party’s chances. In many assembly seats, Congress is also facing what can be called the mini-dynasty syndrome. In such places, one family has been fighting elections on the party’s tickets for decades. Naturally, the party’s prospects have suffered because of that. But it seems even in this crucial election, Congress is unable to recognise this dynastic-politics as a problem. Take the example of Raisen district bordering Bhopal where for at least the last two decades a particular candidate, Prabhuram Chaudhary, has been getting the Congress ticket. While he has lost the last two elections to BJP minister Gauri Shankar Shejwar, sources in the Congress say Chaudhary is tipped to be given the ticket this time as well. This has led to a disillusionment with the party, and as a result, many local Congress leaders are likely to stay on the sidelines instead of working for the same old candidate. In such seats, Kamalnath’s ‘winnability factor’ is trumped by cynical factionalism that has been the bane of Congress in Madhya Pradesh and other states. Chaudhary is said to be backed by chief ministerial aspirant and Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia, and therefore despite his clear ‘unwinnability’ he is most likely to get the ticket. Another seat being closely watched is Budhni, from where chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is an MLA. It is being speculated that a total outsider, Arjun Arya, is likely to get the Congress nomination from this seat. Congress still has significant support in Budhni and garnered more than 36, 000 votes in the 2013 election despite infighting. If Congress’s state leadership can send a message of unity from this seat it will certainly boost its cadres' morale in the rest of the state. But Scindia is just one of the factional leaders in the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, and has influence over 15-17 seats in the state. Besides him, there are other big and small factions like Digvijaya Singh (who controls more than half of the present Congress MLAs), Kamalnath himself and Arun Yadav, the former state president with influence in a few seats. Almost every seat in the state has different factions with allegiance to one of the aforementioned leaders and to get them all united towards the common aim of defeating the BJP is proving to be a Herculean task for the grand old party. It is this factionalism that was at blatant display at the Bhopal rally of Rahul Gandhi. When state media in charge Shobha Ozha tried to get Scindia and Kamalnath to join hands in a show of support, Scindia was seen pulling away from it. This move was just one visible sign of the disunity in the party. In 2013 elections as well Congress’s crab mentality had led to its poor performance, winning just 58 seats as opposed to the incumbent BJP which had won 166 seats. At the moment Congress leaders, aware as they are of the serious infighting, are only hoping that they will be able to come closer to the halfway mark of 116 seats. This speaks volumes about the party’s organisational unity and strength as it goes into polls against a three-term BJP government beset with anti-incumbency. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Congress is on shaky ground in Madhya Pradesh

Electioneering is yet to pick up and touch the feverish pitch in Madhya Pradesh, especially as the two principal rivals – ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress - have remained caught in the grip of the ticket distribution exercise with claimants and their supporters flocking to camps identified with state party leaders.

The stakes are too high in these elections with Congress trying to dislodge the BJP, which has continuously remained in power for 15-years in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

During the week that was, there has been no dearth of those trying to play their cards to the best of their ability. It’s been so starkly visible, how most ticket seekers have cultivated the acumen and were busy demonstrating their strength by brazenly flaunting their SUVs, crisp anti-crease attire, robust gait and money power.&nbsp;

All this, obviously, gets the extra push by the pack of perpetual seekers who hang around the petty leaders in the hope that once their “boss” gets into the Assembly, they would be rewarded amply with the perks of power and fruits of electoral politics. Of course, the crony capitalists are also there acting as punters as they know that the returns on the investment would be in geometric proportion. Obviously, therefore, day-to-day business activity has become less of a priority these days.

To maintain a safe distance from the endless tangle of ticket seekers, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state BJP President Rakesh Singh air-dashed to Delhi to finalise the list of candidates on Monday. The BJP ticket seekers, who have been elbowed out in Chhattisgarh, have demonstrated their ire in a big way. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP president will be directly addressing the ticket seekers to control dissent and reduce the number of rebel candidates in the poll fray.

While the BJP is desperately trying to plug the possibility of a backlash from a large number of rebel candidates, the warring camps in the Congress party are making it difficult for the party mandarins to finalise the tickets, especially for constituencies in big cities.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who has predicted BJP’s defeat and a swing in favour of Congress in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, has adopted the no-holds-barred strategy. Speaking at election rallies in Jhabua and Ujjain this week, Gandhi went for a frontal attack against Madhya Pradesh chief minister by raising the issue of Vyapam (the massive scam linked with admissions in medical colleges and government recruitments) and the Simhastha scam. At an election rally at Ujjain, Gandhi said that the Kshipra river remains dirty even after the Madhya Pradesh BJP government had spent Rs 400 crore for this purpose. They talk of “dharma” but do not spare even the Mahakumbh, he added. Chouhan has retorted to this by threatening legal action.

During his current round of electioneering, Gandhi did not spare even Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putting him in the dock on the Rafale deal, he said that the government knew that if there was a thorough probe into this deal by the CBI, the truth would get uncovered. He cited the present CBI controversy (revolving around the Director and his second in command, who have been removed from the scene) as a case in point. Gandhi has also hammered the charge that the Modi government was bent upon undermining the autonomous institutions.

Tailpiece: BJP, also called the saffron party, has been cornered by the Sadhus (Hindu religious saints), who have revolted and given a call to throw out the BJP. At a congregation of a couple of thousand Sadhus at Koteshwar temple in Gwalior on Tuesday, the BJP was slammed for failing to protect the cows and neglecting the Ganges River.

In the coming days, what will be watched closely is the role to be played by Devkinandan Thakur, the world-renowned Katha Vachak, in Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. Devkinandan has a huge following. He strongly opposes reservation on caste lines and the Atrocities Act. The news went viral after he was detained and released by the Police on Monday when he went to offer prayers at Pitambara Peeth at Datia.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Electioneering is yet to pick up and touch the feverish pitch in Madhya Pradesh, especially as the two principal rivals – ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress - have remained caught in the grip of the ticket distribution exercise with claimants and their supporters flocking to camps identified with state party leaders.

Electioneering is yet to pick up and touch the feverish pitch in Madhya Pradesh, especially as the two principal rivals – ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress - have remained caught in the grip of the ticket distribution exercise with claimants and their supporters flocking to camps identified with state party leaders. The stakes are too high in these elections with Congress trying to dislodge the BJP, which has continuously remained in power for 15-years in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Chhattisgarh. During the week that was, there has been no dearth of those trying to play their cards to the best of their ability. It’s been so starkly visible, how most ticket seekers have cultivated the acumen and were busy demonstrating their strength by brazenly flaunting their SUVs, crisp anti-crease attire, robust gait and money power. All this, obviously, gets the extra push by the pack of perpetual seekers who hang around the petty leaders in the hope that once their “boss” gets into the Assembly, they would be rewarded amply with the perks of power and fruits of electoral politics. Of course, the crony capitalists are also there acting as punters as they know that the returns on the investment would be in geometric proportion. Obviously, therefore, day-to-day business activity has become less of a priority these days. To maintain a safe distance from the endless tangle of ticket seekers, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state BJP President Rakesh Singh air-dashed to Delhi to finalise the list of candidates on Monday. The BJP ticket seekers, who have been elbowed out in Chhattisgarh, have demonstrated their ire in a big way. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP president will be directly addressing the ticket seekers to control dissent and reduce the number of rebel candidates in the poll fray. While the BJP is desperately trying to plug the possibility of a backlash from a large number of rebel candidates, the warring camps in the Congress party are making it difficult for the party mandarins to finalise the tickets, especially for constituencies in big cities. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who has predicted BJP’s defeat and a swing in favour of Congress in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, has adopted the no-holds-barred strategy. Speaking at election rallies in Jhabua and Ujjain this week, Gandhi went for a frontal attack against Madhya Pradesh chief minister by raising the issue of Vyapam (the massive scam linked with admissions in medical colleges and government recruitments) and the Simhastha scam. At an election rally at Ujjain, Gandhi said that the Kshipra river remains dirty even after the Madhya Pradesh BJP government had spent Rs 400 crore for this purpose. They talk of “dharma” but do not spare even the Mahakumbh, he added. Chouhan has retorted to this by threatening legal action. During his current round of electioneering, Gandhi did not spare even Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putting him in the dock on the Rafale deal, he said that the government knew that if there was a thorough probe into this deal by the CBI, the truth would get uncovered. He cited the present CBI controversy (revolving around the Director and his second in command, who have been removed from the scene) as a case in point. Gandhi has also hammered the charge that the Modi government was bent upon undermining the autonomous institutions. Tailpiece: BJP, also called the saffron party, has been cornered by the Sadhus (Hindu religious saints), who have revolted and given a call to throw out the BJP. At a congregation of a couple of thousand Sadhus at Koteshwar temple in Gwalior on Tuesday, the BJP was slammed for failing to protect the cows and neglecting the Ganges River. In the coming days, what will be watched closely is the role to be played by Devkinandan Thakur, the world-renowned Katha Vachak, in Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. Devkinandan has a huge following. He strongly opposes reservation on caste lines and the Atrocities Act. The news went viral after he was detained and released by the Police on Monday when he went to offer prayers at Pitambara Peeth at Datia. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP, Congress caught in quagmire of ticket distribution ahead of Assembly polls

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that there is enough material in the public domain to nail Prime Minister Narendra Modi for corruption in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-team-meets-cvc-rafale-deal-demands-registration-corruption-case-167486">Rafale deal</a>.&nbsp;

Accusing Modi of being scared of an enquiry, the Opposition leader said a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) must be set up to investigate the matter.&nbsp;

Rafale is an open and shut case, he said

Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has said the reason Ambani's firm was given the offset contract and not state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was that it had land for the project, he said, alleging the land was purchased by Ambani's company with the money that Dassault gave.

"Dassault gave Rs 284 crore to a loss-making company with a valuation of Rs 8.3 lakh. This is the first installment of kickbacks that has been given to Anil Ambani," he said.

"Rafale is an open and shut case and there is only one man who has done corruption," he said.&nbsp;

CBI chief Alok Verma was removed as he wanted to investigate the deal, he alleged.

There was no immediate reaction from the government and Ambani on the fresh charges made by Gandhi. However, they have previously rejected all allegations made over the Rafale deal. Gandhi gave no evidence or document to substantiate his allegations.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that there is enough material in the public domain to nail Prime Minister Narendra Modi for corruption in Rafale deal.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that there is enough material in the public domain to nail Prime Minister Narendra Modi for corruption in Rafale deal. Accusing Modi of being scared of an enquiry, the Opposition leader said a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) must be set up to investigate the matter. Rafale is an open and shut case, he said Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier has said the reason Ambani's firm was given the offset contract and not state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was that it had land for the project, he said, alleging the land was purchased by Ambani's company with the money that Dassault gave. "Dassault gave Rs 284 crore to a loss-making company with a valuation of Rs 8.3 lakh. This is the first installment of kickbacks that has been given to Anil Ambani," he said. "Rafale is an open and shut case and there is only one man who has done corruption," he said. CBI chief Alok Verma was removed as he wanted to investigate the deal, he alleged. There was no immediate reaction from the government and Ambani on the fresh charges made by Gandhi. However, they have previously rejected all allegations made over the Rafale deal. Gandhi gave no evidence or document to substantiate his allegations.

Enough material in public domain to nail Modi in Rafale deal: Rahul Gandhi

Opposition parties will work together to defeat the BJP to defend India, its institutions and the democracy, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said after meeting the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

Naidu is trying to unite opposition parties to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Gandhi in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu said both of them have decided "not to get into the past" but talk about the present and the future as it is "critical" for the country.

The TDP had earlier criticised the Congress on the bifurcation of the state.&nbsp;

Asserting that there is a need to save the nation and the democracy, Naidu said he discussed this will the Congress president and they have agreed to it in-principle.

Gandhi tweeted,"I had a good meeting today with Shri Chandrababu Naidu. Amongst other things, we discussed the issue of opposition unity. I look forward to carrying forward our dialogue and to working together in the upcoming state &amp; general elections".

Before that, he told reporters, "We are working together, we are going to work together. All Opposition forces are going to work together to defend India, our institutions and our democracy.

"We have had a past. Both of us have agreed we are not going to get into the past. We are going to talk about the present and future because it is critical for our country," Gandhi told reporters.

He said because of the situation in the country, "let all opposition forces come together and provide a vision."

Asked who is going to be the face for an Opposition alliance, Gandhi said both the leaders have agreed that the principle idea is to defeat the BJP and defend democracy and institutions of this country. "All other ideas, we will discuss later," he said, adding,"Everyone is going to work together".

He further said, "Your interest is in sensationalism but we have to work together to deliver people's aspirations."

He said the primary challenge before all the opposition forces is to work together and defend India's institutions and democracy.

"Everything else is secondary. We will do what is our primary challenge," he said.&nbsp;

On the Rafale deal, the Congress chief said "it is very clear that corruption has taken place and there is no doubt in it."

"Institutions that are investigating the Rafale deal are attacked and threatened. That is what exactly we are defending," he said.

"If there is proper enquiry, it will become very clear exactly what happened, where money went and who did the corruption. Something that I am pushing aggressively because I believe nation needs to know,. This sentiment is shared by all Opposition parties," he added.

Naidu's meeting with Gandhi comes amid seat-sharing talks between the two parties for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana.

Earlier in the day, Naidu met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here.

Naidu asserted that there is a need today to save this nation and democracy. "That's why I discussed with Rahulji also. In-principally we have agreed," he said.

"Some of you have doubt about our past. It is a democratic compulsion now, we are joining together to protect this country.

"The main opposition leaders has responsibility to discharge. That's why we are joining together. Not only two parties, those opposing BJP we want to bring them to a common platform. We want to chalk out a common programme for future," he said.

The TDP chief claimed he never had seen this type of attack on institutions like CBI, RBI, ED and IT in his political career of 40 years.

"I have asked Rahulji to discuss in the party and proposed all political meeting to chalk out a programme for future," he said.

Asked about face of an alliance, Naidu said, "you are interested in candidate, we are interested in the nation. Remove that in your mind. You also think first about the nation."

"It is a reality you have to understand that Congress is a main opposition party. All other parties are necessary. So, we will work on these things. Our main motive is save nation," he added.&nbsp;

Opposition parties will work together to defeat the BJP to defend India, its institutions and the democracy, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said after meeting the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

Opposition parties will work together to defeat the BJP to defend India, its institutions and the democracy, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said after meeting the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu is trying to unite opposition parties to take on the saffron party in the Lok Sabha elections next year. Gandhi in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu said both of them have decided "not to get into the past" but talk about the present and the future as it is "critical" for the country. The TDP had earlier criticised the Congress on the bifurcation of the state. Asserting that there is a need to save the nation and the democracy, Naidu said he discussed this will the Congress president and they have agreed to it in-principle. Gandhi tweeted,"I had a good meeting today with Shri Chandrababu Naidu. Amongst other things, we discussed the issue of opposition unity. I look forward to carrying forward our dialogue and to working together in the upcoming state & general elections". Before that, he told reporters, "We are working together, we are going to work together. All Opposition forces are going to work together to defend India, our institutions and our democracy. "We have had a past. Both of us have agreed we are not going to get into the past. We are going to talk about the present and future because it is critical for our country," Gandhi told reporters. He said because of the situation in the country, "let all opposition forces come together and provide a vision." Asked who is going to be the face for an Opposition alliance, Gandhi said both the leaders have agreed that the principle idea is to defeat the BJP and defend democracy and institutions of this country. "All other ideas, we will discuss later," he said, adding,"Everyone is going to work together". He further said, "Your interest is in sensationalism but we have to work together to deliver people's aspirations." He said the primary challenge before all the opposition forces is to work together and defend India's institutions and democracy. "Everything else is secondary. We will do what is our primary challenge," he said. On the Rafale deal, the Congress chief said "it is very clear that corruption has taken place and there is no doubt in it." "Institutions that are investigating the Rafale deal are attacked and threatened. That is what exactly we are defending," he said. "If there is proper enquiry, it will become very clear exactly what happened, where money went and who did the corruption. Something that I am pushing aggressively because I believe nation needs to know,. This sentiment is shared by all Opposition parties," he added. Naidu's meeting with Gandhi comes amid seat-sharing talks between the two parties for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana. Earlier in the day, Naidu met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here. Naidu asserted that there is a need today to save this nation and democracy. "That's why I discussed with Rahulji also. In-principally we have agreed," he said. "Some of you have doubt about our past. It is a democratic compulsion now, we are joining together to protect this country. "The main opposition leaders has responsibility to discharge. That's why we are joining together. Not only two parties, those opposing BJP we want to bring them to a common platform. We want to chalk out a common programme for future," he said. The TDP chief claimed he never had seen this type of attack on institutions like CBI, RBI, ED and IT in his political career of 40 years. "I have asked Rahulji to discuss in the party and proposed all political meeting to chalk out a programme for future," he said. Asked about face of an alliance, Naidu said, "you are interested in candidate, we are interested in the nation. Remove that in your mind. You also think first about the nation." "It is a reality you have to understand that Congress is a main opposition party. All other parties are necessary. So, we will work on these things. Our main motive is save nation," he added.

Will work together to defeat BJP: Rahul Gandhi after meeting TDP chief Naidu

The semifinals for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are well and truly on. Five states are going to elect their new Vidhan Sabhas in next month or so, and three of these states belong to the critical Hindi heartland. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are crucial heartland states that enabled BJP's stellar performance in 2014. According to the Cvoter opinion poll, Congress seems to be in the poll position in all 3 states. In Rajasthan, Congress leads by a strong margin whereas in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the fight is close. In fact, the election in the latter two might well be decided quite late in the day, dependent upon factors such as campaign strategy, ticket allocation and infighting among others.

Highly critical will be the choice of chief ministerial candidates as leadership question is a point of concern for Congress. Particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the respective BJP Chief Ministers viz Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Raman Singh continue to be very popular. In fact, the major anti-incumbency sentiment seems to be against the incumbent MLAs who have not managed their constituencies well. Perhaps denial of tickets to such non-performing MLAs might help the BJP to blunt the anti-incumbency sentiment, especially considering the less than 1 per cent vote share trail in opinion poll vis a vis Congress.&nbsp;

In Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, there is a dead heat between Congress and BJP. This is not the case in Rajasthan, the incumbent Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is less popular than the main challenger from Congress Sachin Pilot. In MP, Jyotiraditya Scindia of Congress is less popular than Shivraj Singh Chauhan and in Chattisgarh, the main challenger to chief minister Raman Singh is Ajit Jogi who does not even belong to the Congress. That leaves Rajasthan as the only state where Congress has a leadership rating advantage.&nbsp;

<img alt="Table 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2e65833-5dfb-4106-aa25-045212c57d01" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Table-1%20Final.jpg" />

Over and above that, Cvoter survey also dwelled upon the question of a bipolar contest to check the infighting sentiment. That is, when the candidates' field is narrowed down to two main challengers in the fray, there is always a churning among the party supporters who favour one party candidate over the other. In Madhya Pradesh, if the choice between Scindia and Chauhan was presented, Chauhan proved to more popular than Scindia. What is important to underline here is the fact that almost 50 per cent supporters of Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh are not staying loyal to party line for the candidature of Jyotiraditya Scindia in bipolar setup against Shivraj Singh Chauhan.

Almost 25 per cent of Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh supporters shift allegiance to BJP CM Candidate and the rest are assuming a neutral position. This clearly opens up the internal fault-lines of Congress leadership in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Table 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a602dcd4-4f77-4a5d-b061-bde21cae24a2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Table2.jpg" />

In Chhattisgarh, a direct contest between Raman Singh and Ajit Jogi may precipitate 1/3rd of Congress supporters to shift support to BJP chief minister candidate and another 1/3rd may move to Jogi's camp, the rest are assuming a position of neutrality. This argues rather poorly for a party which is leading over BJP by less than a point at the moment. Jogi becomes a choice by default for many anti-BJP voters just because Congress is unable to give a name for the chief minister post. If the Congress leadership is well defined, it will not take much of a time for the anti-BJP voters getting polarized in a clear-cut manner. 
 
<img alt="Table 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4efd1661-e4e2-4945-9f78-52efab452a77" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Table%203.jpg" />

The state of Rajasthan is in complete contrast to MP and Chhattisgarh. In Rajasthan, a bipolar contest of Sachin Pilot and Vasundhara Raje is clearly producing results in favour of Congress candidate. Almost two-third supporters of other Congress candidates, like Ashok Gehlot and CP Joshi, are continuing to support the candidature of Sachin Pilot in a bipolar rating. Unlike other states, the young voters and first-time voters of Rajasthan are rallying for a clean image of the rather young Sachin Pilot. His face is clearly instrumental in swinging the undecided young voters, who otherwise get neutralized by the corruption-tagged image of old Congress leadership in the state.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Table 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa9d3d44-451e-4755-98ef-1c484d525d41" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Table4.jpg" />

Clearly, Congress is facing infighting and factionalism in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh while it comes across as a much-united house in Rajasthan. This point becomes salient in the light of less than 1 per cent projected vote share lead according to the Cvoter opinion poll in the states of MP and Chhattisgarh.

The overwhelming popularity of PM Narendra Modi has been the key electoral weapon for BJP in the past 3-4 years. Election after election in last four years has shown that there is a distinct surge of 3-4 per cent vote share that gets imparted by PM Narendra Modi in closing stages of the campaign. In MP and Chhattisgarh, such a vote surge can easily topple the Congress lead. In the case of Rajasthan, the projected lead of Congress seems to be clear of any potential late surge by BJP. The masses flocking to PM's rallies in Rajasthan may listen to him and vote for him in Lok Sabha elections but for Vidhan Sabha polls the mood seems to be made up.&nbsp;

Finally, Congress is making a mistake by not announcing official candidates in the three states. For examples, in MP an official announcement in favour of Scindia may polarize young voters in favour of Congress, the same may happen in Rajasthan and an official affirmation of Sachin Pilot could produce an electoral dividend thus confirming the Congress victory that is increasingly likely. In Chhattisgarh, the Congress may announce an official candidate such as TS Singh Dev or Bhupesh Baghel to blunt the edge of Ajit Jogi. In fact, currently, Jogi is being favoured only because of non-announcement of a Congress candidate.&nbsp;

Therefore, Congress has all to gain by the announcement of official Chief Ministerial candidates. It may gain that crucial edge over the BJP in MP and Chhattisgarh and further solidify its robust lead in Rajasthan. In case this does not happen then a late BJP surge induced by PM Modi's campaign may end up being crucial, however, it is tough to estimate its impact quantitatively as of now.&nbsp;

There is a huge rating deficit that Congress faces when the national Leadership ratings are compared. The gap in approval ratings of NaMo and RaGa is a big electoral liability at the moment for the Congress at large. The only way it can counter that liability is by projecting the much popular young faces at the state level against the state BJP leadership. If done properly, then faces of Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Bhupesh Baghel can do the needful to counter the mega rallies of Narendra Modi in concluding weeks of the campaign. If they continue the blunder in positioning this round as contest of national leaderships, then we all know what kind of punch Mr Modi is capable of delivering.&nbsp;

I don't think Congress wants to take the battle in that direction. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/will-congress-blunder-again-by-making-assembly-elections-a-raga-vs-namo-battle-2151613.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The semifinals for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are well and truly on. Five states are going to elect their new Vidhan Sabhas in next month or so, and three of these states belong to the critical Hindi heartland.

The semifinals for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are well and truly on. Five states are going to elect their new Vidhan Sabhas in next month or so, and three of these states belong to the critical Hindi heartland. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are crucial heartland states that enabled BJP's stellar performance in 2014. According to the Cvoter opinion poll, Congress seems to be in the poll position in all 3 states. In Rajasthan, Congress leads by a strong margin whereas in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the fight is close. In fact, the election in the latter two might well be decided quite late in the day, dependent upon factors such as campaign strategy, ticket allocation and infighting among others. Highly critical will be the choice of chief ministerial candidates as leadership question is a point of concern for Congress. Particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the respective BJP Chief Ministers viz Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Raman Singh continue to be very popular. In fact, the major anti-incumbency sentiment seems to be against the incumbent MLAs who have not managed their constituencies well. Perhaps denial of tickets to such non-performing MLAs might help the BJP to blunt the anti-incumbency sentiment, especially considering the less than 1 per cent vote share trail in opinion poll vis a vis Congress. In Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, there is a dead heat between Congress and BJP. This is not the case in Rajasthan, the incumbent Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is less popular than the main challenger from Congress Sachin Pilot. In MP, Jyotiraditya Scindia of Congress is less popular than Shivraj Singh Chauhan and in Chattisgarh, the main challenger to chief minister Raman Singh is Ajit Jogi who does not even belong to the Congress. That leaves Rajasthan as the only state where Congress has a leadership rating advantage. Over and above that, Cvoter survey also dwelled upon the question of a bipolar contest to check the infighting sentiment. That is, when the candidates' field is narrowed down to two main challengers in the fray, there is always a churning among the party supporters who favour one party candidate over the other. In Madhya Pradesh, if the choice between Scindia and Chauhan was presented, Chauhan proved to more popular than Scindia. What is important to underline here is the fact that almost 50 per cent supporters of Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh are not staying loyal to party line for the candidature of Jyotiraditya Scindia in bipolar setup against Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Almost 25 per cent of Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh supporters shift allegiance to BJP CM Candidate and the rest are assuming a neutral position. This clearly opens up the internal fault-lines of Congress leadership in Madhya Pradesh. In Chhattisgarh, a direct contest between Raman Singh and Ajit Jogi may precipitate 1/3rd of Congress supporters to shift support to BJP chief minister candidate and another 1/3rd may move to Jogi's camp, the rest are assuming a position of neutrality. This argues rather poorly for a party which is leading over BJP by less than a point at the moment. Jogi becomes a choice by default for many anti-BJP voters just because Congress is unable to give a name for the chief minister post. If the Congress leadership is well defined, it will not take much of a time for the anti-BJP voters getting polarized in a clear-cut manner. The state of Rajasthan is in complete contrast to MP and Chhattisgarh. In Rajasthan, a bipolar contest of Sachin Pilot and Vasundhara Raje is clearly producing results in favour of Congress candidate. Almost two-third supporters of other Congress candidates, like Ashok Gehlot and CP Joshi, are continuing to support the candidature of Sachin Pilot in a bipolar rating. Unlike other states, the young voters and first-time voters of Rajasthan are rallying for a clean image of the rather young Sachin Pilot. His face is clearly instrumental in swinging the undecided young voters, who otherwise get neutralized by the corruption-tagged image of old Congress leadership in the state. Clearly, Congress is facing infighting and factionalism in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh while it comes across as a much-united house in Rajasthan. This point becomes salient in the light of less than 1 per cent projected vote share lead according to the Cvoter opinion poll in the states of MP and Chhattisgarh. The overwhelming popularity of PM Narendra Modi has been the key electoral weapon for BJP in the past 3-4 years. Election after election in last four years has shown that there is a distinct surge of 3-4 per cent vote share that gets imparted by PM Narendra Modi in closing stages of the campaign. In MP and Chhattisgarh, such a vote surge can easily topple the Congress lead. In the case of Rajasthan, the projected lead of Congress seems to be clear of any potential late surge by BJP. The masses flocking to PM's rallies in Rajasthan may listen to him and vote for him in Lok Sabha elections but for Vidhan Sabha polls the mood seems to be made up. Finally, Congress is making a mistake by not announcing official candidates in the three states. For examples, in MP an official announcement in favour of Scindia may polarize young voters in favour of Congress, the same may happen in Rajasthan and an official affirmation of Sachin Pilot could produce an electoral dividend thus confirming the Congress victory that is increasingly likely. In Chhattisgarh, the Congress may announce an official candidate such as TS Singh Dev or Bhupesh Baghel to blunt the edge of Ajit Jogi. In fact, currently, Jogi is being favoured only because of non-announcement of a Congress candidate. Therefore, Congress has all to gain by the announcement of official Chief Ministerial candidates. It may gain that crucial edge over the BJP in MP and Chhattisgarh and further solidify its robust lead in Rajasthan. In case this does not happen then a late BJP surge induced by PM Modi's campaign may end up being crucial, however, it is tough to estimate its impact quantitatively as of now. There is a huge rating deficit that Congress faces when the national Leadership ratings are compared. The gap in approval ratings of NaMo and RaGa is a big electoral liability at the moment for the Congress at large. The only way it can counter that liability is by projecting the much popular young faces at the state level against the state BJP leadership. If done properly, then faces of Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Bhupesh Baghel can do the needful to counter the mega rallies of Narendra Modi in concluding weeks of the campaign. If they continue the blunder in positioning this round as contest of national leaderships, then we all know what kind of punch Mr Modi is capable of delivering. I don't think Congress wants to take the battle in that direction. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Will Congress blunder again by making Assembly elections a Rahul vs Modi battle?

Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion.

"I am not a 'Hinduwadi' leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class," he said.

A day after the BJP's barb that Gandhi was "exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism" with his temple visits in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and in other states earlier, the Congress leader retorted, "Are the country's temples the sole property of the BJP and the RSS? Have only Modi and Shah got the contract to visit temples?" Interacting with select journalists here, Gandhi said the BJP remains silent whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP president Amit Shah visit a temple wearing clothes as per that temple's tradition.

"But when Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and I wear clothes as per the temple's tradition, it is said that we are exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism," he said.

Gandhi had started his two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh on Monday after offering prayers at Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple.

Hours after Gandhi's temple visit, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra had alleged, "...Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (sacred thread) over the shirt.

We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to.

" Talking to journalists here, Gandhi said, "If I feel like going to a temple and offering prayers to God then I will definitely visit it.

I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I understand Hindu religion better than the BJP does." Replying to a question, he said he visits mosques, gurudwaras, churches and other places of worship as he respects every religion.

Describing Hinduism and Hindutva as two different concepts, he said, "Hinduism is a liberal and progressive concept that teaches love and respect for others, while there are hatred, insecurity and anger in the foundation of the BJP's idea of Hindutva."

"The BJP has ownership of Hindutva. But no one can claim sole ownership of Hinduism because it is a great concept. No one group can have a monopoly over it...

We are a party which believes not in Hindutva, but in Hinduism," he said.

"When I visited temples during the Gujarat elections, the BJP went mad thinking how did I go there, although I had been to temples earlier. I had also visited Ayodhya," he said.

On a question regarding efforts to bring the issue of Ram temple into focus ahead of the upcoming polls, he said, "The Modi government has failed to fulfil the promises of ending corruption, bringing good days, providing jobs to youths and right prices to the farmers for their produce."

"This government can see only one way to save itself. But it will not be able to save itself," he said.

Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion.

Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion. "I am not a 'Hinduwadi' leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class," he said. A day after the BJP's barb that Gandhi was "exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism" with his temple visits in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and in other states earlier, the Congress leader retorted, "Are the country's temples the sole property of the BJP and the RSS? Have only Modi and Shah got the contract to visit temples?" Interacting with select journalists here, Gandhi said the BJP remains silent whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP president Amit Shah visit a temple wearing clothes as per that temple's tradition. "But when Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and I wear clothes as per the temple's tradition, it is said that we are exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism," he said. Gandhi had started his two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh on Monday after offering prayers at Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple. Hours after Gandhi's temple visit, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra had alleged, "...Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (sacred thread) over the shirt. We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to. " Talking to journalists here, Gandhi said, "If I feel like going to a temple and offering prayers to God then I will definitely visit it. I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I understand Hindu religion better than the BJP does." Replying to a question, he said he visits mosques, gurudwaras, churches and other places of worship as he respects every religion. Describing Hinduism and Hindutva as two different concepts, he said, "Hinduism is a liberal and progressive concept that teaches love and respect for others, while there are hatred, insecurity and anger in the foundation of the BJP's idea of Hindutva." "The BJP has ownership of Hindutva. But no one can claim sole ownership of Hinduism because it is a great concept. No one group can have a monopoly over it... We are a party which believes not in Hindutva, but in Hinduism," he said. "When I visited temples during the Gujarat elections, the BJP went mad thinking how did I go there, although I had been to temples earlier. I had also visited Ayodhya," he said. On a question regarding efforts to bring the issue of Ram temple into focus ahead of the upcoming polls, he said, "The Modi government has failed to fulfil the promises of ending corruption, bringing good days, providing jobs to youths and right prices to the farmers for their produce." "This government can see only one way to save itself. But it will not be able to save itself," he said.

Don't need BJP's certificate to visit temples, says Rahul Gandhi

Hitting out at the Congress President, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked Rahul Gandhi about his "gotra" on Monday.

While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound state Madhya Pradesh, Patra said, "If Rahul wears a "janeu", what type of "janeu" does he wear, what is his "gotra"?

Patra's comment came in the wake of the ongoing temple visits undertaken by Rahul Gandhi.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Monday. The visit was also accompanied by Congress leader Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ujjain ja rahe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulGandhi</a> ji se hum poochna chahte hain ki aap jenau dhari hain? Aap kaise jenau dhaari hain, kya gotr hai aapka?: BJP's Sambit Patra in Indore <a href="https://t.co/fjyiSWRaW0">pic.twitter.com/fjyiSWRaW0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056790435199438848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Janeu is sacred thread worn by devout Hindu men. Gotra, in Hinduism, refers to a clan or a descendant in an unbroken line from a common male ancestor.

Last year Gandhi had undertaken several temple visits in Gujarat which was undergoing polls in December. His temple visits continued in Karnataka earlier this year during the election campaign in the state.

Calling his temple visit&nbsp;an election gimmick to woo Hindu votes, the Bhartiya Janata Party has often criticised Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi had invoked Lord Shiva while responding to the BJP's criticism of his visits during the Gujarat assembly elections last year.

"Main Shiv ka bhakt hoon, sachaai mein believe karta hoon. BJP jo bhi bole main apni sachaai mein believe karta hu (I am a devotee of Shiv. The BJP may say anything, but I will remain honest.)," Gandhi had retorted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/NOxi4C0r9A">pic.twitter.com/NOxi4C0r9A</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056796669365366784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/chQlgOeSKa">pic.twitter.com/chQlgOeSKa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056791305832030208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"For over 70 years since independence, the Congress has been playing 'bitter' politics in the name of secularism. They have been treating Hindus as second-grade citizens," Patra said in his latest tirade against the opposition Congress party.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hitting out at the Congress President, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked Rahul Gandhi about his "gotra" on Monday. While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound state Madhya Pradesh, Patra said, "If Rahul wears a "janeu", what type of "janeu" does he wear, what is his "gotra"?

Hitting out at the Congress President, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked Rahul Gandhi about his "gotra" on Monday. While addressing an election rally in the poll-bound state Madhya Pradesh, Patra said, "If Rahul wears a "janeu", what type of "janeu" does he wear, what is his "gotra"? Patra's comment came in the wake of the ongoing temple visits undertaken by Rahul Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Monday. The visit was also accompanied by Congress leader Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Ujjain ja rahe #RahulGandhi ji se hum poochna chahte hain ki aap jenau dhari hain? Aap kaise jenau dhaari hain, kya gotr hai aapka?: BJP's Sambit Patra in Indore pic.twitter.com/fjyiSWRaW0 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Janeu is sacred thread worn by devout Hindu men. Gotra, in Hinduism, refers to a clan or a descendant in an unbroken line from a common male ancestor. Last year Gandhi had undertaken several temple visits in Gujarat which was undergoing polls in December. His temple visits continued in Karnataka earlier this year during the election campaign in the state. Calling his temple visit an election gimmick to woo Hindu votes, the Bhartiya Janata Party has often criticised Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi had invoked Lord Shiva while responding to the BJP's criticism of his visits during the Gujarat assembly elections last year. "Main Shiv ka bhakt hoon, sachaai mein believe karta hoon. BJP jo bhi bole main apni sachaai mein believe karta hu (I am a devotee of Shiv. The BJP may say anything, but I will remain honest.)," Gandhi had retorted. Congress President Rahul Gandhi offers prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/NOxi4C0r9A — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia also present. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/chQlgOeSKa — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × "For over 70 years since independence, the Congress has been playing 'bitter' politics in the name of secularism. They have been treating Hindus as second-grade citizens," Patra said in his latest tirade against the opposition Congress party. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi goes to temple in Madhya Pradesh, BJP asks him his 'gotra'

While Modi ji is building 'Make in India', Mahagathbandhan is busy in 'Breaking India', said BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday.&nbsp;

Addressing the BJP youth session at ‘Vijay Lakshya -2019, Yuva Maha Adhiveshan' on its concluding day in Hyderabad, Shah said ''KCR government stopped celebrating Hyderabad Liberation Day due to Owaisi's fear in the state. When we come to power we will celebrate this day.'' &nbsp;

Addressing Congress president as ''Dear Rahul'', he said that the Congress president did not deserve a report as to what BJP has done in 4.5 years.&nbsp;

''Congress ruled the nation for four generations and yet nothing was done for the poor,'' Shah said.&nbsp;

While Modi ji is building 'Make in India', Mahagathbandhan is busy in 'Breaking India', said BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday. Addressing the BJP youth session at ‘Vijay Lakshya -2019, Yuva Maha Adhiveshan' on its concluding day in Hyderabad, Shah said ''KCR government stopped celebrating Hyderabad Liberation Day due to Owaisi's fear in the state.

While Modi ji is building 'Make in India', Mahagathbandhan is busy in 'Breaking India', said BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday. Addressing the BJP youth session at ‘Vijay Lakshya -2019, Yuva Maha Adhiveshan' on its concluding day in Hyderabad, Shah said ''KCR government stopped celebrating Hyderabad Liberation Day due to Owaisi's fear in the state. When we come to power we will celebrate this day.'' Addressing Congress president as ''Dear Rahul'', he said that the Congress president did not deserve a report as to what BJP has done in 4.5 years. ''Congress ruled the nation for four generations and yet nothing was done for the poor,'' Shah said.

While Modi is 'building India', grand alliance is busy 'breaking India': Shah 

BJP leader Sambit Patra raised the National Herald case Saturday to target Congress president Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his family has "looted the country for decades".

Patra, who is a party spokesperson, held a press conference on the roadside in front of a commercial building in MP Nagar area here, claiming that the land had been allotted to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) "helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price" for printing the National Herald newspaper.

The Congress has dismissed allegations of wrongdoing in the matter. The party's Madhya Pradesh unit said Saturday it is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission on a public property.

Asked why the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, which is in power for 15 years, did not get the property vacated if it was illegally acquired, Patra claimed that the Bhopal Development Authority has issued eviction notices and the matter is before court.

"The commercial building behind me is a monument of corruption as it was acquired by Associated Journals Limited helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price to print the National Herald.

"Rahul was accused number two in the case related to land grab on the pretext of printing National Herald in various parts of the country," he alleged.

"The Gandhi family has looted the country for decades and this commercial building on a public land allotted to AJL for printing a newspaper speaks of it (the alleged loot)," he alleged.

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has filed a private complaint in a Delhi court, accusing the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by paying Rs 50 lakh through which Young Indian Pvt Ltd obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that Associate Journals Ltd (which runs National Herald) owed to the Congress party.

All the accused in the case, who are on bail, have denied the allegations. The case is going on before a metropolitan magistrate in Delhi.

Asked about Rahul Gandhi's "chowkidar chor hai" remark accusing the prime minister of corruption in the Rafale deal, Patra said that if Gandhi has evidence, he should approach court.

Rahul Gandhi had reiterated his allegations of irregularities in Rafale fighter jet deal, which the government has denied, during his recent tours in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

When the press conference was about to end, an unidentified man arrived and asked journalists why they were asking "attacking questions".

There was a heated exchange between the reporters and the man before the police took him away.

Later, Patra visited the building, saying he was going to find out whether National Herald was printed there.

State Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said the party is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission, that too on a public property (a road).

"We are also going to file a police complaint," Gupta said.&nbsp;

BJP leader Sambit Patra raised the National Herald case Saturday to target Congress president Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his family has "looted the country for decades".

BJP leader Sambit Patra raised the National Herald case Saturday to target Congress president Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his family has "looted the country for decades". Patra, who is a party spokesperson, held a press conference on the roadside in front of a commercial building in MP Nagar area here, claiming that the land had been allotted to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) "helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price" for printing the National Herald newspaper. The Congress has dismissed allegations of wrongdoing in the matter. The party's Madhya Pradesh unit said Saturday it is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission on a public property. Asked why the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, which is in power for 15 years, did not get the property vacated if it was illegally acquired, Patra claimed that the Bhopal Development Authority has issued eviction notices and the matter is before court. "The commercial building behind me is a monument of corruption as it was acquired by Associated Journals Limited helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price to print the National Herald. "Rahul was accused number two in the case related to land grab on the pretext of printing National Herald in various parts of the country," he alleged. "The Gandhi family has looted the country for decades and this commercial building on a public land allotted to AJL for printing a newspaper speaks of it (the alleged loot)," he alleged. BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has filed a private complaint in a Delhi court, accusing the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by paying Rs 50 lakh through which Young Indian Pvt Ltd obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that Associate Journals Ltd (which runs National Herald) owed to the Congress party. All the accused in the case, who are on bail, have denied the allegations. The case is going on before a metropolitan magistrate in Delhi. Asked about Rahul Gandhi's "chowkidar chor hai" remark accusing the prime minister of corruption in the Rafale deal, Patra said that if Gandhi has evidence, he should approach court. Rahul Gandhi had reiterated his allegations of irregularities in Rafale fighter jet deal, which the government has denied, during his recent tours in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. When the press conference was about to end, an unidentified man arrived and asked journalists why they were asking "attacking questions". There was a heated exchange between the reporters and the man before the police took him away. Later, Patra visited the building, saying he was going to find out whether National Herald was printed there. State Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said the party is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission, that too on a public property (a road). "We are also going to file a police complaint," Gupta said.

BJP targets Rahul Gandhi over National Herald issue; says family has 'looted country for decades'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday held an interaction with ex-servicemen where a number of issues, including the Centre's One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and the Rafale deal were discussed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
For Anil 
 
30,000 CR from Rafale + all procedures bypassed + midnight sacking of CBI director. 
 
For Forces 
 
No OROP + sound thrashing to veterans at Jantar Mantar + lies and broken promises. <a href="https://t.co/OthPwllHsZ">pic.twitter.com/OthPwllHsZ</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1056167225407819777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Briefing press after the interaction, Rahul attacked the central government for failing to implement the OROP as per expectations of ex-servicemen.

He further raked up the issue of Rafale deal and criticised the government for ignoring the welfare of former service personnel.

"During the discussion, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the wrong non-strategic approach of the government, the division that has been created there and the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. The connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 crore for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP. This is the connection- Rs 30,000 crore is more than enough to solve the OROP problem,” said the Gandhi scion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The situation in J&amp;K,wrong non-strategic approach of govt, &amp; the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. Connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 cr for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP: R Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/cgCoGkN2Cg">pic.twitter.com/cgCoGkN2Cg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056105049632526336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Continuing his analogy between OROP and India’s fighter jet deal with France, he said, “OROP can be implemented in Rs 8,300 crore, but instead, Rs 30,000 crore is being given to Anil Ambani without experience, without any background."

Gandhi further said that the way India's ex-servicemen are being treated is wrong and the government has to change its way of functioning.

During the hour-long interaction, the ex-servicemen submitted two memoranda to the Congress President for his review.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday held an interaction with ex-servicemen where a number of issues, including the Centre's One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and the Rafale deal were discussed.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday held an interaction with ex-servicemen where a number of issues, including the Centre's One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and the Rafale deal were discussed. For Anil 30,000 CR from Rafale + all procedures bypassed + midnight sacking of CBI director. For Forces No OROP + sound thrashing to veterans at Jantar Mantar + lies and broken promises. pic.twitter.com/OthPwllHsZ — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 27, 2018 × Briefing press after the interaction, Rahul attacked the central government for failing to implement the OROP as per expectations of ex-servicemen. He further raked up the issue of Rafale deal and criticised the government for ignoring the welfare of former service personnel. "During the discussion, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the wrong non-strategic approach of the government, the division that has been created there and the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. The connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 crore for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP. This is the connection- Rs 30,000 crore is more than enough to solve the OROP problem,” said the Gandhi scion. The situation in J&K,wrong non-strategic approach of govt, & the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. Connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 cr for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP: R Gandhi pic.twitter.com/cgCoGkN2Cg — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × Continuing his analogy between OROP and India’s fighter jet deal with France, he said, “OROP can be implemented in Rs 8,300 crore, but instead, Rs 30,000 crore is being given to Anil Ambani without experience, without any background." Gandhi further said that the way India's ex-servicemen are being treated is wrong and the government has to change its way of functioning. During the hour-long interaction, the ex-servicemen submitted two memoranda to the Congress President for his review.

Government can give Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani, can’t implement OROP: Rahul Gandhi

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma on leave, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the former acted out of fear as he was involved in corruption.

"The Prime Minister has put Rs 30,000 crore in the pocket of Anil Ambani after stealing from the Air Force, and the youth. The country knows about it. The Prime Minister can run, but can`t hide from the truth. It will come out. Removing the CBI director will not make any difference. The truth will come out in the end," the Gandhi scion said after leaving Lodhi Colony police station, where he was taken after being detained for protesting outside the CBI headquarters.

During the demonstration, several party workers marched towards the CBI headquarters with their president.&nbsp;

Protestors raised slogans and placards as their party president sat atop a crowded truck amidst tight security. A supporter was seen sitting inside a cage with a placard that read 'the CBI.'

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP South) Vijay Kumar said that eight leaders and 150 workers of the Congress were detained for 20 minutes before being released.

The grand old party had called for nationwide protests outside the offices of the CBI.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar, who was leading a protest in Lucknow, was also detained. Police also used water cannons to disperse protestors in Chandigarh.

The government recently sent Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes at each other.&nbsp;

However, the CBI on Thursday informed that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would continue to remain the CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma on leave, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the former acted out of fear as he was involved in corruption.

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma on leave, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the former acted out of fear as he was involved in corruption. "The Prime Minister has put Rs 30,000 crore in the pocket of Anil Ambani after stealing from the Air Force, and the youth. The country knows about it. The Prime Minister can run, but can`t hide from the truth. It will come out. Removing the CBI director will not make any difference. The truth will come out in the end," the Gandhi scion said after leaving Lodhi Colony police station, where he was taken after being detained for protesting outside the CBI headquarters. During the demonstration, several party workers marched towards the CBI headquarters with their president. Protestors raised slogans and placards as their party president sat atop a crowded truck amidst tight security. A supporter was seen sitting inside a cage with a placard that read 'the CBI.' Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP South) Vijay Kumar said that eight leaders and 150 workers of the Congress were detained for 20 minutes before being released. The grand old party had called for nationwide protests outside the offices of the CBI. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar, who was leading a protest in Lucknow, was also detained. Police also used water cannons to disperse protestors in Chandigarh. The government recently sent Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes at each other. However, the CBI on Thursday informed that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would continue to remain the CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.

PM Modi sent CBI director on leave out of fear: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after staging a protest outside the CBI headquarters against the move to divest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-protest-removal-of-cbi-director-outside-cbi-offices-across-country-173481">CBI Director </a>Alok Verma of his powers, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi "stole" money from the country and can run but not hide from the truth.

Reiterating his allegations against the prime minister on the Rafale fighter jet deal, Gandhi again called him "chowkidar" and said he had "deposited Rs 30,000 crore in Anil Ambani's pocket".&nbsp;

"He has stolen money from the Indian Air Force and the youth, and the entire country understands this. The prime minister can run but he cannot hide from the truth," Gandhi told reporters after courting arrest at the Lodhi Colony police station.

There were no immediate reactions from the Prime Minister's Office on Gandhi's allegations. While Ambani has been consistently denying the allegations, the BJP has accused Gandhi of manufacturing lies every day on the Rafale deal.

"The truth will come out," Gandhi said, adding that removing the CBI director will not impact the truth.&nbsp;

Addressing the gathering of Congress protesters earlier in the day, Gandhi accused Modi of destroying institutions such as the CBI, the Election Commission and the Enforcement Directorate.

Senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, Ahmed Patel, Motilal Vora, Veerappa Moily and Anand Sharma, took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration ahead of the CBI headquarters.

Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the protest.

The Congress' protests in the national capital were replicated in other parts of the country.

State Congress leaders led demonstrations in their regions against what the Congress described as the "illegal, unconstitutional and illegitimate removal of the CBI director by the Modi-Shah duo".

The apex court said former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik will oversee a CVC inquiry into the allegations against Verma and the report has to be placed before it within two weeks.

It directed that interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao shall not take any major policy decisions. Decisions taken by him since October 23 to date shall not be implemented, it said.

All decisions taken by Rao shall be placed before the apex court in a sealed cover.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after staging a protest outside the CBI headquarters against the move to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi "stole" money from the country and can run but not hide from the truth.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after staging a protest outside the CBI headquarters against the move to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi "stole" money from the country and can run but not hide from the truth. Reiterating his allegations against the prime minister on the Rafale fighter jet deal, Gandhi again called him "chowkidar" and said he had "deposited Rs 30,000 crore in Anil Ambani's pocket". "He has stolen money from the Indian Air Force and the youth, and the entire country understands this. The prime minister can run but he cannot hide from the truth," Gandhi told reporters after courting arrest at the Lodhi Colony police station. There were no immediate reactions from the Prime Minister's Office on Gandhi's allegations. While Ambani has been consistently denying the allegations, the BJP has accused Gandhi of manufacturing lies every day on the Rafale deal. "The truth will come out," Gandhi said, adding that removing the CBI director will not impact the truth. Addressing the gathering of Congress protesters earlier in the day, Gandhi accused Modi of destroying institutions such as the CBI, the Election Commission and the Enforcement Directorate. Senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, Ahmed Patel, Motilal Vora, Veerappa Moily and Anand Sharma, took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration ahead of the CBI headquarters. Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the protest. The Congress' protests in the national capital were replicated in other parts of the country. State Congress leaders led demonstrations in their regions against what the Congress described as the "illegal, unconstitutional and illegitimate removal of the CBI director by the Modi-Shah duo". The apex court said former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik will oversee a CVC inquiry into the allegations against Verma and the report has to be placed before it within two weeks. It directed that interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao shall not take any major policy decisions. Decisions taken by him since October 23 to date shall not be implemented, it said. All decisions taken by Rao shall be placed before the apex court in a sealed cover.

Rahul Gandhi courts arrest, says PM Modi can run but not hide from truth

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional".&nbsp;

Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/BRk8Vvwvgv">pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1055726034224586753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road.&nbsp;

Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot lead the protest march to CBI HQ against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma. <a href="https://t.co/7FNkhoWQCb">pic.twitter.com/7FNkhoWQCb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1055716852268257281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional". Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity. #WATCH: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road. Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot lead the protest march to CBI HQ against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma. pic.twitter.com/7FNkhoWQCb — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 ×

Watch: Rahul leads protest march to CBI headquarters

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said forcing CBI director Alok Verma to go on indefinite leave was "illegal" and alleged that it was done as the government panicked over the possibility of him investigating the Rafale jet deal.

Addressing a press conference here, he claimed that Verma's removal was an "insult" to the Constitution, the chief justice of India and the leader of the opposition.&nbsp;

The move was "illegal", the Congress chief said.&nbsp;

The interim charge of the agency has been given a person who has cases against him so that the prime minister can control him, Gandhi alleged, referring to joint director Nageswara Rao.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were asked to go on leave as per the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission and it was "absolutely essential" to maintain the institutional integrity of CBI.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said forcing CBI director Alok Verma to go on indefinite leave was "illegal" and alleged that it was done as the government panicked over the possibility of him investigating the Rafale jet deal.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said forcing CBI director Alok Verma to go on indefinite leave was "illegal" and alleged that it was done as the government panicked over the possibility of him investigating the Rafale jet deal. Addressing a press conference here, he claimed that Verma's removal was an "insult" to the Constitution, the chief justice of India and the leader of the opposition. The move was "illegal", the Congress chief said. The interim charge of the agency has been given a person who has cases against him so that the prime minister can control him, Gandhi alleged, referring to joint director Nageswara Rao. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were asked to go on leave as per the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission and it was "absolutely essential" to maintain the institutional integrity of CBI.

CBI director Alok Verma's removal illegal, says Rahul Gandhi

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed confidence that all “like-minded parties” in the Opposition which have the best interest of the nation at heart will support Congress chief Rahul Gandhi as the leader of a united alliance against the BJP-led NDA in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Singh also said the Congress party, under the leadership of Rahul, will return to power in 2019 as the people are “completely disillusioned” with the BJP and want a “positive change”. Singh, who is in Israel on a five-day visit, said India needed a young and dynamic leader to bring it out of the current mess and put it back on the global map.

“Rahul has all the qualities needed to be a great prime minister and he is the perfect man to lead the country, as I have always maintained,” Singh told PTI in an interview when asked if he really feels Rahul is the right man for the job of running the country. Singh is heading a high-level delegation to Israel to strengthen Punjab’s cooperation with it in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming and wastewater management, besides trying to attract investments in the state. Singh said the people are tired of “misgovernance” by the BJP. “The people are completely disillusioned with the BJP and want a positive change,” he said.

“The escalating prices of diesel and petrol, the economic situation faced by the country just see the way the rupee is going viz a viz the dollar, the polarisation triggered by the BJP, the widespread unemployment, the way many of the ministers at the Centre are functioning – the people can see all that, and are sick and tired of it. “The time is up for the BJP. The Congress, under Rahul, is ready to take the reins of the country and bring it back on the path of progress and prosperity,” Singh said.

He said the entire Congress party is currently in election mode. “All of us, including me, are ready to put all our might into ensuring that the party wins each one of them,” he said. When asked whether opposition parties would be able to accept Rahul as the leader of a united alliance against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Singh said all like-minded parties which have the best interests of the nation at heart will embrace him warmly as their leader.

“Other opposition parties know that the Congress is the only party that can lead an effective campaign against the BJP, and they also know that Rahul is more than capable of leading the united opposition. As I have said earlier, it is important to have the right kind of alliances at this juncture if we are to save the nation from the misgovernance of the BJP and its allies,” he said. Singh expressed confidence that the Congress would win each of the states going to polls, referring to the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram and Chhattisgarh.

Asked whether he would form an alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab for the 2019 elections if there is a national alliance of the Congress with them, Singh said the Congress in Punjab will sweep the election on its own and does not need allies. “We have also conveyed this to the Congress high command. But at the same time, we have told them that the final decision rests with them, which they would need to take keeping all exigencies in mind,” he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed confidence that all “like-minded parties” in the Opposition which have the best interest of the nation at heart will support Congress chief Rahul Gandhi as the leader of a united alliance against the BJP-led NDA in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed confidence that all “like-minded parties” in the Opposition which have the best interest of the nation at heart will support Congress chief Rahul Gandhi as the leader of a united alliance against the BJP-led NDA in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Singh also said the Congress party, under the leadership of Rahul, will return to power in 2019 as the people are “completely disillusioned” with the BJP and want a “positive change”. Singh, who is in Israel on a five-day visit, said India needed a young and dynamic leader to bring it out of the current mess and put it back on the global map. “Rahul has all the qualities needed to be a great prime minister and he is the perfect man to lead the country, as I have always maintained,” Singh told PTI in an interview when asked if he really feels Rahul is the right man for the job of running the country. Singh is heading a high-level delegation to Israel to strengthen Punjab’s cooperation with it in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming and wastewater management, besides trying to attract investments in the state. Singh said the people are tired of “misgovernance” by the BJP. “The people are completely disillusioned with the BJP and want a positive change,” he said. “The escalating prices of diesel and petrol, the economic situation faced by the country just see the way the rupee is going viz a viz the dollar, the polarisation triggered by the BJP, the widespread unemployment, the way many of the ministers at the Centre are functioning – the people can see all that, and are sick and tired of it. “The time is up for the BJP. The Congress, under Rahul, is ready to take the reins of the country and bring it back on the path of progress and prosperity,” Singh said. He said the entire Congress party is currently in election mode. “All of us, including me, are ready to put all our might into ensuring that the party wins each one of them,” he said. When asked whether opposition parties would be able to accept Rahul as the leader of a united alliance against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Singh said all like-minded parties which have the best interests of the nation at heart will embrace him warmly as their leader. “Other opposition parties know that the Congress is the only party that can lead an effective campaign against the BJP, and they also know that Rahul is more than capable of leading the united opposition. As I have said earlier, it is important to have the right kind of alliances at this juncture if we are to save the nation from the misgovernance of the BJP and its allies,” he said. Singh expressed confidence that the Congress would win each of the states going to polls, referring to the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. Asked whether he would form an alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab for the 2019 elections if there is a national alliance of the Congress with them, Singh said the Congress in Punjab will sweep the election on its own and does not need allies. “We have also conveyed this to the Congress high command. But at the same time, we have told them that the final decision rests with them, which they would need to take keeping all exigencies in mind,” he said.

Like-minded parties will support Rahul Gandhi as leader of united alliance against BJP: Amarinder Singh

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday over a media report that stated the External Affairs Ministry did not share details of those accompanying the PM during his foreign tours, despite orders from the CIC.

Taking to Twitter and Facebook, he also used a hashtag “TravelAgentModi” to target Modi.

“The prime minister should say in an RTI that I will take those along with me, whom the police will take, if I don’t,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday over a media report that stated the External Affairs Ministry did not share details of those accompanying the PM during his foreign tours, despite orders from the CIC.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday over a media report that stated the External Affairs Ministry did not share details of those accompanying the PM during his foreign tours, despite orders from the CIC. Taking to Twitter and Facebook, he also used a hashtag “TravelAgentModi” to target Modi. “The prime minister should say in an RTI that I will take those along with me, whom the police will take, if I don’t,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.

Rahul Gandhi mocks PM Modi over people accompanying him on foreign tours

Opposition parties Monday attacked the Modi government over the feud between the CBI director and his deputy, with Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the probe agency was being used as a “weapon of political vendetta” under the current dispensation and was in “terminal decline”.&nbsp;

The feud between CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana turned murkier with the arrest of Devender Kumar, a deputy superintendent of police in the special investigation team headed by Asthana.

The Congress said there is a serious credibility crisis in the CBI with its top officers accusing each other of massive corruption and blamed “vested interests” within the government for bringing the agency to “such a pass”. Gandhi alleged the CBI was being used as a “weapon of political vendetta” under the Modi government and that the premier investigation agency was on a terminal decline and “at war with itself”.

Taking to Twitter, he cited a media report in which the Central Bureau of Investigation’s second-in-command, Asthana, has been named as an accused in a bribery case.

“The PM’s blue-eyed boy, Gujarat cadre officer, of Godra SIT fame, infiltrated as No. 2 into the CBI, has now been caught taking bribes (sic),” Gandhi tweeted. “Under this PM, the CBI is a weapon of political vendetta. An institution in terminal decline that’s at war with itself,” he said.

Terming the issue “very serious”, Congress leader Sachin Pilot accused the government of interference in the CBI and asked why it was silent on the issue.

“How do we trust the CBI to look at corruption issues when their top people are themselves involved and allegations are flying thick and fast? The fact that it has reached this point tells you how long and how deep the rot may be within this government,” Pilot told reporters at the Congress headquarters.

The CBI’s top officers are accusing each other of massive corruption, he said, questioning the sanctity and the credibility of the government and the &nbsp;CBI to function in an “honest, unbiased transparent way”. &nbsp;“So there are serious credibility issues and I think there are vested interests within the government and within the CBI that have brought this agency to such a pass,” Pilot said.

As far as the internal functioning of the CBI is concerned, it is apparent that there is “power play and a blame game going on”, he said. Later Congress leader Anand Sharma tweeted: “Under the watch of PM Modi it is a rotten Affairs of state. CBI, ED &amp; DRI were reduced to compliant political tools to target political opponents. The politicisation and institutional corruption is total. New twist in CBI saga finally destroys it’s credibility.”

“Every institution including intelligence agencies have been compromised or undermined. Remember only last week all institutional sanctity was destroyed with Cabinet Secretary, Army Navy Airforce Chiefs, IB and RAW all subordinated to a political appointee NSA. A power hungry PM has inflicted a lasting damage to India’s Institutions,” he claimed.

The Congress has been attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Asthana as CBI special director. &nbsp;In an unprecedented move, the agency has booked its special director Asthana for allegedly receiving bribes from middlemen to give relief to a businessman being probed by him in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, officials had said Sunday.

Responding to the developments, the CPI said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should clarify the situation in CBI as the credibility of the premier investigation agency is at stake.

CPI national secretary D Raja said questions are being raised over CBI’s functioning after Asthana was booked by the agency last week. Asthana, too, had written about 10 cases of alleged corruption and irregularities against CBI Director Alok Verma in his letters to the Cabinet Secretary and the Central Vigilance Commission about a month ago.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ghanshyam Tiwari, in a tweet, said, “Governments that run like a Mafia also fight like a Mafia! Watch the #MafiaWar that BJP has led CBI into… #CBIVsCBI (sic).”

Opposition parties Monday attacked the Modi government over the feud between the CBI director and his deputy, with Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the probe agency was being used as a “weapon of political vendetta” under the current dispensation and was in “terminal decline”.

Opposition parties Monday attacked the Modi government over the feud between the CBI director and his deputy, with Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleging that the probe agency was being used as a “weapon of political vendetta” under the current dispensation and was in “terminal decline”. The feud between CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana turned murkier with the arrest of Devender Kumar, a deputy superintendent of police in the special investigation team headed by Asthana. The Congress said there is a serious credibility crisis in the CBI with its top officers accusing each other of massive corruption and blamed “vested interests” within the government for bringing the agency to “such a pass”. Gandhi alleged the CBI was being used as a “weapon of political vendetta” under the Modi government and that the premier investigation agency was on a terminal decline and “at war with itself”. Taking to Twitter, he cited a media report in which the Central Bureau of Investigation’s second-in-command, Asthana, has been named as an accused in a bribery case. “The PM’s blue-eyed boy, Gujarat cadre officer, of Godra SIT fame, infiltrated as No. 2 into the CBI, has now been caught taking bribes (sic),” Gandhi tweeted. “Under this PM, the CBI is a weapon of political vendetta. An institution in terminal decline that’s at war with itself,” he said. Terming the issue “very serious”, Congress leader Sachin Pilot accused the government of interference in the CBI and asked why it was silent on the issue. “How do we trust the CBI to look at corruption issues when their top people are themselves involved and allegations are flying thick and fast? The fact that it has reached this point tells you how long and how deep the rot may be within this government,” Pilot told reporters at the Congress headquarters. The CBI’s top officers are accusing each other of massive corruption, he said, questioning the sanctity and the credibility of the government and the CBI to function in an “honest, unbiased transparent way”. “So there are serious credibility issues and I think there are vested interests within the government and within the CBI that have brought this agency to such a pass,” Pilot said. As far as the internal functioning of the CBI is concerned, it is apparent that there is “power play and a blame game going on”, he said. Later Congress leader Anand Sharma tweeted: “Under the watch of PM Modi it is a rotten Affairs of state. CBI, ED & DRI were reduced to compliant political tools to target political opponents. The politicisation and institutional corruption is total. New twist in CBI saga finally destroys it’s credibility.” “Every institution including intelligence agencies have been compromised or undermined. Remember only last week all institutional sanctity was destroyed with Cabinet Secretary, Army Navy Airforce Chiefs, IB and RAW all subordinated to a political appointee NSA. A power hungry PM has inflicted a lasting damage to India’s Institutions,” he claimed. The Congress has been attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Asthana as CBI special director. In an unprecedented move, the agency has booked its special director Asthana for allegedly receiving bribes from middlemen to give relief to a businessman being probed by him in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, officials had said Sunday. Responding to the developments, the CPI said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should clarify the situation in CBI as the credibility of the premier investigation agency is at stake. CPI national secretary D Raja said questions are being raised over CBI’s functioning after Asthana was booked by the agency last week. Asthana, too, had written about 10 cases of alleged corruption and irregularities against CBI Director Alok Verma in his letters to the Cabinet Secretary and the Central Vigilance Commission about a month ago. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ghanshyam Tiwari, in a tweet, said, “Governments that run like a Mafia also fight like a Mafia! Watch the #MafiaWar that BJP has led CBI into… #CBIVsCBI (sic).”

Opposition parties attack govt over CBI ‘feud’; Rahul Gandhi says agency at war with itself under Modi rule

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday used a popular song from Bollywood blockbuster "Sholay" to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "proximity" to industrialist Anil Ambani.

Rahul Gandhi used the hit song, "Ye dosti hum nahin todenge", from the film, using the pictures of Modi and Ambani, whose company, according to the Congress chief, had received the offset contract worth Rs. 30,000 crore in the Rafale deal.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://t.co/oitcfRCAlE">pic.twitter.com/oitcfRCAlE</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1054001552648794112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 17-second video uploaded by Mr Gandhi on Twitter only shows the smiling faces of Modi and Ambani with the song playing in the background.

Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the prime minister over alleged corruption and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal with a French firm.

According to the Congress chief, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has renegotiated the deal by leaving out the State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which was set to get the offset contract as per the deal negotiated by the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday used a popular song from Bollywood blockbuster "Sholay" to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "proximity" to industrialist Anil Ambani.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday used a popular song from Bollywood blockbuster "Sholay" to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "proximity" to industrialist Anil Ambani. Rahul Gandhi used the hit song, "Ye dosti hum nahin todenge", from the film, using the pictures of Modi and Ambani, whose company, according to the Congress chief, had received the offset contract worth Rs. 30,000 crore in the Rafale deal. pic.twitter.com/oitcfRCAlE — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 21, 2018 × The 17-second video uploaded by Mr Gandhi on Twitter only shows the smiling faces of Modi and Ambani with the song playing in the background. Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the prime minister over alleged corruption and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal with a French firm. According to the Congress chief, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has renegotiated the deal by leaving out the State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which was set to get the offset contract as per the deal negotiated by the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Rahul Gandhi's 'Sholay' jibe at PM Modi-Anil Ambani over Rafale

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election.

Congress is working to build an opposition front with other parties in preparation for the vote, and spokesman Sanjay Jha said it would respect the "aspirations" of potential alliance partners though no alternative candidates will be nominated.

Jha said the party would be following the same strategy as it did in 2004 when its alliance defeated a coalition led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without formally naming a prime ministerial nominee.

"Defeating the BJP is our primary goal, and therefore the Congress party is going to be very politically accommodating because we believe that regional parties' aspirations and their ambitions will have to be respected depending upon relative strengths in different areas," he told Reuters on Monday.

Many of Congress's potential alliance parties are run by ambitious regional leaders with years of governance experience.

Echoing Jha's comments, senior Congress leader and former finance and home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the party's main focus was on forging an alliance to win the election, due by May 2019.

"We want to form a coalition, make it win and then the parties involved will decide who becomes prime minister," he told TV channel News18 Tamil Nadu in an interview broadcast at the weekend.

Scion of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty

Gandhi, 48, is a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for nearly four decades since its independence from Britain in 1947.

Unlike Modi, a powerful orator who ran the state of Gujarat before becoming prime minister, Gandhi has never held a ministerial position despite being a lawmaker since 2004 and critics question whether he has the charisma or experience to defeat Modi.

The decision by Congress not to impose Gandhi's candidacy could also be exploited by Modi to suggest the opposition alliance is indecisive and not fit for government, political analysts say.

It comes as the party struggles to hold together a so-called "grand alliance" ahead of not only next year's national vote but a series of state elections this year. Modi, meanwhile, is being buffeted by a jobs crisis and farm distress.

An opinion poll by TV channel Times Now predicted in August that nationally Congress would raise its seat count in the lower house of parliament next year to 78 from 44 in 2014.

The BJP is projected to continue its lead over other parties, though its seat strength could fall to 227 from 282 at the last election. A party needs to win 272 seats for a simple-majority out of the 543 seats in fray.

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election.

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election. Congress is working to build an opposition front with other parties in preparation for the vote, and spokesman Sanjay Jha said it would respect the "aspirations" of potential alliance partners though no alternative candidates will be nominated. Jha said the party would be following the same strategy as it did in 2004 when its alliance defeated a coalition led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without formally naming a prime ministerial nominee. "Defeating the BJP is our primary goal, and therefore the Congress party is going to be very politically accommodating because we believe that regional parties' aspirations and their ambitions will have to be respected depending upon relative strengths in different areas," he told Reuters on Monday. Many of Congress's potential alliance parties are run by ambitious regional leaders with years of governance experience. Echoing Jha's comments, senior Congress leader and former finance and home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the party's main focus was on forging an alliance to win the election, due by May 2019. "We want to form a coalition, make it win and then the parties involved will decide who becomes prime minister," he told TV channel News18 Tamil Nadu in an interview broadcast at the weekend. Scion of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty Gandhi, 48, is a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for nearly four decades since its independence from Britain in 1947. Unlike Modi, a powerful orator who ran the state of Gujarat before becoming prime minister, Gandhi has never held a ministerial position despite being a lawmaker since 2004 and critics question whether he has the charisma or experience to defeat Modi. The decision by Congress not to impose Gandhi's candidacy could also be exploited by Modi to suggest the opposition alliance is indecisive and not fit for government, political analysts say. It comes as the party struggles to hold together a so-called "grand alliance" ahead of not only next year's national vote but a series of state elections this year. Modi, meanwhile, is being buffeted by a jobs crisis and farm distress. An opinion poll by TV channel Times Now predicted in August that nationally Congress would raise its seat count in the lower house of parliament next year to 78 from 44 in 2014. The BJP is projected to continue its lead over other parties, though its seat strength could fall to 227 from 282 at the last election. A party needs to win 272 seats for a simple-majority out of the 543 seats in fray.

Congress will not name Rahul Gandhi as PM candidate in election battle

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee".&nbsp;

Gandhi even tweeted the ICICI bank account number Jaitley's daughter is supposed to have received the money from. And he called for Jaitley to resign.&nbsp;

"Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file &amp; allowed him to flee," Gandhi tweeted. (He deliberately misspelled Jaitley's name as Jaitlie.) &nbsp;

"She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316," Gandhi added.&nbsp;

And he hashtagged his tweet "#ArunJaitlieMustResign".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file &amp; allowed him to flee. 
 
She received money from ICICI&nbsp;a/c no: 12170500316 
 
It’s sad that media has blacked out this story. The people of India won’t. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunJaitlieMustResign?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunJaitlieMustResign</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1054343261425491968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Choksi is one of the prime accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, the country's largest bank scam.&nbsp;

Gandhi repeated his allegation at a farmers' rally in Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

"You must have heard about Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who had stolen Rs 35,000 crore of the country. Choksi deposited lakhs of rupees in the bank account of FM Arun Jaitleys daughter," PTI quoted Gandhi as saying.&nbsp;

And he repeated it again at Raipur airport:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Raipur says, "Mehul Choksi deposited money in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter's bank account." <a href="https://t.co/6pXSxyDKzz">pic.twitter.com/6pXSxyDKzz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1054376901656145920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PTI reported that at the rally in Chhattisgarh, Gandhi also targeted Modi over the Rafale deal, saying the prime minister snatched a contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence which has never made an aeroplane.

Gandhi added that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece," he said.

Gandhi added that under the UPA agreement, Bengaluru-based HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) was to manufacture the fighter jets which would have ensured technology transfer and jobs to local youths.

"But Modi ji himself snatched the contract from HAL and allotted it to Anil Ambani's company which was newly-formed and had no experience in manufacturing aeroplanes. Ambani would not have even made a plane of paper," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Ambani has earlier rejected Gandhi's allegations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee". Gandhi even tweeted the ICICI bank account number Jaitley's daughter is supposed to have received the money from. And he called for Jaitley to resign. "Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file & allowed him to flee," Gandhi tweeted. (He deliberately misspelled Jaitley's name as Jaitlie.) "She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316," Gandhi added. And he hashtagged his tweet "#ArunJaitlieMustResign". Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file & allowed him to flee. She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316 It’s sad that media has blacked out this story. The people of India won’t. #ArunJaitlieMustResign — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 22, 2018 × Choksi is one of the prime accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, the country's largest bank scam. Gandhi repeated his allegation at a farmers' rally in Chhattisgarh. "You must have heard about Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who had stolen Rs 35,000 crore of the country. Choksi deposited lakhs of rupees in the bank account of FM Arun Jaitleys daughter," PTI quoted Gandhi as saying. And he repeated it again at Raipur airport: #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Raipur says, "Mehul Choksi deposited money in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter's bank account." pic.twitter.com/6pXSxyDKzz — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2018 × PTI reported that at the rally in Chhattisgarh, Gandhi also targeted Modi over the Rafale deal, saying the prime minister snatched a contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence which has never made an aeroplane. Gandhi added that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece," he said. Gandhi added that under the UPA agreement, Bengaluru-based HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) was to manufacture the fighter jets which would have ensured technology transfer and jobs to local youths. "But Modi ji himself snatched the contract from HAL and allotted it to Anil Ambani's company which was newly-formed and had no experience in manufacturing aeroplanes. Ambani would not have even made a plane of paper," Gandhi said. Ambani has earlier rejected Gandhi's allegations. (With inputs from PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's 'payroll': Rahul Gandhi

Hitting out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged fearing attacks, women in the country were now scared of coming out.

Gandhi also alleged that freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, who is worshipped by the BJP party as an icon of patriotism, wrote a letter to the British government to release him when leaders like Mahatma Gandhi were in prison.

He said there were currently two ideologies in the country.

"One ideology is hatred and the other is spreading love. There is fight between these two. Wherever you see-Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu all over the country people are scared. Today it is being enquired about the religion, place and language of people. Whether it is Rohit Vemula or Dalit or Adivasi or Muslim, they are being threatened, why because there is some weakness in India now."

Turning to women, Gandhi said "Women today in India are scared to come out. They do not know what will happen to them. There is a reason for that. Today Prime Minister for the first time in India tries to divide the country, spreads hatred. Similarly, his supporters also spread hatred," he said.

Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering on the occasion of 'Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day' at Charminar.

He said many leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Rajiv Gandhi tried to keep the country united and everybody in this country has a right to live peacefully as provided by the Indian constitution.

"Why is MIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen) supporting the PM when he is trying to divide the country. One after another state, MIM is supporting the PM.&nbsp;Because they (both BJP and MIM) think on similar lines. We are fighting with both them," the Congress leader said.

Attacking Veer Savarkar, Gandhi said "Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept the portrait of Veer Savarkar in Parliament....When Britishers were ruling this country, when all the Congress leaders were in prison, Veer Savarkar wrote a letter to the British. He was not veer (gallant)."

The Congress president alleged that Savarkar wrote that he would do anything for them (British).

"I apologise you. I will not indulge in any political activities. Release me from the prison. With folded hands, I will touch your (British) feet. Please release me from the prison. On the other hand, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ambedkar and Sardar Patel were fighting for the freedom of the country," Rahul Gandhi said.

Hitting out at the Prime Minister, the Congress leader said "Modi insults the nation by saying India was sleeping and there was no development before he came to power."

Unfazed by the Congress president's attack, MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dared Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah to contest from Hyderabad against him.

Hitting out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged fearing attacks, women in the country were now scared of coming out.

Hitting out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday alleged fearing attacks, women in the country were now scared of coming out. Gandhi also alleged that freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, who is worshipped by the BJP party as an icon of patriotism, wrote a letter to the British government to release him when leaders like Mahatma Gandhi were in prison. He said there were currently two ideologies in the country. "One ideology is hatred and the other is spreading love. There is fight between these two. Wherever you see-Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu all over the country people are scared. Today it is being enquired about the religion, place and language of people. Whether it is Rohit Vemula or Dalit or Adivasi or Muslim, they are being threatened, why because there is some weakness in India now." Turning to women, Gandhi said "Women today in India are scared to come out. They do not know what will happen to them. There is a reason for that. Today Prime Minister for the first time in India tries to divide the country, spreads hatred. Similarly, his supporters also spread hatred," he said. Rahul Gandhi was addressing a gathering on the occasion of 'Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day' at Charminar. He said many leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Rajiv Gandhi tried to keep the country united and everybody in this country has a right to live peacefully as provided by the Indian constitution. "Why is MIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen) supporting the PM when he is trying to divide the country. One after another state, MIM is supporting the PM. Because they (both BJP and MIM) think on similar lines. We are fighting with both them," the Congress leader said. Attacking Veer Savarkar, Gandhi said "Prime Minister Narendra Modi kept the portrait of Veer Savarkar in Parliament....When Britishers were ruling this country, when all the Congress leaders were in prison, Veer Savarkar wrote a letter to the British. He was not veer (gallant)." The Congress president alleged that Savarkar wrote that he would do anything for them (British). "I apologise you. I will not indulge in any political activities. Release me from the prison. With folded hands, I will touch your (British) feet. Please release me from the prison. On the other hand, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ambedkar and Sardar Patel were fighting for the freedom of the country," Rahul Gandhi said. Hitting out at the Prime Minister, the Congress leader said "Modi insults the nation by saying India was sleeping and there was no development before he came to power." Unfazed by the Congress president's attack, MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dared Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah to contest from Hyderabad against him.

Women are afraid to come out in this country: Rahul Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address two public meetings in Telangana on Saturday in the run-up to the December 7 assembly elections, party sources said Friday.

According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee official spokesperson Shravan Dasoju, Rahul Gandhi would address a public meeting at Bhainsa town of Adilabad district and another one in Kamareddy.

"He will be coming to Bhainsa from from Nanded in Maharashtra. After the public meetings, he will be reaching Hyderabad and hoist the Congress flag near Charminar here and address the gathering on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day," he said.

Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration award, the party had earlier announced.

This is the Congress president's first visit after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Assembly polls in the state.

The Election Commission (EC) had on October 6 announced the election schedule for five states, including Telangana, which will go to the polls on December 7.

The Telangana Assembly was dissolved on September 6.

The Congress party is currently holding discussions with Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samithi on seat sharing.

The trio in principle agreed to forge alliance with the Congress to counter the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti.

Seat-sharing issues are expected to be resolved and the list of candidates is expected to be announced after Rahul Gandhi's visit, party sources said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address two public meetings in Telangana on Saturday in the run-up to the December 7 assembly elections, party sources said Friday.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address two public meetings in Telangana on Saturday in the run-up to the December 7 assembly elections, party sources said Friday. According to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee official spokesperson Shravan Dasoju, Rahul Gandhi would address a public meeting at Bhainsa town of Adilabad district and another one in Kamareddy. "He will be coming to Bhainsa from from Nanded in Maharashtra. After the public meetings, he will be reaching Hyderabad and hoist the Congress flag near Charminar here and address the gathering on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day," he said. Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration award, the party had earlier announced. This is the Congress president's first visit after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Assembly polls in the state. The Election Commission (EC) had on October 6 announced the election schedule for five states, including Telangana, which will go to the polls on December 7. The Telangana Assembly was dissolved on September 6. The Congress party is currently holding discussions with Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Telangana Jana Samithi on seat sharing. The trio in principle agreed to forge alliance with the Congress to counter the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti. Seat-sharing issues are expected to be resolved and the list of candidates is expected to be announced after Rahul Gandhi's visit, party sources said.

Rahul Gandhi to visit Telangana tomorrow

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the Modi government over the Rafale deal alleging that it renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally.

In a Facebook post, Gandhi said due to the renegotiated deal India could not get transfer of technology as negotiated during the UPA rule and it was shameful that Indian pilots have to put their lives at risk flying the ancient Jaguar aircraft as the new technology did not come into the country.

He cited a media report to allege that instead of getting 126 Rafale aircraft together with transfer of technology that would have transformed the Indian Air Force, the NDA government renegotiated the deal to get only 36 aircraft made in France.

"Since 2014, instead of taking to closure deals that had been negotiated by the UPA Government, the present government has focussed on renegotiating those deals to benefit crony capitalists.

"For instance, the UPA's Rafale deal for 126 aircraft would have transformed the Indian Airforce allowing us to scrap and replace ancient aircraft like the Jaguar. It involved the transfer of technology to HAL which would have helped make us become more self reliant in the future. Instead, the deal was re-worked for Anil Ambani's benefit and reduced to just 36 aircraft - all made in France. These aircraft will take years to arrive in India," he claimed in his post.

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has denied the Congress' allegations in connection with deal.

Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism.&nbsp;

The Government has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's allegations, while the BJP has accused him of spreading lies on the issue.

The Congress chief alleged that India's pilots are forced to put their lives at risk each day, flying ancient Jaguars, that are kept in the air "using parts scrounged from junk yards in France and other parts of the world".

"Not only is this shameful, it reduces India's prestige globally and puts the lives of our pilots at risk," he said.

He cited a media report claiming that "India is the only air force in the world still flying the Jaguar aircraft, and will now ?cannibalise' retired aircraft for spare parts".&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the Modi government over the Rafale deal alleging that it renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the Modi government over the Rafale deal alleging that it renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally. In a Facebook post, Gandhi said due to the renegotiated deal India could not get transfer of technology as negotiated during the UPA rule and it was shameful that Indian pilots have to put their lives at risk flying the ancient Jaguar aircraft as the new technology did not come into the country. He cited a media report to allege that instead of getting 126 Rafale aircraft together with transfer of technology that would have transformed the Indian Air Force, the NDA government renegotiated the deal to get only 36 aircraft made in France. "Since 2014, instead of taking to closure deals that had been negotiated by the UPA Government, the present government has focussed on renegotiating those deals to benefit crony capitalists. "For instance, the UPA's Rafale deal for 126 aircraft would have transformed the Indian Airforce allowing us to scrap and replace ancient aircraft like the Jaguar. It involved the transfer of technology to HAL which would have helped make us become more self reliant in the future. Instead, the deal was re-worked for Anil Ambani's benefit and reduced to just 36 aircraft - all made in France. These aircraft will take years to arrive in India," he claimed in his post. Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has denied the Congress' allegations in connection with deal. Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism. The Government has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's allegations, while the BJP has accused him of spreading lies on the issue. The Congress chief alleged that India's pilots are forced to put their lives at risk each day, flying ancient Jaguars, that are kept in the air "using parts scrounged from junk yards in France and other parts of the world". "Not only is this shameful, it reduces India's prestige globally and puts the lives of our pilots at risk," he said. He cited a media report claiming that "India is the only air force in the world still flying the Jaguar aircraft, and will now ?cannibalise' retired aircraft for spare parts".

Rahul persists with Rafale attack on government, alleges deal re-negotiated to benefit crony capitalists

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he would desist from opposing Narendra Modi the day the prime minister stopped "dividing" the country and started helping the poor.

Campaigning for his party in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi again attacked Modi over his alleged proximity to businessmen, saying he worked for a handful of rich people.

Addressing a public meeting here in Morena district, he said, "Someone said yesterday that Rahul Gandhi opposes Narendra Modi. I say that I do not oppose for the sake of opposing, there is a reason.

"I will stop opposing Narendra Modiji the day he starts helping the shopkeepers, labourers and the poor. The day he stops the work of dividing the country, I will stop opposing Modiji."

Accusing Modi of working for "15-20" rich people, Gandhi said, "Until Modi talks about justice, waives the loans of farmers, stands with the labourers, whatever the rest of Hindustan says, Rahul Gandhi, will stand against him, because I believe you people are behind the progress of the country."

He alleged that the prime minister, in his Independence Day speech, had insulted the ancestors of those who toiled hard to build this country.

"The US president says only India and China can compete with it (America). The country was poor and hungry 70 years back. There was no city, no railway lines, no plane, no industry and the prime minister says nothing has happened in the last 70 years," the Congress president said.

He accused Modi of helping his "friends" convert their black money through the demonetisation exercise, under which high-value currency notes were scrapped in November, 2016.

"Two years ago, Modi had imposed demonetisation and made the entire country stand in queues. Did we see a Vijay Mallya or Nirav Modi or Anil Ambani in those queues?

Modi helped them convert their black money into white," he said.

Gandhi attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the issue of corruption.

He said, "Corruption is rampant in Madhya Pradesh. There is a hierarchy of corruption that reaches the chief minister and his family."

"Scams like Vyapam (a multi-crore-rupee admission and recruitment racket) have destroyed education in Madhya Pradesh and made it expensive. In the e-tendering scam, everyone knows who is involved.

"You can study for hours. But you cannot go ahead until you have money to offer, which means Vyapam. This scam has killed 50 people. The entire state knows what is the role of the chief minister and his wife in this scam," Gandhi said.

In the past, Chouhan has vehemently denied his or his family's involvement in the Vyapam scam.

Gandhi said if voted to power, his party would create jobs for the youth of Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress is in the opposition since 2003.

"The Congress chief minister will work hard for 18 out of 24 hours to create employment for the youth of Madhya Pradesh. We will not make false promises like the BJP, which had promised to give two crore jobs to the youth," he said.

The Congress chief promised to set up food processing units in every district of the state to promote the "Made In Madhya Pradesh" brand and said his party would announce farm loan waiver if elected to power.

Gandhi also addressed public rallies at Joura and Sheopur as part of his election campaign in Madhya Pradesh.

Before addressing the rallies, he visited the Bandi Chhor Gurdwara, located in the Gwalior Fort. He was accompanied by state Congress president Kamal Nath and senior party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia.

After the public meetings, Gandhi held a roadshow from Joura to Bamor in Morena district and headed for Gwalior, from where he will leave for New Delhi, concluding his two-day visit to the state.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he would desist from opposing Narendra Modi the day the prime minister stopped "dividing" the country and started helping the poor.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he would desist from opposing Narendra Modi the day the prime minister stopped "dividing" the country and started helping the poor. Campaigning for his party in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi again attacked Modi over his alleged proximity to businessmen, saying he worked for a handful of rich people. Addressing a public meeting here in Morena district, he said, "Someone said yesterday that Rahul Gandhi opposes Narendra Modi. I say that I do not oppose for the sake of opposing, there is a reason. "I will stop opposing Narendra Modiji the day he starts helping the shopkeepers, labourers and the poor. The day he stops the work of dividing the country, I will stop opposing Modiji." Accusing Modi of working for "15-20" rich people, Gandhi said, "Until Modi talks about justice, waives the loans of farmers, stands with the labourers, whatever the rest of Hindustan says, Rahul Gandhi, will stand against him, because I believe you people are behind the progress of the country." He alleged that the prime minister, in his Independence Day speech, had insulted the ancestors of those who toiled hard to build this country. "The US president says only India and China can compete with it (America). The country was poor and hungry 70 years back. There was no city, no railway lines, no plane, no industry and the prime minister says nothing has happened in the last 70 years," the Congress president said. He accused Modi of helping his "friends" convert their black money through the demonetisation exercise, under which high-value currency notes were scrapped in November, 2016. "Two years ago, Modi had imposed demonetisation and made the entire country stand in queues. Did we see a Vijay Mallya or Nirav Modi or Anil Ambani in those queues? Modi helped them convert their black money into white," he said. Gandhi attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the issue of corruption. He said, "Corruption is rampant in Madhya Pradesh. There is a hierarchy of corruption that reaches the chief minister and his family." "Scams like Vyapam (a multi-crore-rupee admission and recruitment racket) have destroyed education in Madhya Pradesh and made it expensive. In the e-tendering scam, everyone knows who is involved. "You can study for hours. But you cannot go ahead until you have money to offer, which means Vyapam. This scam has killed 50 people. The entire state knows what is the role of the chief minister and his wife in this scam," Gandhi said. In the past, Chouhan has vehemently denied his or his family's involvement in the Vyapam scam. Gandhi said if voted to power, his party would create jobs for the youth of Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress is in the opposition since 2003. "The Congress chief minister will work hard for 18 out of 24 hours to create employment for the youth of Madhya Pradesh. We will not make false promises like the BJP, which had promised to give two crore jobs to the youth," he said. The Congress chief promised to set up food processing units in every district of the state to promote the "Made In Madhya Pradesh" brand and said his party would announce farm loan waiver if elected to power. Gandhi also addressed public rallies at Joura and Sheopur as part of his election campaign in Madhya Pradesh. Before addressing the rallies, he visited the Bandi Chhor Gurdwara, located in the Gwalior Fort. He was accompanied by state Congress president Kamal Nath and senior party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia. After the public meetings, Gandhi held a roadshow from Joura to Bamor in Morena district and headed for Gwalior, from where he will leave for New Delhi, concluding his two-day visit to the state. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.

Stop dividing India and I will stop opposing you: Rahul Gandhi to PM

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his rally in Madhya Pradesh and attacked him on various policies and alleged scams.&nbsp;

While addressing the people at Morena, he said: "When Modiji became the Prime Minister, he said, Mitron....don't make me PM, make me chowkidar. The chowkidar calls people 'Mitron' and to Anil Ambani, he calls Anil bhai."

Gandhi, who is currently in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh for a two-day rally has been attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over the Rafale deal and scams involving Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi mimics PM Modi at a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Morena. <a href="https://t.co/kTI8Trqpwm">pic.twitter.com/kTI8Trqpwm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052170341412417536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He had made similar statements against Modi earlier, saying that he would address Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi as "bhai".&nbsp;

Gandhi visited a gurudwara in Gwalior on Tuesday on the second day of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh. He also met Congress cadres in the morning and later paid obeisance at the Data Bandi Chhor Gurudwara, located in the Gwalior Fort.

Gandhi had visited <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adivasis-dalits-minorities-are-exploited-under-bjp-rahul-gandhi-in-morena-169836">Madhya Pradesh</a> earlier this month as well where he said that Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits, and minorities are exploited under BJP.&nbsp;

Elections to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly will be held on 28 November 2018 to elect members of the 230 constituencies.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his rally in Madhya Pradesh and attacked him on various policies and alleged scams.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his rally in Madhya Pradesh and attacked him on various policies and alleged scams. While addressing the people at Morena, he said: "When Modiji became the Prime Minister, he said, Mitron....don't make me PM, make me chowkidar. The chowkidar calls people 'Mitron' and to Anil Ambani, he calls Anil bhai." Gandhi, who is currently in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh for a two-day rally has been attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over the Rafale deal and scams involving Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. #WATCH: Congress President Rahul Gandhi mimics PM Modi at a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Morena. pic.twitter.com/kTI8Trqpwm — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × He had made similar statements against Modi earlier, saying that he would address Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi as "bhai". Gandhi visited a gurudwara in Gwalior on Tuesday on the second day of campaigning in Madhya Pradesh. He also met Congress cadres in the morning and later paid obeisance at the Data Bandi Chhor Gurudwara, located in the Gwalior Fort. Gandhi had visited Madhya Pradesh earlier this month as well where he said that Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits, and minorities are exploited under BJP. Elections to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly will be held on 28 November 2018 to elect members of the 230 constituencies.

Mitron: Rahul mimics Modi at MP rally; watch video

The national president of the NSUI &nbsp;(National Students' Union of India) — the Congress's student wing — has stepped down after allegations of sexual harassment against him.&nbsp;

Fairoz Khan's resignation has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-about-time-everyone-learns-to-treat-women-with-respect-says-rahul-gandhi-171065">accepted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a>.&nbsp;

PTI reported that Khan submitted his resignation on Monday.

It added that the party had set up a three-member committee to look into the matter after a woman levelled charges of sexual harassment against Khan.&nbsp;

PTI added that the woman, a Congress worker, had also lodged a complaint against Khan at Parliament Stree police station.&nbsp;

She said in her complaint, PTI reported, that she feared for her life.&nbsp;

The national president of the NSUI (National Students' Union of India) — the Congress's student wing — has stepped down after allegations of sexual harassment against him.

The national president of the NSUI (National Students' Union of India) — the Congress's student wing — has stepped down after allegations of sexual harassment against him. Fairoz Khan's resignation has been accepted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. PTI reported that Khan submitted his resignation on Monday. It added that the party had set up a three-member committee to look into the matter after a woman levelled charges of sexual harassment against Khan. PTI added that the woman, a Congress worker, had also lodged a complaint against Khan at Parliament Stree police station. She said in her complaint, PTI reported, that she feared for her life.

NSUI chief Fairoz Khan quits after #MeToo charges, Rahul Gandhi accepts resignation

rahul-gandhi

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

rahul gandhi