<p>Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi "irresponsible, liar" over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection to the Rafale deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a matter of shame for Congress that a person like Rahul Gandhi, who is irresponsible and is a liar, is their president. We can't expect anything else from a leader whose entire family is buried in scams, be it Bofors or National Herald," Prasad noted.</p>

<p>Prasad further added that no national party president, in the history of independent India, had ever used such words for the Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party: Union Minister RS Prasad on Rahul Gandhi's comment 'The fun has just begun'. <a href="https://t.co/uIIM6N8WoC">pic.twitter.com/uIIM6N8WoC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044480205191086080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fun-has-just-begun-rahul-gandhi-rafale-controversy-167557">fun has just begun</a>" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.</p>

<p>"The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," the Congress chief noted while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night.&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi "irresponsible, liar" over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection to the Rafale deal.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi "irresponsible, liar" over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection to the Rafale deal. "It's a matter of shame for Congress that a person like Rahul Gandhi, who is irresponsible and is a liar, is their president. We can't expect anything else from a leader whose entire family is buried in scams, be it Bofors or National Herald," Prasad noted. Prasad further added that no national party president, in the history of independent India, had ever used such words for the Prime Minister. In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party: Union Minister RS Prasad on Rahul Gandhi's comment 'The fun has just begun'. pic.twitter.com/uIIM6N8WoC — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × "In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party," he added. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft. "The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," the Congress chief noted while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night.

Ravi Shankar Prasad calls Rahul Gandhi 'irresponsible, liar' over 'fun has just begun' remark

<p>Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.</p>

<p>Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal.</p>

<p>"The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated.</p>

<p>The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media.</p>

<p>However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters.</p>

<p>In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation.</p>

<p>However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner.</p>

<p>The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal.</p>

<p>The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier.</p>

<p>The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.&nbsp;</p>


Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft. Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal. "The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated. The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media. However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters. In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation. However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner. The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal. The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier. The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

The fun has just begun: Rahul Gandhi on Rafale controversy

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/both-congress-and-pakistan-want-modi-removed-indian-politics-bjp-167450">Both Congress and Pakistan want Modi removed from Indian politics: BJP</a></p>

<p>Escalating its attack on the Congress, the BJP Monday drew a parallel between the opposition party and Pakistani leaders, saying both want Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed from Indian politics.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sad-truth-about-indias-commander-thief-rahul-gandhi-167432">Watch: Rahul Gandhi says ex-French president Francois Hollande has called Modi a 'thief'</a></p>

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi launched a one-line Twitter broadside against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. In his tweet, he wrote: "The sad truth about India's Commander in Thief".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/relief-maldives-strongman-concedes-defeat-167448">Relief as Maldives strongman concedes defeat</a></p>

<p>The strongman leader of the Maldives on Monday conceded defeat in the presidential election, easing fears of a fresh political crisis in the archipelago at the centre of a battle for influence between India and China.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-plane-downing-result-premeditated-actions-israeli-pilots-167437">Russia says plane downing result of 'premeditated' actions by Israeli pilots</a></p>

<p>The Kremlin on Monday accused Israeli pilots of "premeditated actions" over the downing of a Russian plane in Syria last week, warning it will harm relations between the two countries.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shah-rukh-khan-told-me-i-should-learn-how-act-kajol-167433">Shah Rukh Khan told me I should learn how to act: Kajol</a></p>

<p>She may be a name to reckon with in the acting world but Kajol admits that she learnt the craft hands-on, one film at a time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Both Congress and Pakistan want Modi removed from Indian politics: BJP Escalating its attack on the Congress, the BJP Monday drew a parallel between the opposition party and Pakistani leaders, saying both want Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed from Indian politics.

Both Congress and Pakistan want Modi removed from Indian politics: BJP Escalating its attack on the Congress, the BJP Monday drew a parallel between the opposition party and Pakistani leaders, saying both want Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed from Indian politics. Watch: Rahul Gandhi says ex-French president Francois Hollande has called Modi a 'thief' Congress President Rahul Gandhi launched a one-line Twitter broadside against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. In his tweet, he wrote: "The sad truth about India's Commander in Thief". Relief as Maldives strongman concedes defeat The strongman leader of the Maldives on Monday conceded defeat in the presidential election, easing fears of a fresh political crisis in the archipelago at the centre of a battle for influence between India and China. Russia says plane downing result of 'premeditated' actions by Israeli pilots The Kremlin on Monday accused Israeli pilots of "premeditated actions" over the downing of a Russian plane in Syria last week, warning it will harm relations between the two countries. Shah Rukh Khan told me I should learn how to act: Kajol She may be a name to reckon with in the acting world but Kajol admits that she learnt the craft hands-on, one film at a time.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness video put out this morning as "bizarre" and "ridiculous".</p>

<p>Hosting an Iftar party at a luxury hotel here today, Gandhi said this amounted to bankruptcy and asked CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out his fitness video to match the prime minister.</p>

<p>"Did you see the PM's fitness video? It is ridiculous... I mean... It is bizarre... This is bankruptcy," he said as he poked fun at the video put out by the prime minister.</p>

<p>Sharing a table with former presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil, Gandhi then turned to Yechury asking him to put out his fitness video as a challenge to Modi's.</p>

<p>TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra and DMK's Kanimozhi were among those who had a hearty laugh over the prime minister's video.</p>

<p>Mukherjee, Patil and former vice president Hamid Ansari, who were sharing the table, were silently hearing the conversation.</p>

<p>Among others who also attended the Congress chief's Iftar included former prime minister Manmohan Singh.<br />
<br />
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was not present as she is currently abroad.</p>

<p>Earlier, Congress leader Pramod Tewari termed the fitness video as an insult to the supreme sacrifice of the four BSF personnel who died in cross-border firing from Pakistan in Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>


The Congress President made his comments at the iftar party hosted by him Wednesday night. He also asked CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out a fitness video to match that of the prime minister's

Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness video put out this morning as "bizarre" and "ridiculous". Hosting an Iftar party at a luxury hotel here today, Gandhi said this amounted to bankruptcy and asked CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out his fitness video to match the prime minister. "Did you see the PM's fitness video? It is ridiculous... I mean... It is bizarre... This is bankruptcy," he said as he poked fun at the video put out by the prime minister. Sharing a table with former presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil, Gandhi then turned to Yechury asking him to put out his fitness video as a challenge to Modi's. TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra and DMK's Kanimozhi were among those who had a hearty laugh over the prime minister's video. Mukherjee, Patil and former vice president Hamid Ansari, who were sharing the table, were silently hearing the conversation. Among others who also attended the Congress chief's Iftar included former prime minister Manmohan Singh. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was not present as she is currently abroad. Earlier, Congress leader Pramod Tewari termed the fitness video as an insult to the supreme sacrifice of the four BSF personnel who died in cross-border firing from Pakistan in Kashmir.

Modi fitness video 'bizarre, ridiculous', says Rahul Gandhi

<p>A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today.</p>

<p>Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation.</p>

<p>"It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here.</p>

<p>However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this.</p>

<p>The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said.</p>

<p>The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday.</p>

<p>He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested."</p>

<p>"There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>"The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said.<br />
Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel.</p>

<p>"However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged.</p>

<p>Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country.</p>

<p>Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man.</p>

<p>He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".&nbsp</p>


'It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' Gandhi told reporters in Mumbai

A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today. Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation. "It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here. However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties. "Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this. The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said. The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday. He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested." "There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said. "The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said. Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel. "However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged. Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country. Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man. He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".

Grand alliance against Modi 'is sentiment of people, not just political parties': Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi hosted an Iftar party on Wednesday night for a number of diplomats and political dignitaries. Former president Pranab Mukherjee was among prominent political figures who attended an event.</p>

<p>According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Rahul Gandhi hosts an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iftar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iftar</a> party in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. Former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee & Pratibha Patil & former Vice-President Hamid Ansari also present. <a href="https://t.co/IjvOi6JhlJ">pic.twitter.com/IjvOi6JhlJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006901833455943681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to sources, Rahul Gandhi called PM Modi's fitness video bizarre while ex-President Pranab Mukherjee did not respond to the query. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury did not want to comment on the same and asked to be excused, "<em>hume</em><em> to chor do</em>," he demanded.&nbsp;</p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sCiOC2V6vX8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<p>Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ex-Presidents, Smt Pratibha Patil, Hamid Ansari were also spotted at the event along with Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former Member of Parliament Sharad Yadav among other eminent political personalities and foreign dignitaries.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Rahul Gandhi with foreign delegates, including Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R Kudashev, at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iftar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iftar</a> party hosted by him in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/xN2SEuNqKu">pic.twitter.com/xN2SEuNqKu</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006907599659233285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function

Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi hosted an Iftar party on Wednesday night for a number of diplomats and political dignitaries. Former president Pranab Mukherjee was among prominent political figures who attended an event. According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function. Congress President Rahul Gandhi hosts an #Iftar party in #Delhi. Former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee & Pratibha Patil & former Vice-President Hamid Ansari also present. pic.twitter.com/IjvOi6JhlJ — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018 × According to sources, Rahul Gandhi called PM Modi's fitness video bizarre while ex-President Pranab Mukherjee did not respond to the query. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury did not want to comment on the same and asked to be excused, "hume to chor do," he demanded. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ex-Presidents, Smt Pratibha Patil, Hamid Ansari were also spotted at the event along with Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former Member of Parliament Sharad Yadav among other eminent political personalities and foreign dignitaries. Congress President Rahul Gandhi with foreign delegates, including Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R Kudashev, at #iftar party hosted by him in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/xN2SEuNqKu — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018 ×

SP skips Rahul Gandhi's Iftar event, PM Modi's fitness challenge gets discussed

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-summit-helped-world-avoid-nuclear-catastrophe-says-trump-143977">Summit with Kim helped avoid 'nuclear catastrophe', says Trump</a></p>

<p>Donald Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has helped bring the world back from "nuclear catastrophe," the US president said Tuesday. "The World has taken a big step back from potential Nuclear catastrophe!" Trump tweeted.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-4-bsf-personnel-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-143986">Jammu and Kashmir: 4 BSF personnel killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a></p>

<p>Four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Chambliyal sector of Samba in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lowest-form-of-politics-says-bjp-after-rahul-alleges-modi-humiliated-vajpayee-advani-143987">'Lowest form of politics,' says BJP after Rahul alleges Modi humiliated Vajpayee, Advani</a></p>

<p>The BJP accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of practising the "lowest form of politics" after he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of humiliating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior BJP leader LK Advani. News reports quoted Gandhi as having said at a rally in Mumbai that the Congress had accorded more respect to Advani than Modi.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-chief-justice-of-pakistan-challenges-imran-khans-eligibility-to-hold-office-over-love-child-row-143976">Love child row: Ex-chief justice of Pakistan alleges Imran Khan ineligible for office</a></p>

<p>Former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Sunday said he will file a case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Supreme Court for fathering a love child out of wedlock, and hence claim his ineligibility to hold public office.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-students-death-not-in-vain-helped-lead-to-north-korean-summit-trump-143978">US student's death not in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-students-death-not-in-vain-helped-lead-to-north-korean-summit-trump-143978">vain,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-students-death-not-in-vain-helped-lead-to-north-korean-summit-trump-143978"> helped lead to North Korean summit: Trump</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the college student Otto Warmbier's death has lad to the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.&nbspTrump said that Otto did not die in vein days after he was released from jail in North Korean custody in 2017. His parents thanked President Donald Trump for the kind words about their son he gave after his historic summit with North Korea’s leader.</p>


Summit with Kim helped avoid 'nuclear catastrophe', says Trump Donald Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has helped bring the world back from "nuclear catastrophe," the US president said Tuesday. "The World has taken a big step back from potential Nuclear catastrophe!" Trump tweeted. Jammu and Kashmir: 4 BSF personnel killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Chambliyal sector of Samba in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. 'Lowest form of politics,' says BJP after Rahul alleges Modi humiliated Vajpayee, Advani The BJP accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of practising the "lowest form of politics" after he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of humiliating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior BJP leader LK Advani. News reports quoted Gandhi as having said at a rally in Mumbai that the Congress had accorded more respect to Advani than Modi. Love child row: Ex-chief justice of Pakistan alleges Imran Khan ineligible for office Former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Sunday said he will file a case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Supreme Court for fathering a love child out of wedlock, and hence claim his ineligibility to hold public office. US student's death not in vain, helped lead to North Korean summit: Trump US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the college student Otto Warmbier's death has lad to the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.&nbspTrump said that Otto did not die in vein days after he was released from jail in North Korean custody in 2017. His parents thanked President Donald Trump for the kind words about their son he gave after his historic summit with North Korea’s leader.

<p>"The great-grandson of the man who authored 'The Discovery of India'&nbsp;could with his customary inaccuracies one day give to this country his monumental work on 'The Rediscovery of Coca-Cola,'" Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley published a blog on Wednesday targetting Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, harping on his factual "customary inaccuracies" and his "inability to understand basic procedure of bank functioning".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a scathing attack on the Congress, Jaitley questioned if the party has no ideology left at its core and if its Anti-Modi stance is the only way to steer the ship forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaitley eulogised NDA's Mudra Yojana describing it as an imperative tool in job creation and generating self-employment opportunities to various weaker sections.</p>

<p>"Two days ago, while addressing a gathering of what they claimed were their OBC supporters, Rahul Gandhi spoke on the entrepreneurial skills of Shikanjiwalas, dabbawalas and mechanics. Though factually what he stated was incorrect, the larger point is that he saw virtues in these professions which can act as a launch pad for many start-ups," Jaitley wrote.</p>

<p>"It is the NDA Government under Prime Minister Modi which realised the importance of millions of such self-employment opportunities for which in the year 2015 Mudra Yojana was launched... The UPA never did so," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The piece continued to attack Rahul Gandhi stating that while political positions are heritable, "unfortunately wisdom is not. It has to be acquired through learning".</p>

<p>Jaitley, in his verbal attack, questioned the Congress' new-found love for the OBC community adding that "the OBCs deserted Congress Party in the early 1990s. The Congress was always anti-OBC".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in the piece, Jaitley enumerates instances where he thinks the Congress chief gave away his weaknesses. "Interacting with his interviewer in Singapore a few weeks ago, Rahul Gandhi left his audience stunned by suggesting if MRI machines in India were connected, this would lead to a Medical Revolution. How? Except breaching a patient’s privacy by sharing his details with other hospitals what would this achieve?" Jaitley questioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In all the above statements, there is no ideological pattern. Ignorance with anti-Modism is a common thread," the piece read.</p>

<p>Jaitley concluded by announcing dynastic political parties as "family and personality dominated" where "ideology takes a back seat".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The leader’s ill-informed instincts become the ideology. This can only happen to a party which becomes ideologyless," the piece concluded.</p>


Jaitley, in his verbal attack, questioned the Congress' new-found love for the OBC community adding that 'the OBCs deserted Congress Party in the early 1990s. The Congress was always anti-OBC'

"The great-grandson of the man who authored 'The Discovery of India' could with his customary inaccuracies one day give to this country his monumental work on 'The Rediscovery of Coca-Cola,'" Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley published a blog on Wednesday targetting Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, harping on his factual "customary inaccuracies" and his "inability to understand basic procedure of bank functioning". In a scathing attack on the Congress, Jaitley questioned if the party has no ideology left at its core and if its Anti-Modi stance is the only way to steer the ship forward. Jaitley eulogised NDA's Mudra Yojana describing it as an imperative tool in job creation and generating self-employment opportunities to various weaker sections. "Two days ago, while addressing a gathering of what they claimed were their OBC supporters, Rahul Gandhi spoke on the entrepreneurial skills of Shikanjiwalas, dabbawalas and mechanics. Though factually what he stated was incorrect, the larger point is that he saw virtues in these professions which can act as a launch pad for many start-ups," Jaitley wrote. "It is the NDA Government under Prime Minister Modi which realised the importance of millions of such self-employment opportunities for which in the year 2015 Mudra Yojana was launched... The UPA never did so," he further added. The piece continued to attack Rahul Gandhi stating that while political positions are heritable, "unfortunately wisdom is not. It has to be acquired through learning". Jaitley, in his verbal attack, questioned the Congress' new-found love for the OBC community adding that "the OBCs deserted Congress Party in the early 1990s. The Congress was always anti-OBC". Later in the piece, Jaitley enumerates instances where he thinks the Congress chief gave away his weaknesses. "Interacting with his interviewer in Singapore a few weeks ago, Rahul Gandhi left his audience stunned by suggesting if MRI machines in India were connected, this would lead to a Medical Revolution. How? Except breaching a patient’s privacy by sharing his details with other hospitals what would this achieve?" Jaitley questioned. "In all the above statements, there is no ideological pattern. Ignorance with anti-Modism is a common thread," the piece read. Jaitley concluded by announcing dynastic political parties as "family and personality dominated" where "ideology takes a back seat". "The leader’s ill-informed instincts become the ideology. This can only happen to a party which becomes ideologyless," the piece concluded.

Jaitley attacks Rahul Gandhi in blog post; says ignorance with 'anti-Modism' is common thread

<p>The BJP accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of practising the "lowest form of politics" after he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of humiliating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior BJP leader LK Advani.&nbsp</p>

<p>News reports quoted Gandhi as having said at a rally in Mumbai that the Congress had accorded more respect to Advani than Modi.&nbsp</p>

<p>The reports quoted Gandhi as saying Advani had been Modi's guru but that he (Gandhi) had noticed "in events" that Modi does not even respect his guru. And that he (Gandhi) feels "very sad" for Advani.&nbsp</p>

<p>Gandhi later tweeted that "Ekalavya cut off his right thumb because his Guru demanded it" but "In the BJP, they cut down their own Gurus. Humiliating Vajpayeeji, Advaniji, Jaswant Singhji and their families is the Prime Minister’s way of protecting Indian culture."&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ekalavya cut off his right thumb because his Guru demanded it.<br />
<br />
In the BJP, they cut down their own Gurus. Humiliating Vajpayeeji, Advaniji, Jaswant Singhji and their families is the Prime Minister’s way of protecting Indian culture. <a href="https://t.co/lqUtBtj0t8">pic.twitter.com/lqUtBtj0t8</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1006553306083180544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi also said Tuesday that the Congress party had fought against Vajpayee but when he was hospitalised on Monday, it was " it was we who first visited him".&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress party fought against Vajpayee's govt, but when he was sick it was we who first visited him. This is the ideology of Congress party, we respect our opponents: Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulGandhiInMumbai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulGandhiInMumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/5J7oVjpXlG">pic.twitter.com/5J7oVjpXlG</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1006509591809572866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The pushback from the BJP was fast and furious.&nbsp</p>

<p>News reports quoted BJP spokespeson Anil Baluni as saying it was "bizarre" to see Gandhi "stoop to such a low".&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi has been trying to advise BJP on how to respect senior leaders, he should first of all answer on his ill-treatment to their own senior leaders, like PV Narasimha Rao & Pranab Mukherjee: Anil Baluni, BJP (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/9S1o8snEBO">pic.twitter.com/9S1o8snEBO</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006564268328669185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Baluni added that "Rahul Gandhi has been trying to advise BJP on how to respect senior leaders, he should first of all answer on his ill-treatment to their own senior leaders, like PV Narasimha Rao & Pranab Mukherjee".&nbsp</p>


Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Advani had been Modi's guru but that he (Gandhi) had noticed 'in events' that Modi does not even respect his guru. And that he (Gandhi) feels 'very sad' for Advani

The BJP accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of practising the "lowest form of politics" after he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of humiliating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior BJP leader LK Advani. News reports quoted Gandhi as having said at a rally in Mumbai that the Congress had accorded more respect to Advani than Modi. The reports quoted Gandhi as saying Advani had been Modi's guru but that he (Gandhi) had noticed "in events" that Modi does not even respect his guru. And that he (Gandhi) feels "very sad" for Advani. Gandhi later tweeted that "Ekalavya cut off his right thumb because his Guru demanded it" but "In the BJP, they cut down their own Gurus. Humiliating Vajpayeeji, Advaniji, Jaswant Singhji and their families is the Prime Minister’s way of protecting Indian culture." Ekalavya cut off his right thumb because his Guru demanded it. In the BJP, they cut down their own Gurus. Humiliating Vajpayeeji, Advaniji, Jaswant Singhji and their families is the Prime Minister’s way of protecting Indian culture. pic.twitter.com/lqUtBtj0t8 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 12, 2018 × Gandhi also said Tuesday that the Congress party had fought against Vajpayee but when he was hospitalised on Monday, it was " it was we who first visited him". Congress party fought against Vajpayee's govt, but when he was sick it was we who first visited him. This is the ideology of Congress party, we respect our opponents: Congress President @RahulGandhi #RahulGandhiInMumbai pic.twitter.com/5J7oVjpXlG — Congress (@INCIndia) June 12, 2018 × The pushback from the BJP was fast and furious. News reports quoted BJP spokespeson Anil Baluni as saying it was "bizarre" to see Gandhi "stoop to such a low". Rahul Gandhi has been trying to advise BJP on how to respect senior leaders, he should first of all answer on his ill-treatment to their own senior leaders, like PV Narasimha Rao & Pranab Mukherjee: Anil Baluni, BJP (file pic) pic.twitter.com/9S1o8snEBO — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2018 × Baluni added that "Rahul Gandhi has been trying to advise BJP on how to respect senior leaders, he should first of all answer on his ill-treatment to their own senior leaders, like PV Narasimha Rao & Pranab Mukherjee".

'Lowest form of politics,' says BJP after Rahul alleges Modi humiliated Vajpayee, Advani

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi has pleaded "not guilty" to the defamation case filed against him by an RSS worker.&nbsp</p>

<p>Rahul entered his plea at a court in Bhiwandi, near Thane in Maharashtra, where he had said at a rally in 2014 that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Bhiwandi court framed charges against Gandhi on Tuesday and set August 10 as the next date of hearing.&nbsp</p>

<p>News reports quoted Rahul as saying the BJP and RSS could slap as many cases as they wanted on him but&nbsp"we will fight them and win".&nbsp</p>

<p>Rahul had earlier approached the Supreme Court asking for the case to be quashed.&nbsp</p>

<p>The court however told Gandhi in 2016 that he should not have resorted to "collective denunciation" of an organisation and would either have to apologise or face trial.&nbsp</p>

<p>Gandhi chose to go to trial.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp</p>


Rahul entered his plea at a court in Bhiwandi, near Thane in Maharashtra, where he had said at a rally in 2014 that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has pleaded "not guilty" to the defamation case filed against him by an RSS worker. Rahul entered his plea at a court in Bhiwandi, near Thane in Maharashtra, where he had said at a rally in 2014 that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. The Bhiwandi court framed charges against Gandhi on Tuesday and set August 10 as the next date of hearing. News reports quoted Rahul as saying the BJP and RSS could slap as many cases as they wanted on him but "we will fight them and win". Rahul had earlier approached the Supreme Court asking for the case to be quashed. The court however told Gandhi in 2016 that he should not have resorted to "collective denunciation" of an organisation and would either have to apologise or face trial. Gandhi chose to go to trial.

Rahul Gandhi pleads 'not guilty' in RSS defamation case

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-become-slave-to-some-bjp-leaders-and-rss-says-rahul-gandhi--143700">India has become </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-become-slave-to-some-bjp-leaders-and-rss-says-rahul-gandhi--143700">slave</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-become-slave-to-some-bjp-leaders-and-rss-says-rahul-gandhi--143700"> to some BJP leaders and RSS, says Rahul Gandhi</a></p>

<p>Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayees-health-is-stable-aiims-143693">Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health is stable:AIIMS</a></p>

<p>All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday informed that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition is stable.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-12-killed-31-wounded-in-kabul-suicide-bombing--143688">Afghanistan: 12 killed, 31 wounded in Kabul suicide bombing</a></p>

<p>A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680">Italy shuts ports to </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680">migrant</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680"> boat, asks Malta to open its doors</a></p>

<p>Italy will refuse to let a humanitarian ship carrying more than 600 migrants dock at its ports and has asked the Mediterranean island of Malta to open its doors to the vessel, government officials said on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-north-korea-will-get-unique-security-guarantees-after-denuclearisation-143692">Mike Pompeo says North Korea will get 'unique' security guarantees after denuclearisation</a></p>

<p>On the eve of the historic summit between the United States president Donald Trump and North Korea leader, Kim Jong-un secretary of state, Mike Pompeo said that the United States is willing to offer 'unique' security guarantee to North Korea after de-nuclearisation</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


India has become slave to some BJP leaders and RSS, says Rahul Gandhi Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health is stable:AIIMS All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday informed that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition is stable. Afghanistan: 12 killed, 31 wounded in Kabul suicide bombing A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed. Italy shuts ports to migrant boat, asks Malta to open its doors Italy will refuse to let a humanitarian ship carrying more than 600 migrants dock at its ports and has asked the Mediterranean island of Malta to open its doors to the vessel, government officials said on Sunday. Mike Pompeo says North Korea will get 'unique' security guarantees after denuclearisation On the eve of the historic summit between the United States president Donald Trump and North Korea leader, Kim Jong-un secretary of state, Mike Pompeo said that the United States is willing to offer 'unique' security guarantee to North Korea after de-nuclearisation

News brief: Read big stories of the day

<p>Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the Congress party's OBC sammelan in Delhi's Talkatora stadium, the party chief said that no one in the BJP is allowed to speak and they are only asked to tow the line of these leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everyone including MPs is afraid to speak. Most of them are not allowed to speak. And those of us who do speak, the BJP does not listen to. Only RSS is given a hearing," Rahul said. "Today, our nation has become a slave of 2-3 BJP leaders and RSS."</p>

<p>In an attempt to woo OBCs, Rahul said the Congress party has stood by the community for 70 years and will continue to work for their rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You are India's strength. We will advance together with the Congress party," the Congress leader said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not give you just a little space. We will give you what is rightfully yours. We want to bring you to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Assembly," Gandhi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Industrialists get loan waiver, farmers ignored'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Gandhi claimed Modi's government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore.</p>

<p>Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others.</p>

<p>"People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.&nbsp;</p>


Modi helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore, Rahul said

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS. Speaking at the Congress party's OBC sammelan in Delhi's Talkatora stadium, the party chief said that no one in the BJP is allowed to speak and they are only asked to tow the line of these leaders. "Everyone including MPs is afraid to speak. Most of them are not allowed to speak. And those of us who do speak, the BJP does not listen to. Only RSS is given a hearing," Rahul said. "Today, our nation has become a slave of 2-3 BJP leaders and RSS." In an attempt to woo OBCs, Rahul said the Congress party has stood by the community for 70 years and will continue to work for their rights. "You are India's strength. We will advance together with the Congress party," the Congress leader said. "We will not give you just a little space. We will give you what is rightfully yours. We want to bring you to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Assembly," Gandhi said. 'Industrialists get loan waiver, farmers ignored' Gandhi claimed Modi's government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others. "People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying. Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore. "Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said. He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.

India has become slave to some BJP leaders and RSS, says Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that his government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore.</p>

<p>Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others.</p>

<p>"People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying.&nbsp</p>

<p>Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said.&nbsp</p>

<p>He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.&nbsp</p>


Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that his government has ignored the interests of farmers but has helped a small group of industrialists by waiving loans amounting to nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Addressing workers of the party's OBC department here, he said people who work hard behind the scene are "never benefitted" and the fruits of their toil are enjoyed by others. "People with skills are not rewarded in India ... Farmers work hard but you don't see them in the office of Modi ji," the Congress scion was quoted as saying. Rahul claimed that the non-performing assets of banks have gone up to Rs 1,000 crore. "Rs 2.5 lakh crore were given to 15 industrialists. But the farmer got nothing...The loan waiver was for 15 people but not for the farmer who continues to commit suicide... His children keep crying," Gandhi said. He also challenged the stand of the government that India lacks skills saying it was not true and the authorities have failed to recognise the fact.

Modi helps a small group of industrialists, ignores interests of farmers: Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi has often asked what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done in four years in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His question was answered today by BJP President Amit Shah, who said Modi is not answerable to Rahul Gandhi. Shah added that the people had given them the "right to be in power".&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that while Rahul asks Modi about the last four year, the "people are asking you (Rahul) about last four generations".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah added that the Narendra Modi government had "secured our borders" &nbsp;against a Pakistan which used to attack us "day and night".&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that "this government has placed India in a more respectful position before the world".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi asks Modi ji what did he do in 4 yrs. I would like to tell him we aren't answerable to you. People gave us right to be in power. You're asking us about last 4 yrs,people are asking you about last 4 generations. Why was there no development?:Amit Shah in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/p47eG4OWt4">pic.twitter.com/p47eG4OWt4</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005736648913678338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Narendra Modi govt secured our borders. Pak used to attack us day&night. But under this govt our forces went there, executed surgical strike&returned chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. This govt has placed India in a more respectful position before the world: Amit Shah <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/GzbQaaLZmT">pic.twitter.com/GzbQaaLZmT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005739370324754432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shah was speaking at a "Vikas Yatra" (Development Rally) in Surguja in Chhatisgarh, which is one of three states going to the polls this year. The other two states are Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All three states are currently ruled by the BJP. Political commentators however say the BJP also faces massive anti-incumbency in all three states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also spoke at the rally, saying his government — he has been in power now for 15 years — was providing proper road and rail connectivity to Surguja and that it would soon also have air connectivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"<em>Hawai chappal pehnne walon ka hawai jahaz se safar karne ka sapna poora hoga</em>," he said</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're providing proper road & rail connectivity to Sarguja. The region already has internet connectivity. Soon Sarguja will also have air connectivity. Hawai chappal pehnne walon ka hawai jahaz se safar karne ka sapna poora hoga: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> CM Raman Singh in Ambikapur, Surguja <a href="https://t.co/xv2NNNhHaY">pic.twitter.com/xv2NNNhHaY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005733463599734784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress is opposing Vikas Yatra. I would like to ask people of Surguja, did Congress ever provide you rice at Rs 1/kg? Did they ever provide you medical insurance? Did they ever do that in their 60 years of rule?: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> CM Raman Singh in Ambikapur, Surguja <a href="https://t.co/zpyW5uJrFT">pic.twitter.com/zpyW5uJrFT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005732030460465152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


'Rahul Gandhi asks Modiji what did he do in 4 years. I would like to tell him we aren't answerable to you. People gave us right to be in power. You're asking us about last 4 years, people are asking you about last 4 generations,' Shah said in Surguja in Chhattisgarh

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has often asked what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done in four years in power. His question was answered today by BJP President Amit Shah, who said Modi is not answerable to Rahul Gandhi. Shah added that the people had given them the "right to be in power". And that while Rahul asks Modi about the last four year, the "people are asking you (Rahul) about last four generations". Shah added that the Narendra Modi government had "secured our borders" against a Pakistan which used to attack us "day and night". And that "this government has placed India in a more respectful position before the world". Rahul Gandhi asks Modi ji what did he do in 4 yrs. I would like to tell him we aren't answerable to you. People gave us right to be in power. You're asking us about last 4 yrs,people are asking you about last 4 generations. Why was there no development?:Amit Shah in #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/p47eG4OWt4 — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × Narendra Modi govt secured our borders. Pak used to attack us day&night. But under this govt our forces went there, executed surgical strike&returned chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. This govt has placed India in a more respectful position before the world: Amit Shah #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/GzbQaaLZmT — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × Shah was speaking at a "Vikas Yatra" (Development Rally) in Surguja in Chhatisgarh, which is one of three states going to the polls this year. The other two states are Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. All three states are currently ruled by the BJP. Political commentators however say the BJP also faces massive anti-incumbency in all three states. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also spoke at the rally, saying his government — he has been in power now for 15 years — was providing proper road and rail connectivity to Surguja and that it would soon also have air connectivity. "Hawai chappal pehnne walon ka hawai jahaz se safar karne ka sapna poora hoga," he said We're providing proper road & rail connectivity to Sarguja. The region already has internet connectivity. Soon Sarguja will also have air connectivity. Hawai chappal pehnne walon ka hawai jahaz se safar karne ka sapna poora hoga: #Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh in Ambikapur, Surguja pic.twitter.com/xv2NNNhHaY — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × Congress is opposing Vikas Yatra. I would like to ask people of Surguja, did Congress ever provide you rice at Rs 1/kg? Did they ever provide you medical insurance? Did they ever do that in their 60 years of rule?: #Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh in Ambikapur, Surguja pic.twitter.com/zpyW5uJrFT — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

'We aren't answerable to' Rahul Gandhi: Amit Shah

<p>One thousand auto-rickshaws will welcome Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his day-long visit to the city on Tuesday, party leader Sanjay Nirupam said on Sunday. “Almost a thousand auto-rickshaw drivers have decided to welcome Rahul ji to the city in their vehicles. This is the love the common man feels for our party president,” Nirupam said in a statement here.</p>

<p>“Rahul ji ensures that the common man’s opinions, grievances and inputs not only reach him but also are responded to. And this is the way the common man has decided to welcome him,” the city Congress chief added. Gandhi will be in the city to address booth-level workers as part of ‘Project Shakti’, which aims to empower the ground-level workers and facilitate two-way communication between the party workers and the central leadership.</p>

<p>During the visit, Gandhi is also scheduled to address a congregation of booth-level Congress workers at the Goregaon Exhibition Centre in the suburbs.</p>


"Rahul ji ensures that the common man's opinions, grievances and inputs not only reach him but also are responded to. And this is the way the common man has decided to welcome him," party leader Sanjay Nirupam said.

One thousand auto-rickshaws will welcome Congress president Rahul Gandhi on his day-long visit to the city on Tuesday, party leader Sanjay Nirupam said on Sunday. “Almost a thousand auto-rickshaw drivers have decided to welcome Rahul ji to the city in their vehicles. This is the love the common man feels for our party president,” Nirupam said in a statement here. “Rahul ji ensures that the common man’s opinions, grievances and inputs not only reach him but also are responded to. And this is the way the common man has decided to welcome him,” the city Congress chief added. Gandhi will be in the city to address booth-level workers as part of ‘Project Shakti’, which aims to empower the ground-level workers and facilitate two-way communication between the party workers and the central leadership. During the visit, Gandhi is also scheduled to address a congregation of booth-level Congress workers at the Goregaon Exhibition Centre in the suburbs.

Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai: 1,000 autos to welcome Congress chief

<p>Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades.</p>

<p>Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states.</p>

<p>"We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened."</p>

<p>"'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said.</p>

<p>The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back.</p>

<p>The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly.</p>

<p>Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues.</p>

<p>Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said.</p>

<p>"We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said.</p>

<p>The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said.</p>

<p>It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them.</p>

<p>The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.&nbsp;</p>


Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades. Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states. "We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi. Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened." "'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said. The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back. The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly. Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues. Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul. The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said. "We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said. The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said. It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them. The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.

Amit Shah mocks Rahul, says lucky that he got such opposition

<p>The Congress today hit back at Union minister Arun Jaitley over his jibe at Rahul Gandhi, alleging that arrogance of the BJP has touched its zenith as it turned "blind" to farm distress.</p>

<p>Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala accused the Modi government of writing off loans worth Rs 2.41 lakh crore of a handful of crony friends citing a reply given in Parliament by the finance ministry on April 3.</p>

<p>"Loot and scoot had become a norm with scamsters fleeing the country after decamping with public money, he claimed in statement.</p>

<p>"How much does Arun Jaitley know? Has arrogance of power reached such a zenith where the BJP is blind to farmers' distress'? How are empty-worded blogs an answer to betrayal of farmers by the Modi government?" he asked.</p>

<p>Attacking Gandhi for his speech in Madhya Pradesh today, Jaitley wondered 'how much does he know? When will he know?'</p>

<p>On the Congress chief's accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi waived the loans of 15 top industrialists, Jaitley said this was factually and completely false.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The banking fraud started in 2011 when the UPA II was in power and it was only detected during the NDA period, he said in a Facebook post in response to Gandhi's speech in Mandsaur.</p>

<p>In his statement, Surjewala reminded the Union minister of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's words that "facts are facts, and will not disappear on account of your likes".</p>

<p>He said contrary to Jaitley's "lies", the government was actually the 'NPA sarkar' and alleged that the gross non-performing assets have gone up from over Rs 2.51 lakh crore in March 2014 to more than Rs 8.31 lakh crore in December 2017, a whopping rise of 230 per cent as per an April 6 reply in Parliament.</p>

<p>"Fleece the banks and fly away to foreign lands are the facility for fraudsters under the Modi Government's watch. Perhaps, Arun Jaitley forgets the recent bank loot scams worth over Rs 61,036 crore," he alleged.</p>

<p>The Congress leader said over 130 farmers organisations were protesting across India through an unprecedented rural bandh and rural distress, agricultural indebtedness, farmer suicides and distress sale of crops much below MSP was the new order.</p>

<p>"Arun Jaitley, Union minister without portfolio, with zero knowledge of agriculture is giving ?gyan' (wisdom) to the nation again today, with his usual travesty of facts and trivialization of farmers' issues," he alleged.</p>

<p>Surjewala also alleged that ?Make in India' has become an empty slogan of the government and the BJP and its 'minister without portfolio' forgot that industrial growth has declined from 7.4 per cent in 2016 to 4.45 per cent in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He alleged that between 2014 and 2018, India's revenue from exports was zero.</p>

<p>"Arun Jaitley waxes eloquent about jobs. The BJP promised two crore jobs per year, but the stark reality that it has only betrayed our youth. The Modi government created only 4.16 lakh jobs in 2016-17 and 77 per cent of Indian workers will have vulnerable employment by 2019 as per ILO.</p>

<p>"Let us not forget that there is 'lowest-ever' agriculture growth under the Modi government - 1.9 per cent (2014-18) as compared to 4.2 per cent under Congress (2004-14)</p>

<p>"The prime minister's promise of MSP equal to cost plus 50 per cent profit for farmers is a white lie. Rural wage growth has dipped from 38 per cent in 2014 to zero per cent in 2018 (RBI report). Tragically, 35 farmers are driven to suicide every 24 hours (NCRB data)," he said.</p>

<p>He said sugarcane arrears surge to over Rs 20,000 crore as an "insensitive" government "floundered".</p>

<p>The PM Fasal Bima Yojana benefited insurance companies, not farmers and companies earned a profit of Rs 14,828 crore but farmers got paid only Rs 5,650 crore, he claimed.</p>

<p>The Congress leader alleged that there was 'double jeopardy' for farmers as agriculture exports declined by USD 9.4 billion and agriculture imports rose by USD 10.06 billion.&nbsp;</p>


Attacking Gandhi for his speech in Madhya Pradesh today, Jaitley wondered 'how much does he know? When will he know?'

The Congress today hit back at Union minister Arun Jaitley over his jibe at Rahul Gandhi, alleging that arrogance of the BJP has touched its zenith as it turned "blind" to farm distress. Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala accused the Modi government of writing off loans worth Rs 2.41 lakh crore of a handful of crony friends citing a reply given in Parliament by the finance ministry on April 3. "Loot and scoot had become a norm with scamsters fleeing the country after decamping with public money, he claimed in statement. "How much does Arun Jaitley know? Has arrogance of power reached such a zenith where the BJP is blind to farmers' distress'? How are empty-worded blogs an answer to betrayal of farmers by the Modi government?" he asked. Attacking Gandhi for his speech in Madhya Pradesh today, Jaitley wondered 'how much does he know? When will he know?' On the Congress chief's accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi waived the loans of 15 top industrialists, Jaitley said this was factually and completely false. The banking fraud started in 2011 when the UPA II was in power and it was only detected during the NDA period, he said in a Facebook post in response to Gandhi's speech in Mandsaur. In his statement, Surjewala reminded the Union minister of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's words that "facts are facts, and will not disappear on account of your likes". He said contrary to Jaitley's "lies", the government was actually the 'NPA sarkar' and alleged that the gross non-performing assets have gone up from over Rs 2.51 lakh crore in March 2014 to more than Rs 8.31 lakh crore in December 2017, a whopping rise of 230 per cent as per an April 6 reply in Parliament. "Fleece the banks and fly away to foreign lands are the facility for fraudsters under the Modi Government's watch. Perhaps, Arun Jaitley forgets the recent bank loot scams worth over Rs 61,036 crore," he alleged. The Congress leader said over 130 farmers organisations were protesting across India through an unprecedented rural bandh and rural distress, agricultural indebtedness, farmer suicides and distress sale of crops much below MSP was the new order. "Arun Jaitley, Union minister without portfolio, with zero knowledge of agriculture is giving ?gyan' (wisdom) to the nation again today, with his usual travesty of facts and trivialization of farmers' issues," he alleged. Surjewala also alleged that ?Make in India' has become an empty slogan of the government and the BJP and its 'minister without portfolio' forgot that industrial growth has declined from 7.4 per cent in 2016 to 4.45 per cent in 2018. He alleged that between 2014 and 2018, India's revenue from exports was zero. "Arun Jaitley waxes eloquent about jobs. The BJP promised two crore jobs per year, but the stark reality that it has only betrayed our youth. The Modi government created only 4.16 lakh jobs in 2016-17 and 77 per cent of Indian workers will have vulnerable employment by 2019 as per ILO. "Let us not forget that there is 'lowest-ever' agriculture growth under the Modi government - 1.9 per cent (2014-18) as compared to 4.2 per cent under Congress (2004-14) "The prime minister's promise of MSP equal to cost plus 50 per cent profit for farmers is a white lie. Rural wage growth has dipped from 38 per cent in 2014 to zero per cent in 2018 (RBI report). Tragically, 35 farmers are driven to suicide every 24 hours (NCRB data)," he said. He said sugarcane arrears surge to over Rs 20,000 crore as an "insensitive" government "floundered". The PM Fasal Bima Yojana benefited insurance companies, not farmers and companies earned a profit of Rs 14,828 crore but farmers got paid only Rs 5,650 crore, he claimed. The Congress leader alleged that there was 'double jeopardy' for farmers as agriculture exports declined by USD 9.4 billion and agriculture imports rose by USD 10.06 billion.

Congress attacks Arun Jaitley over jibe at Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday promised to waive farmers` loans in 10 days if voted to power in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>Addressing a rally in Mandsaur, Gandhi questioned the government on the delay in filing a probe report into the death of seven farmers in police firing a year ago, alleging that the BJP government in the state had failed to provide security to farmers and address their concerns.</p>

<p>"I assure you when the Congress forms the government in Madhya Pradesh, farmers` loans will be written off within 10 days. The families of the farmers (killed in Mandsaur last year) will get justice in 10 days and we will take action against those responsible for the firing," the Congress President said.</p>

<p>The Gandhi scion also lashed out at the state and Central governments for ignoring the farm distress across the country.</p>

<p>"The governments are of no use if they cannot provide security to farmers and their families. A total of 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt," he said, addressing the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally.</p>

<p>Earlier, Gandhi paid tributes to the dead farmers in Piplia Mandi town of Mandsaur district.</p>

<p>He also met the families of the slain farmers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mandsaur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mandsaur</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi meets family members of farmers who died in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mandsaur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mandsaur</a> farmers protest last year. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ODlMsyZXfd">pic.twitter.com/ODlMsyZXfd</a></p>
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Seven famers were killed in police firing last year on June 6. Rahul Gandhi promised a farm loan waiver within 10 days if the Congress is voted to power in the state in the upcoming assembly elections

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday promised to waive farmers` loans in 10 days if voted to power in Madhya Pradesh. Addressing a rally in Mandsaur, Gandhi questioned the government on the delay in filing a probe report into the death of seven farmers in police firing a year ago, alleging that the BJP government in the state had failed to provide security to farmers and address their concerns. "I assure you when the Congress forms the government in Madhya Pradesh, farmers` loans will be written off within 10 days. The families of the farmers (killed in Mandsaur last year) will get justice in 10 days and we will take action against those responsible for the firing," the Congress President said. The Gandhi scion also lashed out at the state and Central governments for ignoring the farm distress across the country. "The governments are of no use if they cannot provide security to farmers and their families. A total of 1,200 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh. Did any rich person or their family member commit suicide who have lakhs of crores as debt," he said, addressing the Kisan Samriddhi Sankalp Rally. Earlier, Gandhi paid tributes to the dead farmers in Piplia Mandi town of Mandsaur district. He also met the families of the slain farmers. #Mandsaur: Congress President Rahul Gandhi meets family members of farmers who died in #Mandsaur farmers protest last year. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/ODlMsyZXfd — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018 ×

Mandsaur killings anniversary: Rahul promises farm loans waiver

<p>The Congress is more capable than the BJP in building alliances and collaborating with parties, Rashtriya Lok Dal Vice President Jayant Chaudhary has said, asserting that the Rahul Gandhi-led party can play a key role in forging an opposition coalition for the 2019 polls.</p>

<p>Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year.</p>

<p>Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress, triumphed last week over her BJP rival in Kairana to become the first Muslim face from Uttar Pradesh in the 16th Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Her victory also gave RLD, its first representative in the current Lok Sabha after the party drew a blank in the 2014 general election.</p>

<p>In an interview to PTI, Chaudhary said the BJP wants to make the 2019 polls a battle of personalities, but the opposition wants to project issues rather than a personality to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>"They (the BJP) have built a personality cult around Modi and now they expect the opposition to also thrust upon the nation a similar figure so that the two can sort of take each other on," the 39-year-old leader said.</p>

<p>Chaudhary, who is the son of RLD chief Ajit Singh and the grandson of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, said there was more talent in the opposition ranks and more freedom to express than in the BJP.</p>

<p>"So, I think going into 2019, I am not sure there will be an understanding of who's on top and who's at the bottom (of the opposition alliance), but we will be working together. That is important for the country," he asserted.</p>

<p>Asked if Congress being a pan-India party could be the pivot of the opposition alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "Congress today is the largest opposition party and they have an organisation in most states of the country that is still strong.</p>

<p>"... I see a good story emerging. Congress can definitely play that role. They can cooperate and collaborate more effectively than the BJP."</p>

<p>He said that due to the manner in which the BJP has dealt with its own allies, the saffron party's alliance partners were either breaking away or speaking very openly against it.</p>

<p>"So, the Congress has an opportunity here to try and make new relationships with these partners as well," he said.</p>

<p>Asked if the Congress was more capable of building alliances and working in unison with parties in an alliance, Chaudhary said, "That's my perception, (and) that is the perception of a lot of people in the political system."</p>

<p>Chaudhary, whose party RLD has been in an alliance with the BJP in the past, also alleged that there was arrogance that had crept into the BJP and it was no longer 'the party with a difference'.</p>

<p>"They (the BJP) have shown that they are willing to grab power at any cost. So I think these are all signals and they are very threatening to smaller parties, to regional parties, to anyone who believes that there needs to be cooperation, so that's why I think that there is a mindset now that's been developed in the opposition parties at least that the BJP is a complete no," he said.</p>

<p>The BJP leads the NDA coalition at the Centre. The Telugu Desam Party recently quit the NDA, while the Shiv Sena has been critical of the BJP over several issues.</p>

<p>Chaudhary also asserted that if the alliance between his party, the SP, the BSP and the Congress in UP takes shape, it would help the Congress in states where it is involved in a direct contest with the BJP.</p>

<p>"I think ultimately it (the alliance in UP) will help Congress in the states where it is taking on the BJP, there numbers will go up... If Congress takes us along and tells us that lets work together in other states as well, some of these opposition leaders will be very willing to do that," the former MP said.</p>

<p>Acknowledging that seat sharing would not be easy for the grand alliance in UP, he said the "social coalition" formed was more important than just simple political arithmetic or simple political coalition.</p>

<p>"So, to sustain that social coalition, if political parties have to forego their own interest and work together, I think we should do it," Chaudhary said.</p>

<p>Talking about the Kairana bypoll win, he said it was basically a message to political parties that the alliance was also the people's will.</p>

<p>"It was a negative vote against BJP. It was also a positive vote for the opposition working together. Going forward it is this public opinion and these good results that will perhaps act as the glue for cementing the alliance," Chaudhary said.</p>

<p>The united opposition victory in Kairana follows the BJP defeats in the Lok Sabha bye-elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March, and come just a year before the general election.</p>

<p>Talking about his 'Ganna not Jinnah' campaign in Kairana, he said the campaign based around the farmer identity was able to trump the religious identity model.</p>

<p>"It is a strong signal that going forward also the antagonistic tone that the BJP has employed in many elections, the Hindu-Muslim rhetoric, it may not work," Chaudhary said.</p>

<p>Asserting that alliances are here to stay, he said the reason he feels the alliance in UP would continue was because it has tasted success.<br />
"When you win an election, there is pressure from your workers, there is pressure from the voters to continue," Chaudhary said.</p>


Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year

The Congress is more capable than the BJP in building alliances and collaborating with parties, Rashtriya Lok Dal Vice President Jayant Chaudhary has said, asserting that the Rahul Gandhi-led party can play a key role in forging an opposition coalition for the 2019 polls. Buoyed by the win in the Kairana parliamentary bypoll, he said public opinion and electoral results such as the bypoll victory will act as a "glue" for cementing a coalition for the Lok Sabha polls next year. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Tabassum Hasan, who was supported by the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress, triumphed last week over her BJP rival in Kairana to become the first Muslim face from Uttar Pradesh in the 16th Lok Sabha. Her victory also gave RLD, its first representative in the current Lok Sabha after the party drew a blank in the 2014 general election. In an interview to PTI, Chaudhary said the BJP wants to make the 2019 polls a battle of personalities, but the opposition wants to project issues rather than a personality to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "They (the BJP) have built a personality cult around Modi and now they expect the opposition to also thrust upon the nation a similar figure so that the two can sort of take each other on," the 39-year-old leader said. Chaudhary, who is the son of RLD chief Ajit Singh and the grandson of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, said there was more talent in the opposition ranks and more freedom to express than in the BJP. "So, I think going into 2019, I am not sure there will be an understanding of who's on top and who's at the bottom (of the opposition alliance), but we will be working together. That is important for the country," he asserted. Asked if Congress being a pan-India party could be the pivot of the opposition alliance to take on the BJP, he said, "Congress today is the largest opposition party and they have an organisation in most states of the country that is still strong. "... I see a good story emerging. Congress can definitely play that role. They can cooperate and collaborate more effectively than the BJP." He said that due to the manner in which the BJP has dealt with its own allies, the saffron party's alliance partners were either breaking away or speaking very openly against it. "So, the Congress has an opportunity here to try and make new relationships with these partners as well," he said. Asked if the Congress was more capable of building alliances and working in unison with parties in an alliance, Chaudhary said, "That's my perception, (and) that is the perception of a lot of people in the political system." Chaudhary, whose party RLD has been in an alliance with the BJP in the past, also alleged that there was arrogance that had crept into the BJP and it was no longer 'the party with a difference'. "They (the BJP) have shown that they are willing to grab power at any cost. So I think these are all signals and they are very threatening to smaller parties, to regional parties, to anyone who believes that there needs to be cooperation, so that's why I think that there is a mindset now that's been developed in the opposition parties at least that the BJP is a complete no," he said. The BJP leads the NDA coalition at the Centre. The Telugu Desam Party recently quit the NDA, while the Shiv Sena has been critical of the BJP over several issues. Chaudhary also asserted that if the alliance between his party, the SP, the BSP and the Congress in UP takes shape, it would help the Congress in states where it is involved in a direct contest with the BJP. "I think ultimately it (the alliance in UP) will help Congress in the states where it is taking on the BJP, there numbers will go up... If Congress takes us along and tells us that lets work together in other states as well, some of these opposition leaders will be very willing to do that," the former MP said. Acknowledging that seat sharing would not be easy for the grand alliance in UP, he said the "social coalition" formed was more important than just simple political arithmetic or simple political coalition. "So, to sustain that social coalition, if political parties have to forego their own interest and work together, I think we should do it," Chaudhary said. Talking about the Kairana bypoll win, he said it was basically a message to political parties that the alliance was also the people's will. "It was a negative vote against BJP. It was also a positive vote for the opposition working together. Going forward it is this public opinion and these good results that will perhaps act as the glue for cementing the alliance," Chaudhary said. The united opposition victory in Kairana follows the BJP defeats in the Lok Sabha bye-elections in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March, and come just a year before the general election. Talking about his 'Ganna not Jinnah' campaign in Kairana, he said the campaign based around the farmer identity was able to trump the religious identity model. "It is a strong signal that going forward also the antagonistic tone that the BJP has employed in many elections, the Hindu-Muslim rhetoric, it may not work," Chaudhary said. Asserting that alliances are here to stay, he said the reason he feels the alliance in UP would continue was because it has tasted success. "When you win an election, there is pressure from your workers, there is pressure from the voters to continue," Chaudhary said.

Congress more capable of building alliances than BJP: RLD's Jayant Chaudhary

<p>In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he&nbsp;gives are pre-scripted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who ‘took spontaneous questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to’.</p>

<p>He wrote on Twitter: “The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>The video was of an interview PM Modi had given at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) last Friday where he was seen answering a question about the challenges faced by Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After PM Modi finished answering in Hindi, his translator then took out a piece of paper and read the same answer in English for the audience which also included facts that PM Modi's answer did not mention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress has often attacked PM Modi for not holding press conferences and only giving one-on-one interviews and has also said that PM Modi has time and again refused to answer "real questions" posed by opposition leaders and other.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to!<br />
<br />
Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did. <a href="https://t.co/8Iyfgiaseh">pic.twitter.com/8Iyfgiaseh</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1003557365646389249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who takes 'spontaneous' questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to!’

In a latest dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi called him out saying that the interviews he gives are pre-scripted. Sharing a video of PM Modi in Singapore, Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was the first Indian 'PM who ‘took spontaneous questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to’. He wrote on Twitter: “The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did.” The video was of an interview PM Modi had given at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) last Friday where he was seen answering a question about the challenges faced by Asia. After PM Modi finished answering in Hindi, his translator then took out a piece of paper and read the same answer in English for the audience which also included facts that PM Modi's answer did not mention. The Congress has often attacked PM Modi for not holding press conferences and only giving one-on-one interviews and has also said that PM Modi has time and again refused to answer "real questions" posed by opposition leaders and other. The first Indian PM who takes "spontaneous" questions that the translator has pre-scripted answers to! Good that he doesn't take real questions. Would have been a real embarrassment to us all if he did. pic.twitter.com/8Iyfgiaseh — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 4, 2018 ×

Watch: PM Modi 'doesn't take real questions', says Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi will participate in a protest at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh where six farmers were killed in alleged police firing last year.</p>

<p>“In our country, 35 farmers commit suicide everyday. Farmers have been forced to hold 10-day agitation against Central government’s failure to address the agrarian distress. While standing with farmers in their fight for justice, I will address a farmers rally in Mandsaur on June 6,” Gandhi wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>Congress’ communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said the government’s apathy towards farmers had led to a nation-wide stir from June 1 to 10. “The Modi government’s uncaring, insensitive, apathetic and thick-skinned attitude to the issues raised by 62 per cent of India’s population – farmers – has precipitated into a nationwide protest by our ‘Annadata’.</p>

<p>“The all-India protest by lakhs of farmers from June 1 to 10 to observe the first anniversary of the Mandsaur shooting is a direct affirmation of the ‘anti-farmer’ policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">हमारे देश में हर रोज़ 35 किसान आत्महत्या करते हैं। कृषि क्षेत्र पर छाए संकट की तरफ़ केंद्र सरकार का ध्यान ले जाने के लिए किसान भाई 10 दिनों का आंदोलन करने पर मजबूर हैं। हमारे अन्नदाताओं की हक की लड़ाई में उनके साथ खड़े होने के लिए 6 जून को मंदसौर में किसान रैली को संबोधित करूंगा। <a href="https://t.co/Bv4Hv72jE8">pic.twitter.com/Bv4Hv72jE8</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1002843619382841344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be in Mandsaur to observe the first death anniversary of the six farmers that were brutally killed in police shooting, but the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government in sheer desperation is trying to suppress the protests by using illegal means,” the Congress leader said.</p>

<p>Surjewala said the dejected farmers were resigning to their fate, fleeing farms and aspiring for other jobs because the BJP had completely failed them. “They are forced to throw their produce on the streets or distribute it for free as they are not getting fair prices for it. They have announced that they will not sell their produce in mandis in cities,” he said.</p>


“The all-India protest by lakhs of farmers from June 1 to 10 to observe the first anniversary of the Mandsaur shooting is a direct affirmation of the 'anti-farmer' policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Congress' communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will participate in a protest at Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh where six farmers were killed in alleged police firing last year. “In our country, 35 farmers commit suicide everyday. Farmers have been forced to hold 10-day agitation against Central government’s failure to address the agrarian distress. While standing with farmers in their fight for justice, I will address a farmers rally in Mandsaur on June 6,” Gandhi wrote on Twitter. Congress’ communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said the government’s apathy towards farmers had led to a nation-wide stir from June 1 to 10. “The Modi government’s uncaring, insensitive, apathetic and thick-skinned attitude to the issues raised by 62 per cent of India’s population – farmers – has precipitated into a nationwide protest by our ‘Annadata’. “The all-India protest by lakhs of farmers from June 1 to 10 to observe the first anniversary of the Mandsaur shooting is a direct affirmation of the ‘anti-farmer’ policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said in a statement. हमारे देश में हर रोज़ 35 किसान आत्महत्या करते हैं। कृषि क्षेत्र पर छाए संकट की तरफ़ केंद्र सरकार का ध्यान ले जाने के लिए किसान भाई 10 दिनों का आंदोलन करने पर मजबूर हैं। हमारे अन्नदाताओं की हक की लड़ाई में उनके साथ खड़े होने के लिए 6 जून को मंदसौर में किसान रैली को संबोधित करूंगा। pic.twitter.com/Bv4Hv72jE8 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 2, 2018 × “Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be in Mandsaur to observe the first death anniversary of the six farmers that were brutally killed in police shooting, but the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government in sheer desperation is trying to suppress the protests by using illegal means,” the Congress leader said. Surjewala said the dejected farmers were resigning to their fate, fleeing farms and aspiring for other jobs because the BJP had completely failed them. “They are forced to throw their produce on the streets or distribute it for free as they are not getting fair prices for it. They have announced that they will not sell their produce in mandis in cities,” he said.

Mandsaur anniversary: Rahul Gandhi to address farmers rally on June 6

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/day-after-countrys-farmers-go-on-strike-fruit--vegetable-prices-shoot-up-141779">Day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/day-after-countrys-farmers-go-on-strike-fruit--vegetable-prices-shoot-up-141779"> after country's farmers go on strike, fruit & vegetable prices shoot up</a></p>

<p>A day after farmers in the country went on&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">strike</a>, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up.&nbspANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-address-farmers-protest-on-june-6-in-mandsaur-mp-141801">Rahul Gandhi to address farmers' protest on June 6 in Mandsaur, MP</a></p>

<p>A day after farmers across the country initiated a 10-day nationwide protest,&nbspCongress president Rahul Gandhi has decided to join the protest on June 6.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-summit-back-on-but-who-will-pay-for-kims-hotel-room-141802">Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room?&nbsp</a></p>

<p>Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on.&nbsp He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790">Palestinian tries to hit Israeli soldiers with </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790">car</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790">,</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790"> shot dead: Army</a></p>

<p>A Palestinian man who tried today to hit Israeli soldiers with his car in the southern occupied West Bank city Hebron was shot dead, the army said.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/un-and-myanmar-agree-outline-of-rohingya-return-deal-no-details-141556">UN and Myanmar agree outline of Rohingya return deal, no details</a></p>

<p>The United Nations said&nbspon Thursday&nbspit had struck an outline deal with Myanmar aimed at eventually allowing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims sheltering in Bangladesh to return safely and by choice.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Day after country's farmers go on strike, fruit & vegetable prices shoot up A day after farmers in the country went on strike, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up.&nbspANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen. Rahul Gandhi to address farmers' protest on June 6 in Mandsaur, MP A day after farmers across the country initiated a 10-day nationwide protest,&nbspCongress president Rahul Gandhi has decided to join the protest on June 6. Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room? Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on. He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol. Palestinian tries to hit Israeli soldiers with car, shot dead: Army A Palestinian man who tried today to hit Israeli soldiers with his car in the southern occupied West Bank city Hebron was shot dead, the army said. UN and Myanmar agree outline of Rohingya return deal, no details The United Nations said&nbspon Thursday&nbspit had struck an outline deal with Myanmar aimed at eventually allowing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims sheltering in Bangladesh to return safely and by choice.

<p>A day after farmers across the country initiated a 10-day nationwide protest,&nbsp;Congress president Rahul Gandhi has decided to join the protest on June 6.</p>

<p>He took to Twitter and announced on Saturday, " About thirty-five farmers commit suicide in our country every day. The farmers are forced to stage a protest for 10 days to bring the issue of agricultural crisis to the centre's notice. I will address the farmers rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on June 6 to participate in the&nbsp;farmers' fight".</p>

<p>Gandhi&nbsp;will address the farmers&nbsp;in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on the anniversary of the death of seven farmers in police firing in the state.</p>

<p>Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike and they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strike was organised by farmers from Punjab and Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala&nbsp;demanding a waiver of their loans, the right price for their produce and the implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission,</p>

<p>The farmers'&nbsp;body will also&nbsp;orgainse a "Bharat Bandh" on June 10.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">हमारे देश में हर रोज़ 35 किसान आत्महत्या करते हैं। कृषि क्षेत्र पर छाए संकट की तरफ़ केंद्र सरकार का ध्यान ले जाने के लिए किसान भाई 10 दिनों का आंदोलन करने पर मजबूर हैं। हमारे अन्नदाताओं की हक की लड़ाई में उनके साथ खड़े होने के लिए 6 जून को मंदसौर में किसान रैली को संबोधित करूंगा। <a href="https://t.co/Bv4Hv72jE8">pic.twitter.com/Bv4Hv72jE8</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1002843619382841344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Seven farmers had been shot dead by police in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur on June 6 last year. The farmers had been agitating for better prices for their crops

A day after farmers across the country initiated a 10-day nationwide protest, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has decided to join the protest on June 6. He took to Twitter and announced on Saturday, " About thirty-five farmers commit suicide in our country every day. The farmers are forced to stage a protest for 10 days to bring the issue of agricultural crisis to the centre's notice. I will address the farmers rally in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on June 6 to participate in the farmers' fight". Gandhi will address the farmers in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh on the anniversary of the death of seven farmers in police firing in the state. Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike and they would not sell their produce in cities. The strike was organised by farmers from Punjab and Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala demanding a waiver of their loans, the right price for their produce and the implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, The farmers' body will also orgainse a "Bharat Bandh" on June 10. हमारे देश में हर रोज़ 35 किसान आत्महत्या करते हैं। कृषि क्षेत्र पर छाए संकट की तरफ़ केंद्र सरकार का ध्यान ले जाने के लिए किसान भाई 10 दिनों का आंदोलन करने पर मजबूर हैं। हमारे अन्नदाताओं की हक की लड़ाई में उनके साथ खड़े होने के लिए 6 जून को मंदसौर में किसान रैली को संबोधित करूंगा। pic.twitter.com/Bv4Hv72jE8 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 2, 2018 ×

Rahul Gandhi to address farmers' protest on June 6 in Mandsaur, MP

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over one&nbsp;paisa price cut and said ''If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi tweeted ''Dear PM, You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!?? If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste. &nbsp;P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the #FuelChallenge I threw you last week.''</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Indian Oil announced on their website that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone.</p>

<p>However, cheer among the consumers short-lived, thanks to an error in the official website of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Petrol and diesel prices were actually cut by 1 paisa per litre each in the capital city of Delhi on Wednesday instead of a bigger cut that was reported earlier by India's largest fuel retailer.</p>

<p>Earlier in the morning, its website said that petrol and diesel prices have been reduced by 60 paise and 56 paise per litre respectively.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear PM,<br />
<br />
You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!??<br />
<br />
If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste.<br />
<br />
P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuelChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuelChallenge</a> I threw you last week. <a href="https://t.co/u7xzbUUjDS">https://t.co/u7xzbUUjDS</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1001741650220249088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Earlier in the day, Indian Oil announced on their website that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over one paisa price cut and said ''If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste.'' Rahul Gandhi tweeted ''Dear PM, You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!?? If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste. P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the #FuelChallenge I threw you last week.'' Earlier in the day, Indian Oil announced on their website that they had cut oil prices in the country by 60 paise after sixteen consecutive days of high prices which had angered everyone. However, cheer among the consumers short-lived, thanks to an error in the official website of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). Petrol and diesel prices were actually cut by 1 paisa per litre each in the capital city of Delhi on Wednesday instead of a bigger cut that was reported earlier by India's largest fuel retailer. Earlier in the morning, its website said that petrol and diesel prices have been reduced by 60 paise and 56 paise per litre respectively. Dear PM, You've cut the price of Petrol and Diesel today by 1 paisa. ONE paisa!?? If this is your idea of a prank, it’s childish and in poor taste. P.S. A ONE paisa cut is not a suitable response to the #FuelChallenge I threw you last week. https://t.co/u7xzbUUjDS — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 30, 2018 ×

'One paisa drop in fuel price is a prank?': Rahul mocks Modi

<p>Karnataka chief minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said that he had come to power in the state with the blessing Congress president Rahul Gandhi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy made the statement while speaking at a meeting with the&nbsp;farmer leaders on farm loan waiter. &nbsp;</p>

<p>''Without the blessing of people, but only with the blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take the decision once they approve,'' he was quoted as saying by ANI.</p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, he said that he had formed a coalition government with Congress because people had not given him a clear mandate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said, "some people were alleging me that I said that I will never form the government with any of the parties support. It is true that in the past whatever we said that will not be applicable in the present political scenario and I formed the government in coalition with Congress because people of Karnataka did not give me a clear mandate that is why I'm in the debt to the Congress and not to the people of the state."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: At meeting with farmer leaders, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> CM HD Kumaraswamy speaks on farmers' loan waiver, says, 'Without the blessing of people, but only with blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take decision once they approve.' <a href="https://t.co/VQiNuPA9oN">pic.twitter.com/VQiNuPA9oN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001792494420537344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


At meeting with farmer leaders, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy was speaking about farm loan waiver

Karnataka chief minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said that he had come to power in the state with the blessing Congress president Rahul Gandhi, news agency ANI reported. Kumaraswamy made the statement while speaking at a meeting with the farmer leaders on farm loan waiter. ''Without the blessing of people, but only with the blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take the decision once they approve,'' he was quoted as saying by ANI. Earlier on Sunday, he said that he had formed a coalition government with Congress because people had not given him a clear mandate. He further said, "some people were alleging me that I said that I will never form the government with any of the parties support. It is true that in the past whatever we said that will not be applicable in the present political scenario and I formed the government in coalition with Congress because people of Karnataka did not give me a clear mandate that is why I'm in the debt to the Congress and not to the people of the state." #WATCH: At meeting with farmer leaders, #Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy speaks on farmers' loan waiver, says, 'Without the blessing of people, but only with blessing of Rahul Gandhi, we've come to power. I'll convince Congress party, but I can only take decision once they approve.' pic.twitter.com/VQiNuPA9oN — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2018 ×

We've come to power only with blessing of Rahul Gandhi: Kumaraswamy

<p>The Congress-JD(S) led coalition government in Karnataka is undergoing tussle in allocating portfolios to its ministers.</p>

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<p>The ministers of the two parties held a three-hour meeting at Ghulam Nabi Azad's residence in New Delhi on Monday.</p>

<p>A media report quoted a JD(S) source saying that the Congress was trying to take over all key portfolios and was leaving behind ministries like animal husbandry, labour, fisheries, youth services, women and child welfare for the JD(S).</p>

<p>The report also said that the Finance ministry is a major bone of contention between the two parties.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Kumaraswamy has assured that the issue will be resolved after Rahul Gandhi returns from abroad.</p>

<p>Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said,&nbsp;"Everything will be sorted out in a few days. Such issues happen during a coalition. We (Congress & JDS) will surely work together".</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy had earlier said on Sunday that he was at the mercy of the Congress as he did not get the required mandate. He added that he was not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state.</p>


A media report quoted a JD(S) source saying that the Congress was trying to take over all key portfolios and was leaving behind ministries like animal husbandry, labour, fisheries, youth services, women and child welfare

The Congress-JD(S) led coalition government in Karnataka is undergoing tussle in allocating portfolios to its ministers. × The ministers of the two parties held a three-hour meeting at Ghulam Nabi Azad's residence in New Delhi on Monday. A media report quoted a JD(S) source saying that the Congress was trying to take over all key portfolios and was leaving behind ministries like animal husbandry, labour, fisheries, youth services, women and child welfare for the JD(S). The report also said that the Finance ministry is a major bone of contention between the two parties. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy has assured that the issue will be resolved after Rahul Gandhi returns from abroad. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Everything will be sorted out in a few days. Such issues happen during a coalition. We (Congress & JDS) will surely work together". Kumaraswamy had earlier said on Sunday that he was at the mercy of the Congress as he did not get the required mandate. He added that he was not under the pressure of the 6.5 crore people of the state.

Karnataka: Tussle between Congress-JD(S) over portfolio allocation

<p>PM Modi today addressed the people on the government's Ujjwala Yogna scheme via the Namo App on Monday</p>

<p>The prime minister said the Ujjawala scheme is a sign of <em>vikas</em>&nbsp;(development) and is transforming lives, adding, "LPG has reformed our villages."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi's reaction when a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UjjwalaYojana?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UjjwalaYojana</a> beneficiary from Odisha's Mayurbhanj says she makes Maggi for her children using her new LPG connection. <a href="https://t.co/AkMaxLSTkO">pic.twitter.com/AkMaxLSTkO</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000963078064816129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Till 2014, 13 crore families got LPG connection. This means, for over six decades the figure stood at 13 crore," he said while pointing out that it was "mostly the rich people who got LPG connections."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the last 4 years, 10 crore new connections have been added and the poor benefited," the prime minister added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our focus is on women empowerment," the PM said on the Namo App.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We want to reach 10 crore&nbsp;people living below the poverty line(BPL)," the Indian prime minister said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Ujjwala yojana has strengthened the lives of the poor, marginalised, the Dalits and tribal communities. This initiative is playing a central role in social empowerment," PM Modi said.</p>


PM Modi today addressed the people on the government's Ujjwala Yogna scheme via the Namo App on Monday The prime minister said the Ujjawala scheme is a sign of vikas (development) and is transforming lives, adding, "LPG has reformed our villages." #WATCH: PM Modi's reaction when a #UjjwalaYojana beneficiary from Odisha's Mayurbhanj says she makes Maggi for her children using her new LPG connection. pic.twitter.com/AkMaxLSTkO — ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2018 × "Till 2014, 13 crore families got LPG connection. This means, for over six decades the figure stood at 13 crore," he said while pointing out that it was "mostly the rich people who got LPG connections." "In the last 4 years, 10 crore new connections have been added and the poor benefited," the prime minister added. "Our focus is on women empowerment," the PM said on the Namo App. "We want to reach 10 crore people living below the poverty line(BPL)," the Indian prime minister said. "The Ujjwala yojana has strengthened the lives of the poor, marginalised, the Dalits and tribal communities. This initiative is playing a central role in social empowerment," PM Modi said.

'LPG has reformed villages, our focus on women empowerment,' says PM Modi via Namo App

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to inform "friends in the BJP social media"&nbsp; that he will be out of India for some days.</p>

<p>In his tweet on Sunday, Gandhi said he will be accompanying his mother and former party president Sonia Gandhi for her medical check-up.</p>

<p>The tweet&nbsp;specifically addressed to the "BJP social media troll army" was seen as an attempt to evade any kind of criticism from the opposition.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi has often been a subject of ridicule because of his foreign visits.</p>

<p>According to media reports, Sonia Gandhi along with her son will leave for abroad tonight.</p>

<p>While Rahul is expected to return within a week, Sonia Gandhi may have to&nbsp;stay out of India for a longer period.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi's tweet read,&nbsp;"Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up . To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up.<br />
<br />
To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1000778403824336898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi's tweet read, 'Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up. To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to inform "friends in the BJP social media" that he will be out of India for some days. In his tweet on Sunday, Gandhi said he will be accompanying his mother and former party president Sonia Gandhi for her medical check-up. The tweet specifically addressed to the "BJP social media troll army" was seen as an attempt to evade any kind of criticism from the opposition. Rahul Gandhi has often been a subject of ridicule because of his foreign visits. According to media reports, Sonia Gandhi along with her son will leave for abroad tonight. While Rahul is expected to return within a week, Sonia Gandhi may have to stay out of India for a longer period. Rahul Gandhi's tweet read, "Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up . To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon!" Will be out of India for a few days, accompanying Sonia ji to her annual medical check up. To my friends in the BJP social media troll army: don’t get too worked up...I'll be back soon! — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 27, 2018 ×

'Don't get worked up, I'll be back soon': Rahul to 'BJP troll army' on foreign trip

<p>The Petrol and Diesel prices are soaring and they are almost at the all-time highest level. Being the most essential commodity, Petroleum has been the favourite domain for the politicians for the slugfest.</p>

<p>With rising price, opposition parties got a much-awaited issue to put Government of India on backfoot. Rahul Gandhi is throwing a challenge to Modi for reducing prices. On the same time BJP's media cell is active too and these days social media is full of stuff proclaiming that how prices of petroleum products surged during UPA regime (2004-2014) and how Modi has been able to rein them in.</p>

<p>But if you go in a bit deep in the realities of this sector, you will find that all these claims and blames are simply bereft of any logic and they are rather hilarious. Indian Oil & Gas sector is in a state currently that any government can do little to tame price in the shorter run.</p>

<p>With rapid economic growth, India has become an energy guzzler over the past 10-15 years and currently, it is the third largest consumer of energy after USA and China. India consumes around 200 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) of petroleum crude oil per year and around 80 per cent of this is being imported on the international price.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer’s commissions, MRP is fixed</h5>
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<p>The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed. Therefore MRP of Petrol and Diesel are linked with international prices of crude oil.</p>

<p>Since we (GOI) can't control the crude price and bound to pay it, the ways to tame MRP is either by reducing taxes or by forcing Oil PSUs to sell products with under-recoveries (basically selling with a loss). Both of these ways would be like feeding gulab jamun to a patient with diabetes. Mean, these measures will give short-term pleasure but they will inflict serious long-term complications.</p>

<p>Cutting taxes would disturb the fiscal discipline which Modi/GOI could bring to an extent over the past four years and would hamper GOI's huge infra push and other planned expenditure.</p>

<p>Forcing under-recoveries (which UPA-2 did for purely political reasons) to Oil companies would only make these companies sick for days to come, restrict the Capex infusion in this sector and of course it cannot last long.</p>

<p>All government can do (that too to silence opposition) in the short term is that it can give some relief by way of slashing tax but it can't make a huge impact on the selling price. Forcing under-recoveries would be the last thing, which Modi/GOI should and would exercise (in case of crude price further takes heavy jump).</p>

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<h5>The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run</h5>
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<p>The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run. After Modi came to power, GOI has made its oil exploration policy more transparent and business friendly but impact of this on ground would be visible only after many years and that too will not be decisive as the gap between demand and supply is huge and no way India is in the position to multiply its oil production even in the long run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) is the international body, who plays the prominent role in fixing crude oil price and country like India are bound to pay it.</p>

<p>So the bottom line is that let the politician enjoy the blame and claim game, the onus to live with the problem and withstand with it lies with us, the citizens only. Don't expect a miracle from anybody to get the reprieve. We need to be a judicious energy consumer and take the high petroleum prices as a hard and unavoidable reality.</p>

<p>We can sum up like this. If you are getting petroleum product cheap (like in 2014-16), the government is an accidental hero or otherwise it is an unlucky victim of the situation.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed

The Petrol and Diesel prices are soaring and they are almost at the all-time highest level. Being the most essential commodity, Petroleum has been the favourite domain for the politicians for the slugfest. With rising price, opposition parties got a much-awaited issue to put Government of India on backfoot. Rahul Gandhi is throwing a challenge to Modi for reducing prices. On the same time BJP's media cell is active too and these days social media is full of stuff proclaiming that how prices of petroleum products surged during UPA regime (2004-2014) and how Modi has been able to rein them in. But if you go in a bit deep in the realities of this sector, you will find that all these claims and blames are simply bereft of any logic and they are rather hilarious. Indian Oil & Gas sector is in a state currently that any government can do little to tame price in the shorter run. With rapid economic growth, India has become an energy guzzler over the past 10-15 years and currently, it is the third largest consumer of energy after USA and China. India consumes around 200 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) of petroleum crude oil per year and around 80 per cent of this is being imported on the international price. The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer’s commissions, MRP is fixed × The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed. Therefore MRP of Petrol and Diesel are linked with international prices of crude oil. Since we (GOI) can't control the crude price and bound to pay it, the ways to tame MRP is either by reducing taxes or by forcing Oil PSUs to sell products with under-recoveries (basically selling with a loss). Both of these ways would be like feeding gulab jamun to a patient with diabetes. Mean, these measures will give short-term pleasure but they will inflict serious long-term complications. Cutting taxes would disturb the fiscal discipline which Modi/GOI could bring to an extent over the past four years and would hamper GOI's huge infra push and other planned expenditure. Forcing under-recoveries (which UPA-2 did for purely political reasons) to Oil companies would only make these companies sick for days to come, restrict the Capex infusion in this sector and of course it cannot last long. All government can do (that too to silence opposition) in the short term is that it can give some relief by way of slashing tax but it can't make a huge impact on the selling price. Forcing under-recoveries would be the last thing, which Modi/GOI should and would exercise (in case of crude price further takes heavy jump). The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run × The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run. After Modi came to power, GOI has made its oil exploration policy more transparent and business friendly but impact of this on ground would be visible only after many years and that too will not be decisive as the gap between demand and supply is huge and no way India is in the position to multiply its oil production even in the long run. OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) is the international body, who plays the prominent role in fixing crude oil price and country like India are bound to pay it. So the bottom line is that let the politician enjoy the blame and claim game, the onus to live with the problem and withstand with it lies with us, the citizens only. Don't expect a miracle from anybody to get the reprieve. We need to be a judicious energy consumer and take the high petroleum prices as a hard and unavoidable reality. We can sum up like this. If you are getting petroleum product cheap (like in 2014-16), the government is an accidental hero or otherwise it is an unlucky victim of the situation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Rising petrol prices - the onus is on the citizens

<p>A Delhi court on Saturday allowed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy to summon those documents, officials after examination, as evidence in the National Herald case.</p>

<p>The court has also disallowed Swamy's petition in the case seeking Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi to either admit or deny the documents filed by him on whether they are originals.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Swamy said, "What Court is saying is that instead of accused confirming or denying, you move the evidence becoming a witness yourself and summon documents and witnesses who are competent and at that stage, we'll decide on the admissibility of the documents."</p>

<p>Swamy, petitioner in the case had filed three applications in which he had accused Rahul and Sonia Gandhi and others of allegedly misappropriating funds.</p>

<p>On January 20, the court of metropolitan magistrate Ambika Singh had ordered the documents submitted by the petitioner in the case, Swamy, to be kept in a sealed cover till next hearing.</p>

<p>Swamy, in his plea, alleged that the Congress party granted an interest-free loan of Rs. 90.25 crore to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), owner of the National Herald newspaper. In November last year, the two Congress leaders filed their response to the application filed by Swamy.</p>

<p>In the response, they stated that the application filed by Swamy was not bonafide and filled with the sole object of "delaying the proceedings in a lifeless case".&nbsp;</p>


Swamy, petitioner in the case had filed three applications in which he had accused Rahul and Sonia Gandhi and others of allegedly misappropriating funds

A Delhi court on Saturday allowed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy to summon those documents, officials after examination, as evidence in the National Herald case. The court has also disallowed Swamy's petition in the case seeking Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi to either admit or deny the documents filed by him on whether they are originals. Meanwhile, Swamy said, "What Court is saying is that instead of accused confirming or denying, you move the evidence becoming a witness yourself and summon documents and witnesses who are competent and at that stage, we'll decide on the admissibility of the documents." Swamy, petitioner in the case had filed three applications in which he had accused Rahul and Sonia Gandhi and others of allegedly misappropriating funds. On January 20, the court of metropolitan magistrate Ambika Singh had ordered the documents submitted by the petitioner in the case, Swamy, to be kept in a sealed cover till next hearing. Swamy, in his plea, alleged that the Congress party granted an interest-free loan of Rs. 90.25 crore to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), owner of the National Herald newspaper. In November last year, the two Congress leaders filed their response to the application filed by Swamy. In the response, they stated that the application filed by Swamy was not bonafide and filled with the sole object of "delaying the proceedings in a lifeless case".

National Herald: Court allows Swamy to summon papers

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