<p>Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram heaped praise on Congress president Rahul Gandhi after the party put up a good show in the recently concluded Gujarat elections.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/942760572566757376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Immediately after it emerged that BJP has managed a clear majority in the hustings, the Congress leader tweeted &#39;&#39;What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/942760621203865601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In another tweet, he said &#39;&#39;There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>The Congress has returned a morale-boosting performance in Gujarat under the stewardship of Rahul Gandhi, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Congress has returned a morale boosting performance in Gujarat under Mr Rahul Gandhi. The battle is now joined for five states in 2018,&#39;&#39; the Congress leader tweeted.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Immediately after it emerged that BJP has managed a clear majority in the hustings, the Congress leader tweeted ''What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.''

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram heaped praise on Congress president Rahul Gandhi after the party put up a good show in the recently concluded Gujarat elections. What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 18, 2017 × Immediately after it emerged that BJP has managed a clear majority in the hustings, the Congress leader tweeted ''What a victory! In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels.'' There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 18, 2017 × In another tweet, he said ''There is an electoral victory and there is a political victory. Need I say who is the political victor in Gujarat.'' The Congress has returned a morale-boosting performance in Gujarat under the stewardship of Rahul Gandhi, he added. ''Congress has returned a morale boosting performance in Gujarat under Mr Rahul Gandhi. The battle is now joined for five states in 2018,'' the Congress leader tweeted.

'In Gujarat, the winner limped across the finish line with a young sprinter close on his heels'

<p>Rahul Gandhi tweeted Monday that the Congress party &quot;accepts the verdict of the people&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress is set to lose in both Gujarat and Himachal.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Congress party accepts the verdict of the people and congratulates the new governments in both states. I thank the people of Gujarat and Himachal with all my heart for the love they showed me.</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/942709778836471808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My Congress brothers and sisters, you have made me very proud. You are different than those you fought because you fought anger with dignity. You have demonstrated to everyone that the Congress&rsquo;s greatest strength is its decency and courage.</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/942711009789190144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The latest figures from the Election Commission show the BJP leading in 99 seats in Gujarat and the Congress in 80.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-election-results-i-accept-the-bjps-victory-says-congresss-virbhadra-singh-27075">Himachal election results: &#39;I accept victory of BJP,&#39; says Congress&#39;s Virbhadra Singh</a></p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-poll-results-bjp-on-victory-march-in-gujarat-himachal-pradesh-27047">victory mark in Gujarat is 92 seats.</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Himachal, the BJP is leading in 27 seats and the Congress in 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victory mark in Himachal is 35 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;My Congress brothers and sisters, you have made me very proud,&quot; Gandhi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;You are different than those you fought because you fought anger with dignity. You have demonstrated to everyone that the Congress&rsquo;s greatest strength is its decency and courage,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gujarat of course was the new Congress president&#39;s -- Rahul took over as Congress president from his mother only on Saturday -- first test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But despite the loss, commentators will look at the increase in the number of seats the Congress wins (in Gujarat) this time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Current projections say the Congress will increase its tally from the last time by as many as 19 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Himachal, the Congress is expected to win 15 fewer seats than last time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi&#39;s critics however will say the new president jettisoned the Congress&#39;s trademark platform of secularism for the first time in the history of India&#39;s grand old party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over three months of campaigning in Gujarat, Gandhi visited a total of 27 temples, and took to speaking at public rallies with a tilak on his forehead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was, like the BJP, courting the HIndu vote. And did not really mention the Muslim who make up 10 per cent of Gujarat&#39;s population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Which, Gandhi&#39;s critics will say, leaves the country with a choice (between the BJP and the Congress) of two competing variants of Hindutva.&nbsp;</p>


The Congress is set to lose in both Gujarat and Himachal

Rahul Gandhi tweeted Monday that the Congress party "accepts the verdict of the people". The Congress is set to lose in both Gujarat and Himachal. The Congress party accepts the verdict of the people and congratulates the new governments in both states. I thank the people of Gujarat and Himachal with all my heart for the love they showed me. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 18, 2017 × My Congress brothers and sisters, you have made me very proud. You are different than those you fought because you fought anger with dignity. You have demonstrated to everyone that the Congress’s greatest strength is its decency and courage. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 18, 2017 × The latest figures from the Election Commission show the BJP leading in 99 seats in Gujarat and the Congress in 80. Also Read: Himachal election results: 'I accept victory of BJP,' says Congress's Virbhadra Singh The victory mark in Gujarat is 92 seats. In Himachal, the BJP is leading in 27 seats and the Congress in 11. The victory mark in Himachal is 35 seats. "My Congress brothers and sisters, you have made me very proud," Gandhi said. "You are different than those you fought because you fought anger with dignity. You have demonstrated to everyone that the Congress’s greatest strength is its decency and courage," he added. Gujarat of course was the new Congress president's -- Rahul took over as Congress president from his mother only on Saturday -- first test. But despite the loss, commentators will look at the increase in the number of seats the Congress wins (in Gujarat) this time. Current projections say the Congress will increase its tally from the last time by as many as 19 seats. In Himachal, the Congress is expected to win 15 fewer seats than last time. Gandhi's critics however will say the new president jettisoned the Congress's trademark platform of secularism for the first time in the history of India's grand old party. Over three months of campaigning in Gujarat, Gandhi visited a total of 27 temples, and took to speaking at public rallies with a tilak on his forehead. He was, like the BJP, courting the HIndu vote. And did not really mention the Muslim who make up 10 per cent of Gujarat's population. Which, Gandhi's critics will say, leaves the country with a choice (between the BJP and the Congress) of two competing variants of Hindutva.

Congress accepts verdict of the people: Rahul Gandhi

<p>New Congress President Rahul Gandhi has his work cut out for him.</p>

<p>Following the election results in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh on Monday, the Congress -- the country&#39;s &quot;grand old party&quot; -- is now left in power in only four states in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The four states are Punjab, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-results-bjp-wins-gujaratand-himachal-27098">Election results prove country ready for reform: Modi after Gujarat win</a></p>

<p>Since coming to power at the Centre -- Modi had at the time promised to deliver a &quot;Congress- mukt Bharat&quot; -- the BJP has wrested Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Manipur from the Congress.</p>

<p>The Congress had ruled Maharashtra for over 15 years, and Assam for over 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-a-temporary-and-face-saving-win-for-bjp-says-mamata-banerjee-27094">It is a temporary and face-saving win for BJP, says Mamata Banerjee</a></p>

<p>The next battleground will be Karnataka, which is expected to go to the polls sometime in April or May next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Victory in Gujarat and Himachal shows people have once again accepted PM Modi, his policies and Gujarat model. They&#39;ve voted for development and against corrupt Congress. It&#39;ll have positive impact in Karnataka,&quot; Karnataka BJP President said Monday after the BJP won Gujarat and HImachal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had attacked Karnataka&#39;s Congress government over what he said was the deteriorating law and order situation.</p>

<p>He cited the murder of the&nbsp;journalist Gauri Lankesh, saying if&nbsp;the&nbsp;BJP came to power in the state it would catch her killers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have also been killings of members of right-wing Hindu groups in Karnataka in recent months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh also accused the&nbsp;Siddaramaiah government of trying to &quot;divide&quot;&nbsp;society, saying the state government should have refrained from celebrating Tipu Sultan&#39;s birthday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The &quot;divide&quot; though is really between two different forms of nationalism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka has been mulling the adoption of a state flag and there have been protests in the state against Hindi signboards.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commentators say&nbsp;Siddaramaiah will deploy this &quot;sub-nationalism&quot; to counter Modi and the BJP&#39;s exhortation of &quot;nationalism&quot;.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The four states are Punjab, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Mizoram

New Congress President Rahul Gandhi has his work cut out for him. Following the election results in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh on Monday, the Congress -- the country's "grand old party" -- is now left in power in only four states in the country. The four states are Punjab, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Also read: Election results prove country ready for reform: Modi after Gujarat win Since coming to power at the Centre -- Modi had at the time promised to deliver a "Congress- mukt Bharat" -- the BJP has wrested Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Manipur from the Congress. The Congress had ruled Maharashtra for over 15 years, and Assam for over 10. Also read: It is a temporary and face-saving win for BJP, says Mamata Banerjee The next battleground will be Karnataka, which is expected to go to the polls sometime in April or May next year. "Victory in Gujarat and Himachal shows people have once again accepted PM Modi, his policies and Gujarat model. They've voted for development and against corrupt Congress. It'll have positive impact in Karnataka," Karnataka BJP President said Monday after the BJP won Gujarat and HImachal. On Sunday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had attacked Karnataka's Congress government over what he said was the deteriorating law and order situation. He cited the murder of the journalist Gauri Lankesh, saying if the BJP came to power in the state it would catch her killers. There have also been killings of members of right-wing Hindu groups in Karnataka in recent months. Singh also accused the Siddaramaiah government of trying to "divide" society, saying the state government should have refrained from celebrating Tipu Sultan's birthday. The "divide" though is really between two different forms of nationalism. Karnataka has been mulling the adoption of a state flag and there have been protests in the state against Hindi signboards. Commentators say Siddaramaiah will deploy this "sub-nationalism" to counter Modi and the BJP's exhortation of "nationalism".

After Himachal loss, Congress left in power in only four states

<p>Mamata Banerjee on Monday&nbsp;congratulated the people in Gujarat for their &#39;balanced verdict&#39;, following the election results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further claimed that this is just a &#39;temporary and face-saving win for BJP, however, it shows their defeat&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She posted a Tweet saying: &quot;I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour.&nbsp;It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP.&quot;</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress leader further added: &quot;Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety, and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour.<br />
It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP.<br />
Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019</p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/942705505042014208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The BJP is in the lead in 99 seats in Gujarat and Congress is trailing with 80 seats in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-election-results-i-accept-the-bjps-victory-says-congresss-virbhadra-singh-27075">Himachal election results: &#39;I accept victory of BJP,&#39; says Congress&#39;s Virbhadra Singh</a></p>

<p>Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted expressing his gratitude towards the people of Gujarat and said that he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-accepts-verdict-of-the-people-rahul-gandhi-27081">&quot;accepts the verdict of the people</a>&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further told his supporters that they have demonstrated to everyone that the &#39;Congress&rsquo;s greatest strength is its decency and courage.&#39;</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-bow-to-people-of-gujarat-and-himachal-modi-27072"> I bow to people of Gujarat and Himachal: Modi</a></p>

<p>BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh

Mamata Banerjee on Monday congratulated the people in Gujarat for their 'balanced verdict', following the election results. She further claimed that this is just a 'temporary and face-saving win for BJP, however, it shows their defeat'. She posted a Tweet saying: "I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour. It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP." The Trinamool Congress leader further added: "Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety, and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019" I congratulate Gujarat voters for their very balanced verdict at this hour. It is a temporary and face-saving win, but it shows a moral defeat for BJP. Gujarat voted against atrocities, anxiety and injustice caused to the common people. Gujarat belled the cat for 2019 — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 18, 2017 × The BJP is in the lead in 99 seats in Gujarat and Congress is trailing with 80 seats in the state. Also read: Himachal election results: 'I accept victory of BJP,' says Congress's Virbhadra Singh Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted expressing his gratitude towards the people of Gujarat and said that he "accepts the verdict of the people". He further told his supporters that they have demonstrated to everyone that the 'Congress’s greatest strength is its decency and courage.' Also read: I bow to people of Gujarat and Himachal: Modi BJP has taken a clean sweep from Congress in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Temporary and face-saving win for BJP, says Mamata Banerjee

<p>The Election Commission tonight withdrew the notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his TV interviews during Gujarat polls, and said it will revisit a provision in the election law under which it was issued.</p>

<p>The poll body had on December 13 issued the show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi for &quot;prima facie&quot; violating the provisions under the election law and the model code by giving interviews to TV channels.</p>

<p>While withdrawing the notice, it told the Congress and the BJP, &quot;The Commission is of the considered view that due to multi-fold expansion of digital and electronic media, the extant Model Code of Conduct, Section 126 of the RP Act, 1951, and other related provisions require revisiting to cater to the requirement and challenges of the present and emerging situations.&quot;</p>

<p>The poll body also decided to set up a panel to suggest amendments to a provision in the election law barring campaigning 48 hours ahead of polling, following complaints that it has failed to keep pace with information technology.</p>

<p>The order comes in the wake of controversies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s FICCI meeting, Rahul Gandhi&#39;s TV interviews and the release of BJP manifesto in Gujarat -- all after campaigning had ended in the state.</p>

<p>After the EC passed the order, the Congress said if the commission had issued the notice just to prevent the telecast of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s interviews.</p>

<p>Congress communications in charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted, &quot;If Election Commission has withdrawn its notice issued to Sh. Rahul Gandhi, two bonafide questions must be asked-: 1. Was it a mere ploy to prevent TV channels from showing his interview? and 2. Is it a justification for no action or registration of an FIR against PM &amp; Ministers?&quot;</p>

<p>The commission also said that proposed panel to review section 126 of the Representation of the People Act will have members drawn from the EC, Information &amp; Broadcasting, law and IT ministries as also National Broadcasters Associations (NBA) and the Press Council of India (PCI).</p>

<p>The commission said Section 126 of the RP Act does not take into account communication revolution and &quot;it appears imperative to revisit the provisions relating to the last 48 hours before completion of poll to appropriately address challenges unleashed by fast-changing technologies in the context of multi-phase polls.&quot;</p>

<p>The proposed panel will &quot;examine these provisions in the prevailing context of communication technologies and suggest required changes,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>It also told the BJP about the complaint by the Congress that model code was allegedly violated by the prime minister and union ministers Arun Jaitley and Piyush Goyal.</p>

<p>Without issuing any directions, the Commission said, &quot;BJP is advised not to make mention of any election matter pertaining to area going for the poll during the prohibited period of 48 hours, henceforth.&quot;</p>


The order comes in the wake of controversies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's FICCI meeting, Rahul Gandhi's TV interviews and the release of BJP manifesto in Gujarat -- all after campaigning had ended in the state.

The Election Commission tonight withdrew the notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his TV interviews during Gujarat polls, and said it will revisit a provision in the election law under which it was issued. The poll body had on December 13 issued the show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi for "prima facie" violating the provisions under the election law and the model code by giving interviews to TV channels. While withdrawing the notice, it told the Congress and the BJP, "The Commission is of the considered view that due to multi-fold expansion of digital and electronic media, the extant Model Code of Conduct, Section 126 of the RP Act, 1951, and other related provisions require revisiting to cater to the requirement and challenges of the present and emerging situations." The poll body also decided to set up a panel to suggest amendments to a provision in the election law barring campaigning 48 hours ahead of polling, following complaints that it has failed to keep pace with information technology. The order comes in the wake of controversies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's FICCI meeting, Rahul Gandhi's TV interviews and the release of BJP manifesto in Gujarat -- all after campaigning had ended in the state. After the EC passed the order, the Congress said if the commission had issued the notice just to prevent the telecast of Rahul Gandhi's interviews. Congress communications in charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted, "If Election Commission has withdrawn its notice issued to Sh. Rahul Gandhi, two bonafide questions must be asked-: 1. Was it a mere ploy to prevent TV channels from showing his interview? and 2. Is it a justification for no action or registration of an FIR against PM & Ministers?" The commission also said that proposed panel to review section 126 of the Representation of the People Act will have members drawn from the EC, Information & Broadcasting, law and IT ministries as also National Broadcasters Associations (NBA) and the Press Council of India (PCI). The commission said Section 126 of the RP Act does not take into account communication revolution and "it appears imperative to revisit the provisions relating to the last 48 hours before completion of poll to appropriately address challenges unleashed by fast-changing technologies in the context of multi-phase polls." The proposed panel will "examine these provisions in the prevailing context of communication technologies and suggest required changes," it said. It also told the BJP about the complaint by the Congress that model code was allegedly violated by the prime minister and union ministers Arun Jaitley and Piyush Goyal. Without issuing any directions, the Commission said, "BJP is advised not to make mention of any election matter pertaining to area going for the poll during the prohibited period of 48 hours, henceforth."

EC withdraws notice to Rahul over TV interviews ahead of Gujarat polls

<p>Wishes started pouring in for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-invites-party-office-bearers-legislators-for-dinner-26964">Rahul Gandhi</a>&nbsp;after he took charge as the 87th Congress Party president yesterday.</p>

<p>Political veterans, leaders, celebrities and eminent personalities have congratulating Rahul Gandhi, wishing him all the luck and success for his new innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a congratulatory message, Delhi chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, &quot;Congratulations Rahul ji for this big responsibility and our best wishes for all your endeavours,&quot; tweeted Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Rahul ji for this big responsibility and our best wishes for all ur endeavours.</p>
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/941917860548395008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Riteish&nbsp;Deshmukh, Sushil Kumar and Kamal Hassan were among the others who wished Congress president after he took charge as party president. While Kamal Hassan said &#39;&#39;Your seat does not define you but you can define your position while Riteish in his congratulatory message said &#39;&#39;May you continue to be the voice for the voiceless.&#39;&#39;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Mr. Rahul.G. Your seat does not define you but you can define your position. I have admired your elders. I am sure you would work and deserve my admiration too. All the strength to your shoulders.</p>
&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/941909045828399105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Shri Rahul Gandhi ji on taking over as the Congress President. May you continue to be the voice of the voiceless. <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a> <a href="https://t.co/WFV9afvlN0">pic.twitter.com/WFV9afvlN0</a></p>
&mdash; Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riteishd/status/942031384742432768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a> for taking charge as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPresident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPresident</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/INCDelhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCDelhi</a>.</p>
&mdash; Sushil Kumar (@WrestlerSushil) <a href="https://twitter.com/WrestlerSushil/status/941912484922974208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Riteish?Deshmukh, Sushil Kumar and Kamal Hassan among others wished the new Congress president

Wishes started pouring in for Rahul Gandhi after he took charge as the 87th Congress Party president yesterday. Political veterans, leaders, celebrities and eminent personalities have congratulating Rahul Gandhi, wishing him all the luck and success for his new innings. In a congratulatory message, Delhi chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Congratulations Rahul ji for this big responsibility and our best wishes for all your endeavours," tweeted Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Congratulations Rahul ji for this big responsibility and our best wishes for all ur endeavours. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 16, 2017 × Riteish Deshmukh, Sushil Kumar and Kamal Hassan were among the others who wished Congress president after he took charge as party president. While Kamal Hassan said ''Your seat does not define you but you can define your position while Riteish in his congratulatory message said ''May you continue to be the voice for the voiceless.'' Congratulations Mr. Rahul.G. Your seat does not define you but you can define your position. I have admired your elders. I am sure you would work and deserve my admiration too. All the strength to your shoulders. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 16, 2017 × Congratulations Shri Rahul Gandhi ji on taking over as the Congress President. May you continue to be the voice of the voiceless. @OfficeOfRG pic.twitter.com/WFV9afvlN0 — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) December 16, 2017 × Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to #RahulGandhi @OfficeOfRG for taking charge as #CongressPresident @INCDelhi. — Sushil Kumar (@WrestlerSushil) December 16, 2017 ×

Wishes pour in for Rahul Gandhi

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi.</p>

<p>In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas.</p>

<p>The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14.</p>

<p>Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi demanded comprehensive special financial package for, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi. In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas. The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14. Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.

Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, demands special package for cyclone-hit victims

<p>Newly-elected Congress president Rahul Gandhi threw a lavish dinner party for party members, senior leaders as well as leaders of the opposition party on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dinner party included senior opposition leaders along with Congress MP&#39;s with an aim to bring them closer to Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dinner party was hosted ahead of winter session of Parliment which began on December 15, with hopes to corner the government on a number of issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress plans to build strategies after the Assembly election results of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi took charge of the Congress party&#39;s reins yesterday at a formal function from his mother Sonia Gandhi, with objectives of reviving a moribund party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his first speech as the Congress president, Rahul Gandhi hit out at the BJP, accusing it of spreading hatred and violence in the country.</p>

<p>&quot;They break, we unite. They ignite fire, we douse it. They get angry, we love. This is the difference between them and us,&quot; he told party workers.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi, 71, who helmed the party for 19 years, in her last address as the party President, said the Congress has been playing the role of opposition since 2014 and never before has it faced the challenge that it faces today.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The dinner party included senior opposition leaders along with Congress MP's with an aim to bring them closer to Gandhi

Newly-elected Congress president Rahul Gandhi threw a lavish dinner party for party members, senior leaders as well as leaders of the opposition party on Sunday. The dinner party included senior opposition leaders along with Congress MP's with an aim to bring them closer to Rahul Gandhi. The dinner party was hosted ahead of winter session of Parliment which began on December 15, with hopes to corner the government on a number of issues. Congress plans to build strategies after the Assembly election results of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh on Monday. Rahul Gandhi took charge of the Congress party's reins yesterday at a formal function from his mother Sonia Gandhi, with objectives of reviving a moribund party. In his first speech as the Congress president, Rahul Gandhi hit out at the BJP, accusing it of spreading hatred and violence in the country. "They break, we unite. They ignite fire, we douse it. They get angry, we love. This is the difference between them and us," he told party workers. Sonia Gandhi, 71, who helmed the party for 19 years, in her last address as the party President, said the Congress has been playing the role of opposition since 2014 and never before has it faced the challenge that it faces today.

Rahul Gandhi hosts dinner for Congress MPs, leaders of opposition parties

<p>A day after assuming office as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi invited party MPs, office bearers, PCC leaders and Congress Legislative Party leaders for dinner on Sunday evening in Delhi.</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi has invited Party MPs, Office bearers, PCC leaders and Congress Legislative Party leaders for dinner today evening in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Politics belongs to the people, but today politics is not being used for people. It is not being used to uplift people, but to crush them,&#39;&#39; Rahul Gandhi said yesterday after taking over the grand old party from his mother and the outgoing president Sonia Gandhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress president Rahul Gandhi has invited Party MPs, Office bearers,PCC leaders and Congress Legislative Party leaders for dinner today evening in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/sWuTENYyG0">pic.twitter.com/sWuTENYyG0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942244956743155712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a scathing attack on ruling BJP, he accused Modi of taking India back in time.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Congress took India to the 21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,&#39;&#39; Congress president Rahul Gandhi said. &nbsp;</p>


Congress president Rahul Gandhi has invited Party MPs, Office bearers,PCC leaders and Congress Legislative Party leaders for dinner today evening in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.

A day after assuming office as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi invited party MPs, office bearers, PCC leaders and Congress Legislative Party leaders for dinner on Sunday evening in Delhi. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has invited Party MPs, Office bearers, PCC leaders and Congress Legislative Party leaders for dinner today evening in Delhi, news agency ANI reported. ''Politics belongs to the people, but today politics is not being used for people. It is not being used to uplift people, but to crush them,'' Rahul Gandhi said yesterday after taking over the grand old party from his mother and the outgoing president Sonia Gandhi. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has invited Party MPs, Office bearers,PCC leaders and Congress Legislative Party leaders for dinner today evening in Delhi pic.twitter.com/sWuTENYyG0 — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × In a scathing attack on ruling BJP, he accused Modi of taking India back in time. ''Congress took India to the 21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,'' Congress president Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi invites party office bearers, legislators for dinner

<p>Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi has denied the rumours of her mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi retiring from politics.</p>

<p>Priyanka Gandhi said that Sonia Gandhi will be fighting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from her constituency, Raebareli, in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>During an event, Priyanka Gandhi was asked if she would contest from Raebareli in 2019. She responded by saying, &quot;There is no question of my contesting, my mother will be contesting from Rae Bareli.&quot;</p>

<p>Priyanka Gandhi&#39;s remarks have scotched the speculation of earlier media reports which stated that Sonia Gandhi will retire from&nbsp;politics</p>

<p>On Friday, the Congress issued a clarification that she is only retiring as president and not from politics.</p>

<p>Priyanka&#39;s&nbsp;statement came during the elevation event of Rahul Gandhi as Congress Party president on Saturday.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi has finally taken over as a party president as Sonia Gandhi retires from the post.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi, who held the position for 19 years was the longest-serving president of the party.</p>


The statement came during the elevation event of Rahul Gandhi as Congress Party president on Saturday

Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi has denied the rumours of her mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi retiring from politics. Priyanka Gandhi said that Sonia Gandhi will be fighting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from her constituency, Raebareli, in Uttar Pradesh. During an event, Priyanka Gandhi was asked if she would contest from Raebareli in 2019. She responded by saying, "There is no question of my contesting, my mother will be contesting from Rae Bareli." Priyanka Gandhi's remarks have scotched the speculation of earlier media reports which stated that Sonia Gandhi will retire from politics On Friday, the Congress issued a clarification that she is only retiring as president and not from politics. Priyanka's statement came during the elevation event of Rahul Gandhi as Congress Party president on Saturday. Rahul Gandhi has finally taken over as a party president as Sonia Gandhi retires from the post. Sonia Gandhi, who held the position for 19 years was the longest-serving president of the party.

Sonia Gandhi will fight from Rae Bareli: Priyanka Gandhi

<p>In his inagurual speech after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s policies and alleged &#39;&#39;Modi is taking us back to the medieval times&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-charge-as-congress-president-26891">&#39;&#39;Congress took India to </a>21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,&#39;&#39; Congress president Rahul Gandhi said.</p>

<p>Gandhi scion said that if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the &#39; pyara karyakarta&nbsp;and&nbsp;neta &#39; of Congress. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress is an ancient idea. BJP would have you believe they are oldest idea in the universe,as usual this is not the truth.In India,thr are 2 ideas that hv clashed, idea of self vs the other.BJP are soldiers fighting for self. Congress guided by service of community:Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/AI3jiCWiAs">pic.twitter.com/AI3jiCWiAs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941920038273007617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">&#39;&#39;And if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">pyara</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">karyakarta</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809"> &amp; </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">neta</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">&#39; of Congress. </a>We are going to make Congress, grand old and young party. We will fight the politics of anger,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is with deepest humility, that I accept this position (of Congress President) knowing that I will always be walking in the shadow of giants: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/GCZJjBpl13">pic.twitter.com/GCZJjBpl13</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941918501068947456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Accusing the BJP of spreading the fire of violence across the country, Rahul Gandhi said once a fire breaks out it&#39;s difficult to douse it.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;You have an example in front of you, once a fire breaks out it is difficult to douse it, that is what we are telling the people of BJP, that if you set the nation on fire it will be difficult to control. Today BJP has spread the fire of violence across the country,&#39;&#39;&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi said.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;We are now being compelled to imagine that businesses can be built without harmony that only one man himself is the voice of reason. Expertise, experience and knowledge can be cast aside for personal glory,&#39;&#39; he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We consider the BJP as our brothers &amp; sisters, but we do not agree with them. They (BJP) crush voices but we allow them to speak, they defame we respect &amp; defend: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/qSg8C3ADT7">pic.twitter.com/qSg8C3ADT7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941917729509933056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Today, politics is devoid of kindness and truth. Many of us are disillusioned by politics of our time, the Congress president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Politics belongs to the people, but today politics is not being used for people. It is not being used to uplift people, but to crush them, he said.&nbsp;</p>


Today, politics is devoid of kindness and truth. Many of us are disillusioned by politics of our time, the Congress president said.?

In his inagurual speech after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and alleged ''Modi is taking us back to the medieval times''. ''Congress took India to 21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,'' Congress president Rahul Gandhi said. Gandhi scion said that if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the ' pyara karyakarta and neta ' of Congress. Congress is an ancient idea. BJP would have you believe they are oldest idea in the universe,as usual this is not the truth.In India,thr are 2 ideas that hv clashed, idea of self vs the other.BJP are soldiers fighting for self. Congress guided by service of community:Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/AI3jiCWiAs — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × ''And if there is anyone who can stop what the BJP is doing, it is the 'pyara karyakarta & neta' of Congress. We are going to make Congress, grand old and young party. We will fight the politics of anger,'' he said. It is with deepest humility, that I accept this position (of Congress President) knowing that I will always be walking in the shadow of giants: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/GCZJjBpl13 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × Accusing the BJP of spreading the fire of violence across the country, Rahul Gandhi said once a fire breaks out it's difficult to douse it. ''You have an example in front of you, once a fire breaks out it is difficult to douse it, that is what we are telling the people of BJP, that if you set the nation on fire it will be difficult to control. Today BJP has spread the fire of violence across the country,'' Rahul Gandhi said. ''We are now being compelled to imagine that businesses can be built without harmony that only one man himself is the voice of reason. Expertise, experience and knowledge can be cast aside for personal glory,'' he said. We consider the BJP as our brothers & sisters, but we do not agree with them. They (BJP) crush voices but we allow them to speak, they defame we respect & defend: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/qSg8C3ADT7 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × Today, politics is devoid of kindness and truth. Many of us are disillusioned by politics of our time, the Congress president said. Politics belongs to the people, but today politics is not being used for people. It is not being used to uplift people, but to crush them, he said.

PM Modi taking India back to medieval times: Rahul Gandhi

<p>Rahul Gandhi took over as Congress President on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gandhi scion is taking over as the party&#39;s chief from his mother Sonia Gandhi who served as party&nbsp;president for 19 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at AICC HQ for Rahul Gandhi&#39;s swearing-in as Congress President; Sonia &amp; Rahul Gandhi also seated at the stage. <a href="https://t.co/l2Elo8WLS1">pic.twitter.com/l2Elo8WLS1</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941903493542973440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress vice-president was handed over the certificate for taking over as the party&#39;s chief at a function at the party headquarters 24, Akbar Road.</p>

<p>The party&#39;s outgoing president Sonia Gandhi congratulated and blessed Rahul Gandhi for taking charge as Congress President.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Indira Gandhi treated me like her own daughter and I learnt a lot about India from her. In 1984, Indira ji was assassinated and I felt I had lost my mother and that incident changed my life forever,&#39;&#39; said Sonia Gandhi.</p>

<p>Since childhood, Rahul Gandhi had to bear the brunt of the violence. After joining politics he had to face blatant personal attacks, that have made him a stronger person, said Sonia Gandhi</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Rahul is my son, so I do not think for me to praise him is right but I would say that since childhood he had to bear the brunt of the violence, after joining politics he had to face blatant personal attacks, that have made him a stronger person,&#39;&#39; she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;My support was taken away from me after Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi passed away. It took a long while to come to terms with it,&#39;&#39; Sonia Gandhi added.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi&#39;s address was interrupted by the noise of incessant fireworks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on the occasion, former prime minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh said that Rahul Gandhi was taking over as president when there are certain disturbing trends noticeable in politics.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Rahulji is taking over as president when there are certain disturbing trends noticeable in politics.As a distinguished academic pointed out that there are dangers that politics of fear will take over&nbsp;politics of hope, Rahul ji, we depend upon you to transform and sustain politics of hope, said Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The party&#39;s outgoing president Sonia Gandhi, Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi&#39;sister Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra and several Congress party leaders and cadres were present on the occasion.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra &amp; her husband Robert Vadra reach Congress HQ at Akbar Road ahead of Rahul Gandhi taking charge as party President. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/SKBGPBVKlY">pic.twitter.com/SKBGPBVKlY</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941900787675930624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Manmohan&nbsp;also saluted Sonia Gandhi for uniting the party for 19 years and said that Rahul Gandhi would bring a sense of dedication and commitment as party president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;Now, that Sonia Ji is handing over reins of the party to Rahul ji we salute Sonia Ji for uniting the leadership, something that she has been doing since 19 years. Rahul Ji brings a new sense of dedication &amp; commitment as party president,&#39;&#39; Manmohan added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am sure the party will scale new heights of glory under Rahul Gandhi, he further said.&nbsp;</p>


The Congress vice-president was handed over the certificate for taking over as the party's chief at a function at the party headquarters in Delhi

Rahul Gandhi took over as Congress President on Saturday. The Gandhi scion is taking over as the party's chief from his mother Sonia Gandhi who served as party president for 19 years. Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at AICC HQ for Rahul Gandhi's swearing-in as Congress President; Sonia & Rahul Gandhi also seated at the stage. pic.twitter.com/l2Elo8WLS1 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × The Congress vice-president was handed over the certificate for taking over as the party's chief at a function at the party headquarters 24, Akbar Road. The party's outgoing president Sonia Gandhi congratulated and blessed Rahul Gandhi for taking charge as Congress President. ''Indira Gandhi treated me like her own daughter and I learnt a lot about India from her. In 1984, Indira ji was assassinated and I felt I had lost my mother and that incident changed my life forever,'' said Sonia Gandhi. Since childhood, Rahul Gandhi had to bear the brunt of the violence. After joining politics he had to face blatant personal attacks, that have made him a stronger person, said Sonia Gandhi ''Rahul is my son, so I do not think for me to praise him is right but I would say that since childhood he had to bear the brunt of the violence, after joining politics he had to face blatant personal attacks, that have made him a stronger person,'' she said. ''My support was taken away from me after Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi passed away. It took a long while to come to terms with it,'' Sonia Gandhi added. Sonia Gandhi's address was interrupted by the noise of incessant fireworks. Speaking on the occasion, former prime minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh said that Rahul Gandhi was taking over as president when there are certain disturbing trends noticeable in politics. ''Rahulji is taking over as president when there are certain disturbing trends noticeable in politics.As a distinguished academic pointed out that there are dangers that politics of fear will take over politics of hope, Rahul ji, we depend upon you to transform and sustain politics of hope, said Manmohan Singh. The party's outgoing president Sonia Gandhi, Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi'sister Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra and several Congress party leaders and cadres were present on the occasion. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra & her husband Robert Vadra reach Congress HQ at Akbar Road ahead of Rahul Gandhi taking charge as party President. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/SKBGPBVKlY — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × Manmohan also saluted Sonia Gandhi for uniting the party for 19 years and said that Rahul Gandhi would bring a sense of dedication and commitment as party president. ''Now, that Sonia Ji is handing over reins of the party to Rahul ji we salute Sonia Ji for uniting the leadership, something that she has been doing since 19 years. Rahul Ji brings a new sense of dedication & commitment as party president,'' Manmohan added. I am sure the party will scale new heights of glory under Rahul Gandhi, he further said.

Rahul Gandhi takes charge as Congress President

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<p>A major tax cut promised by US President Donald Trump was on track for final passage next week, after two previous holdouts in his Republican party said Friday they would vote yes on the legislation.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-headquarters-celebrates-ahead-of-rahul-gandhis-swearing-in-ceremony-26884">Celebrations at Congress headquarters ahead of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s take over as party president</a></p>

<p>Congress party headquarters in Delhi wore a festive look ahead of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s take over as party<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-swear-in-as-congress-president-today-26869">&nbsp;president today</a>&nbsp;with several&nbsp;supporters and party workers thronging 24, Akbar Road, early morning to celebrate the &#39;coronation&#39; of party&#39;s new Chief.</p>

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<p>A strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake rocked Indonesia`s main island of Java late Friday, leaving at least one person dead and rattling nerves in the capital Jakarta.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Trump's much-touted tax cut on track for passage in US Congress A major tax cut promised by US President Donald Trump was on track for final passage next week, after two previous holdouts in his Republican party said Friday they would vote yes on the legislation. Celebrations at Congress headquarters ahead of Rahul Gandhi's take over as party president Congress party headquarters in Delhi wore a festive look ahead of Rahul Gandhi's take over as party president today with several supporters and party workers thronging 24, Akbar Road, early morning to celebrate the 'coronation' of party's new Chief. Rex Tillerson calls for release of two reporters arrested in Myanmar US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Friday that the United States was demanding "the immediate release" of two Reuters reporters arrested in Myanmar "or information as to the circumstances around their disappearance." Cabinet clears triple talaq bill, 3 years jail for guilty husbands in proposed law The Union cabinet on Friday cleared the triple talaq bill. Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Cabinet had approved a proposal to introduce the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, to make instant triple talaq void and illegal. 6.5 magnitude quake strikes Indonesia's Java island A strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake rocked Indonesia`s main island of Java late Friday, leaving at least one person dead and rattling nerves in the capital Jakarta.

WION Morning News Brief, 16 December 2017

<p>Congress party headquarters in Delhi wore a festive look ahead of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s take over as party<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-swear-in-as-congress-president-today-26869"> president today</a>&nbsp;with several&nbsp;supporters and party workers thronging 24, Akbar Road, early morning to celebrate the &#39;coronation&#39; of party&#39;s new Chief.</p>

<p>The party workers were seen carrying Rahul Gandhi&#39;s posters and chanting slogans.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Posters &amp; hoardings put up in area around AICC HQ in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi will take charge as Congress President, today. <a href="https://t.co/Mdp7zQOZl7">pic.twitter.com/Mdp7zQOZl7</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941853471686344704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The headquarters of the Indian National Congress for four decades has seen the party through the glorious Indira Gandhi years, Rajiv Gandhi&#39;s experiments, Sonia Gandhi&#39;s reluctant introduction&nbsp;into politics in the past.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Supporters &amp; party workers burst crackers &amp; raise slogans in support of Rahul Gandhi outside Congress HQ at Delhi&#39;s Akbar Road, ahead of him taking over as the party president. <a href="https://t.co/gM4ZXhrI2c">pic.twitter.com/gM4ZXhrI2c</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941862459396067329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi&#39;s elevation comes at a tumultuous time. Rahul Gandhi led his party&#39;s campaign from the front in just concluded Gujarat election. Though his party billed it as a sign of an overhauled public image, nearly all exit polls have predicted the Congress losing to the BJP by a huge margin. The Congress is also widely expected to lose Himachal Pradesh. Results for both the state elections will be declared on Monday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visuals from outside Congress HQ in Delhi; sweets brought in, supporters continue to celebrate &amp; raise slogans ahead of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s takeover as party President. <a href="https://t.co/e62Fgumr7t">pic.twitter.com/e62Fgumr7t</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941871726484271105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress headquarters in Delhi is swarmed with hundreds of supporters carrying Rahul Gandhi's posters and chanting slogans in his name.?

Congress party headquarters in Delhi wore a festive look ahead of Rahul Gandhi's take over as party president today with several supporters and party workers thronging 24, Akbar Road, early morning to celebrate the 'coronation' of party's new Chief. The party workers were seen carrying Rahul Gandhi's posters and chanting slogans. Posters & hoardings put up in area around AICC HQ in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi will take charge as Congress President, today. pic.twitter.com/Mdp7zQOZl7 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × The headquarters of the Indian National Congress for four decades has seen the party through the glorious Indira Gandhi years, Rajiv Gandhi's experiments, Sonia Gandhi's reluctant introduction into politics in the past. Supporters & party workers burst crackers & raise slogans in support of Rahul Gandhi outside Congress HQ at Delhi's Akbar Road, ahead of him taking over as the party president. pic.twitter.com/gM4ZXhrI2c — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 × Gandhi's elevation comes at a tumultuous time. Rahul Gandhi led his party's campaign from the front in just concluded Gujarat election. Though his party billed it as a sign of an overhauled public image, nearly all exit polls have predicted the Congress losing to the BJP by a huge margin. The Congress is also widely expected to lose Himachal Pradesh. Results for both the state elections will be declared on Monday. Visuals from outside Congress HQ in Delhi; sweets brought in, supporters continue to celebrate & raise slogans ahead of Rahul Gandhi's takeover as party President. pic.twitter.com/e62Fgumr7t — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2017 ×

Celebrations at Congress headquarters ahead of Rahul Gandhi's take over as party president

<p>Rahul Gandhi is all set to be sworn-in&nbsp;as the party chief today after he was elected unopposed as president of the Indian National Congress on Monday.</p>

<p>It was only four years ago Rahul Gandhi was handed over the baton to lead the party as its vice-president.</p>

<p>Rahul was&nbsp;appointed as party&#39;s vice-president in January 2013.</p>

<p>Rahul&#39;s mother <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">Sonia Gandhi has stepped down</a> as the president after serving for nearly two decades. She assumed office in 1998.</p>

<p>Rahul has led the campaign for the 14th Gujarat assembly elections on behalf of the Congress party. He had also recently shown the door to&nbsp;Mani Shankar Aiyar after the latter refused to follow Rahul&#39;s directive to apologise to the PM for his &#39;neech aadmi&#39; remark. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-posts-an-erroneous-tweet-deletes-later-25910">erroneous Tweet from the official handle of Rahul Gandhi </a>associated with price rise during PM Modi&#39;s regime proved to be a major embarrassment for Gandhi and Congress. Gandhi later&nbsp;deleted the Tweet and apologised. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gandhi scion&#39;s first test would be Gujarat Assembly elections, how he&nbsp;carries forward his mother&#39;s legacy will be crucial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of now, nearly all exit polls and political analysis point toward BJP&#39;s win in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh; results for both the states are due on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


It was four years ago Rahul Gandhi was handed over the baton to lead the party as its vice-president

Rahul Gandhi is all set to be sworn-in as the party chief today after he was elected unopposed as president of the Indian National Congress on Monday. It was only four years ago Rahul Gandhi was handed over the baton to lead the party as its vice-president. Rahul was appointed as party's vice-president in January 2013. Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi has stepped down as the president after serving for nearly two decades. She assumed office in 1998. Rahul has led the campaign for the 14th Gujarat assembly elections on behalf of the Congress party. He had also recently shown the door to Mani Shankar Aiyar after the latter refused to follow Rahul's directive to apologise to the PM for his 'neech aadmi' remark. Recently, an erroneous Tweet from the official handle of Rahul Gandhi associated with price rise during PM Modi's regime proved to be a major embarrassment for Gandhi and Congress. Gandhi later deleted the Tweet and apologised. The Gandhi scion's first test would be Gujarat Assembly elections, how he carries forward his mother's legacy will be crucial. As of now, nearly all exit polls and political analysis point toward BJP's win in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh; results for both the states are due on Monday.

Rahul Gandhi to be sworn-in as Congress president today

<p>Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday said party president-elect Rahul Gandhi had always been a unanimous choice of the lakhs of workers across India and would infuse a new energy into the party.</p>

<p>&quot;It is a momentous occasion for the Congress Party. For 19 years, Sonia Gandhi has led the Congress. Rahul Gandhi has been a unanimous choice of the lakhs of workers across India who has elected him as the president of the party. It&#39;s a matter of great joy. Rahul Gandhi has a lot of challenges ahead of him. He is an honest person. He allows space for discussion with humility. His becoming the president will infuse a new energy into the Congress Party,&quot; Pilot told ANI.</p>

<p>He also stated that in 2019 Assembly elections, the Congress would remain the only party to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nationally, which it even now it is.</p>

<p>&quot;In 2019 elections, the only party to challenge the BJP nationally is and will remain the Congress party. I am very confident that he will lead the party with a lot of energy and be able to overcome the challenges,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Rahul, erstwhile Congress vice president, has succeeded his mother Sonia Gandhi and will ascend to the party throne on Saturday at 11 pm. He was elected unopposed.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a day ahead of his formal elevation as the Congress president, the Youth Congress office in New Delhi was lit up, yesterday.</p>

<p>The celebrations began as party workers danced outside the office with drum rolls.</p>

<p>The Congress office in Lucknow was also decorated with lights.</p>

<p>The party is also set to organise a grand celebration in the national capital.&nbsp;</p>


Rahul, erstwhile Congress vice president, has succeeded his mother Sonia Gandhi and will ascend to the party throne on Saturday at 11pm. He was elected unopposed.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday said party president-elect Rahul Gandhi had always been a unanimous choice of the lakhs of workers across India and would infuse a new energy into the party. "It is a momentous occasion for the Congress Party. For 19 years, Sonia Gandhi has led the Congress. Rahul Gandhi has been a unanimous choice of the lakhs of workers across India who has elected him as the president of the party. It's a matter of great joy. Rahul Gandhi has a lot of challenges ahead of him. He is an honest person. He allows space for discussion with humility. His becoming the president will infuse a new energy into the Congress Party," Pilot told ANI. He also stated that in 2019 Assembly elections, the Congress would remain the only party to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nationally, which it even now it is. "In 2019 elections, the only party to challenge the BJP nationally is and will remain the Congress party. I am very confident that he will lead the party with a lot of energy and be able to overcome the challenges," he added. Rahul, erstwhile Congress vice president, has succeeded his mother Sonia Gandhi and will ascend to the party throne on Saturday at 11 pm. He was elected unopposed. Meanwhile, a day ahead of his formal elevation as the Congress president, the Youth Congress office in New Delhi was lit up, yesterday. The celebrations began as party workers danced outside the office with drum rolls. The Congress office in Lucknow was also decorated with lights. The party is also set to organise a grand celebration in the national capital.

Rahul Gandhi will infuse new energy into Congress: Sachin Pilot

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-took-india-to-21st-century-but-the-pm-today-is-taking-us-back-to-medieval-times-rahul-gandhi-26892">PM Modi taking India back to medieval times: Rahul Gandhi</a></p>

<p>In his inagurual speech after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s policies and alleged &#39;&#39;Modi is taking us back to the medieval times&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-charge-as-congress-president-26891">&#39;&#39;Congress took India to&nbsp;</a>21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,&#39;&#39; Congress president Rahul Gandhi said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-may-revoke-rule-allowing-spouses-of-h-1b-visa-holders-to-work-in-the-united-states-26905">Trump administration may revoke rule allowing spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-may-revoke-rule-allowing-spouses-of-h-1b-visa-holders-to-work-in-the-united-states-26905">United</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-may-revoke-rule-allowing-spouses-of-h-1b-visa-holders-to-work-in-the-united-states-26905"> States</a></p>

<p>Trump administration had decided to revoke the rule that allows spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the United States, likely causing a muddle in technology jobs, reports said on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-26898">Only PM after Morarji Desai to take part in meeting of North-East Council: PM Modi in Shillong</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road in Meghalaya capital Shillong on Saturday.</p>

<p>The prime minister said the road will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-will-fight-from-rae-bareli-priyanka-gandhi-26907">Sonia Gandhi will fight from Rae Bareli: Priyanka Gandhi</a></p>

<p>Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi has denied the rumours of her mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi retiring from politics.</p>

<p>Priyanka Gandhi said that Sonia Gandhi will be fighting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from her constituency, Raebareli, in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/coal-scam-madhu-koda-gets-3-year-imprisonment-26890">Coal Scam: Madhu Koda gets 3-year imprisonment, 2 months interim bail granted</a></p>

<p>A special CBI court in Delhi has sentenced former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda and his former coal secretary H C Gupta to 3-year imprisonment.</p>

<p>Koda has also been slapped with a fine of Rs 25 lakh while a Gupta has been fined Rs.1 lakh; three others to appeal in the high court reports ANI.&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi taking India back to medieval times: Rahul Gandhi In his inagurual speech after taking over as Congress president, Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and alleged ''Modi is taking us back to the medieval times''. ''Congress took India to 21st century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times,'' Congress president Rahul Gandhi said. Trump administration may revoke rule allowing spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in United States Trump administration had decided to revoke the rule that allows spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the United States, likely causing a muddle in technology jobs, reports said on Saturday. Only PM after Morarji Desai to take part in meeting of North-East Council: PM Modi in Shillong Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road in Meghalaya capital Shillong on Saturday. The prime minister said the road will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state. Sonia Gandhi will fight from Rae Bareli: Priyanka Gandhi Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi has denied the rumours of her mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi retiring from politics. Priyanka Gandhi said that Sonia Gandhi will be fighting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from her constituency, Raebareli, in Uttar Pradesh. Coal Scam: Madhu Koda gets 3-year imprisonment, 2 months interim bail granted A special CBI court in Delhi has sentenced former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda and his former coal secretary H C Gupta to 3-year imprisonment. Koda has also been slapped with a fine of Rs 25 lakh while a Gupta has been fined Rs.1 lakh; three others to appeal in the high court reports ANI.

Evening News Brief, December 16, 2017

<p>Sonia Gandhi is no Indira, but <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">history may remember her as one of</a> the most powerful women of the grand old party. Congress party&#39;s longest-serving president surpassed expectations, even her rivals who slammed her &quot;foreign origin&quot; in early years during the 90s and even as late as 2004 when the UPA came to power, recognize the steely Sonia is made of sterner stuff.</p>

<p>Sonia took over the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-takes-over-as-congress-president-but-faces-greater-challenges-than-mother-sonia-gandhi-26480"> Congress in the late 90s at a time when</a> the NDA juggernaut had begun to roll in India under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. India at the time was still recovering from the Babri Masjid demolition which had polarised the Indian state and fractured India&#39;s democracy.</p>

<p>Sonia had the unenviable task of not only uniting the Congress which had begun to fragment but had to stand tall as a leader ready to take on a resurgent BJP.</p>

<p>In the early years, Sonia had very few Congress advisors to count upon but slowly she weaved through the mammoth hierarchy entrenched in old ways and found a way to beat the BJP - through large-scale connect&nbsp;with people on the ground.</p>

<p>For a leader who didn&#39;t understand the nuances of Indian politics, Sonia quickly learned the ropes and began to take on the BJP and its allies on the floor of the house, as well as outside in poll rallies.</p>

<p>Sonia&#39;s grit slowly began to bear fruit as the Congress began its slow revival post-2003 as BJP began to get complacent with its &quot;India Shining&quot; campaign.</p>

<p>Although the party was not expected to do much in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, Congress surprised everyone by surpassing the BJP. Congress successfully ran the 2004 campaign on the &quot;<em>aam </em><em>admi</em><em> ko kya </em><em>mila?</em>&quot;(what did the common man get?) slogan checkmating BJP&#39;s high voltage &quot;India Shining&quot; campaign.</p>

<p>Sonia became the Queen of the nation as the BJP was shown the door, the halo surrounding her grew after she decided to &quot;renounce&quot; the post of prime minister and offered it to Manmohan Singh.</p>

<p>Sonia enjoyed the privilege of a cabinet minister under UPA as many blamed her for &quot;remote controlling&quot;&nbsp;the Manmohan-led government, however, in the first UPA tenure, Sonia could do no wrong.</p>

<p>She skillfully shepherded the party and the government to reach out to the poor and farmers who were neglected for a long time. The farm waiver and RTI Act helped the UPA to project its &quot;aam admi&quot; credentials.</p>

<p>Congress was also able to keep the effects of the 2008 financial downturn at bay which helped it to win middle-class votes. In 2009, the Congress and its allies beat the NDA easily as LK Advani was sent into political oblivion, never to return.</p>

<p>Post-2011, however, as the Congress party began to sink under repeated scams, Sonia&#39;s health concerns grew as she began travelling to the US. Congress without its leader began to lose ground to the Opposition.</p>

<p>Modi recognized a weak Congress without Sonia at full steam was an easy kill made his move to Delhi, and the rest, as they say, is history.</p>

<p>Sonia would now be relinquishing her post to Rahul after nearly nineteen years, some would say an era has ended, for the Congress, it means a new king at the helm.</p>

<p>Sonia will perhaps now enjoy her sunset years as she reflects on her glory years as Congress chief.</p>


Sonia took over the Congress in the late 90s at a time when the NDA juggernaut had begun to roll in India under Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Sonia Gandhi is no Indira, but history may remember her as one of the most powerful women of the grand old party. Congress party's longest-serving president surpassed expectations, even her rivals who slammed her "foreign origin" in early years during the 90s and even as late as 2004 when the UPA came to power, recognize the steely Sonia is made of sterner stuff. Sonia took over the Congress in the late 90s at a time when the NDA juggernaut had begun to roll in India under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. India at the time was still recovering from the Babri Masjid demolition which had polarised the Indian state and fractured India's democracy. Sonia had the unenviable task of not only uniting the Congress which had begun to fragment but had to stand tall as a leader ready to take on a resurgent BJP. In the early years, Sonia had very few Congress advisors to count upon but slowly she weaved through the mammoth hierarchy entrenched in old ways and found a way to beat the BJP - through large-scale connect with people on the ground. For a leader who didn't understand the nuances of Indian politics, Sonia quickly learned the ropes and began to take on the BJP and its allies on the floor of the house, as well as outside in poll rallies. Sonia's grit slowly began to bear fruit as the Congress began its slow revival post-2003 as BJP began to get complacent with its "India Shining" campaign. Although the party was not expected to do much in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, Congress surprised everyone by surpassing the BJP. Congress successfully ran the 2004 campaign on the "aam admi ko kya mila?"(what did the common man get?) slogan checkmating BJP's high voltage "India Shining" campaign. Sonia became the Queen of the nation as the BJP was shown the door, the halo surrounding her grew after she decided to "renounce" the post of prime minister and offered it to Manmohan Singh. Sonia enjoyed the privilege of a cabinet minister under UPA as many blamed her for "remote controlling" the Manmohan-led government, however, in the first UPA tenure, Sonia could do no wrong. She skillfully shepherded the party and the government to reach out to the poor and farmers who were neglected for a long time. The farm waiver and RTI Act helped the UPA to project its "aam admi" credentials. Congress was also able to keep the effects of the 2008 financial downturn at bay which helped it to win middle-class votes. In 2009, the Congress and its allies beat the NDA easily as LK Advani was sent into political oblivion, never to return. Post-2011, however, as the Congress party began to sink under repeated scams, Sonia's health concerns grew as she began travelling to the US. Congress without its leader began to lose ground to the Opposition. Modi recognized a weak Congress without Sonia at full steam was an easy kill made his move to Delhi, and the rest, as they say, is history. Sonia would now be relinquishing her post to Rahul after nearly nineteen years, some would say an era has ended, for the Congress, it means a new king at the helm. Sonia will perhaps now enjoy her sunset years as she reflects on her glory years as Congress chief.

As Rahul takes control, Congress will miss Sonia's steely resolve

<p>The Congress party dismissed rumours that its chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-to-retire-from-politics-after-rahuls-coronation-as-party-chief-report-26809">Sonia Gandhi was retiring </a>from politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clarification came from party MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Randeep Surjewala who wrote on Twitter that Sonia Gandhi had retired as president of the Congress and not from politics.</p>

<p>Randeep Surjewala also requested &quot;friends in the media to not rely upon innuendos.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Would sincerely request friends in the media to not rely upon innuendos.<br />
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Smt. Sonia Gandhi has retired as President of Indian National Congress and not from politics. Her blessings, wisdom and innate commitment to Congress ideology shall always be our guiding light.</p>
&mdash; Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/941569953114742784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier today, media reports had quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying that she will retire from politics once her son Rahul Gandhi takes over the leadership of the party.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, who has led the party in its campaigning for the Gujarat assembly elections, was elected as Congress president last week. He is expected to take over officially as Congress president on December 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi has been struggling with health issues having had to cut short an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on one occasion this year and a visit to Shimla on another on account of ill-health.</p>

<p>In 2011, she had visited the US for surgery but the Congress refused to provide information about her health. She has been regularly visiting the US for health check-ups ever since.</p>


The clarification came from party MLA Randeep Surjewala who wrote on Twitter that Sonia Gandhi had retired as president of the Congress and not from politics

The Congress party dismissed rumours that its chief Sonia Gandhi was retiring from politics. The clarification came from party MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Randeep Surjewala who wrote on Twitter that Sonia Gandhi had retired as president of the Congress and not from politics. Randeep Surjewala also requested "friends in the media to not rely upon innuendos." Would sincerely request friends in the media to not rely upon innuendos. Smt. Sonia Gandhi has retired as President of Indian National Congress and not from politics. Her blessings, wisdom and innate commitment to Congress ideology shall always be our guiding light. — Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 15, 2017 × Earlier today, media reports had quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying that she will retire from politics once her son Rahul Gandhi takes over the leadership of the party. Rahul Gandhi, who has led the party in its campaigning for the Gujarat assembly elections, was elected as Congress president last week. He is expected to take over officially as Congress president on December 16. Sonia Gandhi has been struggling with health issues having had to cut short an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on one occasion this year and a visit to Shimla on another on account of ill-health. In 2011, she had visited the US for surgery but the Congress refused to provide information about her health. She has been regularly visiting the US for health check-ups ever since.

Sonia Gandhi has not retired from politics: Congress

<p>Congress president Sonia Gandhi said today she will retire from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wishes-rahul-gandhi-a-fruitful-tenure-as-new-congress-president-26481">politics once her son Rahul Gandhi takes </a>over the leadership of the party, media reports said.</p>

<p>Last week, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aandhi-aa-rahi-hai-rahul-gandhi-in-chotta-udaipur-26219">Rahul Gandhi was elected unopposed</a> as Congress president. The party said it had received 89 nomination proposals for Rahul&#39;s elevation as head of India&#39;s grand old party.</p>

<p>Rahul has virtually taken over the reins of the party devising poll strategies in Gujarat and other state assemblies as he galvanises his party to on a resurgent BJP under Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi, 71, has been struggling with her health. In October, the Congress president had to cut short her vacation after suffering from a stomach upset. Sonia was flown out of Shimla in an air ambulance and admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital.</p>

<p>In 2011, she had visited the US for surgery but the Congress refused to provide information about her health, the Congress president has been visiting the US for regular check-ups since then.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Rahul is expected to take over officially as Congress president on December 16.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Rahul is expected to take over officially as Congress president on December 16.?

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said today she will retire from politics once her son Rahul Gandhi takes over the leadership of the party, media reports said. Last week, Rahul Gandhi was elected unopposed as Congress president. The party said it had received 89 nomination proposals for Rahul's elevation as head of India's grand old party. Rahul has virtually taken over the reins of the party devising poll strategies in Gujarat and other state assemblies as he galvanises his party to on a resurgent BJP under Narendra Modi. Sonia Gandhi, 71, has been struggling with her health. In October, the Congress president had to cut short her vacation after suffering from a stomach upset. Sonia was flown out of Shimla in an air ambulance and admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital. In 2011, she had visited the US for surgery but the Congress refused to provide information about her health, the Congress president has been visiting the US for regular check-ups since then. Rahul is expected to take over officially as Congress president on December 16.

Sonia Gandhi to retire from politics after Rahul's coronation as party chief

<p>Going by the outcome of Gujarat exit polls, pollsters are indicating a clear majority for BJP in the state. It gives a fair assessment of the outcome, none denying the fact that BJP is set to form the government in Gandhinagar. Many political pundits and politicians who doubted BJP&rsquo;s victory are bound to be surprised with these projections. The perception was and is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fighting the toughest electoral battle of his life to retain Gujarat, to maintain &ldquo;Gujarat Model&rdquo; which he sold to win over elections after election since 2014 General Elections. This was not a battle between Congress and BJP, it was Modi vs the rest.</p>

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<p><strong>Angry Gujarat</strong></p>

<p>No doubt, there was anger amongst different sections of Gujaratis&rsquo;. The state population largely linked to the trader community, got shock&nbsp;after shock in the policies of Demonetisation and then rolling out of GST. When it hurts Gujarati&rsquo;s pocket, they are bound to be angry. Though Patel&rsquo;s which comprise 12 percent of Electorate traditionally vote for BJP. Even the tallest of their leader Keshubhai Patel who formed his own outfit, &ldquo;Gujarat Parivartan Party&rdquo; couldn&rsquo;t wean them away from the BJP.</p>

<p>In the current context, mishandling of Patel movement for reservation by Anandiben Patel and later by Vijay Rupani Government did alienate young population of the community. Una incident of attack on four Dalits skinning the carcasses of dead cow in Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir Somnath district did hurt 7 percent of caste population as many of them were in the business of skinning dead animals for a living. On the leaderless soil of politically fertile castes, anger translated into the emergence of new Turks Hardik Patel a Patidar leader, Jignesh Mewani a Dalit leader and Alpesh Thakor, a Rajput and OBC leader. They became the symbol of anger of their respective communities and, thus, raged a war against BJP.</p>

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<p><strong>Congress virtual strategy a</strong><strong> me too</strong></p>

<p>The opposition Congress built their strategies around these scenarios.&nbsp;Cyber army of Congress IT cell camping at Ahmedabad closely monitored by 15 AICC office bearers were trying to do what BJP did in 2014 General elections on social media, create content, pass on to volunteers share and flood the cyberspace. They picked up from a Facebook post by one of Hardik Patel&rsquo;s supporter, engineering student Sagar Savaliya, who wrote: &ldquo;Vikas Gando Thayo Che&rdquo; (with the photo of wheels behind a crashed bus) meaning Development has gone crazy. This created a great traction on social media and thus became the theme of Congress campaign in Gujarat.</p>

<p>They didn&rsquo;t stop here, made Rahul Gandhi ask a question to Modi in the last leg of the campaign. Made him fly passenger class like a normal citizen standing in a queue, eat lots of Fafda&rsquo;s and Jalebi at roadside Dhaba&rsquo;s and above all, pronounced him as &ldquo;Janeudhari Brahmin&rdquo; by temple pilgrimages during the campaign. Not talking about likes of Mani Shankar Iyer as for one they do not mind their language. Congress made two major mistakes, propagating caste and adopting soft Hindutva in the run-up to Gujarat polling. It was a major shift in the grand old party which has been a victim of new cast based regional parties blocking the re-emergence of Congress to reclaim its base.</p>

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<p><strong>Modi&rsquo;s art of turning anger into sympathy</strong></p>

<p>It was natural for Narendra Modi to give lesser attention to his home state Gujarat compared to when he was the chief minister before 2014 because of his larger role as Prime Minister of the country. He never lost the base with state though. Hosting Chinese President Xi-Jinping and recently Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at Ahmedabad and increasing the Hight of Sardar Sarovar Dam. Prime Minister started focusing on Gujarat post-September this year with inauguration of Ahmedabad-Mumbai high speed (Bullet) train with the assistance of his friend Abe. Congress made a joke out of it and termed it a waste of money.</p>

<p>During his visit to Ahmedabad for this ceremony, Modi noticed potholes around the city, though administration patched roads taken By Modi and Abe during their stay. Narendra Modi gave 48 hours&rsquo; time to the administration for making roads pothole free which they did. Sensing the anger Modi made Finance Minister Arun Jaitley make amendments in GST to make it easy for traders and SMSE&rsquo;s. He got CM Vijay Rupani to decrease VAT on petrol and diesel to give relief to commuters. To the Congress charges of &ldquo;Vikas Gando Thayo Che&rdquo; Modi touched the emotional chord by declaring &ldquo;Hun Vikas chum&rdquo; meaning I am development.</p>

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<h5>To the Congress charges of &ldquo;Vikas Gando Thayo Che&rdquo; Modi touched the emotional chord by declaring &ldquo;Hun Vikas chum&rdquo; meaning I am development.</h5>
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<p>Launched 31-km long RoRo ferry service between Ghogha and Dahej that cut travel time from eight hours to one and half hour will benefit people working in the diamond-cutting and polishing hub of Surat. The first phase of voting was over by now. Congress was claiming the lead in this phase and few BJP leaders also were apprehensive. Before the second round of voting, Modi asked, &ldquo;What did I do to deserve this&rdquo; on Mani Shankar Iyer&rsquo;s &ldquo;Neech&rdquo; comment during his campaign. Throughout he spoke in Gujarati. Reminded people how he used to be part of that area when he was in Gujarat. Made that connect with the masses of Gujarat. On congress&rsquo;s &ldquo;Janeudhari Brahmin&rdquo; tactic Modi raked up Mani Shankar Iyer dinner with former Pakistani former Foreign Secretary and other diplomats.</p>

<p>Former PM Manmohan Singh and Former COAS Deepak Kumar were in presence in this dinner meeting. This was the kind of the first instance wherein Prime Minister accused other nation, Pakistan of muddling in Gujarat elections. Pakistan had to clarify officially that they do not have any role in domestic politics of India, but it played well. Many in Gujarat did not perceive it well for Congress. End of the campaign was the most dramatic. Denied permission for a road show in Ahmedabad, Modi holding the door bar of Seaplane did a River Show on Sabarmati Riverfront.</p>

<p>Any Amdavadi, Gujarati or for that matter Indian would have felt proud to see this happening on Sabarmati which use to be a nullah of drains till 2005, emotionally. On polling Day standing in the queue after dedicating INS Kalvari to the nation in Arabian sea Mumbai. Taking a walk near the poll station and while returning waving to crowd from his SUV, inviting Congress to charge Chief Election commissioner working as Prime Ministers PS. This war will go on but Gujarat chapter is closed for now. Those in doubts will be clearer on 18th December by 10:30 AM.</p>

<p>One thing is clear, Modi&rsquo;s magic or Modi Election Winning machine is still intact. He is the leader who knows the pulse of people, engage with them through social media, Mann Ki Baat, Namo App, speeches. He knows when to Bow as he did after demonetisation, seek time for hardships. It is that connect which makes Modi the leader whom people relate, trust and believe.</p>

<p><em>&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Narendra Modi is the leader who knows the pulse of people. His magic and election winning spree is still intact.

Going by the outcome of Gujarat exit polls, pollsters are indicating a clear majority for BJP in the state. It gives a fair assessment of the outcome, none denying the fact that BJP is set to form the government in Gandhinagar. Many political pundits and politicians who doubted BJP’s victory are bound to be surprised with these projections. The perception was and is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fighting the toughest electoral battle of his life to retain Gujarat, to maintain “Gujarat Model” which he sold to win over elections after election since 2014 General Elections. This was not a battle between Congress and BJP, it was Modi vs the rest. This was not a battle between Congress and BJP, it was Modi vs the rest. × Angry Gujarat No doubt, there was anger amongst different sections of Gujaratis’. The state population largely linked to the trader community, got shock after shock in the policies of Demonetisation and then rolling out of GST. When it hurts Gujarati’s pocket, they are bound to be angry. Though Patel’s which comprise 12 percent of Electorate traditionally vote for BJP. Even the tallest of their leader Keshubhai Patel who formed his own outfit, “Gujarat Parivartan Party” couldn’t wean them away from the BJP. In the current context, mishandling of Patel movement for reservation by Anandiben Patel and later by Vijay Rupani Government did alienate young population of the community. Una incident of attack on four Dalits skinning the carcasses of dead cow in Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir Somnath district did hurt 7 percent of caste population as many of them were in the business of skinning dead animals for a living. On the leaderless soil of politically fertile castes, anger translated into the emergence of new Turks Hardik Patel a Patidar leader, Jignesh Mewani a Dalit leader and Alpesh Thakor, a Rajput and OBC leader. They became the symbol of anger of their respective communities and, thus, raged a war against BJP. On the leaderless soil of politically fertile castes, anger translated into the emergence of new Turks Hardik Patel a Patidar leader, Jignesh Mewani a Dalit leader and Alpesh Thakor, a Rajput and OBC leader. × Congress virtual strategy a me too The opposition Congress built their strategies around these scenarios. Cyber army of Congress IT cell camping at Ahmedabad closely monitored by 15 AICC office bearers were trying to do what BJP did in 2014 General elections on social media, create content, pass on to volunteers share and flood the cyberspace. They picked up from a Facebook post by one of Hardik Patel’s supporter, engineering student Sagar Savaliya, who wrote: “Vikas Gando Thayo Che” (with the photo of wheels behind a crashed bus) meaning Development has gone crazy. This created a great traction on social media and thus became the theme of Congress campaign in Gujarat. They didn’t stop here, made Rahul Gandhi ask a question to Modi in the last leg of the campaign. Made him fly passenger class like a normal citizen standing in a queue, eat lots of Fafda’s and Jalebi at roadside Dhaba’s and above all, pronounced him as “Janeudhari Brahmin” by temple pilgrimages during the campaign. Not talking about likes of Mani Shankar Iyer as for one they do not mind their language. Congress made two major mistakes, propagating caste and adopting soft Hindutva in the run-up to Gujarat polling. It was a major shift in the grand old party which has been a victim of new cast based regional parties blocking the re-emergence of Congress to reclaim its base. Congress made two major mistakes, propagating caste and adopting soft Hindutva in the run-up to Gujarat polling. × Modi’s art of turning anger into sympathy It was natural for Narendra Modi to give lesser attention to his home state Gujarat compared to when he was the chief minister before 2014 because of his larger role as Prime Minister of the country. He never lost the base with state though. Hosting Chinese President Xi-Jinping and recently Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at Ahmedabad and increasing the Hight of Sardar Sarovar Dam. Prime Minister started focusing on Gujarat post-September this year with inauguration of Ahmedabad-Mumbai high speed (Bullet) train with the assistance of his friend Abe. Congress made a joke out of it and termed it a waste of money. During his visit to Ahmedabad for this ceremony, Modi noticed potholes around the city, though administration patched roads taken By Modi and Abe during their stay. Narendra Modi gave 48 hours’ time to the administration for making roads pothole free which they did. Sensing the anger Modi made Finance Minister Arun Jaitley make amendments in GST to make it easy for traders and SMSE’s. He got CM Vijay Rupani to decrease VAT on petrol and diesel to give relief to commuters. To the Congress charges of “Vikas Gando Thayo Che” Modi touched the emotional chord by declaring “Hun Vikas chum” meaning I am development. To the Congress charges of “Vikas Gando Thayo Che” Modi touched the emotional chord by declaring “Hun Vikas chum” meaning I am development. × Launched 31-km long RoRo ferry service between Ghogha and Dahej that cut travel time from eight hours to one and half hour will benefit people working in the diamond-cutting and polishing hub of Surat. The first phase of voting was over by now. Congress was claiming the lead in this phase and few BJP leaders also were apprehensive. Before the second round of voting, Modi asked, “What did I do to deserve this” on Mani Shankar Iyer’s “Neech” comment during his campaign. Throughout he spoke in Gujarati. Reminded people how he used to be part of that area when he was in Gujarat. Made that connect with the masses of Gujarat. On congress’s “Janeudhari Brahmin” tactic Modi raked up Mani Shankar Iyer dinner with former Pakistani former Foreign Secretary and other diplomats. Former PM Manmohan Singh and Former COAS Deepak Kumar were in presence in this dinner meeting. This was the kind of the first instance wherein Prime Minister accused other nation, Pakistan of muddling in Gujarat elections. Pakistan had to clarify officially that they do not have any role in domestic politics of India, but it played well. Many in Gujarat did not perceive it well for Congress. End of the campaign was the most dramatic. Denied permission for a road show in Ahmedabad, Modi holding the door bar of Seaplane did a River Show on Sabarmati Riverfront. Any Amdavadi, Gujarati or for that matter Indian would have felt proud to see this happening on Sabarmati which use to be a nullah of drains till 2005, emotionally. On polling Day standing in the queue after dedicating INS Kalvari to the nation in Arabian sea Mumbai. Taking a walk near the poll station and while returning waving to crowd from his SUV, inviting Congress to charge Chief Election commissioner working as Prime Ministers PS. This war will go on but Gujarat chapter is closed for now. Those in doubts will be clearer on 18th December by 10:30 AM. One thing is clear, Modi’s magic or Modi Election Winning machine is still intact. He is the leader who knows the pulse of people, engage with them through social media, Mann Ki Baat, Namo App, speeches. He knows when to Bow as he did after demonetisation, seek time for hardships. It is that connect which makes Modi the leader whom people relate, trust and believe. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: 'Modi-fied' Gujarat Polls 'Trumps' all

<p>Exit polls in the country have gone terribly wrong in the past. They have either underestimated the projected loser or overestimated the predicted winner. At times, these findings have even underestimated the numbers the eventual winner got, and the recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly election is the most recent example of that. On the other hand, exit polls have also been straws in the wind, showcasing a general trend that gets reflected in the actual results. In any case, there is nothing but these numbers one can debate upon until the votes are counted.</p>

<p>Even the stock market goes by the temporary numbers; the Sensex opened on a high on Friday. On Thursday, half a dozen exit polls conducted by psephologists on Gujarat for television news channels were in agreement that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party would gain at least a simple majority and return to power. The margin of victory fluctuated, though. The reaction of the Congress and the BJP was interestingly similar. Both said the outcome on December 18 would be better than predicted, in their respective interests.</p>

<p>Simplistically put, there are two ways to interpret the exit poll results. The first is from the Congress&rsquo;s angle and the other is from the BJP&rsquo;s perspective. Most pollsters have projected an improved performance by the Congress as compared to its 2012 showing. This is reflected in the number of seats and vote-share. The Congress can claim that it gave a real fight to the BJP this time around under Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s leadership. The party can also gloat that it could wean away a sizeable section of the Patidar community, who have for decades staunchly supported the BJP, to its side. The Congress can also say that it succeeded in busting the &lsquo;myth&rsquo; of the Gujarat Model, which is especially reflected in the support the party has received in rural Gujarat.</p>

<p>None of the above is an entirely empty boast. By most exit poll estimates, the Congress did manage to split Patidar votes in its favour; its vote share and seats have gone up since 2012, and it has done well in the rural belt of Gujarat riding on discontent over farmer&#39;s distress. However, despite all this tailwind and the formation of a novel caste- grouping comprising the Other Backward Class, the Scheduled Castes and the Patidar community, the best that one exit pollster gave the Congress was 82 seats out of a total 182.</p>

<p>Compare this to the worst that the BJP has been projected to end up with - 99 seats - and it becomes obvious that the Congress&rsquo;s best falls way short of the requirement. Besides, if this is all that the party can manage after having invested everything it had in the election, and with the starting advantage of more than two decades of anti-incumbency that the BJP ought to have faced, then by all objective reasoning the country&rsquo;s oldest political party has failed. And, for the record, the best that the BJP has been given by an exit poll agency is 135 seats &mdash; with the prospect of a higher eventual number.</p>

<p>If the exit poll results hold on December 18, the Congress will need to find suitable scapegoats. Perhaps the process has been put into motion. The Electronic Voting Machine is a prime suspect, and so is the institution of the Election Commission of India &mdash; against whom Congress supporters agitated on the streets in an unprecedented show of hostility. A Congress spokesperson even went to the extent of calling the ECI a &ldquo;puppet&rdquo; of the Union Government. The Congress is also likely to attribute its loss to the &ldquo;divisive&rdquo; campaign the BJP and launched and for having &ldquo;misled&rdquo; the people. It should not be imagined even in the wildest dreams that the newly minted Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be held accountable for the defeat.</p>

<p>From the BJP&rsquo;s view, the exit poll results are a source of comfort. If they are reflected on December 18, it would mean that the party has overpowered anti-incumbency for two decades. But more importantly, it would have successfully neutralised the Patidar agitation against it, which had threatened to unseat the party. Exit poll findings have shown that the BJP has done well to retain a significant section of the Patidar votes across the State, including in Saurashtra and north Gujarat where the community has a dominant presence in electoral terms. True, it has lost ground in the region according the poll projections, to the Hardik Patel factor which worked in the Congress&rsquo;s favour, but not to the extent of staring at a catastrophe.</p>

<p>Going by the exit poll findings, the BJP has not just contained the Patidar damage but also managed to compensate for the loss by winning over a majority of the tribal and OBC votes. In the run-up to the two-phased election, commentators had observed that the party could work on the discontent among the OBCs over the Congress&rsquo;s support to Patidar reservation. This it seems to have done with results that offer a measure of self-satisfaction. According to one exit poll finding, even a significant section of the Thakore community to which OBC leader and Congressman Alpesh Thakore belongs, voted for the BJP. In sum, the Congress, in its desire to run after the Patidar votes, has lost the tribal and the OBC voters &mdash; all of whom the BJP gratefully lapped up.</p>

<p>Having outwitted the Congress in caste calculation &mdash; the major plank on which for the Congress was overly dependent to snatch power &mdash; the BJP was left with no real challenge. The &lsquo;lack of development&rsquo; narrative against the BJP simply did not work for the Congress. The Congress&rsquo;s other offensives, such as personal attacks by its senior leaders and allies on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the after-thought of &lsquo;me-too Hindu&rsquo; campaign by Rahul Gandhi, served to weaken the opposition party&rsquo;s narrative. If the exit poll results get vindicated on December 18, Rahul Gandhi will have begun his innings as president on a dismal note.</p>

<p>The impact could be cascading; Assembly elections are due for a clutch of important States in the next year, including in Karnataka &mdash; the only major State besides Punjab where the Congress is in power. And there is the Lok Sabha poll, which is less than two years away. If indeed the Congress is the vanquished one, come Monday, there is one lesson that it must learn at all costs: It does not pay to outsource leadership. It had paid the price in Uttar Pradesh where it placed its future at Akhilesh Yadav&rsquo;s doorstep. It did the same in Gujarat, depending more on the HAJ factor (Hardik-Alpesh- Jignesh) rather than on its core strengths and issues which it alone had the credibility to raise.</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</p>


The BJP has not just contained the Patidar damage but also managed to compensate for the loss by winning over a majority of the tribal and OBC votes

Exit polls in the country have gone terribly wrong in the past. They have either underestimated the projected loser or overestimated the predicted winner. At times, these findings have even underestimated the numbers the eventual winner got, and the recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly election is the most recent example of that. On the other hand, exit polls have also been straws in the wind, showcasing a general trend that gets reflected in the actual results. In any case, there is nothing but these numbers one can debate upon until the votes are counted. Even the stock market goes by the temporary numbers; the Sensex opened on a high on Friday. On Thursday, half a dozen exit polls conducted by psephologists on Gujarat for television news channels were in agreement that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party would gain at least a simple majority and return to power. The margin of victory fluctuated, though. The reaction of the Congress and the BJP was interestingly similar. Both said the outcome on December 18 would be better than predicted, in their respective interests. Simplistically put, there are two ways to interpret the exit poll results. The first is from the Congress’s angle and the other is from the BJP’s perspective. Most pollsters have projected an improved performance by the Congress as compared to its 2012 showing. This is reflected in the number of seats and vote-share. The Congress can claim that it gave a real fight to the BJP this time around under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. The party can also gloat that it could wean away a sizeable section of the Patidar community, who have for decades staunchly supported the BJP, to its side. The Congress can also say that it succeeded in busting the ‘myth’ of the Gujarat Model, which is especially reflected in the support the party has received in rural Gujarat. None of the above is an entirely empty boast. By most exit poll estimates, the Congress did manage to split Patidar votes in its favour; its vote share and seats have gone up since 2012, and it has done well in the rural belt of Gujarat riding on discontent over farmer's distress. However, despite all this tailwind and the formation of a novel caste- grouping comprising the Other Backward Class, the Scheduled Castes and the Patidar community, the best that one exit pollster gave the Congress was 82 seats out of a total 182. Compare this to the worst that the BJP has been projected to end up with - 99 seats - and it becomes obvious that the Congress’s best falls way short of the requirement. Besides, if this is all that the party can manage after having invested everything it had in the election, and with the starting advantage of more than two decades of anti-incumbency that the BJP ought to have faced, then by all objective reasoning the country’s oldest political party has failed. And, for the record, the best that the BJP has been given by an exit poll agency is 135 seats — with the prospect of a higher eventual number. If the exit poll results hold on December 18, the Congress will need to find suitable scapegoats. Perhaps the process has been put into motion. The Electronic Voting Machine is a prime suspect, and so is the institution of the Election Commission of India — against whom Congress supporters agitated on the streets in an unprecedented show of hostility. A Congress spokesperson even went to the extent of calling the ECI a “puppet” of the Union Government. The Congress is also likely to attribute its loss to the “divisive” campaign the BJP and launched and for having “misled” the people. It should not be imagined even in the wildest dreams that the newly minted Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be held accountable for the defeat. From the BJP’s view, the exit poll results are a source of comfort. If they are reflected on December 18, it would mean that the party has overpowered anti-incumbency for two decades. But more importantly, it would have successfully neutralised the Patidar agitation against it, which had threatened to unseat the party. Exit poll findings have shown that the BJP has done well to retain a significant section of the Patidar votes across the State, including in Saurashtra and north Gujarat where the community has a dominant presence in electoral terms. True, it has lost ground in the region according the poll projections, to the Hardik Patel factor which worked in the Congress’s favour, but not to the extent of staring at a catastrophe. Going by the exit poll findings, the BJP has not just contained the Patidar damage but also managed to compensate for the loss by winning over a majority of the tribal and OBC votes. In the run-up to the two-phased election, commentators had observed that the party could work on the discontent among the OBCs over the Congress’s support to Patidar reservation. This it seems to have done with results that offer a measure of self-satisfaction. According to one exit poll finding, even a significant section of the Thakore community to which OBC leader and Congressman Alpesh Thakore belongs, voted for the BJP. In sum, the Congress, in its desire to run after the Patidar votes, has lost the tribal and the OBC voters — all of whom the BJP gratefully lapped up. Having outwitted the Congress in caste calculation — the major plank on which for the Congress was overly dependent to snatch power — the BJP was left with no real challenge. The ‘lack of development’ narrative against the BJP simply did not work for the Congress. The Congress’s other offensives, such as personal attacks by its senior leaders and allies on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the after-thought of ‘me-too Hindu’ campaign by Rahul Gandhi, served to weaken the opposition party’s narrative. If the exit poll results get vindicated on December 18, Rahul Gandhi will have begun his innings as president on a dismal note. The impact could be cascading; Assembly elections are due for a clutch of important States in the next year, including in Karnataka — the only major State besides Punjab where the Congress is in power. And there is the Lok Sabha poll, which is less than two years away. If indeed the Congress is the vanquished one, come Monday, there is one lesson that it must learn at all costs: It does not pay to outsource leadership. It had paid the price in Uttar Pradesh where it placed its future at Akhilesh Yadav’s doorstep. It did the same in Gujarat, depending more on the HAJ factor (Hardik-Alpesh- Jignesh) rather than on its core strengths and issues which it alone had the credibility to raise. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Exit poll comforts BJP; Congress may have to look for scapegoats

<p>Grace is the word for Sonia Gandhi. Good or bad, in&nbsp;success or in failure, Sonia Gandhi would be remembered as a graceful politician. A person who guarded her privacy with fierce intensity and also worked tirelessly to ensure that the role of Nehru-Gandhi family remains intact within the Congress and in public memory. She implemented seminal legislations like MNREGA, Right to Information and food which catered to the poorest and empowered the middle class. On the other hand, she willingly accommodated all the little dynasties within and outside her party like a social network, meshing political with personal.</p>

<p>Her approach towards secularism and economy remained Nehruvian but still allowed Manmohan Singh to go ahead with radical steps like Nuclear deal with America where Congress had to work hard to ensure that the government doesn&rsquo;t fall. She balanced her social commitment with a neo-liberal economic approach of Manmohan Singh who opened Indian economy to the world.</p>

<p>The beauty of Sonia Gandhi lies in her contradictions which she wore very gracefully. After taking over the reign of the Congress&nbsp;she behaved like dowagers, ensuring that top position remains warm for her son Rahul. It did not mean that she did not accommodate the others. She did. Not only she shared power unlike Indira Gandhi but also allowed them to exercise it. The best example is her Political Secretary Ahmad Patel who virtually ran the party for her.</p>

<p>She remained committed to environmental causes like Indira Gandhi. Her focus remained on poor, marginal labourer, farmers and tribals. Many laws enacted during her tenure earned her the wrath of the powerful industrial lobby which eventually sided with Narendra Modi. She almost got labelled as anti-industry and Manmohan Singh had to face the brunt of it. In fact, the downside of her legacy is the institution of the Prime Minister got weak in her tenure. The emergence and assertion of Rahul Gandhi and her own National Advisory Council became the tool by the Opposition to ram Manmohan Singh as an ineffective politician. No one tried to break this image which ultimately harmed Gandhi&rsquo;s more than Manmohan Singh.</p>

<p>It still remains a mystery as to how she allowed Congress to commit hara-kiri by mishandling Telangana issue. Today Congress remains pariah in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The burden of carrying Raja into the ministry despite Manmohan Singh will fall on Sonia&rsquo;s shoulder and not on Manmohan Singh. She was consensus maker but failed to understand the power of d&eacute;tente when the face of the enemy changed. She brought Congress to power twice but failed to build the party apparatus which got tuned to riding to power on sympathy surge.</p>

<p>At a personal level, Sonia&rsquo;s cold fury would be missed by many. It remained her style.</p>

<p>Another of her big achievement was that she ended the isolation of the Congress Party. She broke the paradigm of the 70s. She understood that Congress will not be able to match BJP&rsquo;s Hindutva either in soft or hard form, therefore, she built alliances with regional parties who also felt threatened.</p>

<p>She builds bridges across parties including DMK, which allowed her to form the first Congress government after 1996. She managed a galaxy of leaders like Pranab Mukherji to Natwar Singh to Madhav Rao Scindhia to Sharad Pawar during her tenure. Later the very gravitas at the top and inherited squabble between them damaged the Congress. Sonia failed to control them.</p>

<p>She also failed to see the hardening of the Hindu sentiment against the Congress and the cultured surrounding of Sonia came to be perceived as elitist. Perhaps her political nuance became dated. Modi was an outsider and she immediately became a quintessential insider.</p>

<p>She also belonged to a different era. Even today, she does not have a twitter account nor she is on Facebook. Despite being in public, Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s influence on 10 years of UPA continues to remain hidden. Most of her correspondence with important functionaries are in public domain. It would be of great interest how she shaped policy in conversations. But all said and done, in her beauty and ugliness, in her great achievement and failure, she remained a graceful politician. Grace defines her.</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>


She also belonged to a different era. Even today, she does not have a twitter account or Facebook account. Good or bad, in success or in failure, Sonia Gandhi would be remembered as a graceful politician

Grace is the word for Sonia Gandhi. Good or bad, in success or in failure, Sonia Gandhi would be remembered as a graceful politician. A person who guarded her privacy with fierce intensity and also worked tirelessly to ensure that the role of Nehru-Gandhi family remains intact within the Congress and in public memory. She implemented seminal legislations like MNREGA, Right to Information and food which catered to the poorest and empowered the middle class. On the other hand, she willingly accommodated all the little dynasties within and outside her party like a social network, meshing political with personal. Her approach towards secularism and economy remained Nehruvian but still allowed Manmohan Singh to go ahead with radical steps like Nuclear deal with America where Congress had to work hard to ensure that the government doesn’t fall. She balanced her social commitment with a neo-liberal economic approach of Manmohan Singh who opened Indian economy to the world. The beauty of Sonia Gandhi lies in her contradictions which she wore very gracefully. After taking over the reign of the Congress she behaved like dowagers, ensuring that top position remains warm for her son Rahul. It did not mean that she did not accommodate the others. She did. Not only she shared power unlike Indira Gandhi but also allowed them to exercise it. The best example is her Political Secretary Ahmad Patel who virtually ran the party for her. She remained committed to environmental causes like Indira Gandhi. Her focus remained on poor, marginal labourer, farmers and tribals. Many laws enacted during her tenure earned her the wrath of the powerful industrial lobby which eventually sided with Narendra Modi. She almost got labelled as anti-industry and Manmohan Singh had to face the brunt of it. In fact, the downside of her legacy is the institution of the Prime Minister got weak in her tenure. The emergence and assertion of Rahul Gandhi and her own National Advisory Council became the tool by the Opposition to ram Manmohan Singh as an ineffective politician. No one tried to break this image which ultimately harmed Gandhi’s more than Manmohan Singh. It still remains a mystery as to how she allowed Congress to commit hara-kiri by mishandling Telangana issue. Today Congress remains pariah in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The burden of carrying Raja into the ministry despite Manmohan Singh will fall on Sonia’s shoulder and not on Manmohan Singh. She was consensus maker but failed to understand the power of détente when the face of the enemy changed. She brought Congress to power twice but failed to build the party apparatus which got tuned to riding to power on sympathy surge. At a personal level, Sonia’s cold fury would be missed by many. It remained her style. Another of her big achievement was that she ended the isolation of the Congress Party. She broke the paradigm of the 70s. She understood that Congress will not be able to match BJP’s Hindutva either in soft or hard form, therefore, she built alliances with regional parties who also felt threatened. She builds bridges across parties including DMK, which allowed her to form the first Congress government after 1996. She managed a galaxy of leaders like Pranab Mukherji to Natwar Singh to Madhav Rao Scindhia to Sharad Pawar during her tenure. Later the very gravitas at the top and inherited squabble between them damaged the Congress. Sonia failed to control them. She also failed to see the hardening of the Hindu sentiment against the Congress and the cultured surrounding of Sonia came to be perceived as elitist. Perhaps her political nuance became dated. Modi was an outsider and she immediately became a quintessential insider. She also belonged to a different era. Even today, she does not have a twitter account nor she is on Facebook. Despite being in public, Sonia Gandhi’s influence on 10 years of UPA continues to remain hidden. Most of her correspondence with important functionaries are in public domain. It would be of great interest how she shaped policy in conversations. But all said and done, in her beauty and ugliness, in her great achievement and failure, she remained a graceful politician. Grace defines her. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: An era ends, Sonia Gandhi, a graceful politician

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-clears-triple-talaq-bill-3-years-jail-for-guilty-husbands-in-proposed-law-26824">Cabinet clears triple talaq bill, 3 years jail for guilty husbands in proposed law</a></p>

<p>The Union cabinet on Friday cleared the triple talaq bill.</p>

<p>Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Cabinet had approved a proposal to introduce the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, to make instant triple talaq void and illegal.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-agrees-with-government-aadhaar-to-be-linked-with-all-schemes-till-march-31st-next-year-26795">Supreme Court agrees with government: Aadhaar to be linked with all schemes till March 31st next year</a></p>

<p>Supreme Court has agreed with government&#39;s decision to link Aadhaar with all schemes till March 31st next year.</p>

<p>The five-judge Constitution bench also passed an interim order to extend the linking of Aadhaar with mobile phones in the country.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-has-not-retired-from-politics-congress-26819">Sonia Gandhi has not retired from politics: Congress</a></p>

<p>The Congress party dismissed rumours that its chief Sonia Gandhi was retiring from politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clarification came after there were media reports quoting Sonia Gandhi as saying that she will retire from politics once her son Rahul Gandhi takes over the leadership of the party.</p>

<p>MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Randeep Surjewala clarified on Twitter that Sonia Gandhi had retired as president of the Congress and not from politics.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ngt-bans-plastic-items-in-towns-located-along-ganga-banks-26834">NGT bans plastic items in towns located along banks of Ganga</a></p>

<p>The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today imposed a complete ban on the sale, manufacture and storage of plastic items in towns located on the banks of the River Ganga in view of the pollution of the river caused by these items.</p>

<p>A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar banned items such as carry bags, plates and cutlery till Uttarkashi.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-approaches-sc-seeking-cross-verification-of-at-least-25-vvpat-slips-plea-dismissed-26829">Congress approaches SC seeking cross verification of at least 25% VVPAT slips, plea dismissed</a></p>

<p>In a major set back to the Congress party, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed their plea seeking directions to the Election Commission to count and cross verify at least 25 per cent of paper trails generated by the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines with the actual vote tally in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cabinet clears triple talaq bill, 3 years jail for guilty husbands in proposed law The Union cabinet on Friday cleared the triple talaq bill. Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Cabinet had approved a proposal to introduce the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, to make instant triple talaq void and illegal. Supreme Court agrees with government: Aadhaar to be linked with all schemes till March 31st next year Supreme Court has agreed with government's decision to link Aadhaar with all schemes till March 31st next year. The five-judge Constitution bench also passed an interim order to extend the linking of Aadhaar with mobile phones in the country. Sonia Gandhi has not retired from politics: Congress The Congress party dismissed rumours that its chief Sonia Gandhi was retiring from politics. The clarification came after there were media reports quoting Sonia Gandhi as saying that she will retire from politics once her son Rahul Gandhi takes over the leadership of the party. MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Randeep Surjewala clarified on Twitter that Sonia Gandhi had retired as president of the Congress and not from politics. NGT bans plastic items in towns located along banks of Ganga The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today imposed a complete ban on the sale, manufacture and storage of plastic items in towns located on the banks of the River Ganga in view of the pollution of the river caused by these items. A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar banned items such as carry bags, plates and cutlery till Uttarkashi. Congress approaches SC seeking cross verification of at least 25% VVPAT slips, plea dismissed In a major set back to the Congress party, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed their plea seeking directions to the Election Commission to count and cross verify at least 25 per cent of paper trails generated by the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines with the actual vote tally in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

WION Evening News Brief, December 15, 2017

<p>&#39;&#39;I think it is time that fishermen also have their ministry at the central level so that their difficulties can be dealt with quickly and immediately,&#39;&#39; said Rahul Gandhi at Vizhinjam in Kerala addressing a long-pending demand of the fisherfolks demand for a separate ministry.</p>

<p>The Congress president-elect also expressed sympathy for all those who lost their family members due to the deadly cyclone and said that understood problems that fisherfolks face.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a gruelling election campaign in Gujarat, Congress president-elect today arrived in Thiruvananthapuram to visit the villages&nbsp;adversely affected by cyclone Ockhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;I was not here physically but in spirit, I was here. I have come here to pay respects to the people who have passed away,&#39;&#39; said Rahul Gandhi said earlier at Poonthura near&nbsp;Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I understand that fishermen suffer tremendously. You suffer everyday, have a troubled life &amp; every now and then you face situation like this. I express my sympathy to all those who lost their family members: Congress President-elect Rahul Gandhi in Vizhinjam, Kerala <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/68MXnE0zYZ">pic.twitter.com/68MXnE0zYZ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941233271098064896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&#39;&#39;I understand that fishermen suffer tremendously. You suffer every day and&nbsp;have a troubled life. Every now and then you face a situation like this. I express my sympathy to all those who lost their family members,&#39;&#39; he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I think it is time that fishermen also have their ministry at the central level so that their difficulties can be dealt with quickly and immediately: Congress President-elect Rahul Gandhi in Vizhinjam, Kerala <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/KndHoRYnuw">pic.twitter.com/KndHoRYnuw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941233842303549441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was not here physically but in spirit I was here, I have come here to pay respects to the people who have passed away: Rahul Gandhi in Thiruvananthapuram&#39;s Poonthura <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/yM9KuqcIsJ">pic.twitter.com/yM9KuqcIsJ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941214202445705216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>Rahul Gandhi was earlier scheduled to visit the cyclone-affected areas on 1st December. But after met officials&#39; forecast of deteriorating weather condition, it was called off.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu: Rahul Gandhi meets families of affected fishermen in Chinnathurai,Kanyakumari <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/wKJQ2jEPCi">pic.twitter.com/wKJQ2jEPCi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941225793153200128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poonthura, Vizhinjam, Chinnathurai, Thaikkad, Palayam are some of the areas affected by the cyclone.</p>

<p>Earlier Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor&rlm; tweeted that he was at the Thiruvananthapuram airport to welcome Rahul Gandhi who, he said, will visit some of the areas most severely affected by cyclone Ockhi.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi was earlier scheduled to visit the cyclone-affected areas on December 1. But after met officials' forecast of deteriorating weather condition, it was called off

''I think it is time that fishermen also have their ministry at the central level so that their difficulties can be dealt with quickly and immediately,'' said Rahul Gandhi at Vizhinjam in Kerala addressing a long-pending demand of the fisherfolks demand for a separate ministry. The Congress president-elect also expressed sympathy for all those who lost their family members due to the deadly cyclone and said that understood problems that fisherfolks face. After a gruelling election campaign in Gujarat, Congress president-elect today arrived in Thiruvananthapuram to visit the villages adversely affected by cyclone Ockhi. ''I was not here physically but in spirit, I was here. I have come here to pay respects to the people who have passed away,'' said Rahul Gandhi said earlier at Poonthura near Thiruvananthapuram. . I understand that fishermen suffer tremendously. You suffer everyday, have a troubled life & every now and then you face situation like this. I express my sympathy to all those who lost their family members: Congress President-elect Rahul Gandhi in Vizhinjam, Kerala #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/68MXnE0zYZ — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2017 × ''I understand that fishermen suffer tremendously. You suffer every day and have a troubled life. Every now and then you face a situation like this. I express my sympathy to all those who lost their family members,'' he said. I think it is time that fishermen also have their ministry at the central level so that their difficulties can be dealt with quickly and immediately: Congress President-elect Rahul Gandhi in Vizhinjam, Kerala #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/KndHoRYnuw — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2017 × I was not here physically but in spirit I was here, I have come here to pay respects to the people who have passed away: Rahul Gandhi in Thiruvananthapuram's Poonthura #Kerala #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/yM9KuqcIsJ — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2017 × Rahul Gandhi was earlier scheduled to visit the cyclone-affected areas on 1st December. But after met officials' forecast of deteriorating weather condition, it was called off. Tamil Nadu: Rahul Gandhi meets families of affected fishermen in Chinnathurai,Kanyakumari #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/wKJQ2jEPCi — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2017 × Poonthura, Vizhinjam, Chinnathurai, Thaikkad, Palayam are some of the areas affected by the cyclone. Earlier Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor‏ tweeted that he was at the Thiruvananthapuram airport to welcome Rahul Gandhi who, he said, will visit some of the areas most severely affected by cyclone Ockhi.

Time fishermen have ministry at central level: Rahul to Cyclone Ockhi victims

<p>Each time you watched Rahul Gandhi take to the stage during his Gujarat election campaigns and explain before a waiting crowd that the GST is nothing but &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;, you must have wondered what&#39;s wrong with the man. You must have got curious to know which school Rahul Gandhi got his economics lessons from.</p>

<p>However, let me tell you he is perfectly all right and that he is got his lessons from the best school of a politician - the dusty by-lanes of Indian politics.</p>

<p>Politics is all about reaching out to the masses and making an everlasting connect with them; it&#39;s a bonding made stronger with deft communication, apt vocabulary and noisy rhetoric. The greater your ability to connect with the rank and file of the profanum vulgus, the better is your chances in politics. Add a bit of theatrics and voila! You&#39;ve got what it takes.</p>

<p>After 17 or so defeats in successive elections, Rahul Gandhi now seems to have learnt the ropes. Many political observers and analysts believe that Rahul has found his tongue. He&#39;s discovered the art of communication, at least to the best of his limitations. &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; serves the best example.</p>

<p>GST brought with it two &#39;miseries&#39; to the common people; the first, disruption in normal economic activities of the small traders and second, complexities. Close on the heels of demonetisation, GST brought another commotion in the life of the common man, especially small traders and businessmen. They&#39;ve their experiences to believe GST is bad but the government has its data to prove it&#39;s good. In the scenario, a clever politician knows that theoretically speaking, GST can&#39;t be opposed. It can be defeated only through canards and polemics.</p>

<p>A polemic of lies and derision is the best anecdote to constructive ideas.</p>

<p>&#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; invented that polemic of lies which the disgruntled aam aadmi was looking for and Rahul Gandhi made the most of it. The masses were exhilarated at the description. Each time Gandhi twisted the microphone and uttered the phrase &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;, the crowd went berserk in jubilation. He knew he had given expression to the anger of the millions. He didn&#39;t know himself what it exactly meant. He need not, either. His job was done.</p>

<p>No amount of pedantic discourse or academic description can destroy the effects of a &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; narrative. Today, no one remembers what Arun Jaitley said to counter the Gabbar Singh jibe, though he said all those academically correct things. Yet, people only remember what Rahul said. And that&#39;s the art of making a connect.</p>

<p>A good many people are disenchanted in some way or other and a section of media has worked overtime to prove that the government policies are anti-people. Mainstreaming the cash economy and forcing people to live in transparent glasshouses has its own challenges.</p>

<p>The political wisdom says a politician must use the situation to the best of his abilities. Hence, the Congress has exploited the disenchantment of the masses to the best of its ability and fed on the ignorance of the people. Gandhi knows that the aam aadmi, like him, has no appetite for facts or analysis nor it believes in lengthy explanations. The common man needs off-the-shelf concepts, and few catchphrases, to describe his pent up emotions. The &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;, fits the bill precisely. In this political campaign, the government hit the hustings with facts, figures and analysis and it lost audience. The Congress hit the campaign with polemic and lies and it struck an instant chord with the masses. The media, always hungry for the catchphrases, multiplied the effect.</p>

<p>In the post-truth politics, what matters more is perception and catchphrases do wonderful jobs in shaping perception. It may be a lie or bullshit is another matter. Politics, anyway, is never about teaching the truth. Nor it&#39;s about accountability. Misleading the masses is intelligent so long it fetches votes. And, Gandhi needs votes.</p>

<p>So, you thought &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; is a sheer bullshit. But then you thought of university economics. For politics, &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; is an intelligent theorem. It fetches votes. As I said earlier, economics is the best means to harness politics. Hence, no wonder if the &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; catchphrase enables the Congress and its new chief recover some of the lost grounds in Gujarat.</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>


Each time you watched Rahul Gandhi take to the stage during his Gujarat election campaigns and explain before a waiting crowd that the GST is nothing but 'Gabbar Singh Tax', you must have wondered what's wrong with the man.

Each time you watched Rahul Gandhi take to the stage during his Gujarat election campaigns and explain before a waiting crowd that the GST is nothing but 'Gabbar Singh Tax', you must have wondered what's wrong with the man. You must have got curious to know which school Rahul Gandhi got his economics lessons from. However, let me tell you he is perfectly all right and that he is got his lessons from the best school of a politician - the dusty by-lanes of Indian politics. Politics is all about reaching out to the masses and making an everlasting connect with them; it's a bonding made stronger with deft communication, apt vocabulary and noisy rhetoric. The greater your ability to connect with the rank and file of the profanum vulgus, the better is your chances in politics. Add a bit of theatrics and voila! You've got what it takes. After 17 or so defeats in successive elections, Rahul Gandhi now seems to have learnt the ropes. Many political observers and analysts believe that Rahul has found his tongue. He's discovered the art of communication, at least to the best of his limitations. 'Gabbar Singh Tax' serves the best example. GST brought with it two 'miseries' to the common people; the first, disruption in normal economic activities of the small traders and second, complexities. Close on the heels of demonetisation, GST brought another commotion in the life of the common man, especially small traders and businessmen. They've their experiences to believe GST is bad but the government has its data to prove it's good. In the scenario, a clever politician knows that theoretically speaking, GST can't be opposed. It can be defeated only through canards and polemics. A polemic of lies and derision is the best anecdote to constructive ideas. 'Gabbar Singh Tax' invented that polemic of lies which the disgruntled aam aadmi was looking for and Rahul Gandhi made the most of it. The masses were exhilarated at the description. Each time Gandhi twisted the microphone and uttered the phrase 'Gabbar Singh Tax', the crowd went berserk in jubilation. He knew he had given expression to the anger of the millions. He didn't know himself what it exactly meant. He need not, either. His job was done. No amount of pedantic discourse or academic description can destroy the effects of a 'Gabbar Singh Tax' narrative. Today, no one remembers what Arun Jaitley said to counter the Gabbar Singh jibe, though he said all those academically correct things. Yet, people only remember what Rahul said. And that's the art of making a connect. A good many people are disenchanted in some way or other and a section of media has worked overtime to prove that the government policies are anti-people. Mainstreaming the cash economy and forcing people to live in transparent glasshouses has its own challenges. The political wisdom says a politician must use the situation to the best of his abilities. Hence, the Congress has exploited the disenchantment of the masses to the best of its ability and fed on the ignorance of the people. Gandhi knows that the aam aadmi, like him, has no appetite for facts or analysis nor it believes in lengthy explanations. The common man needs off-the-shelf concepts, and few catchphrases, to describe his pent up emotions. The 'Gabbar Singh Tax', fits the bill precisely. In this political campaign, the government hit the hustings with facts, figures and analysis and it lost audience. The Congress hit the campaign with polemic and lies and it struck an instant chord with the masses. The media, always hungry for the catchphrases, multiplied the effect. In the post-truth politics, what matters more is perception and catchphrases do wonderful jobs in shaping perception. It may be a lie or bullshit is another matter. Politics, anyway, is never about teaching the truth. Nor it's about accountability. Misleading the masses is intelligent so long it fetches votes. And, Gandhi needs votes. So, you thought 'Gabbar Singh Tax' is a sheer bullshit. But then you thought of university economics. For politics, 'Gabbar Singh Tax' is an intelligent theorem. It fetches votes. As I said earlier, economics is the best means to harness politics. Hence, no wonder if the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' catchphrase enables the Congress and its new chief recover some of the lost grounds in Gujarat. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Anatomy of the 'Gabbar Singh Tax'

<p>As voting for the final phase of Gujarat assembly ends today, a look back at how the motif of Modi&rsquo;s campaign rhetoric has evolved.</p>

<p><strong>2002: Aggressive BJP harvests polarisation</strong></p>

<p>Gujarat has been called a laboratory after Narendra Modi was sent from Delhi to take over the reins of the state. During the 2002 &nbsp;campaign, Modi and BJP had a simple job. The polarisation after the communal riots ensured all they had to do was to harvest the communal rift. The Congress, at that time the opposition party in the&nbsp;centre as well as the state, was clueless. It probably thought that to speak on justice for Muslims will impact their poll prospects. Six months after the riots broke happened the Akshardham terror attack, which took place just before the polls, ensured that Modi made it a Mia Musharraf vs Modi theme for the campaign that BJP won handsomely.</p>

<p><em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-lanka-vikas-seaplanes-and-pesticides-the-curious-case-of-hardik-patel-26620"><strong>Also read: Opinion: Lanka, </strong></a></em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-lanka-vikas-seaplanes-and-pesticides-the-curious-case-of-hardik-patel-26620"><strong><em>vikas</em></strong></a><em><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-lanka-vikas-seaplanes-and-pesticides-the-curious-case-of-hardik-patel-26620">, seaplanes and pesticides - The curious case of Hardik Patel</a></strong></em></p>

<p><strong>2007: CM Modi firmly at the helm, Congress tries to get &nbsp;aggressive</strong></p>

<p>Buoyed by its 2004 Loksabha victory and winning 12 seats in the state, Congress took CM Modi head on. By this time, Mr Modi had already been established as the supreme leader of Gujarat, leaving behind, among others, Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta. As riot victims were still waiting for justice, polarisation continued unabated. Since the Congress government was at the centre, it became Modi&rsquo;s prime target.</p>

<p>Congress, in turn, did what it could not dare in 2002, called <i>Modi Maut ka Saudagar</i> (merchant of death) suggesting his direct role in riots. This backfired big time. BJP made it Gujarati Pride versus Congress rule of Sonia and Ahmed Mia. BJP&rsquo;s tally came down by 10 but it won the state.</p>

<p><b>2012: &lsquo;Gujarat Model&rsquo; emerges as social media booms, Congress reels under graft charges</b></p>

<p>2012 was PM Modi&rsquo;s last election as CM. The BJP had surged ahead by its clever use of new social media tools like the Facebook and Twitter. It boosted the &lsquo;unique Gujarat Model&rsquo; &mdash; sometimes truthfully and other times not. But Gujarat, development and Modi became synonymous terms even as Congress suffered huge image crisis during the Anna Hazare agitation of 2011-12.</p>

<p><em><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-gujarat-elections-is-26530"><strong>Also read: Opinion: Gujarat elections, a litmus test for Rahul</strong></a></em></p>

<p>Now Mr Modi needed no Praveen Togadiya or Acharya Dharmendra to serve as development planks. It soon became evident that Chief Minister Modi has the potential to be India&#39;s prime minister. Despite the party having 40 per cent vote, the Congress was unable to compete and lost to BJP again.</p>

<p><strong>2017 &lsquo;Gujarat Model&rsquo; goes on back burner and Pakistan returns</strong></p>

<p>A 15-year rule under one leader is really a long time in politics. What worked in 2012 is looking doubtful as crowd size at Modi rally was shrinking. By now, the BJP was no longer the exclusive player in the social media nor the biggest crowd puller. Opponents had taken a leaf out of BJP&rsquo;s books, including the Patidars.</p>

<p>The disgruntled youth flocking Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mewani&rsquo;s rallies were probably 6-10 year old during 2002-2007 but have been denied decent primary education; Gujarat ranks 33 among 35 states in terms of providing access to schools. Anti-incumbency ensured that basic issues, such as primary education, infant mortality, unemployment started factoring in.</p>

<p>Once the backbone of the party, Patels had turned into BJP&rsquo;s staunch baiters. With the presence of 15 per cent or more in most seats - they have potential to cover the gap between Congress and BJP. Add Dalit and OBC votes to it, and BJP suddenly looked vulnerable.</p>

<p>From &lsquo;Mia Musharraf&rsquo; in 2002, &lsquo;Gujarat Model&rsquo; in 2012 to again &lsquo;Pakistan connection&rsquo; in 2017, Modi had tried various catch-lines for his quest for Gujarat.</p>

<p>As desperate BJP tries to cling on to something or other, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh&rsquo;s secret &lsquo;Pakistan connection,&#39; the small traders were upset with BJP&rsquo;s GST and note-ban decisions, and Rahul and Hardik were pulling a huge crowd.</p>

<p>If BJP loses, it would be its second major loss after Bihar, wherein caste mobilisation of RJD-JDU-Congress had overcome religious polarisation of BJP in 2015. &nbsp;If Hardik - Jignesh - Alpesh&rsquo;s caste conscious agenda helps Congress win, it will once again prove that religious mobilisation can be countered by caste mobilisation.</p>

<p>If BJP still manages the victory, an emboldened BJP may opt for an unprecedentedly vicious 2019 campaign to beat anti-incumbency.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


From ?Mia Musharraf? in 2002, ?Gujarat Model? in 2012 to again ?Pakistan connection? in 2017, Modi had tried various catch-lines for his quest for Gujarat

As voting for the final phase of Gujarat assembly ends today, a look back at how the motif of Modi’s campaign rhetoric has evolved. 2002: Aggressive BJP harvests polarisation Gujarat has been called a laboratory after Narendra Modi was sent from Delhi to take over the reins of the state. During the 2002 campaign, Modi and BJP had a simple job. The polarisation after the communal riots ensured all they had to do was to harvest the communal rift. The Congress, at that time the opposition party in the centre as well as the state, was clueless. It probably thought that to speak on justice for Muslims will impact their poll prospects. Six months after the riots broke happened the Akshardham terror attack, which took place just before the polls, ensured that Modi made it a Mia Musharraf vs Modi theme for the campaign that BJP won handsomely. Also read: Opinion: Lanka, vikas, seaplanes and pesticides - The curious case of Hardik Patel 2007: CM Modi firmly at the helm, Congress tries to get aggressive Buoyed by its 2004 Loksabha victory and winning 12 seats in the state, Congress took CM Modi head on. By this time, Mr Modi had already been established as the supreme leader of Gujarat, leaving behind, among others, Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta. As riot victims were still waiting for justice, polarisation continued unabated. Since the Congress government was at the centre, it became Modi’s prime target. Congress, in turn, did what it could not dare in 2002, called Modi Maut ka Saudagar (merchant of death) suggesting his direct role in riots. This backfired big time. BJP made it Gujarati Pride versus Congress rule of Sonia and Ahmed Mia. BJP’s tally came down by 10 but it won the state. 2012: ‘Gujarat Model’ emerges as social media booms, Congress reels under graft charges 2012 was PM Modi’s last election as CM. The BJP had surged ahead by its clever use of new social media tools like the Facebook and Twitter. It boosted the ‘unique Gujarat Model’ — sometimes truthfully and other times not. But Gujarat, development and Modi became synonymous terms even as Congress suffered huge image crisis during the Anna Hazare agitation of 2011-12. Also read: Opinion: Gujarat elections, a litmus test for Rahul Now Mr Modi needed no Praveen Togadiya or Acharya Dharmendra to serve as development planks. It soon became evident that Chief Minister Modi has the potential to be India's prime minister. Despite the party having 40 per cent vote, the Congress was unable to compete and lost to BJP again. 2017 ‘Gujarat Model’ goes on back burner and Pakistan returns A 15-year rule under one leader is really a long time in politics. What worked in 2012 is looking doubtful as crowd size at Modi rally was shrinking. By now, the BJP was no longer the exclusive player in the social media nor the biggest crowd puller. Opponents had taken a leaf out of BJP’s books, including the Patidars. The disgruntled youth flocking Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mewani’s rallies were probably 6-10 year old during 2002-2007 but have been denied decent primary education; Gujarat ranks 33 among 35 states in terms of providing access to schools. Anti-incumbency ensured that basic issues, such as primary education, infant mortality, unemployment started factoring in. Once the backbone of the party, Patels had turned into BJP’s staunch baiters. With the presence of 15 per cent or more in most seats - they have potential to cover the gap between Congress and BJP. Add Dalit and OBC votes to it, and BJP suddenly looked vulnerable. From ‘Mia Musharraf’ in 2002, ‘Gujarat Model’ in 2012 to again ‘Pakistan connection’ in 2017, Modi had tried various catch-lines for his quest for Gujarat. As desperate BJP tries to cling on to something or other, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s secret ‘Pakistan connection,' the small traders were upset with BJP’s GST and note-ban decisions, and Rahul and Hardik were pulling a huge crowd. If BJP loses, it would be its second major loss after Bihar, wherein caste mobilisation of RJD-JDU-Congress had overcome religious polarisation of BJP in 2015. If Hardik - Jignesh - Alpesh’s caste conscious agenda helps Congress win, it will once again prove that religious mobilisation can be countered by caste mobilisation. If BJP still manages the victory, an emboldened BJP may opt for an unprecedentedly vicious 2019 campaign to beat anti-incumbency. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion:?BJP's catchlines which helped to win Gujarat elections

<p>After the Election Commission ordered the filing of an FIR against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for giving an interview to a TV channel in Gujarat in violation of the 48-hour ban on campaigning, a Congress delegation met the Election Commission and informed that BJP too violated the model code of conduct a lot of times in the past and just ahead of the first phase of polling in Gujarat.</p>

<p>The Congress delegation met the EC and complained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, FM Arun Jaitley and RM Piyush Goyal have violated Model Code of Conduct several times in the past. PM misused the FICCI platform to attack Congress party, the delegation informed the election commission. They also urged the &#39;&#39;EC should stay unbiased&#39;&#39;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC&#39;s duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs: RS Surjewala,Congress after meeting Election Commission in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/ffDgnnEUqg">pic.twitter.com/ffDgnnEUqg</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940989909162115072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said that they informed the EC&nbsp;that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the election and it&#39;s the duty of the EC to take steps. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC&#39;s duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs,&#39;&#39; said Surjewala after meeting EC.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn&#39;t act.BJP held a PC just before 1st phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won&#39;t work &amp; 1st FIR should be filed against PM Modi &amp; other BJP leaders instead of Press: Randeep Surjewala, Congress <a href="https://t.co/xyhLMLP1Jp">pic.twitter.com/xyhLMLP1Jp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940976815371251712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Surjewala said that Modi flashed the BJP symbol on voting day and the party held a press conference just before the first phase of Gujarat election but EC didn&#39;t act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn&#39;t act. BJP held a PC just before the first&nbsp;phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won&#39;t work. First FIR should be filed against PM Modi and other BJP leaders instead of press,&#39;&#39; Surjewala said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said that he informed the EC that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the election and it's the duty of the EC to take steps. ??

After the Election Commission ordered the filing of an FIR against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for giving an interview to a TV channel in Gujarat in violation of the 48-hour ban on campaigning, a Congress delegation met the Election Commission and informed that BJP too violated the model code of conduct a lot of times in the past and just ahead of the first phase of polling in Gujarat. The Congress delegation met the EC and complained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, FM Arun Jaitley and RM Piyush Goyal have violated Model Code of Conduct several times in the past. PM misused the FICCI platform to attack Congress party, the delegation informed the election commission. They also urged the ''EC should stay unbiased''. We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC's duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs: RS Surjewala,Congress after meeting Election Commission in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ffDgnnEUqg — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said that they informed the EC that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the election and it's the duty of the EC to take steps. ''We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC's duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs,'' said Surjewala after meeting EC. In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn't act.BJP held a PC just before 1st phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won't work & 1st FIR should be filed against PM Modi & other BJP leaders instead of Press: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/xyhLMLP1Jp — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × Surjewala said that Modi flashed the BJP symbol on voting day and the party held a press conference just before the first phase of Gujarat election but EC didn't act. ''In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn't act. BJP held a PC just before the first phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won't work. First FIR should be filed against PM Modi and other BJP leaders instead of press,'' Surjewala said.

Election commission should be unbiased: Congress

<p>The farmers&nbsp;in Congress bastion Amethi staged a protest&nbsp;against Rahul Gandhi demanding a return of their land.</p>

<p>The farmers protested and raised slogans against the newly elected president.</p>

<p>They demanded that in return of the land the Congress party should provide them employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The farmers warned the Congress leader of continuing the protest in case their demands are not fulfilled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They further said that that they will demolish the structure built on the land and protest there.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Farmers held protest and raised slogans against Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, say, our land that was given to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation should be returned to us or we should be given employment else we will demolish the structure built there &amp; continue to protest <a href="https://t.co/EGG2ynTJTg">pic.twitter.com/EGG2ynTJTg</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/940809074282725376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The farmers protested with a banner stating &quot;Shame on you Rahul, return the lands of farmers&quot;.</p>

<p>The protest was held across Samrat Cycle factory, which was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi when he was MP from Amethi.</p>

<p>The land was acquired by Jain brothers in 1980s, with a promise to provide employment to the people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the company had to shut down after it incurred losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No compensation was paid to the farmers, who suffered the loss of their land and employment.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The farmers?in Congress bastion Amethi staged a protest?against Rahul Gandhi demanding a return of their land

The farmers in Congress bastion Amethi staged a protest against Rahul Gandhi demanding a return of their land. The farmers protested and raised slogans against the newly elected president. They demanded that in return of the land the Congress party should provide them employment. The farmers warned the Congress leader of continuing the protest in case their demands are not fulfilled. They further said that that they will demolish the structure built on the land and protest there. Farmers held protest and raised slogans against Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, say, our land that was given to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation should be returned to us or we should be given employment else we will demolish the structure built there & continue to protest pic.twitter.com/EGG2ynTJTg — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 13, 2017 × The farmers protested with a banner stating "Shame on you Rahul, return the lands of farmers". The protest was held across Samrat Cycle factory, which was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi when he was MP from Amethi. The land was acquired by Jain brothers in 1980s, with a promise to provide employment to the people. However, the company had to shut down after it incurred losses. No compensation was paid to the farmers, who suffered the loss of their land and employment.

Shame on you Rahul, say farmers in Amethi

<p>Citing email exchanges between Congress president-elect and former union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan, the BJP said Wednesday that Manmohan Singh was &quot;just a titular head&quot; of the UPA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Email exchanges between Rahul Gandhi and Jayanthi Natarajan show that all decisions were directly taken by the family and PM Manmohan Singh was just a titular head,&quot; Union Minister&nbsp;Piyush Goyal said.</p>

<p>&quot;We have accessed email in which Jayanti Natarajan when UPA minister was even willing to go home to meet personal secretary of Rahul Gandhi. This was how people not a part of government interfered in governance during UPA,&quot; Goyal added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A long and bitter campaign -- accompanied by a number of startling accusations -- for the Gujarat elections came to a close on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections</a></p>

<p>A second and final phase of polling in Gujarat will be held tomorrow, and the results will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has since responded most strongly to the accusations, but that did not stop the BJP on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-one-can-lamely-question-my-public-service-manmohan-to-modi-on-pak-meddling-allegations-26463" target="_blank">No one can lamely question my public service: Manmohan to Modi on Pak meddling allegations</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-reiterates-pain-and-anguish-in-video-26668">Pakistan meddling allegation: Manmohan Singh reiterates pain and anguish in video</a></p>

<p>Goyal also accused Gandhi of being &quot;willing to kill jobs in Gujarat to hurt development agenda&quot;:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi opposed Nirma project &amp; instructed Jayanti Natarajan to not give environmental clearance. Was willing to kill jobs in Gujarat to undermine to hurt development agenda of Narendra Modi: Piyush Goyal,Union Minister <a href="https://t.co/0QMswD6Shp">pic.twitter.com/0QMswD6Shp</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940945493294641153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-vadnagar-tea-tales-by-trackless-station-and-lack-of-jobs-26588" target="_blank">At Vadnagar, tea tales by trackless station and lack of jobs</a></p>

<p>&quot;In UPA, how projects were stalled and environment ministry was used is evident in the email,&quot; Goyal said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


'Email exchanges between Rahul Gandhi and Jayanthi Natarajan show that all decisions were directly taken by the family and PM Manmohan Singh was just a titular head,' Union Minister?Piyush Goyal said

Citing email exchanges between Congress president-elect and former union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan, the BJP said Wednesday that Manmohan Singh was "just a titular head" of the UPA. "Email exchanges between Rahul Gandhi and Jayanthi Natarajan show that all decisions were directly taken by the family and PM Manmohan Singh was just a titular head," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. "We have accessed email in which Jayanti Natarajan when UPA minister was even willing to go home to meet personal secretary of Rahul Gandhi. This was how people not a part of government interfered in governance during UPA," Goyal added. A long and bitter campaign -- accompanied by a number of startling accusations -- for the Gujarat elections came to a close on Tuesday evening. Also read: Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections A second and final phase of polling in Gujarat will be held tomorrow, and the results will be announced on December 18. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has since responded most strongly to the accusations, but that did not stop the BJP on Wednesday. No one can lamely question my public service: Manmohan to Modi on Pak meddling allegations Pakistan meddling allegation: Manmohan Singh reiterates pain and anguish in video Goyal also accused Gandhi of being "willing to kill jobs in Gujarat to hurt development agenda": Rahul Gandhi opposed Nirma project & instructed Jayanti Natarajan to not give environmental clearance. Was willing to kill jobs in Gujarat to undermine to hurt development agenda of Narendra Modi: Piyush Goyal,Union Minister pic.twitter.com/0QMswD6Shp — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × Also read: At Vadnagar, tea tales by trackless station and lack of jobs "In UPA, how projects were stalled and environment ministry was used is evident in the email," Goyal said.

Citing email exchanges, BJP says Manmohan 'just a titular head' of UPA

<p>Campaigning has ended, and every political party is putting all its might before the second and final phase of assembly election in Gujarat.</p>

<p>While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers have expressed hope that his party will win these elections, Rahul Gandhi, the opponent, has hoped for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-election-results-will-be-zabardast-says-rahul-26578">&#39;zabardast&#39; results</a> for his Congress.</p>

<p>Speaking to Zee Kalak, Zee media group&#39;s Gujarati channel, Rahul said this election is about truth.</p>

<p>&quot;This election will be fought on truth - the truth of note ban, &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39; (in reference to GST) etc. You go to Surat, Ahmedabad or any other place in Gujarat, all the small businessmen are saying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has destroyed them,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>This election is not about Modi, not about me but about the people of Gujarat, he added.</p>

<p>Attacking PM Modi and his government, Rahul said that all those with black money converted it to white after GST. &quot;Even BJP workers in Gujarat are saying this time, the road is tough,&quot; Rahul said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Campaigning has ended, and every political party is putting all its might before the second and final phase of assembly election in Gujarat. (WION Web Team)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about his or Congress&#39; vision for Gujarat, Rahul said, &quot;Gujarat&#39;s vision will be formed by its electorate. It will be formed on the basis of what the people of Gujarat want. I will help in its formulation, but Gujarat&#39;s vision will be based on the wishes of people.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-tells-modi-will-beat-you-in-gujarat-with-love-without-anger-26397">love and affection</a> Gujarat gave me in these three-four months has won my heart. I am at the sevice of Gujarat,&quot; Rahul said.</p>

<p>After the first round of voting on December 9 for 89 seats, the remaining 93 constituencies spread across 14 districts of northern and central Gujarat will see balloting on Thursday to pick a new state assembly.</p>

<p>A total of 851 candidates are in the fray, with the BJP determined to continue its 22-year-long rule and the Congress equally confident of coming to power. Over two crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-takes-over-as-congress-president-but-faces-greater-challenges-than-mother-sonia-gandhi-26480"><strong>Also read: Rahul takes over as Congress president, but faces greater challenges than mother Sonia Gandhi</strong></a></p>

<p>The stakes are high for both BJP and Congress in the Gujarat election. This is the first assembly election in Gujarat since PM Modi left the state after his 13-year rule. It is also crucial for Rahul, who was recently elected Congress president.</p>


While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers have expressed hope that his party will win these elections, Rahul Gandhi, the opponent, has hoped for a 'zabardast' results for his Congress.

Campaigning has ended, and every political party is putting all its might before the second and final phase of assembly election in Gujarat. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers have expressed hope that his party will win these elections, Rahul Gandhi, the opponent, has hoped for 'zabardast' results for his Congress. Speaking to Zee Kalak, Zee media group's Gujarati channel, Rahul said this election is about truth. "This election will be fought on truth - the truth of note ban, 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (in reference to GST) etc. You go to Surat, Ahmedabad or any other place in Gujarat, all the small businessmen are saying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has destroyed them," he said. This election is not about Modi, not about me but about the people of Gujarat, he added. Attacking PM Modi and his government, Rahul said that all those with black money converted it to white after GST. "Even BJP workers in Gujarat are saying this time, the road is tough," Rahul said. Campaigning has ended, and every political party is putting all its might before the second and final phase of assembly election in Gujarat. (WION Web Team) × When asked about his or Congress' vision for Gujarat, Rahul said, "Gujarat's vision will be formed by its electorate. It will be formed on the basis of what the people of Gujarat want. I will help in its formulation, but Gujarat's vision will be based on the wishes of people." "The love and affection Gujarat gave me in these three-four months has won my heart. I am at the sevice of Gujarat," Rahul said. After the first round of voting on December 9 for 89 seats, the remaining 93 constituencies spread across 14 districts of northern and central Gujarat will see balloting on Thursday to pick a new state assembly. A total of 851 candidates are in the fray, with the BJP determined to continue its 22-year-long rule and the Congress equally confident of coming to power. Over two crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. Also read: Rahul takes over as Congress president, but faces greater challenges than mother Sonia Gandhi The stakes are high for both BJP and Congress in the Gujarat election. This is the first assembly election in Gujarat since PM Modi left the state after his 13-year rule. It is also crucial for Rahul, who was recently elected Congress president.

Gujarat assembly elections not about Narendra Modi or me, it's about people: Rahul Gandhi

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