Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged on Thursday (Nov. 7) that some "fair-playing businesses" were asked by a "senior minister" to publicly support Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. This claim followed Gandhi’s recent opinion piece, where he criticised the influence of "monopolists" over government institutions and argued that many fair-minded businesses were struggling under the government.

Gandhi posted on X, "After my article, many play-fair businesses are telling me that a senior Minister has been calling and forcing them to say good things on social media about PM Modi and the government's programmes. Proves my point exactly!" He did not specify which companies reportedly received these calls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-censors-australia-today-over-jaishankars-presser-india-blasts-canadas-hypocrisy-774340">Canada censors Australia Today over presser, India blasts Ottawa’s ‘hypocrisy’</a>

On Wednesday, Gandhi shared an opinion piece in which he discussed what he called a “match-fixing” arrangement between powerful businesses and the government. He claimed that the current administration is favouring monopolies, which stifle competition and restrict the growth of smaller businesses.

Gandhi wrote, "In contrast to the 'match-fixing' monopoly groups, there is a larger number of amazing 'play-fair' Indian businesses, from micro-enterprises to large corporations, but you are silent. You persevere in an oppressive system." He added that many of India's brilliant and dynamic business leaders were intimidated by these monopolists.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-supreme-court-orders-jet-airways-liquidation-cites-resolution-plan-failures-774279">India's Supreme Court orders Jet Airways liquidation</a>

"The government cannot be allowed to support one business at the expense of all others, much less support benami equations in the business system. Government agencies are not weapons to be used to attack and intimidate businesses," he wrote.

In his article, Gandhi also addressed criticism from the BJP, saying, "I want to make something absolutely clear. I have been projected by my opponents in the BJP to be anti-business. I am not anti-business, in the least. I am anti-monopoly. I am anti-creating oligopolies. I am anti-domination by one or two or 3 or 5 people."

Sharing his article on X, Gandhi wrote, "Choose your India: Play-Fair or Monopoly? Jobs or Oligarchies? Competence or Connections? Innovation or Intimidation? Wealth for many or the few?"

(With inputs from agencies)

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged on Thursday (Nov. 7) that some "fair-playing businesses" were asked by a "senior minister" to publicly support Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleged on Thursday (Nov. 7) that some "fair-playing businesses" were asked by a "senior minister" to publicly support Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. This claim followed Gandhi’s recent opinion piece, where he criticised the influence of "monopolists" over government institutions and argued that many fair-minded businesses were struggling under the government. Gandhi posted on X, "After my article, many play-fair businesses are telling me that a senior Minister has been calling and forcing them to say good things on social media about PM Modi and the government's programmes. Proves my point exactly!" He did not specify which companies reportedly received these calls. Also read: Canada censors Australia Today over presser, India blasts Ottawa’s ‘hypocrisy’ On Wednesday, Gandhi shared an opinion piece in which he discussed what he called a “match-fixing” arrangement between powerful businesses and the government. He claimed that the current administration is favouring monopolies, which stifle competition and restrict the growth of smaller businesses. Gandhi wrote, "In contrast to the 'match-fixing' monopoly groups, there is a larger number of amazing 'play-fair' Indian businesses, from micro-enterprises to large corporations, but you are silent. You persevere in an oppressive system." He added that many of India's brilliant and dynamic business leaders were intimidated by these monopolists. Also read: India's Supreme Court orders Jet Airways liquidation "The government cannot be allowed to support one business at the expense of all others, much less support benami equations in the business system. Government agencies are not weapons to be used to attack and intimidate businesses," he wrote. In his article, Gandhi also addressed criticism from the BJP, saying, "I want to make something absolutely clear. I have been projected by my opponents in the BJP to be anti-business. I am not anti-business, in the least. I am anti-monopoly. I am anti-creating oligopolies. I am anti-domination by one or two or 3 or 5 people." Sharing his article on X, Gandhi wrote, "Choose your India: Play-Fair or Monopoly? Jobs or Oligarchies? Competence or Connections? Innovation or Intimidation? Wealth for many or the few?" (With inputs from agencies)

India: LoP Rahul Gandhi claims 'senior minister' is pressuring 'play-fair businesses' to praise PM Modi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed that the Constitution is "under attack" by the BJP as he accused the saffron party of controlling institutions such as the Election Commission, bureaucracy and central agencies. He also said no force can stop the caste census and removal of the 50 per cent cap on the reservation.

"The Constitution is under constant attack from all sides, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and it needs to be protected," Gandhi alleged while addressing 'Samvidhan Samman Sammelan' in Ranchi ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly polls.

In a no-hold-bar attack, he accused the BJP of "controlling the Election Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), income tax department, bureaucracy and judiciary".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bloc-to-fight-jharkhand-elections-together-jmm-congress-to-contest-70-of-81-seats-cm-hemant-soren-768980">INDIA bloc to contest Jharkhand elections together: CM Hemant Soren</a>

"The BJP also controls funds and institutions but we possess honesty. The Congress fought the Lok Sabha elections without money," he claimed. Gandhi said the caste census is a "medium for getting social X-ray but PM Modi is opposed to this".

"However, no force can stop caste census, institutional survey and removal of 50 per cent cap on reservation despite no media, judiciary support," he said. This was Gandhi's first visit to Jharkhand after the assembly poll schedule was announced.

The assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20 and counting will take place on November 23. Earlier in the day, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that the INDIA bloc will contest the upcoming assembly polls together and the Congress and the JMM will field candidates in 70 of 81 seats.

Seat-sharing talks are on with alliance partners - the RJD and the Left parties - for the remaining 11 seats, he added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed that the Constitution is "under attack" by the BJP as he accused the saffron party of controlling institutions such as the Election Commission, bureaucracy and central agencies.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed that the Constitution is "under attack" by the BJP as he accused the saffron party of controlling institutions such as the Election Commission, bureaucracy and central agencies. He also said no force can stop the caste census and removal of the 50 per cent cap on the reservation. "The Constitution is under constant attack from all sides, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and it needs to be protected," Gandhi alleged while addressing 'Samvidhan Samman Sammelan' in Ranchi ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly polls. In a no-hold-bar attack, he accused the BJP of "controlling the Election Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), income tax department, bureaucracy and judiciary". Also read: INDIA bloc to contest Jharkhand elections together: CM Hemant Soren "The BJP also controls funds and institutions but we possess honesty. The Congress fought the Lok Sabha elections without money," he claimed. Gandhi said the caste census is a "medium for getting social X-ray but PM Modi is opposed to this". "However, no force can stop caste census, institutional survey and removal of 50 per cent cap on reservation despite no media, judiciary support," he said. This was Gandhi's first visit to Jharkhand after the assembly poll schedule was announced. The assembly polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20 and counting will take place on November 23. Earlier in the day, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that the INDIA bloc will contest the upcoming assembly polls together and the Congress and the JMM will field candidates in 70 of 81 seats. Seat-sharing talks are on with alliance partners - the RJD and the Left parties - for the remaining 11 seats, he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of 'attacking the Constitution' and vows to break 50% reservation cap

Dussehra was celebrated across the country on Saturday with revellers coming out in large numbers to witness the burning of Ravana effigies, marking a spectacular culmination of 10-day of festivities filled with rituals, songs, dance and processions.

Dussehra was celebrated across the country on Saturday with revellers coming out in large numbers to witness the burning of Ravana effigies, marking a spectacular culmination of 10-day of festivities filled with rituals, songs, dance and processions. Effigies of the demon king, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad went up in flames on open grounds with the attending crowds erupting as the firecrackers from the burning effigies illuminated the night sky. Social media platforms were awash with colourful, celebratory posts with people wishing each other health and happiness. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the festivities at the Red Fort Parade Ground where they were welcomed by the organisers of Sri Dharmik Leela Committee. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also attended Dussehra festivities amid tight security arrangements. "Jai Siya Ram! Today I had the good fortune of participating in 'Ravana vadh' during the Dussehra festival at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi," Rahul Gandhi posted on his WhatsApp channel in Hindi. Also read: 'Systematic desecration': India slams Bangladesh over attacks on Hindu temple "Justice will triumph over injustice and goodness will always triumph over evil --this great festival is the best and most accurate manifestation of this ultimate truth," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. Huge Durga puja pandals were set up across venues showcasing designs based on a variety of innovative themes including on politics, paintings and iconic monuments. Pandals were decorated abundantly and lit up colourfully as people came in with families and friends to celebrate the festival. Ramlila was performed in cities, towns and villages, with actors dressing up as characters from the Ramayan and enacting scenes from the Hindu epic. But two dreaded criminals took advantage of such a performance in the Haridwar district jail and escaped when Ramlila was being staged. An incident was reported from Odisha also where gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 10 lakh were stolen from a Durga Puja pandal at Barundei temple in Jajpur district. On the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed "Shastra Puja" (worship of weapons) at the Sukna military station in West Bengal, and said the ritual is a "clear indication that if need be, weapons and equipment will be used with full force". "India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt. We fight only when someone insults or tries to harm our integrity and sovereignty; when war is waged against religion, truth and human values. This is what we have inherited. We will continue to preserve this heritage," Singh said in a statement issued by the defence ministry. "However, if our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take a big step. 'Shastra Puja' is a clear indication that if need be, the weapons, equipment will be used with full force," he said. Meanwhile, the External Affairs Ministry expressed "serious concern" over the reported attack on a pandal and theft at a revered Kali temple in Bangladesh, and requested Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus, all other minorities and their places of worship. Addressing the annual Vijayadasahmi rally of the RSS in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said India has become stronger and more respected in the world with enhanced credibility in the last few years but sinister conspiracies are testing the country's resolve. "A country becomes great due to the national character of its people. This year is important as RSS steps into its centenary year," he said. The RSS chief said a tyrannical fundamentalist nature exists in Bangladesh. A sword of danger hangs over the heads of minorities, including Hindus. Hindus have now come out to defend themselves, he said, adding that they will need the help of all those favouring humanity and harmony, especially the Indian government and fellow Hindus from all over the world. "That is why infiltration from Bangladesh into Bharat and the population imbalance caused by it has become a matter of serious concern even among the common people," said Bhagwat. "Being unorganised and weak is like inviting atrocities by the wicked. Hindus need to be united," he stressed. Bhagwat said 'Deep State', 'wokeism' and 'cultural Marxist' are declared enemies of all cultural traditions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah greeted members of the RSS on the occasion of its foundation day and said since its inception, the organisation has been doing a remarkable job of protecting Indian culture and inculcating the ideas of patriotism in youth. The RSS was founded in 1925 in Nagpur on Vijayadashami. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended a Dussehra event in Panchkula and extended greetings to the people. "Everyone should take a pledge today to renounce their inner flaws, so that we contribute to building a civilised and cultured society," he said. Addressing the Dussehra rally of Shiv Sena at the Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the Lok Sabha poll success of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was like a flash in the pan which won't be replicated in the upcoming assembly polls. Addressing his party's annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said the RSS should think whether today's "hybrid BJP" is acceptable to it. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

How India celebrated Dussehra 2024: Ravana effigies burn bright as PM Modi, other leaders join festivities

BJP does the impossible and clinches Haryana hattrick in thriller, defying exit polls. Enthusiastic Congress fails to put up a strong fight against BJP despite anti-incumbency. BJP snatches victory right from the jaws of the Congress after its early lead. However, as the counting of votes progressed, the saffron party made strides ahead. Watch to know more!

Haryana Elections: BJP Delivers Shocker To Congress In Haryana Assembly Polls | WION Originals

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (Oct 9) granted BJP leader Subramanian Swamy time to file a copy of petition pending before the Allahabad High Court on the issue of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship.&nbsp;

The court was informed by&nbsp;Swamy that he had obtained the copy of the petition and the prayers in that matter are different from that of his pleadings.

A bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the petitioner to file the documents in electronic form in compliance with its last order and listed his plea for further hearing on November 6.

The bench was hearing a plea by Swamy seeking directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to decide his representation seeking cancellation of Gandhi’s Indian citizenship.

Swamy, in his plea, also sought a direction to the MHA to furnish a status report on the representation filed by him against Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

At the outset, Swamy submitted that the matter pending before the Allahabad High Court has got nothing to do with his case and the prayers are totally different.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-seeks-action-against-rahul-gandhi-accuses-congress-mp-of-violating-house-rules-737928">Watch |&nbsp;BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-seeks-action-against-rahul-gandhi-accuses-congress-mp-of-violating-house-rules-737928/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

To this, the bench said, “okay we will see”. It had earlier granted time to the petitioner to obtain a copy of the petition that has been filed before the Allahabad High Court.

The Delhi High Court had said a petition on a similar issue was also being heard by its Allahabad counterpart and two courts can’t deal with the same issue simultaneously.

It had said before proceeding further in the matter, it will be in the interest of justice to know about the pending petition in the Allahabad High Court.

Swamy’s plea, filed by advocate Satya Sabharwal, said that on August 6, 2019, the petitioner had written a letter to the ministry alleging that Gandhi had “voluntarily disclosed” to the British government that he was a citizen of British nationality, amounting to holding a British passport.

Earlier, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court asked the Centre whether it had taken any decision on a representation filed under the Citizenship Act, 1955 asking it to inquire into the allegations.

It was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) moved by BJP worker from Karnataka, S. Vignesh Shishir, claiming that he has done detailed enquiries into the issue of Gandhi being a British citizen and has got several new inputs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-he-is-a-british-citizen-complaint-targets-rahul-gandhis-raebareli-nomination-718070">Also read |&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Complaint questions Rahul Gandhi’s Rae Bareli nomination for ‘being British citizen’</a>

In his plea in the Delhi High Court, Swamy has said that the Congress leader, being an Indian citizen, has violated Article 9 of the Constitution, read with the Indian Citizenship Act, and would cease to be an Indian citizen. He said he has sent many representations to the ministry inquiring about the status of his complaint but neither any action has been taken nor has he been intimated about it.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (Oct 9) granted BJP leader Subramanian Swamy time to file a copy of petition pending before the Allahabad High Court on the issue of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (Oct 9) granted BJP leader Subramanian Swamy time to file a copy of petition pending before the Allahabad High Court on the issue of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship. The court was informed by Swamy that he had obtained the copy of the petition and the prayers in that matter are different from that of his pleadings. A bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the petitioner to file the documents in electronic form in compliance with its last order and listed his plea for further hearing on November 6. The bench was hearing a plea by Swamy seeking directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to decide his representation seeking cancellation of Gandhi’s Indian citizenship. Swamy, in his plea, also sought a direction to the MHA to furnish a status report on the representation filed by him against Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. At the outset, Swamy submitted that the matter pending before the Allahabad High Court has got nothing to do with his case and the prayers are totally different. Watch | BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules × To this, the bench said, “okay we will see”. It had earlier granted time to the petitioner to obtain a copy of the petition that has been filed before the Allahabad High Court. The Delhi High Court had said a petition on a similar issue was also being heard by its Allahabad counterpart and two courts can’t deal with the same issue simultaneously. It had said before proceeding further in the matter, it will be in the interest of justice to know about the pending petition in the Allahabad High Court. Swamy’s plea, filed by advocate Satya Sabharwal, said that on August 6, 2019, the petitioner had written a letter to the ministry alleging that Gandhi had “voluntarily disclosed” to the British government that he was a citizen of British nationality, amounting to holding a British passport. Earlier, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court asked the Centre whether it had taken any decision on a representation filed under the Citizenship Act, 1955 asking it to inquire into the allegations. It was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) moved by BJP worker from Karnataka, S. Vignesh Shishir, claiming that he has done detailed enquiries into the issue of Gandhi being a British citizen and has got several new inputs. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Complaint questions Rahul Gandhi’s Rae Bareli nomination for ‘being British citizen’ In his plea in the Delhi High Court, Swamy has said that the Congress leader, being an Indian citizen, has violated Article 9 of the Constitution, read with the Indian Citizenship Act, and would cease to be an Indian citizen. He said he has sent many representations to the ministry inquiring about the status of his complaint but neither any action has been taken nor has he been intimated about it. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rahul Gandhi citizenship case: Delhi HC grants time to Subramanian Swamy to file documents

India’s principal opposition Congress party is planning to raise complaints with the Election Commission over the counting process as results for Haryana and Jammu-Kashmir assembly polls were announced Tuesday (Oct 8). The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Congress party was analysing “unexpected” results in Haryana. The Indian grand old party fared strongly in early trends but faced a major turnaround later as incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to cross the half-way mark in the 90-member strong assembly, winning 48 of 90 seats.

"We are analysing the unexpected results of Haryana. We will inform the Election Commission about the complaints coming from many assembly constituencies," Gandhi said in a post on X in his first remarks on the election results in Haryana.

Gandhi said Congress would continue fighting for people's rights and social and economic justice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiX0qjn-ICJAxViklYBHWJeLKEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sweet-revenge-bjp-pokes-fun-at-rahul-gandhi-with-jalebi-gift-after-haryana-assembly-election-victory-765859" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sweet-revenge-bjp-pokes-fun-at-rahul-gandhi-with-jalebi-gift-after-haryana-assembly-election-victory-765859&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX0qjn-ICJAxViklYBHWJeLKEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Sweet revenge! BJP pokes fun at Rahul Gandhi with jalebi gift after Haryana assembly election victory</a>

In the post, Gandhi also hailed the INDIA bloc’s comprehensive victory in Jammu and Kashmir, an event that he labelled a "victory of democratic self-respect". The National Conference, a Congress ally, won 42 seats in the state, whereas Gandhi’s party was able to win 6 seats.

Exit polls had predicted a comfortable win for the Congress party in Haryana. However, it managed to get only 37 seats, way short of the majority mark of 46. Congress rejected the results on Tuesday, calling them “unacceptable”. The party also issued a memorandum alleging a slowdown in the updation of the counting figures in Haryana.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiX0qjn-ICJAxViklYBHWJeLKEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhis-cooking-session-with-dalit-family-ahead-of-maharashtra-polls-watch-765289" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhis-cooking-session-with-dalit-family-ahead-of-maharashtra-polls-watch-765289&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX0qjn-ICJAxViklYBHWJeLKEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">India: Rahul Gandhi's cooking session with Dalit family ahead of Maharashtra polls - WATCH</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi later took a dig at Congress for questioning the people’s mandate, alleging that it wants to tarnish every institution in the country.

Meanwhile, Congress’s defeat has raised serious questions over the party leadership yet again, with even allies now turning the heat on it for the dismal show.

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, a key ally of the Congress party in Maharashtra state, criticised it for not joining hands with the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s principal opposition Congress party is planning to raise complaints with the Election Commission over the counting process as results for Haryana and Jammu-Kashmir assembly polls were announced Tuesday (Oct 8).

India’s principal opposition Congress party is planning to raise complaints with the Election Commission over the counting process as results for Haryana and Jammu-Kashmir assembly polls were announced Tuesday (Oct 8). The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the Congress party was analysing “unexpected” results in Haryana. The Indian grand old party fared strongly in early trends but faced a major turnaround later as incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to cross the half-way mark in the 90-member strong assembly, winning 48 of 90 seats. "We are analysing the unexpected results of Haryana. We will inform the Election Commission about the complaints coming from many assembly constituencies," Gandhi said in a post on X in his first remarks on the election results in Haryana. Gandhi said Congress would continue fighting for people's rights and social and economic justice. Also read: Sweet revenge! BJP pokes fun at Rahul Gandhi with jalebi gift after Haryana assembly election victory In the post, Gandhi also hailed the INDIA bloc’s comprehensive victory in Jammu and Kashmir, an event that he labelled a "victory of democratic self-respect". The National Conference, a Congress ally, won 42 seats in the state, whereas Gandhi’s party was able to win 6 seats. Exit polls had predicted a comfortable win for the Congress party in Haryana. However, it managed to get only 37 seats, way short of the majority mark of 46. Congress rejected the results on Tuesday, calling them “unacceptable”. The party also issued a memorandum alleging a slowdown in the updation of the counting figures in Haryana. Also read: India: Rahul Gandhi's cooking session with Dalit family ahead of Maharashtra polls - WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi later took a dig at Congress for questioning the people’s mandate, alleging that it wants to tarnish every institution in the country. Meanwhile, Congress’s defeat has raised serious questions over the party leadership yet again, with even allies now turning the heat on it for the dismal show. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, a key ally of the Congress party in Maharashtra state, criticised it for not joining hands with the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress analysing ‘unexpected’ Haryana defeat, to inform EC about complaints: Rahul Gandhi

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a playful jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, turning his recent remarks about jalebi into a political poke.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1757}">What did BJP do?&nbsp;</h2>

During a rally in Gohana, Gandhi, while campaigning for the assembly elections, had praised a local sweet shop, Matu Ram halwai, for its jalebi, suggesting it should be sold nationwide and even exported. He mentioned that if made in a "factory", it could generate more jobs. However, this comment sparked a flurry of memes and jokes, with many arguing that Jalebi is best enjoyed fresh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-assembly-election-result-2024-check-full-updated-list-of-winner-and-loser-candidates-gurgaon-gohana-765570">Haryana Election result 2024 Full Winner List: BJP records historic hat-trick in Haryana</a>

Playing on Gandhi's comments, after a surprising victory in Haryana, the BJP's state unit sent a box of jalebi to Gandhi's residence. A food app order for 1 kg of the sweet was placed from a popular shop in Delhi, with the Haryana BJP sharing the order details on social media.

"On behalf of all workers Bharatiya Janata Party Haryana, jalebi has been sent to Rahul Gandhi’s house," wrote BJP's Haryana wing on X.

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:150,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:320,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:128,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2010}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:135,&quot;y&quot;:320,&quot;w&quot;:558,&quot;h&quot;:128,&quot;abs_x&quot;:168,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2010}" class="twitter-tweet">
भारतीय जनता पार्टी हरियाणा के समस्त कार्यकर्ताओं की तरफ से राहुल गांधी जी के लिए उनके घर पर जलेबी भिजवा दी है🙏🏻 <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:451,&quot;y&quot;:379,&quot;w&quot;:157,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:484,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2069}" href="https://t.co/Xi8SaM7yBj">pic.twitter.com/Xi8SaM7yBj</a>
— Haryana BJP (@BJP4Haryana) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:490,&quot;y&quot;:407,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:523,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2097}" href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Haryana/status/1843635304089227317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:310,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2000}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to reports, the jalebi jab was not limited to Haryana; BJP leaders in Gujarat also celebrated with their own "jalebi party," sharing photos of themselves enjoying the sweet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lotus-bloomed-in-haryana-pm-modi-after-bjp-clinches-third-term-in-haryana-elections-765708">‘Congress involved in conspiracy to weaken the country’: PM Modi after BJP wins third term in Haryana</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:527,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2217}">Those dreaming of Jalebi…</h2>

Zubin Ashara, a media adviser for the Gujarat BJP, remarked, "Rahul Gandhi is helping us achieve our dream of making India Congress-free. So, it's our duty to fulfil his dream by making Jalebi the most popular sweet today. Jalebi Party at Party office!."

As the BJP celebrated its electoral gains in Haryana, it ordered 100 kg of jalebi to mark its record third term in the state. National party president JP Nadda also joined in the fun, saying, "Yeh jo jalebi ka khwaab leke baithe the unko jalebi bhi naseeb nahin hui (Those who were dreaming of jalebi did not even get to savour it)".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a playful jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, turning his recent remarks about jalebi into a political poke. What did BJP do?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a playful jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, turning his recent remarks about jalebi into a political poke. What did BJP do? During a rally in Gohana, Gandhi, while campaigning for the assembly elections, had praised a local sweet shop, Matu Ram halwai, for its jalebi, suggesting it should be sold nationwide and even exported. He mentioned that if made in a "factory", it could generate more jobs. However, this comment sparked a flurry of memes and jokes, with many arguing that Jalebi is best enjoyed fresh. Also read | Haryana Election result 2024 Full Winner List: BJP records historic hat-trick in Haryana Playing on Gandhi's comments, after a surprising victory in Haryana, the BJP's state unit sent a box of jalebi to Gandhi's residence. A food app order for 1 kg of the sweet was placed from a popular shop in Delhi, with the Haryana BJP sharing the order details on social media. "On behalf of all workers Bharatiya Janata Party Haryana, jalebi has been sent to Rahul Gandhi’s house," wrote BJP's Haryana wing on X. भारतीय जनता पार्टी हरियाणा के समस्त कार्यकर्ताओं की तरफ से राहुल गांधी जी के लिए उनके घर पर जलेबी भिजवा दी है🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Xi8SaM7yBj — Haryana BJP (@BJP4Haryana) October 8, 2024 × According to reports, the jalebi jab was not limited to Haryana; BJP leaders in Gujarat also celebrated with their own "jalebi party," sharing photos of themselves enjoying the sweet. Also read | ‘Congress involved in conspiracy to weaken the country’: PM Modi after BJP wins third term in Haryana Those dreaming of Jalebi… Zubin Ashara, a media adviser for the Gujarat BJP, remarked, "Rahul Gandhi is helping us achieve our dream of making India Congress-free. So, it's our duty to fulfil his dream by making Jalebi the most popular sweet today. Jalebi Party at Party office!." As the BJP celebrated its electoral gains in Haryana, it ordered 100 kg of jalebi to mark its record third term in the state. National party president JP Nadda also joined in the fun, saying, "Yeh jo jalebi ka khwaab leke baithe the unko jalebi bhi naseeb nahin hui (Those who were dreaming of jalebi did not even get to savour it)". (With inputs from agencies)

Sweet revenge! BJP pokes fun at Rahul Gandhi with jalebi gift after Haryana assembly election victory

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls,&nbsp;Indian National Congress (INC) MP Rahul Gandhi, visited the home of a Dalit farmer in the Kolhapur district of the state and enjoyed a meal there.&nbsp;

A video posted by Gandhi on his X account showed him meeting&nbsp;Ajay Tukaram Sanade and his wife, accompanied by&nbsp;Shahu Patole, the author of the book 'Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada'.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha took a keen interest in the preparation of the dish and learned more about the "Dalit cuisine", which according to Patole, not many knew about.&nbsp;

"You said an interesting thing that no one knows what you eat, how you cook it. Which is why I have come here today," Gandhi said, addressing Patole.

The conversation later veered towards the discrimination faced by the Dalits in the country.&nbsp;

"Talking about Patole ji and the Sanade family’s personal experiences with caste and discrimination, we discussed the lack of awareness about Dalit cuisine and the importance of documentation of this culture," Gandhi posted on X.&nbsp;

"The constitution gives participation and rights to the Bahujans, and we will protect that constitution. But true inclusion and equality of all in the society will be possible only when every Indian makes efforts with the feeling of brotherhood in his heart," he added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
दलित किचन के बारे में आज भी बहुत कम लोग जानते हैं। जैसा शाहू पटोले जी ने कहा, “दलित क्या खाते हैं, कोई नहीं जानता।” 
 
वो क्या खाते हैं, कैसे पकाते हैं, और इसका सामाजिक और राजनीतिक महत्व क्या है, इस जिज्ञासा के साथ, मैंने अजय तुकाराम सनदे जी और अंजना तुकाराम सनदे जी के साथ एक दोपहर… <a href="https://t.co/yPjXUQt9te">pic.twitter.com/yPjXUQt9te</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1843172492388491522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Watch |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora in Dallas, attacks PM Modi &amp; RSS during US visit

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-addresses-the-indian-diaspora-in-dallas-attacks-pm-modi-rss-during-us-visit-757260/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Maharashtra assembly polls</h2>

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar last month stated that elections in Maharashtra will be conducted before November 26 as the current Assembly's tenure ends then.&nbsp;

“All political parties have asked us to consider the upcoming festivals while announcing the election dates. I am confident that Maharashtra will actively contribute to the festival of democracy,” said Kumar.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-under-threat-from-nda-congress-files-police-complaint-after-bjp-nda-leader-statements-on-lop-759723">Also read |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi under threat from NDA? Cong files police complaint after BJP-NDA leaders statements on LoP</a>

Currently, Gandhi's Congress sits in the opposition alongside the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which was ejected out of power following the division of the Shiv Sena party. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar also broke family ties and joined the coalition with BJP which has been in power for more than two years now.&nbsp;

The MVA is yet to announce their seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP, likely to bargain hard following the good showing in the Lok Sabha polls

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, Indian National Congress (INC) MP Rahul Gandhi, visited the home of a Dalit farmer in the Kolhapur district of the state and enjoyed a meal there.

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, Indian National Congress (INC) MP Rahul Gandhi, visited the home of a Dalit farmer in the Kolhapur district of the state and enjoyed a meal there. A video posted by Gandhi on his X account showed him meeting Ajay Tukaram Sanade and his wife, accompanied by Shahu Patole, the author of the book 'Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada'. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha took a keen interest in the preparation of the dish and learned more about the "Dalit cuisine", which according to Patole, not many knew about. "You said an interesting thing that no one knows what you eat, how you cook it. Which is why I have come here today," Gandhi said, addressing Patole. The conversation later veered towards the discrimination faced by the Dalits in the country. "Talking about Patole ji and the Sanade family’s personal experiences with caste and discrimination, we discussed the lack of awareness about Dalit cuisine and the importance of documentation of this culture," Gandhi posted on X. "The constitution gives participation and rights to the Bahujans, and we will protect that constitution. But true inclusion and equality of all in the society will be possible only when every Indian makes efforts with the feeling of brotherhood in his heart," he added. दलित किचन के बारे में आज भी बहुत कम लोग जानते हैं। जैसा शाहू पटोले जी ने कहा, “दलित क्या खाते हैं, कोई नहीं जानता।” वो क्या खाते हैं, कैसे पकाते हैं, और इसका सामाजिक और राजनीतिक महत्व क्या है, इस जिज्ञासा के साथ, मैंने अजय तुकाराम सनदे जी और अंजना तुकाराम सनदे जी के साथ एक दोपहर… pic.twitter.com/yPjXUQt9te — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 7, 2024 × Watch | Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora in Dallas, attacks PM Modi & RSS during US visit × Maharashtra assembly polls Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar last month stated that elections in Maharashtra will be conducted before November 26 as the current Assembly's tenure ends then. “All political parties have asked us to consider the upcoming festivals while announcing the election dates. I am confident that Maharashtra will actively contribute to the festival of democracy,” said Kumar. Also read | Rahul Gandhi under threat from NDA? Cong files police complaint after BJP-NDA leaders statements on LoP Currently, Gandhi's Congress sits in the opposition alongside the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which was ejected out of power following the division of the Shiv Sena party. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar also broke family ties and joined the coalition with BJP which has been in power for more than two years now. The MVA is yet to announce their seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP, likely to bargain hard following the good showing in the Lok Sabha polls (With inputs from agencies)

India: Rahul Gandhi's cooking session with Dalit family ahead of Maharashtra polls - WATCH

India's Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah on Sunday (Sep 29) accused the Congress party of allowing 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans at its rallies in the poll-bound state of Haryana.

India's Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah on Sunday (Sep 29) accused the Congress party of allowing 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans at its rallies in the poll-bound state of Haryana. Speaking at a rally in Badshahpur, Shah also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for 'lying' about the Agniveer scheme. "I am seeing a new trend in Haryana. From Hathin to Thanesar and from Thansesar to Palwal, slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad' are being raised on Congress stages. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi that when the leaders and workers of your party are raising the slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad', why are you quiet? The Congress is blinded by appeasement," Shah said. Also read: Congress demands 'guilty' FM Sitharaman’s resignation over electoral bonds case He also slammed Rahul Gandhi for the Congress' promise to reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which was revoked by the BJP government. "Is Kashmir ours or not? Should Article 370 have been removed or not? Congress and Rahul Baba say that they will bring Article 370 back. Even the three generations of Rahul Gandhi cannot bring Article 370 back... The youth of Haryana have made a lot of sacrifices to protect Kashmir and we will not let that go in vain," he added. 'Will make Waqf Board law straight': Amit Shah Shah further promised that the government would introduce the Waqf Amendment Bill during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. "The Waqf Board law is causing a lot of problems, isn't it? We will improve and make it straight in this winter session," the BJP leader stated. Amit Shah calls LoP Rahul Gandhi 'machine of speaking lies' During the same rally, Shah also accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading misinformation about the Agniveer scheme. "Congress’ Rahul Baba is a machine of speaking lies. He says that the Agniveer scheme has been brought because the government does not want to give them a job with a pension," the BJP said. “Agniveer scheme has only been made to keep our army young. I want to ask you to not hesitate before sending your sons to the army. Every Agniveer will get a job with a pension. After 5 years there will be no Agniveer without a job with a pension. No one needs to worry about it,” Shah added. Also read: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi elevated as state’s Deputy CM; four ministers take oath Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and a vocal critic of the Agniveer scheme, had previously said he would scrap it if the opposition INDIA bloc came to power. He has argued that the scheme neglected the welfare of Indian soldiers. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced India’s Jawans to mere laborers with his Agniveer scheme. The Army does not endorse this scheme; it is a creation of the Prime Minister’s Office. Once the Congress forms the government at the Centre, we will discard this scheme," the LoP had said at the time. Haryana is scheduled to hold elections on October 5, with results to be announced on October 8. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP's Amit Shah slams Congress for 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans at rallies; vows to ‘straighten’ Waqf Board law

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has praised Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress leader has changed people's perception about him by working hard on himself.

During his appearance&nbsp;on an Indian news channel on Thursday evening, the actor said he likes a politician who is brave and honest.

Asked about the politician, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who is brave and can lead India into the future, Khan said they are all "brave politicians".

Khan then praised Gandhi and said he used to be disrespected for the things he used to do and say.

"I think what Rahul Gandhi has done has also been very impressive because there was a point where people were disrespecting things he was saying and things he was doing. And I think he's turned that around by working very hard, in a very interesting way," the 54-year-old actor said.

''Beyond that I don't want to get into a thing of who I support and what my politics is because I want to be apolitical in my outlook. And I think the country has spoken quite clearly. I'm happy about one thing. That democracy is alive and thriving in India," he added.

Khan also said he has no intention of joining politics.

"I'm not a politician. I don't really want to be a politician. And if I had strong views, I think I would become one and then share them in that way," he said.

"I mean, you guys (journalists) are really brave and much braver than me. I'm not looking for that kind of heat. But if I was, then I would go all the way and become. And join a political party. But I'm not ready to do that yet," he added.

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has praised Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress leader has changed people's perception about him by working hard on himself. During his appearance on an Indian news channel on Thursday evening, the actor said he likes a politician who is brave and honest.

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has praised Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress leader has changed people's perception about him by working hard on himself. During his appearance on an Indian news channel on Thursday evening, the actor said he likes a politician who is brave and honest. Asked about the politician, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who is brave and can lead India into the future, Khan said they are all "brave politicians". Khan then praised Gandhi and said he used to be disrespected for the things he used to do and say. "I think what Rahul Gandhi has done has also been very impressive because there was a point where people were disrespecting things he was saying and things he was doing. And I think he's turned that around by working very hard, in a very interesting way," the 54-year-old actor said. ''Beyond that I don't want to get into a thing of who I support and what my politics is because I want to be apolitical in my outlook. And I think the country has spoken quite clearly. I'm happy about one thing. That democracy is alive and thriving in India," he added. Khan also said he has no intention of joining politics. "I'm not a politician. I don't really want to be a politician. And if I had strong views, I think I would become one and then share them in that way," he said. "I mean, you guys (journalists) are really brave and much braver than me. I'm not looking for that kind of heat. But if I was, then I would go all the way and become. And join a political party. But I'm not ready to do that yet," he added.

Saif Ali Khan talks about joining politics, praises Rahul Gandhi's 'impressive' transformation

While speaking at a public rally in Jammu on Wednesday (September 25), Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made a serious gaffe when he mistakenly called Kashmiri Pandits as "refugees from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)."&nbsp;

Gandhi, in his speech, said that former prime minister Manmohan Singh had made a promise to PoK refugees, but soon realised his error. He corrected himself by saying “sorry” and changed his statement to the “promise made to Kashmiri Pandits”.

“Those refugees who came from PoK, the promises made to them by Manmohan Singh ji will be fulfilled… Sorry… Kashmiri Pandits…promises made to Kashmiri Pandits will be fulfilled,” Gandhi said at the public gathering.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nothing-wrong-rahul-gandhi-defends-his-remarks-on-sikhs-earlier-endorsed-by-pannun-760736">‘Nothing wrong,’ Rahul Gandhi defends his remarks on Sikhs earlier endorsed by Pannun</a>

He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of snatching the statehood from Jammu and Kashmir. “Till the lieutenant governor is here, outsiders will continue to get benefits at the expense of the people of J&amp;K,” he said.

He said that downgrading Jammu and Kashmir to Union territory "was grave injustice with the people".

"We thought that the statehood would be restored before elections, and it was the right way, but they went for polls first. If the BJP did not do it for any reason, then the first job under the INDIA government will be to give statehood because this is your right," Gandhi promised in his speech.

<h2>BJP slams Gandhi for his 'PoK refugee' gaffe</h2>

However, Gandhi's gaffe of "PoK refugee" and "Kashmiri pandits" did not go unnoticed by the BJP, which slammed the Congress leader for his mistake.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi Campaigns In Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Criticizes BJP Policies

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-campaigns-in-jammu-kashmir-criticizes-bjp-policies-761280/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Reacting to the incident, BJP senior party leader Amit Malviya said, "Then Sam Pitroda wants us to believe that he isn’t Pappu anymore… a man who is the Leader of Opposition can’t distinguish between refugees from PoK and Kashmiri Pandits. The mess in Kashmir is the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru. As if that wasn’t enough, we now have Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi&nbsp;also."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Then Sam Pitroda wants us to believe that he isn’t Pappu anymore… a man who is the Leader of Opposition can’t distinguish between refugees from PoK and Kashmiri Pandits. 
The mess in Kashmir is a legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru. As if that wasn’t enough, we now have Rahul Gandhi also. <a href="https://t.co/xKFhpirM2Z">pic.twitter.com/xKFhpirM2Z</a>
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1838910426844631078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh BJP leader Vishnu Vardhan Reddy sai, “No matter how hard you try to hide the truth, it eventually comes out”. “…Kudos to Rahul Gandhi for speaking the actual truth, even though by mistake..” he wrote on X.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
No matter how hard you try to hide the truth, it eventually comes out! 
 
Kudos to Rahul Gandhi for speaking the actual truth, even though by mistake.. <a href="https://t.co/aZpp0RNXs2">pic.twitter.com/aZpp0RNXs2</a>
— Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SVishnuReddy/status/1838857173222166613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So basically, Rahul Gandhi is saying in Jammu that 'the Indian govt is an outsider for the people of J&amp;K, so it's an injustice for them.' 
 
But same Congress &amp; their allies always advocate for talks with Pakistan regarding Kashmir. So, for him, the Indian govt is an outsider, but… <a href="https://t.co/3SW3w7MEmg">pic.twitter.com/3SW3w7MEmg</a>
— Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SVishnuReddy/status/1838886266617704550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reddy, in another post, commented, “So basically, Rahul Gandhi is saying in Jammu that ‘the Indian government is an outsider for the people of J&amp;K, so it’s an injustice for them’. But the same Congress &amp; their allies always advocate for talks with Pakistan regarding Kashmir. So, for him, the Indian government is an outsider, but Pakistan is not.”

(With input from agencies)

While speaking at a public rally in Jammu on Wednesday (September 25), Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made a serious gaffe when he mistakenly called Kashmiri Pandits as "refugees from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

While speaking at a public rally in Jammu on Wednesday (September 25), Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made a serious gaffe when he mistakenly called Kashmiri Pandits as "refugees from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)." Gandhi, in his speech, said that former prime minister Manmohan Singh had made a promise to PoK refugees, but soon realised his error. He corrected himself by saying “sorry” and changed his statement to the “promise made to Kashmiri Pandits”. “Those refugees who came from PoK, the promises made to them by Manmohan Singh ji will be fulfilled… Sorry… Kashmiri Pandits…promises made to Kashmiri Pandits will be fulfilled,” Gandhi said at the public gathering. Also Read: ‘Nothing wrong,’ Rahul Gandhi defends his remarks on Sikhs earlier endorsed by Pannun He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of snatching the statehood from Jammu and Kashmir. “Till the lieutenant governor is here, outsiders will continue to get benefits at the expense of the people of J&K,” he said. He said that downgrading Jammu and Kashmir to Union territory "was grave injustice with the people". "We thought that the statehood would be restored before elections, and it was the right way, but they went for polls first. If the BJP did not do it for any reason, then the first job under the INDIA government will be to give statehood because this is your right," Gandhi promised in his speech. BJP slams Gandhi for his 'PoK refugee' gaffe However, Gandhi's gaffe of "PoK refugee" and "Kashmiri pandits" did not go unnoticed by the BJP, which slammed the Congress leader for his mistake. Watch: Rahul Gandhi Campaigns In Jammu & Kashmir, Criticizes BJP Policies Reacting to the incident, BJP senior party leader Amit Malviya said, "Then Sam Pitroda wants us to believe that he isn’t Pappu anymore… a man who is the Leader of Opposition can’t distinguish between refugees from PoK and Kashmiri Pandits. The mess in Kashmir is the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru. As if that wasn’t enough, we now have Rahul Gandhi also." Then Sam Pitroda wants us to believe that he isn’t Pappu anymore… a man who is the Leader of Opposition can’t distinguish between refugees from PoK and Kashmiri Pandits. The mess in Kashmir is a legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru. As if that wasn’t enough, we now have Rahul Gandhi also. pic.twitter.com/xKFhpirM2Z — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 25, 2024 × Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh BJP leader Vishnu Vardhan Reddy sai, “No matter how hard you try to hide the truth, it eventually comes out”. “…Kudos to Rahul Gandhi for speaking the actual truth, even though by mistake..” he wrote on X. No matter how hard you try to hide the truth, it eventually comes out! Kudos to Rahul Gandhi for speaking the actual truth, even though by mistake.. pic.twitter.com/aZpp0RNXs2 — Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) September 25, 2024 × So basically, Rahul Gandhi is saying in Jammu that 'the Indian govt is an outsider for the people of J&K, so it's an injustice for them.' But same Congress & their allies always advocate for talks with Pakistan regarding Kashmir. So, for him, the Indian govt is an outsider, but… pic.twitter.com/3SW3w7MEmg — Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) September 25, 2024 × Reddy, in another post, commented, “So basically, Rahul Gandhi is saying in Jammu that ‘the Indian government is an outsider for the people of J&K, so it’s an injustice for them’. But the same Congress & their allies always advocate for talks with Pakistan regarding Kashmir. So, for him, the Indian government is an outsider, but Pakistan is not.” (With input from agencies)

India: Rahul Gandhi confuses ‘Kashmiri Pandits’ with ‘PoK refugees’, BJP takes ‘Pappu’ dig at him

Rahul Gandhi is on the campaign trail in Jammu and Kashmir, where he has been vocal in criticizing the BJP's policies. Addressing rallies and meeting with local communities, Gandhi is highlighting key issues and advocating for change as he aims to connect with voters in the region. His remarks come ahead of the upcoming elections, where political tensions are running high.

Rahul Gandhi Campaigns In Jammu & Kashmir, Criticizes BJP Policies

Congress lawmaker and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Sep 21) gave clarification on his controversial remarks on Sikhs during his recent trip to the United States. He took to X and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of resorting to lies and not standing up to the truth.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The BJP has been spreading lies about my remarks in America. 
 
I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad - is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldn't India be a country where every Sikh - and every Indian - can freely practice their religion… <a href="https://t.co/sxNdMavR1X">pic.twitter.com/sxNdMavR1X</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1837434584524263534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"As usual, the BJP is resorting to lies. They are desperate to silence me because they cannot stand the truth. But I will always speak up for the values that define India: our unity in diversity, equality, and love," Gandhi posted.

It is to be noted that while delivering a speech in Washington DC on September 10, Gandhi said that Sikhs in India had to fight to wear a turban in India. "The fight is about if a Sikh is allowed to wear a turban in India, or whether a Sikh is allowed to wear a kara in India, or if a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And this is for all religions," Gandhi said while talking about the importance of religious freedom.

A massive controversy erupted after his remarks were backed by Sikh separatists and a designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The terrorist said that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks "corroborates with Sikhs For Justice's (SFJ) stance on the justification of Punjab's Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan."

The SFJ is outlawed in India for threatening the country's&nbsp;national security and territorial integrity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiWg_KomNSIAxUBn68BHQqtEBIQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-under-threat-from-nda-congress-files-police-complaint-after-bjp-nda-leader-statements-on-lop-759723" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-under-threat-from-nda-congress-files-police-complaint-after-bjp-nda-leader-statements-on-lop-759723&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWg_KomNSIAxUBn68BHQqtEBIQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Rahul Gandhi under threat from NDA? Cong files police complaint after BJP-NDA leaders statements on LoP</a>

Gandhi on Saturday defended his remarks, saying there was nothing wrong in it.

"I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad – is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldn't India be a country where every Sikh – and every Indian – can freely practice their religion without fear?" Gandhi posted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress lawmaker and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Sep 21) gave clarification on his controversial remarks on Sikhs during his recent trip to the United States.

Congress lawmaker and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Sep 21) gave clarification on his controversial remarks on Sikhs during his recent trip to the United States. He took to X and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of resorting to lies and not standing up to the truth. The BJP has been spreading lies about my remarks in America. I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad - is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldn't India be a country where every Sikh - and every Indian - can freely practice their religion… pic.twitter.com/sxNdMavR1X — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 21, 2024 × "As usual, the BJP is resorting to lies. They are desperate to silence me because they cannot stand the truth. But I will always speak up for the values that define India: our unity in diversity, equality, and love," Gandhi posted. It is to be noted that while delivering a speech in Washington DC on September 10, Gandhi said that Sikhs in India had to fight to wear a turban in India. "The fight is about if a Sikh is allowed to wear a turban in India, or whether a Sikh is allowed to wear a kara in India, or if a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And this is for all religions," Gandhi said while talking about the importance of religious freedom. A massive controversy erupted after his remarks were backed by Sikh separatists and a designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The terrorist said that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks "corroborates with Sikhs For Justice's (SFJ) stance on the justification of Punjab's Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan." The SFJ is outlawed in India for threatening the country's national security and territorial integrity. Also read: Rahul Gandhi under threat from NDA? Cong files police complaint after BJP-NDA leaders statements on LoP Gandhi on Saturday defended his remarks, saying there was nothing wrong in it. "I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad – is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldn't India be a country where every Sikh – and every Indian – can freely practice their religion without fear?" Gandhi posted. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Nothing wrong,’ Rahul Gandhi defends his remarks on Sikhs earlier endorsed by Pannun

Anil Bonde, a Rajya Sabha MP, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Sep 18) called for the 'burning' of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue. This comes as the Congress Party filed a police complaint against NDA leaders for threatening Gandhi with harm.

"What Rahul Gandhi spoke about quotas is shocking. If someone goes abroad and talks like a fool, then his tongue should be burned," said Bonde.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1772}">BJP leaders threatening Rahul Gandhi</h2>

The Congress party in its complaint alleged that the ruling NDA party was targeting Gandhi and that recent statements by the party leaders were aimed at jeopardising the Rae Bareilly MPs' security and disturbing the peace of polls in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.

In the complaint submitted to the SHO of the Tughlaq Road police station, New Delhi,&nbsp; All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer and general secretary Ajay Maken cited recent remarks by BJP leaders Tarvinder Singh Marwah, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Raghuraj Singh, as well as that of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad.

The congress leader in his complaint cited a statement made by Talwinder Singh Marwah on&nbsp;September 11 in which he said,&nbsp;"Rahul Gandhi baaz aaja, nahi toh aane wale time mein tera bhi wohi haal hoga jo teri dadi ka haal hua".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kharge-writes-to-pm-modi-urges-him-to-discipline-bjp-allies-after-remarks-on-rahul-gandhi-759513">Kharge writes to PM Modi, urges him to ‘discipline’ NDA leaders over objectionable remarks on Rahul Gandhi</a>

This translates to 'you better behave, or you will meet the same fate as your grandmother,' a reference to Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, the former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated in Oct 1984.

Marwah's statement was captured on video, which Maken has reportedly attached as evidence. He is seeking registration of FIRs against the NDA leaders.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:501,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2188}">Rahul Gandhi faces threat to life: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader</h2>

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut has alleged conspiracy against Gandhi and has cautioned that the leader faces a threat to his life. Condemning the remarks made by BJP-Shiv Sena lawmakers against the Congress leader, Raut questioned the "silence" of BJP-NDA government leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"People from Delhi, Lucknow and Maharashtra are speaking the same language that he (Gandhi) will meet the same fate as that of his grandmother (Indira Gandhi) as well as his father (Rajiv Gandhi). The Home Minister and Prime Minister are not taking action, means they are with the people who make such remarks," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-cbi-has-revealed-is-disturbing-indian-sc-tears-into-west-bengal-government-on-rg-kar-probe-759643">'What CBI has revealed is disturbing...': Indian SC tears into West Bengal government on RG Kar probe</a>

"We condemn this (the remarks on Gandhi) and also the silence of these two leaders. He is a Leader of Opposition, and has a Cabinet rank. When your party people talk of assaulting him and you remain quiet. This cannot be tolerated,"&nbsp;the Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member added.

"There is a conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi and there is threat to his life. Some people are thinking of attacking him," he alleged further.

(With inputs from agencies)

Anil Bonde, a Rajya Sabha MP, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Sep 18) called for the 'burning' of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue. This comes as the Congress Party filed a police complaint against NDA leaders for threatening Gandhi with harm.

Anil Bonde, a Rajya Sabha MP, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Sep 18) called for the 'burning' of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue. This comes as the Congress Party filed a police complaint against NDA leaders for threatening Gandhi with harm. "What Rahul Gandhi spoke about quotas is shocking. If someone goes abroad and talks like a fool, then his tongue should be burned," said Bonde. BJP leaders threatening Rahul Gandhi The Congress party in its complaint alleged that the ruling NDA party was targeting Gandhi and that recent statements by the party leaders were aimed at jeopardising the Rae Bareilly MPs' security and disturbing the peace of polls in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. In the complaint submitted to the SHO of the Tughlaq Road police station, New Delhi, All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer and general secretary Ajay Maken cited recent remarks by BJP leaders Tarvinder Singh Marwah, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Raghuraj Singh, as well as that of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. The congress leader in his complaint cited a statement made by Talwinder Singh Marwah on September 11 in which he said, "Rahul Gandhi baaz aaja, nahi toh aane wale time mein tera bhi wohi haal hoga jo teri dadi ka haal hua". Also read | Kharge writes to PM Modi, urges him to ‘discipline’ NDA leaders over objectionable remarks on Rahul Gandhi This translates to 'you better behave, or you will meet the same fate as your grandmother,' a reference to Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, the former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated in Oct 1984. Marwah's statement was captured on video, which Maken has reportedly attached as evidence. He is seeking registration of FIRs against the NDA leaders. Rahul Gandhi faces threat to life: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut has alleged conspiracy against Gandhi and has cautioned that the leader faces a threat to his life. Condemning the remarks made by BJP-Shiv Sena lawmakers against the Congress leader, Raut questioned the "silence" of BJP-NDA government leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "People from Delhi, Lucknow and Maharashtra are speaking the same language that he (Gandhi) will meet the same fate as that of his grandmother (Indira Gandhi) as well as his father (Rajiv Gandhi). The Home Minister and Prime Minister are not taking action, means they are with the people who make such remarks," he said. Also read | 'What CBI has revealed is disturbing...': Indian SC tears into West Bengal government on RG Kar probe "We condemn this (the remarks on Gandhi) and also the silence of these two leaders. He is a Leader of Opposition, and has a Cabinet rank. When your party people talk of assaulting him and you remain quiet. This cannot be tolerated," the Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member added. "There is a conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi and there is threat to his life. Some people are thinking of attacking him," he alleged further. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi under threat from NDA? Cong files police complaint after BJP-NDA leaders statements on LoP

The president of India's Congress party, Mallikarjun Kharge has raised the matter of highly "objectionable” and inappropriate comments made by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha), Rahul Gandhi, over his controversial remarks made during his recent US trip, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 17).

The president of India's Congress party, Mallikarjun Kharge has raised the matter of highly "objectionable” and inappropriate comments made by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha), Rahul Gandhi, over his controversial remarks made during his recent US trip, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 17). Kharge urged the prime minister to take action against BJP leaders who have used offensive language targeting Rahul Gandhi. He added that strict legal measures should be enforced to curb such behaviour. Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister in Hindi, stating, "I want to draw your attention to an issue that is directly related to democracy and the Constitution. You must be aware that a series of extremely objectionable, violent, and rude statements are being made against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.” Expressing shock over the harsh language used by BJP leaders and their allies, Kharge said, “The world is shocked that the Minister of State for Railways in the central government, a minister from BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, is calling the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha ‘number one terrorist’.” Kharge was referring to comments made by junior railways minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, and UP minister Raghuraj Singh. Kharge further added, “An MLA from a party that has ties with your government in Maharashtra is announcing a reward of ₹11 lakh to the person who ‘cuts off the tongue of the Leader of the Opposition and brings it to him’. A BJP leader and former MLA in Delhi is threatening to make his ‘fate like his grandmother’." Kharge referred to Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s announcement of a reward for anyone who cuts off Gandhi’s tongue in response to his views on reservations, and BJP leader Tarvinder Singh Marwah’s remarks. Also read: Shiv Sena MLA offers Rs 11 lakh to ‘cut off’ Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue after US visit comments In his letter, Kharge said that India is globally known for its principles of non-violence, harmony, and compassion. "Our heroes established these as standards in politics. Gandhi ji had made these standards an important part of politics during the British rule itself. After independence, there has been a long history of respectful disagreements between the ruling party and the opposition in the parliamentary arena. This has worked to enhance the prestige of Indian democracy," he wrote. He added that Congress leaders and workers are deeply troubled by the current situation. He said, "Due to such hate-mongering forces, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi had to sacrifice their lives. This political behaviour of the ruling party is an example of rudeness in democratic history.” In his letter, Kharge further requested the PM that strict disciplinary action be taken on BJP leaders involved and urged them to refrain from such behaviour. "Strict legal action should be taken for such statements so that Indian politics can be prevented from becoming degenerate. Nothing untoward happens. I trust that you will give the required instructions to these leaders to immediately stop making violent statements," Kharge wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Kharge writes to PM Modi, urges him to ‘discipline’ NDA leaders over objectionable remarks on Rahul Gandhi

The Congress party on Friday (September 14) raised concerns over an "unacceptable comment" aimed at Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The comment, came from the official X account of the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate, who called&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi 'Pappu'. The congress party immediately after seeing the post demanded action against the officer.

Later, District Magistrate Manish Verma issued a statement on X, claiming that his account had been misused by anti-social elements who posted an inappropriate comment. "Taking this seriously, legal action is being taken by registering an FIR immediately and the wrong tweet/comment is being investigated by the cyber cell," the statement read.

Congress general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, had criticised the post from the Uttar Pradesh district magistrate's account. He described the comment as "inappropriate and unacceptable comment."

Ramesh said, "This is not a new development; over the last 10 years, India's bureaucracy and other non-political officials have become increasingly politicised."

"There is a lot of effort being made to suppress and render useless the civil service, which Sardar Patel once called the steel frame of India. Cases like this are the latest example of that effort," he added.

He called for swift action against the official, accusing him of violating established norms and conduct.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-security-forces-gun-down-two-terrorists-in-j-ks-baramulla-758576">Indian security forces gun down three terrorists in J-K's Baramulla</a>

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also reacted by sharing a video on X, where a historian said,&nbsp;"History is made and cannot be changed. Narendra Modi knows how history will remember him and that is why he is worried."

A now-deleted post from the official account of the district magistrate responded in Hindi, stating, "You should think about yourself and your Pappu." Shrinate later posted a screenshot of this deleted comment, criticising the language and tone used by an officer responsible for the district.

"He is DM Noida, he is responsible for the entire district. His language and thoughts about the country's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi must be seen," Shrinate said. "It is clear that the administrative staff is full of Sanghis -- and now they are fanning hatred by sitting on constitutional posts," Shrinate added.

Pawan Khera, head of Congress' media and publicity department, said, "Have IAS officers now been ordered to make such political comments under BJP rule? @myogiadityanath @HMOIndia."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Congress party on Friday (September 14) raised concerns over an "unacceptable comment" aimed at Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The comment, came from the official X account of the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate, who called Rahul Gandhi 'Pappu'.

The Congress party on Friday (September 14) raised concerns over an "unacceptable comment" aimed at Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The comment, came from the official X account of the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate, who called Rahul Gandhi 'Pappu'. The congress party immediately after seeing the post demanded action against the officer. Later, District Magistrate Manish Verma issued a statement on X, claiming that his account had been misused by anti-social elements who posted an inappropriate comment. "Taking this seriously, legal action is being taken by registering an FIR immediately and the wrong tweet/comment is being investigated by the cyber cell," the statement read. Congress general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, had criticised the post from the Uttar Pradesh district magistrate's account. He described the comment as "inappropriate and unacceptable comment." Ramesh said, "This is not a new development; over the last 10 years, India's bureaucracy and other non-political officials have become increasingly politicised." "There is a lot of effort being made to suppress and render useless the civil service, which Sardar Patel once called the steel frame of India. Cases like this are the latest example of that effort," he added. He called for swift action against the official, accusing him of violating established norms and conduct. Also read: Indian security forces gun down three terrorists in J-K's Baramulla Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also reacted by sharing a video on X, where a historian said, "History is made and cannot be changed. Narendra Modi knows how history will remember him and that is why he is worried." A now-deleted post from the official account of the district magistrate responded in Hindi, stating, "You should think about yourself and your Pappu." Shrinate later posted a screenshot of this deleted comment, criticising the language and tone used by an officer responsible for the district. "He is DM Noida, he is responsible for the entire district. His language and thoughts about the country's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi must be seen," Shrinate said. "It is clear that the administrative staff is full of Sanghis -- and now they are fanning hatred by sitting on constitutional posts," Shrinate added. Pawan Khera, head of Congress' media and publicity department, said, "Have IAS officers now been ordered to make such political comments under BJP rule? @myogiadityanath @HMOIndia." (With inputs from agencies)

Congress demands action after Noida DM’s ‘Pappu’ jibe at Rahul Gandhi

Congress party leader&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, who is facing backlash over comments seen as opposing reservations, clarified today that his party intends to "extend reservations beyond the 50 per cent limit."

In an interview at the National Press Club in the US, he explained, "Yesterday someone misrepresented my statement that I am against reservation. But let me make it clear – I am not against reservation. We will take reservation beyond the limit of 50 per cent."

This clarification came after comments he made during a discussion with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington DC,&nbsp;stirred controversy.

Gandhi had said that reservations would only be reconsidered when India becomes a fair society, adding that it isn't fair yet. He said, "The elephant in the room is that 90 per cent of India -- OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis don't play the game."

Speaking on the need for a caste census, he said, "Caste census is a simple exercise to know how the lower castes, backward castes and Dalits are integrated into the system...Out of the top 200 businesses in India, there is almost no ownership of 90 per cent of the population of India. In the highest courts of the country, there is almost no participation of 90 per cent of India. In media, there is zero participation of lower castes, OBCs, Dalits."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistan-terrorist-pannun-backs-rahul-gandhis-remarks-on-sikhs-says-justifies-demand-for-khalistan-757808">Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs</a>

Union Minister Amit Shah reacted to Gandhi’s comments, accusing Congress of fostering divisions based on regional, religious, and linguistic lines.&nbsp;

He added, "By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress's anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words"

When asked about whether he saw the caste census as a counter to Hindutva politics, Gandhi rejected the idea of it being a "Mandal versus Kamandal" issue. He said, "What we are saying is different than the idea of only reservations. We want to have a comprehensive understanding... first of what's going on, and then we are going to apply a series of policies to correct it... reservation being one of them."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-terrorists-killed-in-jks-udhampur-757881">India: Security forces gun down two terrorists in J&amp;K's Udhampur, op underway</a>

Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Modi's handling of the China situation, saying, "If you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 sq km of our territory as handling something well, then maybe. We have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. I don't think Modi has handled China well at all."

Gandhi denied that the Kashmir issue was blocking India-Pakistan relations, pointing instead to Pakistan's support for terrorism as the real cause. He condemned the October 7 attack on Israel but added that Israel bombing innocent civilians, killing women and children, is equally wrong and must not continue.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, who is facing backlash over comments seen as opposing reservations, clarified today that his party intends to "extend reservations beyond the 50 per cent limit.

Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, who is facing backlash over comments seen as opposing reservations, clarified today that his party intends to "extend reservations beyond the 50 per cent limit." In an interview at the National Press Club in the US, he explained, "Yesterday someone misrepresented my statement that I am against reservation. But let me make it clear – I am not against reservation. We will take reservation beyond the limit of 50 per cent." This clarification came after comments he made during a discussion with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington DC, stirred controversy. Gandhi had said that reservations would only be reconsidered when India becomes a fair society, adding that it isn't fair yet. He said, "The elephant in the room is that 90 per cent of India -- OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis don't play the game." Speaking on the need for a caste census, he said, "Caste census is a simple exercise to know how the lower castes, backward castes and Dalits are integrated into the system...Out of the top 200 businesses in India, there is almost no ownership of 90 per cent of the population of India. In the highest courts of the country, there is almost no participation of 90 per cent of India. In media, there is zero participation of lower castes, OBCs, Dalits." Also read: Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs Union Minister Amit Shah reacted to Gandhi’s comments, accusing Congress of fostering divisions based on regional, religious, and linguistic lines. He added, "By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress's anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words" When asked about whether he saw the caste census as a counter to Hindutva politics, Gandhi rejected the idea of it being a "Mandal versus Kamandal" issue. He said, "What we are saying is different than the idea of only reservations. We want to have a comprehensive understanding... first of what's going on, and then we are going to apply a series of policies to correct it... reservation being one of them." Also read: India: Security forces gun down two terrorists in J&K's Udhampur, op underway Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Modi's handling of the China situation, saying, "If you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 sq km of our territory as handling something well, then maybe. We have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. I don't think Modi has handled China well at all." Gandhi denied that the Kashmir issue was blocking India-Pakistan relations, pointing instead to Pakistan's support for terrorism as the real cause. He condemned the October 7 attack on Israel but added that Israel bombing innocent civilians, killing women and children, is equally wrong and must not continue. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi clarifies reservation stance, says 'Will take reservations beyond 50 per cent'

Reacting to recent comments made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi,&nbsp;around reservations on his US trip, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;national spokesperson&nbsp;Shehzad Poonawalla, on Thursday (Sep 12), criticised Gandhi, stating that his views reflect his "political and family DNA."

Poonawalla’s comments follow the controversy caused by Gandhi’s statements during his US visit, where he suggested that the Congress party might consider scrapping reservations once India becomes a "fair place," which, according to him, is not.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-clarifies-reservation-stance-says-will-take-reservations-beyond-50-per-cent-757955">Rahul Gandhi clarifies reservation stance: 'Will take reservations beyond 50%'</a>

"Rahul Gandhi has reflected his political and family DNA regarding reservation, on foreign land. He spoke about ending reservations by Ambedkar ji. His family did that. In 1961, Nehru Ji said that reservation was wrong. He had said that it makes people second-class. Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi opposed the Mandal Commission and its report. Rajiv Gandhi had said that those who are given reservations are fools," Poonawalla told news agency ANI.

"When UPA came to power, with ill intentions, the Congress party conspired to end the SC, ST, and OBC reservations and give them to a vote bank. They did this in Karnataka. It is happening in Bengal," he added.

Poonawalla said that removing reservations would harm communities like the Valmikis, Gujjars, and Bakkarwals in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;"Today, when Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and says that reservation will be scrapped, it shows that he is reflecting the political character of his family and party...He should tell us that if he indeed committed to reservation, his ally NC says that Article 370 will be restored in J-K - it means that the reservation provided to Valmiki, Gujjar, Bakkarwal for the first time due to PM Modi will be snatched away and distributed among vote bank. Rahul Gandhi should refute this and sever ties with the National Conference," he added further.

<h2>What did Rahul Gandhi say during his US visit?</h2>

During his interaction&nbsp;with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, Gandhi laid emphasis on&nbsp;the importance of a caste census. He added that 90 per cent of India’s population, comprising OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis, lacks adequate representation, which he called the "elephant in the room".

"There's an elephant in the room. When we talk about the capture of institutions, businesses, and the media, the elephant in the room is that 90 per cent of India--OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis--aren't even part of the game. That's the elephant in the room," Rahul Gandhi said.

"The fact of the matter is they are not getting participation. The problem is that 90 per cent of India is not able to play...We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place and India is not a fair place. Now, that creates a problem. There are people from the upper caste who say 'What have we done wrong, why are we being punished,'" he further&nbsp;added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Reacting to recent comments made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, around reservations on his US trip, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, on Thursday (Sep 12), criticised Gandhi, stating that his views reflect his "political and family DNA.

Reacting to recent comments made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, around reservations on his US trip, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, on Thursday (Sep 12), criticised Gandhi, stating that his views reflect his "political and family DNA." Poonawalla’s comments follow the controversy caused by Gandhi’s statements during his US visit, where he suggested that the Congress party might consider scrapping reservations once India becomes a "fair place," which, according to him, is not. Also read: Rahul Gandhi clarifies reservation stance: 'Will take reservations beyond 50%' "Rahul Gandhi has reflected his political and family DNA regarding reservation, on foreign land. He spoke about ending reservations by Ambedkar ji. His family did that. In 1961, Nehru Ji said that reservation was wrong. He had said that it makes people second-class. Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi opposed the Mandal Commission and its report. Rajiv Gandhi had said that those who are given reservations are fools," Poonawalla told news agency ANI. "When UPA came to power, with ill intentions, the Congress party conspired to end the SC, ST, and OBC reservations and give them to a vote bank. They did this in Karnataka. It is happening in Bengal," he added. Poonawalla said that removing reservations would harm communities like the Valmikis, Gujjars, and Bakkarwals in Jammu and Kashmir. "Today, when Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and says that reservation will be scrapped, it shows that he is reflecting the political character of his family and party...He should tell us that if he indeed committed to reservation, his ally NC says that Article 370 will be restored in J-K - it means that the reservation provided to Valmiki, Gujjar, Bakkarwal for the first time due to PM Modi will be snatched away and distributed among vote bank. Rahul Gandhi should refute this and sever ties with the National Conference," he added further. What did Rahul Gandhi say during his US visit? During his interaction with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, Gandhi laid emphasis on the importance of a caste census. He added that 90 per cent of India’s population, comprising OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis, lacks adequate representation, which he called the "elephant in the room". "There's an elephant in the room. When we talk about the capture of institutions, businesses, and the media, the elephant in the room is that 90 per cent of India--OBCs, Dalits, Adivasis--aren't even part of the game. That's the elephant in the room," Rahul Gandhi said. "The fact of the matter is they are not getting participation. The problem is that 90 per cent of India is not able to play...We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place and India is not a fair place. Now, that creates a problem. There are people from the upper caste who say 'What have we done wrong, why are we being punished,'" he further added. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP slams Rahul Gandhi over his reservation remark; 'reflects his political and family DNA'

Republican nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday avoided backing Ukraine when asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia, during the presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and said that he wants the war to stop.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke at an event in Virginia, US, a designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun backed him for his remarks and said that "bold and pioneering" remarks by Gandhi, justify the demand for a separate Khalistani state.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-know-putin-trump-avoids-backing-ukraine-against-russia-during-presidential-debate-757815">‘I know Putin...,’ Trump avoids backing Ukraine against Russia during presidential debate</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454169-0910-cmo-debateanalysis-costa-mid.jpg?imwidth=400" />

US former president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Sep 11) avoided directly addressing a question on whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia. While speaking at the presidential debate alongside Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump didn’t respond to the question and just said, “I want the war to stop.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistan-terrorist-pannun-backs-rahul-gandhis-remarks-on-sikhs-says-justifies-demand-for-khalistan-757808">Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs, says, 'justifies demand for Khalistan'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454164-untitled-design.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist, has backed&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;for his recent bold remarks on whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-agitating-doctors-demand-live-telecast-cm-mamatas-presence-in-govt-meet-757893">Kolkata horror: Agitating doctors demand live telecast, CM Mamata’s presence in govt meet</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454212-ygi9mcoe.jpeg?imwidth=400" />

Protesting doctors in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Wednesday (Sep 11) demanded that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be present during their meeting with government officials.

I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-terrorists-killed-in-jks-udhampur-757881">ndia: Security forces gun down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur, operation underway</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/21/346739-untitled-design-14.png?imwidth=400" />

Two terrorists have been killed following&nbsp;a gunfight between Indian security forces and terrorists in the Khandara top area of Basantgarh on the Udhampur-Kathua border in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-grounded-at-kenyas-main-airport-as-workers-protest-against-proposed-takeover-by-indias-adani-group-757740">Flights grounded at Kenya's main airport as workers protest against proposed takeover by India's Adani Group</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454120-copy-of-untitled-2024-09-11t125234430.png?imwidth=400" />

Passengers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday (Sep 10) night after&nbsp;Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) workers went on strike, protesting against Indian conglomerate Adani Group's takeover of the airport.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomatic-facility-attacked-in-baghdad-no-causalities-reported-757867">US diplomatic facility in Baghdad attacked in a bid to disrupt Iranian president's visit</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454195-untitled-design-1.jpg?imwidth=400" />

A United States diplomatic facility in Baghdad came under attack late on Tuesday but there are no reports of casualties and a damage assessment is underway, a US embassy spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-vows-to-purge-turkish-military-graduates-for-taking-pro-secular-oath-757836">Erdogan vows to 'purge' Turkish military graduates for taking pro-secular oath</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454177-untitled-design-2024-09-11t171215839.png?imwidth=400" />

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gone all out at military graduates who took a pro-secular oath during their graduation ceremony, which was apparently against what the Turkish government proposed earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dgci-suspends-approval-for-eye-drop-meant-to-reduce-dependence-on-reading-glasses-757877">DGCI suspends approval for eye drop firm claimed reduced dependence on reading glasses</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454204-screenshot-2024-09-11-192747.jpg?imwidth=400" />

You must have heard about the launch of a new eye drop in the market that claimed to reduce dependency on reading glasses. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has now suspended the permission to make and sell the eye drop, which was earlier awarded to Entod Pharmaceuticals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/my-trip-to-the-ipl-aussie-pacer-jhye-richardson-reveals-battling-with-mental-health-issues-757889">'My trip to the IPL...,' Aussie pacer Jhye Richardson reveals battling with mental health issues</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/05/08/93057-untitled-design-26.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Australia pacer Jhye Richardson has revealed his struggles with mental health during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The pacer was part of KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings with Mohammed Shami and Chris Gayle as his teammates.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/all-celebrities-who-have-endorsed-kamala-harris-so-far-from-george-clooney-to-taylor-swift-757664">All celebrities who have endorsed Kamala Harris so far: From George Clooney to Taylor Swift</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/11/454065-kamala-harris-89.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Taylor Swift Endorses&nbsp;Kamala Harris:&nbsp;Everyone in the Hollywood circle has sort of pledged their alliance or announced who they are interested to back in the race to power for the top post in the US. Before the historic presidential race began last night, many celebrities like Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and now Taylor Swift have announced their support for their Democratic or Republican representative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Republican nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday avoided backing Ukraine when asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia, during the presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and said that he wants the war to stop.

Republican nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday avoided backing Ukraine when asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia, during the presidential debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, and said that he wants the war to stop. Meanwhile, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke at an event in Virginia, US, a designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun backed him for his remarks and said that "bold and pioneering" remarks by Gandhi, justify the demand for a separate Khalistani state. Click on the headlines to read more ‘I know Putin...,’ Trump avoids backing Ukraine against Russia during presidential debate US former president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Sep 11) avoided directly addressing a question on whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia. While speaking at the presidential debate alongside Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump didn’t respond to the question and just said, “I want the war to stop.” Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs, says, 'justifies demand for Khalistan' Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist, has backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent bold remarks on whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India. Kolkata horror: Agitating doctors demand live telecast, CM Mamata’s presence in govt meet Protesting doctors in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Wednesday (Sep 11) demanded that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be present during their meeting with government officials. India: Security forces gun down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur, operation underway Two terrorists have been killed following a gunfight between Indian security forces and terrorists in the Khandara top area of Basantgarh on the Udhampur-Kathua border in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Flights grounded at Kenya's main airport as workers protest against proposed takeover by India's Adani Group Passengers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday (Sep 10) night after Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) workers went on strike, protesting against Indian conglomerate Adani Group's takeover of the airport. US diplomatic facility in Baghdad attacked in a bid to disrupt Iranian president's visit A United States diplomatic facility in Baghdad came under attack late on Tuesday but there are no reports of casualties and a damage assessment is underway, a US embassy spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday. Erdogan vows to 'purge' Turkish military graduates for taking pro-secular oath Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gone all out at military graduates who took a pro-secular oath during their graduation ceremony, which was apparently against what the Turkish government proposed earlier. DGCI suspends approval for eye drop firm claimed reduced dependence on reading glasses You must have heard about the launch of a new eye drop in the market that claimed to reduce dependency on reading glasses. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has now suspended the permission to make and sell the eye drop, which was earlier awarded to Entod Pharmaceuticals. 'My trip to the IPL...,' Aussie pacer Jhye Richardson reveals battling with mental health issues Australia pacer Jhye Richardson has revealed his struggles with mental health during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The pacer was part of KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings with Mohammed Shami and Chris Gayle as his teammates. All celebrities who have endorsed Kamala Harris so far: From George Clooney to Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris: Everyone in the Hollywood circle has sort of pledged their alliance or announced who they are interested to back in the race to power for the top post in the US. Before the historic presidential race began last night, many celebrities like Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and now Taylor Swift have announced their support for their Democratic or Republican representative.

Top 10 world news: Trump avoids backing Ukraine; Khalistan terrorist backs Rahul Gandhi, and more

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist has backed&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;for his recent bold remarks on whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India.&nbsp;

The co-founder of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Pannun, said that "bold and pioneering" remarks by Gandhi, justify the demand for a separate Khalistani state.&nbsp;

<h2>Rahul Gandhi's remarks</h2>

Leader of the Opposition&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, while speaking at an event in Herndon, Virginia in the United States, on Monday (Sep 9), said, "The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban...whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the Gurudwara. That's what the fight is about, and it's not just for Sikhs, but for all religions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dangerous-narrative-union-minister-hardeep-puri-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-his-remarks-on-sikhs-757515">Also read:&nbsp;'Dangerous narrative': Union Minister Hardeep Puri slams Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Sikhs</a>

Pannun took to&nbsp;social media and said&nbsp;that Gandhi validated SFJ's global Khalistan Referendum campaign.&nbsp;

<h2>'Bold and pioneering'&nbsp;</h2>

Labelling Gandhi's remarks as "bold and pioneering", Pannun said, "Rahul's statement on 'existential threat to Sikhs in India' is not only bold and pioneering but is also firmly grounded in the factual history of what Sikhs have been facing under successive regimes in India since 1947 and also corroborates SFJ's stance on the justification for Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora in Dallas, attacks PM Modi &amp; RSS during US visit

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-addresses-the-indian-diaspora-in-dallas-attacks-pm-modi-rss-during-us-visit-757260/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Congress MP was addressing the gathering of Indian Americans in the US, where he also alleged that the&nbsp;Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh&nbsp;(RSS) considered certain religions, languages, and communities as inferior to others.&nbsp;

He added that the fight in India is not about politics but about the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist has backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent bold remarks on whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist has backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent bold remarks on whether a Sikh would be allowed to wear a turban or kada in India. The co-founder of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Pannun, said that "bold and pioneering" remarks by Gandhi, justify the demand for a separate Khalistani state. Rahul Gandhi's remarks Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, while speaking at an event in Herndon, Virginia in the United States, on Monday (Sep 9), said, "The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban...whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the Gurudwara. That's what the fight is about, and it's not just for Sikhs, but for all religions." Also read: 'Dangerous narrative': Union Minister Hardeep Puri slams Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Sikhs Pannun took to social media and said that Gandhi validated SFJ's global Khalistan Referendum campaign. 'Bold and pioneering' Labelling Gandhi's remarks as "bold and pioneering", Pannun said, "Rahul's statement on 'existential threat to Sikhs in India' is not only bold and pioneering but is also firmly grounded in the factual history of what Sikhs have been facing under successive regimes in India since 1947 and also corroborates SFJ's stance on the justification for Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan." Watch | Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora in Dallas, attacks PM Modi & RSS during US visit × The Congress MP was addressing the gathering of Indian Americans in the US, where he also alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) considered certain religions, languages, and communities as inferior to others. He added that the fight in India is not about politics but about the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely. (With inputs from agencies)

Khalistan terrorist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Sikhs, says, 'justifies demand for Khalistan'

Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi, currently on a trip to the US, met prominent lawmakers of the country at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on Tuesday (Sep 10). Among the political bigwigs, Gandhi's meeting with&nbsp;Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, known for her anti-India stance has become the centre of controversy.&nbsp;

Gandhi, who has been interacting with the diaspora as well as students and faculty at various universities has already received flak for his comments regarding the Sikh community. His meeting with Omar, known for taking pronounced anti-India positions is expected to invite the opposition parties to drive into him.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 
 
Attendees: 
 
•Hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman 
•Congressman Jonathan Jackson 
•Congressman Ro Khanna 
•Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi 
•Congresswoman Barbara Lee… <a href="https://t.co/zVUJz5VmrW">pic.twitter.com/zVUJz5VmrW</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1833557561640956169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>BJP reacts</h2>

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) immediately latched onto the opportunity and called out Gandhi for trying to play divisive politics.&nbsp;

"After spewing venom against Sikhs &amp; running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets &amp; engages with anti-India Ilhan Omar," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"Why did Rahul Gandhi have to meet her? Why is he engaging with the most radical anti-India elements on every foreign trip? In BJP virodh - desh virodh is ok?'

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After spewing venom against Sikhs &amp; running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets &amp; engages with anti India Ilhan Omar - 1) Ilhan had introduced anti India resolutions in US Congress 2) She has been against abrogation of Art 370 3) She violated India’s sovereignty &amp;… <a href="https://t.co/3YndaPSLa4">pic.twitter.com/3YndaPSLa4</a>
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shehzad_Ind/status/1833709663931499002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Who is Ilhan Omar?</h2>

Omar is a Democrat leader, currently&nbsp;serving as the US representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2019. The&nbsp;annual House financial disclosure last year revealed that Omar's controversial visit to Pakistan and&nbsp;Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2022 was sponsored by the Pakistani government.&nbsp;

During her visit, Omar engaged in discussions with then-Pakistan prime minister Shahbaz Sharif and Hina Rabbani Khar, former minister of state for foreign affairs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-congresswoman-ilhan-omars-controversial-visit-to-pok-sponsored-by-islamabad-626645">Also read |&nbsp;US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan</a>

In the same year, Omar brought a resolution in the US Congress criticising New Delhi for alleged human rights abuses, particularly targeting Muslims. The Democrat leader demanded that India be designated as a "country of particular concern".&nbsp;

Omar also batted for the White House to support Canada's investigation into India's alleged role in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi, currently on a trip to the US, met prominent lawmakers of the country at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on Tuesday (Sep 10).

Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi, currently on a trip to the US, met prominent lawmakers of the country at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on Tuesday (Sep 10). Among the political bigwigs, Gandhi's meeting with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, known for her anti-India stance has become the centre of controversy. Gandhi, who has been interacting with the diaspora as well as students and faculty at various universities has already received flak for his comments regarding the Sikh community. His meeting with Omar, known for taking pronounced anti-India positions is expected to invite the opposition parties to drive into him. Shri @RahulGandhi met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. Attendees: •Hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman •Congressman Jonathan Jackson •Congressman Ro Khanna •Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi •Congresswoman Barbara Lee… pic.twitter.com/zVUJz5VmrW — Congress (@INCIndia) September 10, 2024 × BJP reacts Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) immediately latched onto the opportunity and called out Gandhi for trying to play divisive politics. "After spewing venom against Sikhs & running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets & engages with anti-India Ilhan Omar," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Why did Rahul Gandhi have to meet her? Why is he engaging with the most radical anti-India elements on every foreign trip? In BJP virodh - desh virodh is ok?' After spewing venom against Sikhs & running down India on foreign soil now Rahul Gandhi meets & engages with anti India Ilhan Omar - 1) Ilhan had introduced anti India resolutions in US Congress 2) She has been against abrogation of Art 370 3) She violated India’s sovereignty &… pic.twitter.com/3YndaPSLa4 — Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 11, 2024 × Who is Ilhan Omar? Omar is a Democrat leader, currently serving as the US representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2019. The annual House financial disclosure last year revealed that Omar's controversial visit to Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2022 was sponsored by the Pakistani government. During her visit, Omar engaged in discussions with then-Pakistan prime minister Shahbaz Sharif and Hina Rabbani Khar, former minister of state for foreign affairs. Also read | US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan In the same year, Omar brought a resolution in the US Congress criticising New Delhi for alleged human rights abuses, particularly targeting Muslims. The Democrat leader demanded that India be designated as a "country of particular concern". Omar also batted for the White House to support Canada's investigation into India's alleged role in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Ilhan Omar, US Congresswoman who met Rahul Gandhi in Washington

Rahul Gandhi triggers war of words, claiming that now no one is scared of PM Modi in India. BJP reacts sharply, says opposition leader has a habit of insulting India. Watch in for more details!

Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora in Dallas, attacks PM Modi & RSS during US visit

India's Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the US, about the Sikh community, saying that the opposition leader is trying to create a "dangerous narrative" by speaking untruth on "sensitive issues" abroad.&nbsp;

The Union Minister, while addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, said that Gandhi's comments were "sinister" in nature as he tried to spread falsehood among the Sikh diaspora in the US.&nbsp;

"I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas," Puri said.&nbsp;

"I think this is far more sinister because Rahul Gandhi was trying to spread a false narrative while speaking in front of those, who belong to my community and are trying to eke out a living in the US with hard work and honesty. Because they do not have much connection with the country (India)," he said.

Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots which took place when the Congress was in power, Puri said, "If there has been one time in our history when as a community we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhi's family has been in the seats of power."

"In 1984, a pogrom was carried out against the Sikh community. As many as 3,000 innocent people were killed. People were dragged out of their homes, tyres were put around them and burnt alive," he added.

<h2>Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the US&nbsp;</h2>

The Congress leader was addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, on Monday, when he&nbsp;accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of considering some religions, languages, and communities inferior to others, adding that the fight in India is about this and not about politics.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leader-of-opposition-rahul-gandhis-us-visit-kicks-off-in-texas-aims-to-strengthen-india-us-ties-756884">Also read:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi's US visit kicks off from Texas, aims to strengthen India-US ties</a>

He said, "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial."&nbsp;

"The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions,” he added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora in Dallas, attacks PM Modi &amp; RSS during US visit

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-addresses-the-indian-diaspora-in-dallas-attacks-pm-modi-rss-during-us-visit-757260/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Hardeep Puri further criticised Gandhi and said that he has been making statements on sensitive issues, which "involve our national identity, unity, the strength of our unity and diversity". "I think he is trying to set a new kind of narrative, which I think is a dangerous narrative," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the US, about the Sikh community, saying that the opposition leader is trying to create a "dangerous narrative" by speaking untruth on "sensitive issues" abroad.

India's Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the US, about the Sikh community, saying that the opposition leader is trying to create a "dangerous narrative" by speaking untruth on "sensitive issues" abroad. The Union Minister, while addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, said that Gandhi's comments were "sinister" in nature as he tried to spread falsehood among the Sikh diaspora in the US. "I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas," Puri said. "I think this is far more sinister because Rahul Gandhi was trying to spread a false narrative while speaking in front of those, who belong to my community and are trying to eke out a living in the US with hard work and honesty. Because they do not have much connection with the country (India)," he said. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots which took place when the Congress was in power, Puri said, "If there has been one time in our history when as a community we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhi's family has been in the seats of power." "In 1984, a pogrom was carried out against the Sikh community. As many as 3,000 innocent people were killed. People were dragged out of their homes, tyres were put around them and burnt alive," he added. Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the US The Congress leader was addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, on Monday, when he accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of considering some religions, languages, and communities inferior to others, adding that the fight in India is about this and not about politics. Also read: Rahul Gandhi's US visit kicks off from Texas, aims to strengthen India-US ties He said, "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial." "The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions,” he added. Watch | Rahul Gandhi addresses the Indian diaspora in Dallas, attacks PM Modi & RSS during US visit × Hardeep Puri further criticised Gandhi and said that he has been making statements on sensitive issues, which "involve our national identity, unity, the strength of our unity and diversity". "I think he is trying to set a new kind of narrative, which I think is a dangerous narrative," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Dangerous narrative': Union Minister Hardeep Puri slams Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Sikhs

During an address on his visit to the United States, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that people in India are no longer intimidated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to members of the Indian diaspora in Texas, Gandhi mentioned that the fear of Modi and the BJP disappeared following the results of the general elections.

Although the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained control of the government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Modi's BJP did not secure a clear majority on its own. Rahul pointed out that within moments of the election results being announced, the public's fear of the ruling party and the prime minister dissolved.

He said, “These are huge achievements, not of the people of India but of the people of India who realised we are not going to accept attacks on the Constitution, religion, or states.”

In his address, Rahul also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), continuing a theme from his previous international appearances. He accused the RSS of promoting a narrow and outdated vision of India, contrasting it with the Congress party's belief in diversity and liberal values. According to Rahul, the RSS seeks to limit women to traditional domestic roles, while Congress champions the right of women to pursue their ambitions.

“The first thing is to think of women the same way you think of men. This is part of the ideological fight with the BJP and the RSS. The BJP and RSS believe that women should restrict their roles, stay at home, cook food, not talk much, and we believe women should aspire to be whatever they want,” Rahul said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-indian-supreme-court-tells-protesting-doctors-in-bengal-to-return-to-work-757078">Kolkata horror: Indian SC tells protesting doctors in Bengal to return to work</a>

He further expressed concern over the influence of the RSS in India's educational institutions, claiming that many university vice-chancellors are aligned with the organisation. He argued that this leads to an "ideological capture" of Indian academia, which he sees as harmful due to the narrow view of history and society promoted by the RSS.

This is not the first time Rahul has spoken against the RSS on foreign soil. During a visit to the UK last year, he compared the RSS to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group from the Middle East, calling it a secretive organisation with a hidden agenda. He stated, “You can call it a secret society. It’s built along the lines of the Muslim Brotherhood and the idea is to use the democratic contest to come to power and then subvert the democratic contest afterwards.”

“It’s shocked me at how successful they’ve been at capturing the different institutions of our country: the press, judiciary, Parliament, Election Commission – all the institutions are under pressure, under threat and controlled in one way or another,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

During an address on his visit to the United States, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that people in India are no longer intimidated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During an address on his visit to the United States, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that people in India are no longer intimidated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to members of the Indian diaspora in Texas, Gandhi mentioned that the fear of Modi and the BJP disappeared following the results of the general elections. Although the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained control of the government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Modi's BJP did not secure a clear majority on its own. Rahul pointed out that within moments of the election results being announced, the public's fear of the ruling party and the prime minister dissolved. He said, “These are huge achievements, not of the people of India but of the people of India who realised we are not going to accept attacks on the Constitution, religion, or states.” In his address, Rahul also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), continuing a theme from his previous international appearances. He accused the RSS of promoting a narrow and outdated vision of India, contrasting it with the Congress party's belief in diversity and liberal values. According to Rahul, the RSS seeks to limit women to traditional domestic roles, while Congress champions the right of women to pursue their ambitions. “The first thing is to think of women the same way you think of men. This is part of the ideological fight with the BJP and the RSS. The BJP and RSS believe that women should restrict their roles, stay at home, cook food, not talk much, and we believe women should aspire to be whatever they want,” Rahul said. Also read: Kolkata horror: Indian SC tells protesting doctors in Bengal to return to work He further expressed concern over the influence of the RSS in India's educational institutions, claiming that many university vice-chancellors are aligned with the organisation. He argued that this leads to an "ideological capture" of Indian academia, which he sees as harmful due to the narrow view of history and society promoted by the RSS. This is not the first time Rahul has spoken against the RSS on foreign soil. During a visit to the UK last year, he compared the RSS to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group from the Middle East, calling it a secretive organisation with a hidden agenda. He stated, “You can call it a secret society. It’s built along the lines of the Muslim Brotherhood and the idea is to use the democratic contest to come to power and then subvert the democratic contest afterwards.” “It’s shocked me at how successful they’ve been at capturing the different institutions of our country: the press, judiciary, Parliament, Election Commission – all the institutions are under pressure, under threat and controlled in one way or another,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Fear of BJP and Modi fading in India after 2024 election results, Rahul Gandhi says in US

Rahul Gandhi, on his first visit overseas after becoming Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Texas on Sunday (Sep 8). He said that he intends to engage in “meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will strengthen the bond between the two nations”.

After reaching Texas, the Congress leader shared photos of his welcome in Dallas, which included Sam Pitroda, the former head of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), and other members. The Congress leader is scheduled to visit Dallas, Texas, on September 8, followed by a stop in Washington, DC, from September 9 to 10.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport! 
 
📍 Texas, USA <a href="https://t.co/AXAd6FA9tS">pic.twitter.com/AXAd6FA9tS</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1832629168149790876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Facebook, Gandhi wrote, “I am truly delighted by the warm welcome I’ve received in Dallas, Texas, USA, from the Indian Diaspora and members of the IOC. I eagerly look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will further strengthen the bond between our two nations during this visit.”

Gandhi’s trip will continue until 10th September, during which he is set to meet with academics, journalists, think-tank representatives, technocrats, business leaders, and the Indian diaspora.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-tmc-mp-jawhar-sircar-steps-down-over-handling-of-case-756816">TMC MP to resign over ‘faulty handling’ of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case</a>

He is also scheduled to address students and other community members at the University of Texas. Additionally, he will meet with technocrats and join Dallas leaders for dinner.

Earlier, Sam Pitroda&nbsp;announced Gandhi’s visit and shared that the Indian diaspora, including NRIs, technocrats, business figures, students, journalists, and even political figures, were looking forward to meeting him.

"There are lots of events planned with a variety of people because they also have interest in the states where Congress party runs governments, particularly the tech cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. We see great interest in conversation with the business and technological community," Pitroda added.

Back in May 2023, Gandhi visited the US on a six-day trip, during which he engaged with the NRI community, business leaders, and media in San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi, on his first visit overseas after becoming Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Texas on Sunday (Sep 8). He said that he intends to engage in “meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will strengthen the bond between the two nations”.

Rahul Gandhi, on his first visit overseas after becoming Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Texas on Sunday (Sep 8). He said that he intends to engage in “meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will strengthen the bond between the two nations”. After reaching Texas, the Congress leader shared photos of his welcome in Dallas, which included Sam Pitroda, the former head of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), and other members. The Congress leader is scheduled to visit Dallas, Texas, on September 8, followed by a stop in Washington, DC, from September 9 to 10. Shri @RahulGandhi receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport! 📍 Texas, USA pic.twitter.com/AXAd6FA9tS — Congress (@INCIndia) September 8, 2024 × On Facebook, Gandhi wrote, “I am truly delighted by the warm welcome I’ve received in Dallas, Texas, USA, from the Indian Diaspora and members of the IOC. I eagerly look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and insightful conversations that will further strengthen the bond between our two nations during this visit.” Gandhi’s trip will continue until 10th September, during which he is set to meet with academics, journalists, think-tank representatives, technocrats, business leaders, and the Indian diaspora. Also read: TMC MP to resign over ‘faulty handling’ of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case He is also scheduled to address students and other community members at the University of Texas. Additionally, he will meet with technocrats and join Dallas leaders for dinner. Earlier, Sam Pitroda announced Gandhi’s visit and shared that the Indian diaspora, including NRIs, technocrats, business figures, students, journalists, and even political figures, were looking forward to meeting him. "There are lots of events planned with a variety of people because they also have interest in the states where Congress party runs governments, particularly the tech cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. We see great interest in conversation with the business and technological community," Pitroda added. Back in May 2023, Gandhi visited the US on a six-day trip, during which he engaged with the NRI community, business leaders, and media in San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi's US visit kicks off from Texas, aims to strengthen India-US ties

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Saturday (Sep 7) held a public meeting in Jammu in preparation for the upcoming elections in the Indian Union Territory&nbsp;of Jammu and Kashmir. During his speech, he took a shot&nbsp;at Congress and the National Conference (NC) for allegedly misleading the public about restoring the&nbsp;statehood of the region.

“The Congress and NC are saying that they will restore statehood. Tell me, who can give it (statehood)? Only the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can. So stop fooling the people. We have said that at an appropriate time after the election, we will give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We have said this in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the people,” Shah said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-army-officially-accepts-role-in-1999-kargil-war-756652">Pakistani Army officially accepts role in 1999 Kargil War</a>

Referring to the calls by Leader of the Opposition&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi and the National Conference for the restoration of statehood, Shah questioned how they planned to achieve it. He said, "I want to ask Rahul Baba and Abdullah sahab, how will you restore statehood? Stop misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir... this can only be done by the Union government and PM Modi."

Shah also accused opposition parties of exploiting the former state. Speaking at a gathering of BJP supporters in Palauru, Jammu, Shah brought up the scrapping of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that this election would mark the first time voters in the region would be voting under one national flag and one Constitution.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "It is a coincidence that the first election rally of BJP is starting on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi... The upcoming elections are historic elections. For the first time since the country's independence, the voters of Jammu and… <a href="https://t.co/zRHWYaSg6P">pic.twitter.com/zRHWYaSg6P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1832308530894008350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"They (opposition parties) say they want to talk to Pakistan. Let me tell you, until there is peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan... Three families - Congress, the National Conference's Abdullah family and PDP's Mufti family - want to take Jammu and Kashmir back to the age of corruption. They say they will bring back the old arrangement... They speak of bringing back autonomy, let me state categorically that no power can talk of autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said.&nbsp;

“I want to tell you (Gandhi), no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits, be touched. There will be no talks with Pakistan,” Shah said.

The Jammu and Kashmir flag lost its official standing after Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi's government removed Article 370 from the Indian Constitution in August 2019.

Jammu and Kashmir's assembly election, the first since December 2014, is scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1.&nbsp;The results will be announced&nbsp;on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Saturday (Sep 7) held a public meeting in Jammu in preparation for the upcoming elections in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Saturday (Sep 7) held a public meeting in Jammu in preparation for the upcoming elections in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. During his speech, he took a shot at Congress and the National Conference (NC) for allegedly misleading the public about restoring the statehood of the region. “The Congress and NC are saying that they will restore statehood. Tell me, who can give it (statehood)? Only the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can. So stop fooling the people. We have said that at an appropriate time after the election, we will give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We have said this in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi should stop misleading the people,” Shah said. Also read: Pakistani Army officially accepts role in 1999 Kargil War Referring to the calls by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the National Conference for the restoration of statehood, Shah questioned how they planned to achieve it. He said, "I want to ask Rahul Baba and Abdullah sahab, how will you restore statehood? Stop misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir... this can only be done by the Union government and PM Modi." Shah also accused opposition parties of exploiting the former state. Speaking at a gathering of BJP supporters in Palauru, Jammu, Shah brought up the scrapping of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that this election would mark the first time voters in the region would be voting under one national flag and one Constitution. #WATCH | Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "It is a coincidence that the first election rally of BJP is starting on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi... The upcoming elections are historic elections. For the first time since the country's independence, the voters of Jammu and… pic.twitter.com/zRHWYaSg6P — ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024 × "They (opposition parties) say they want to talk to Pakistan. Let me tell you, until there is peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan... Three families - Congress, the National Conference's Abdullah family and PDP's Mufti family - want to take Jammu and Kashmir back to the age of corruption. They say they will bring back the old arrangement... They speak of bringing back autonomy, let me state categorically that no power can talk of autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said. “I want to tell you (Gandhi), no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits, be touched. There will be no talks with Pakistan,” Shah said. The Jammu and Kashmir flag lost its official standing after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government removed Article 370 from the Indian Constitution in August 2019. Jammu and Kashmir's assembly election, the first since December 2014, is scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1. The results will be announced on October 8. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K polls: Amit Shah slams Congress for ‘misleading’ people about 'restoring statehood'

Rahul Gandhi is more intellectual and more of a strategist as compared with his father Rajiv Gandhi, said long-time Gandhi family confidant Sam Pitroda, while describing both leaders as "custodians of the idea of India". In an interview with PTI, Pitroda also asserted that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has all the qualities of a future prime minister.

Pitroda, the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, dismissed as "bogus" the BJP's attack on Rahul Gandhi in the past over his remarks critical of the government during his visits abroad.

<h2>Rahul Gandhi's upcoming US visit</h2>

Speaking about Gandhi's upcoming visit to the US next week, Pitroda said he is not coming to the US in his official capacity but will have a chance to interact with a variety of people on Capitol Hill at an "individual level".

"He (Gandhi) will definitely have interactions with the press at the national press club, he will meet with the think tank people,&nbsp;and will also have interaction at Georgetown University, which is equally important in Washington DC," the Indian Overseas Congress chief said of Gandhi's first visit to the US since assuming the mantle of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-points-at-rahul-gandhis-attempt-at-soft-hindutva-praises-him-for-changed-politics-754389">Also read:&nbsp;Smriti Irani says Rahul Gandhi changed strategy after ‘soft Hindutva’ failure, making ‘calculated moves’</a>

Gandhi will visit the US from September 8 to 10 during which he will hold numerous interactions in Washington DC&nbsp;and Dallas, including at the University of Georgetown and the University of Texas.

<h2>'Rahul is more intellectual than Rajiv Gandhi'</h2>

Asked about similarities and divergences between former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Pitroda said he had worked with a number of prime ministers closely, such as Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, VP Singh, Chandra Sekhar, and HD Deve Gowda.

"I had an opportunity to see many prime ministers from very close quarters but the difference between Rahul and Rajiv maybe is that Rahul is much more intellectual, and thinker, Rajiv was a little more doer. They have the same DNA, they have the same concerns and feelings for the people, they genuinely believe in building a better India for everybody, and they are genuinely simple people. They don't have big personal needs," the Congress leader told PTI from Chicago.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Rahul Gandhi slams Modi government's education system

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-rahul-gandhi-slams-modi-governments-education-system-743146/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Rahul is a strategist more so than Rajiv was. They are products of different times, different tools, and different experiences. Poor Rahul has gone through two big shocks in life, (death of) his grandmother and his father. So they have had different paths to travel," he said.

Their fundamentals are clear, both are "custodians of the idea of India" that the Congress party had laid out and every leader of the party believed in, he said.

On whether he sees Rahul Gandhi as a future PM, Pitroda said that is for the people to decide.

"From my personal experience and I may be biased, I think he is very capable. He is a decent human being, he is well educated, he has the right DNA and I see him as the custodian of the idea of democracy that the Congress has always promoted," he said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Rahul Gandhi is more intellectual and more of a strategist as compared with his father Rajiv Gandhi, said long-time Gandhi family confidant Sam Pitroda, while describing both leaders as "custodians of the idea of India".

Rahul Gandhi is more intellectual and more of a strategist as compared with his father Rajiv Gandhi, said long-time Gandhi family confidant Sam Pitroda, while describing both leaders as "custodians of the idea of India". In an interview with PTI, Pitroda also asserted that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has all the qualities of a future prime minister. Pitroda, the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, dismissed as "bogus" the BJP's attack on Rahul Gandhi in the past over his remarks critical of the government during his visits abroad. Rahul Gandhi's upcoming US visit Speaking about Gandhi's upcoming visit to the US next week, Pitroda said he is not coming to the US in his official capacity but will have a chance to interact with a variety of people on Capitol Hill at an "individual level". "He (Gandhi) will definitely have interactions with the press at the national press club, he will meet with the think tank people, and will also have interaction at Georgetown University, which is equally important in Washington DC," the Indian Overseas Congress chief said of Gandhi's first visit to the US since assuming the mantle of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Also read: Smriti Irani says Rahul Gandhi changed strategy after ‘soft Hindutva’ failure, making ‘calculated moves’ Gandhi will visit the US from September 8 to 10 during which he will hold numerous interactions in Washington DC and Dallas, including at the University of Georgetown and the University of Texas. 'Rahul is more intellectual than Rajiv Gandhi' Asked about similarities and divergences between former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Pitroda said he had worked with a number of prime ministers closely, such as Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, VP Singh, Chandra Sekhar, and HD Deve Gowda. "I had an opportunity to see many prime ministers from very close quarters but the difference between Rahul and Rajiv maybe is that Rahul is much more intellectual, and thinker, Rajiv was a little more doer. They have the same DNA, they have the same concerns and feelings for the people, they genuinely believe in building a better India for everybody, and they are genuinely simple people. They don't have big personal needs," the Congress leader told PTI from Chicago. Watch | India: Rahul Gandhi slams Modi government's education system × "Rahul is a strategist more so than Rajiv was. They are products of different times, different tools, and different experiences. Poor Rahul has gone through two big shocks in life, (death of) his grandmother and his father. So they have had different paths to travel," he said. Their fundamentals are clear, both are "custodians of the idea of India" that the Congress party had laid out and every leader of the party believed in, he said. On whether he sees Rahul Gandhi as a future PM, Pitroda said that is for the people to decide. "From my personal experience and I may be biased, I think he is very capable. He is a decent human being, he is well educated, he has the right DNA and I see him as the custodian of the idea of democracy that the Congress has always promoted," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rahul more intellectual, better strategist than Rajiv Gandhi, says Sam Pitroda

Former Union Minister&nbsp;Smriti Irani&nbsp;shared her insights on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stressing that he is now engaging in a different style of political manoeuvring, adding that his actions are now calculated to appeal to specific demographics.&nbsp;

In a recent podcast, BJP leader Smriti Irani shared her views on Rahul Gandhi's evolving political strategies.&nbsp;

She said that the Congress leader thinks he has "tasted success" and has now evolved.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-hits-out-at-rahul-gandhi-over-debate-challenge-to-modi-is-he-pm-candidate-720561">Also read:&nbsp;Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?'</a>

Irani highlighted that when Gandhi discusses caste issues or appears in Parliament wearing a white T-shirt, he is fully aware of the message it conveys.&nbsp;

She claimed that Gandhi's actions were calculated to appeal to specific demographics.&nbsp;

Irani added, "So we shouldn't be under the misconception about his actions – whether you find them good, bad, or childish – they are a different kind of politics." She said that these moves are part of Rahul Gandhi's broader strategies to maintain his relevance in Indian politics.&nbsp;

<h2>'Soft Hindutva'</h2>

Smriti Irani further remarked on Congress party's attempt at "soft Hindutva", including Rahul Gandhi's temple visits during elections.&nbsp;

The BJP leader emphasised that these actions were not liked by the voters and attracted criticism.

"Rahul Gandhi did not get any traction from his temple visits. It became the butt of jokes. Some people found it deceitful. So when this strategy did not work, they switched to caste issues to gain traction," Irani said.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Makes arousing statements to get media&nbsp;attention’</h2>

Smriti Irani further pointed out that Gandhi, who has been in the limelight for several of his statements, has been doing it knowingly to remain in the public eye.&nbsp;

She said that his recent remark about the lack of Dalit or Adivasi contestants in Miss India is an example.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-seeks-action-against-rahul-gandhi-accuses-congress-mp-of-violating-house-rules-737928/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"He knows that Miss India has nothing to do with forming the government, but he still says things like that on social media. Because it makes the headlines," she said.

Pointing at his strategies, Smriti Irani said, "These are not his beliefs, this is all just part of a strategy."

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani shared her insights on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stressing that he is now engaging in a different style of political manoeuvring, adding that his actions are now calculated to appeal to specific demographics.

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani shared her insights on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stressing that he is now engaging in a different style of political manoeuvring, adding that his actions are now calculated to appeal to specific demographics. In a recent podcast, BJP leader Smriti Irani shared her views on Rahul Gandhi's evolving political strategies. She said that the Congress leader thinks he has "tasted success" and has now evolved. Also read: Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?' Irani highlighted that when Gandhi discusses caste issues or appears in Parliament wearing a white T-shirt, he is fully aware of the message it conveys. She claimed that Gandhi's actions were calculated to appeal to specific demographics. Irani added, "So we shouldn't be under the misconception about his actions – whether you find them good, bad, or childish – they are a different kind of politics." She said that these moves are part of Rahul Gandhi's broader strategies to maintain his relevance in Indian politics. 'Soft Hindutva' Smriti Irani further remarked on Congress party's attempt at "soft Hindutva", including Rahul Gandhi's temple visits during elections. The BJP leader emphasised that these actions were not liked by the voters and attracted criticism. "Rahul Gandhi did not get any traction from his temple visits. It became the butt of jokes. Some people found it deceitful. So when this strategy did not work, they switched to caste issues to gain traction," Irani said. ‘Makes arousing statements to get media attention’ Smriti Irani further pointed out that Gandhi, who has been in the limelight for several of his statements, has been doing it knowingly to remain in the public eye. She said that his recent remark about the lack of Dalit or Adivasi contestants in Miss India is an example. Watch | BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules × "He knows that Miss India has nothing to do with forming the government, but he still says things like that on social media. Because it makes the headlines," she said. Pointing at his strategies, Smriti Irani said, "These are not his beliefs, this is all just part of a strategy." (With inputs from agencies)

Smriti Irani says Rahul Gandhi changed strategy after ‘soft Hindutva’ failure, making ‘calculated moves’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was in Srinagar last week, and during the visit, he met with female students who quizzed him on several matters, including his marriage plans. Gandhi's YouTube channel shared the video of the interaction, where he also talked about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, upcoming elections, women's safety and more.&nbsp;

Things took a fun turn when the discussion moved towards personal matters. The students asked Rahul about his plans to get married to which the Congress leader sportingly responded. When asked if he plans to get married, Rahul smiled and said, "I have outlasted that pressure for 20-30 years. I don't plan it, but if it happens..."

The students were all smiles and requested Rahul to invite him to the wedding whenever he decided to tie the knot.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi is often hit with questions of marriage at political events. In May this year, during a rally in Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency, someone from the crowd shouted and asked, "Shaadi kab karoge (When will you marry)?"

Gandhi said, "Ab jaldi karni padegi (Will have to get married soon now)."

<h2>Jammu and Kashmir elections</h2>

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi reiterated the need to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. "It is the first time in Indian history that statehood has been taken away from a state. This status of running Kashmir, running Jammu from Delhi does not make any sense," he said.&nbsp;

He emphasised that the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh need proper representation.&nbsp;

"We are clear; the way it was done, we did not like it. But now, for us, the principle is to get the statehood back and that includes representation to people of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh," he said.&nbsp;

He further talked about the issue of women's safety amid the ongoing Kolkata rape case. Emphasising his commitment to ensuring their safety, equal opportunity, and respect, Rahul discussed the recent Kolkata case and also other systemic issues affecting women's safety and dignity across regions.&nbsp;

J&amp;K will be holding its assembly elections in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was in Srinagar last week, and during the visit, he met with female students who quizzed him on several matters, including his marriage plans.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was in Srinagar last week, and during the visit, he met with female students who quizzed him on several matters, including his marriage plans. Gandhi's YouTube channel shared the video of the interaction, where he also talked about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, upcoming elections, women's safety and more. Things took a fun turn when the discussion moved towards personal matters. The students asked Rahul about his plans to get married to which the Congress leader sportingly responded. When asked if he plans to get married, Rahul smiled and said, "I have outlasted that pressure for 20-30 years. I don't plan it, but if it happens..." The students were all smiles and requested Rahul to invite him to the wedding whenever he decided to tie the knot. Rahul Gandhi is often hit with questions of marriage at political events. In May this year, during a rally in Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency, someone from the crowd shouted and asked, "Shaadi kab karoge (When will you marry)?" Gandhi said, "Ab jaldi karni padegi (Will have to get married soon now)." Jammu and Kashmir elections Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi reiterated the need to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. "It is the first time in Indian history that statehood has been taken away from a state. This status of running Kashmir, running Jammu from Delhi does not make any sense," he said. He emphasised that the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh need proper representation. "We are clear; the way it was done, we did not like it. But now, for us, the principle is to get the statehood back and that includes representation to people of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh," he said. He further talked about the issue of women's safety amid the ongoing Kolkata rape case. Emphasising his commitment to ensuring their safety, equal opportunity, and respect, Rahul discussed the recent Kolkata case and also other systemic issues affecting women's safety and dignity across regions. J&K will be holding its assembly elections in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4.

Students quiz Rahul Gandhi about his marriage plans, he says, 'I don't plan it, but...'

Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated his demand for a caste census across the country, albeit with a bizarre example. Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) claimed that there were no&nbsp;women belonging to the Dalit, Tribal or OBC communities, who made the cut for the Miss India beauty pageant.

“I have checked the list of Miss India, which did not have any Dalit, Adivasi (tribal) or OBC women. Some will talk about cricket or Bollywood. No one will show the cobbler or plumber," said Gandhi while addressing Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj

"Even top anchors in the media are not from the 90 per cent…We want to know how many in institutions, corporates, Bollywood, Miss India are from the 90 per cent. I am only saying that 90 per cent did not have ‘bhagidari’ (participants) and this should be checked,” he added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "...I checked the list of Miss India to see if there would be any Dalit or tribal woman in it, but there was no women from Dalit, tribal or OBC. Still the media talks about dance, music, cricket,… <a href="https://t.co/D2mKNs4jzt">pic.twitter.com/D2mKNs4jzt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1827355148760314238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The video clip of Gandhi's speech instantly went viral on social media, inviting myriad reactions from the netizens, ranging from hilarious to satirical.&nbsp;

"Hope Rahul Gandhi will raise this issue in Parliament that reservation should be given in Miss India," said one user, while another added,&nbsp;"Rahul Gandhi has finally learnt how to do politics in India.&nbsp;Consolidate the minority votes and divide the Hindus into castes. Caste politics is a sure shot to success in Indian politics."

A third commented,&nbsp;"I checked the list of Gandhi Family to see if there would be any Dalit or tribal woman in it, but there was no women from Dalit, tribal or OBC." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-seeks-action-against-rahul-gandhi-accuses-congress-mp-of-violating-house-rules-737928">Watch |&nbsp;BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-seeks-action-against-rahul-gandhi-accuses-congress-mp-of-violating-house-rules-737928/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Congress' vocal support for caste census&nbsp;</h2>

Congress under Gandhi has been vocal about the caste census, having promised it in its General election manifesto. The party stated it would conduct a nationwide caste census if it came to power to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their current socio-economic conditions to prepare government policy better.&nbsp;

The grand old party also promised to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC.

“If INDIA bloc comes to power, it will throw away the 50 per cent cap on the reservation, ensure Dalits, tribals, OBCs get their rights,” said Gandhi at the time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congresss-rahul-gandhi-promises-to-remove-50-reservation-cap-if-india-bloc-wins-polls-687295">Also read |&nbsp;India: Congress’ Rahul Gandhi promises to remove 50% reservation cap if INDIA bloc wins polls</a>

However, the opposition INDIA bloc, led by Congress could not muster enough seats to form government at the centre. BJP has long opposed the move but experts predict that running a coalition government may force the saffron party to consider the proposal, somewhere down the line.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated his demand for a caste census across the country, albeit with a bizarre example. Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) claimed that there were no women belonging to the Dalit, Tribal or OBC communities, who made the cut for the Miss India beauty pageant.

Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated his demand for a caste census across the country, albeit with a bizarre example. Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) claimed that there were no women belonging to the Dalit, Tribal or OBC communities, who made the cut for the Miss India beauty pageant. “I have checked the list of Miss India, which did not have any Dalit, Adivasi (tribal) or OBC women. Some will talk about cricket or Bollywood. No one will show the cobbler or plumber," said Gandhi while addressing Samvidhan Samman Sammelan in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj "Even top anchors in the media are not from the 90 per cent…We want to know how many in institutions, corporates, Bollywood, Miss India are from the 90 per cent. I am only saying that 90 per cent did not have ‘bhagidari’ (participants) and this should be checked,” he added. #WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "...I checked the list of Miss India to see if there would be any Dalit or tribal woman in it, but there was no women from Dalit, tribal or OBC. Still the media talks about dance, music, cricket,… pic.twitter.com/D2mKNs4jzt — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2024 × The video clip of Gandhi's speech instantly went viral on social media, inviting myriad reactions from the netizens, ranging from hilarious to satirical. "Hope Rahul Gandhi will raise this issue in Parliament that reservation should be given in Miss India," said one user, while another added, "Rahul Gandhi has finally learnt how to do politics in India. Consolidate the minority votes and divide the Hindus into castes. Caste politics is a sure shot to success in Indian politics." A third commented, "I checked the list of Gandhi Family to see if there would be any Dalit or tribal woman in it, but there was no women from Dalit, tribal or OBC." Watch | BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules × Congress' vocal support for caste census Congress under Gandhi has been vocal about the caste census, having promised it in its General election manifesto. The party stated it would conduct a nationwide caste census if it came to power to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their current socio-economic conditions to prepare government policy better. The grand old party also promised to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC. “If INDIA bloc comes to power, it will throw away the 50 per cent cap on the reservation, ensure Dalits, tribals, OBCs get their rights,” said Gandhi at the time. Also read | India: Congress’ Rahul Gandhi promises to remove 50% reservation cap if INDIA bloc wins polls However, the opposition INDIA bloc, led by Congress could not muster enough seats to form government at the centre. BJP has long opposed the move but experts predict that running a coalition government may force the saffron party to consider the proposal, somewhere down the line. (With inputs from agencies)

'No tribal, OBC women in Miss India': Rahul Gandhi's bizarre example for caste census demand

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (Aug 18) slammed the central government's move to bring specialists into top government positions through lateral entry. Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of bypassing the traditional Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recruitment process and undermining the Constitution.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (Aug 18) slammed the central government's move to bring specialists into top government positions through lateral entry. Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of bypassing the traditional Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recruitment process and undermining the Constitution. Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, also claimed that the Modi government was favouring individuals with connections to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the lateral entry system. Modi attacking the Constitution: Rahul Gandhi "Narendra Modi is attacking the Constitution by recruiting public servants through the 'Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh' (RSS) instead of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). By recruiting for important positions in various central government ministries through lateral entry, the reservation for SC, ST, and OBC categories is being openly undermined," Gandhi said. "Reservation for SC, ST, and OBC categories is being openly snatched away by recruiting through lateral entry on important posts in various ministries of the central government," he wrote in Hindi on X. He added, "I have always said that there is no representation of the underprivileged in the top bureaucracy and other senior positions in the country. Instead of improving this representation, lateral entry is pushing them further away from these top positions." "This is a direct assault on the rights of talented youth preparing for the UPSC and a blow to the concept of social justice and reservation for the underprivileged," he said. Also read: Why is SEBI’s credibility at an all-time low after latest Hindenburg report? Gandhi also pointed to SEBI as an example, citing the appointment of Madhabi Puri Buch from the private sector as chairperson. "The glaring example of what corporate representatives might do in decisive government positions is SEBI, where for the first time, a person from the private sector was appointed as the Chairperson," he said. Anti-national step "This anti-national step, which harms both the administrative structure and social justice, will be strongly opposed by the INDIA bloc. 'Privatization of IAS' is Modi's 'guarantee' to end reservation," he added. Also read: Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Supreme Court of India takes suo motu cognisance, hearing on Aug 20 Gandhi's statement came after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced 45 vacancies on Saturday, 10 for joint secretaries and 35 for directors/deputy secretaries, to be filled through lateral entry on a contract basis. An official described this as the largest round of lateral recruitment undertaken by the central government. Traditionally, these positions are filled by officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS). However, the government, through the UPSC, is now filling these roles on a contractual basis, arguing that this will bring in fresh talent and specialised expertise to enhance governance. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi for ‘anti-constitutional’ UPSC lateral entry

rahul-gandhi

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

rahul gandhi