<p>Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi today launched an all-out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that his pre-poll promises of combating corruption and ensuring inclusive development were &quot;only dramebazi&#39; and a trick to grab power.</p>

<p>Gandhi, in her address at the 84th Congress Plenary Session, gave a clarion call to the partymen to be ready for any kind of sacrifice to strengthen the party and to make the county free from discrimination, vendetta politics and arrogance.<br />
She called upon them to forcefully fight against the challenges posed by the present dispensation and asked them to mount a struggle to free the country from the fear of power.</p>

<p>&quot;The slogans of &#39;sab ka saath, sab ka vikas&#39; and &#39;na khaoonga, na khaane doonga&#39; are only and only dramebazi (drama) and a trick to grab power,&quot; she said, referring to Modi&#39;s promises of inclusive development and corruption-free governance.</p>

<p>She said that the Congress was fighting the tyrannical Modi government and the people have begun to realise that the promises made by the BJP in 2014 were hollow.</p>

<p>&quot;Under the leadership of former PM Manmohan Singh, the economy of this country flourished. Our government formed policies which lifted millions of people from poverty. And today, the Modi government is weakening these policies,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Gandhi said the present dispensation was using all means to be in power. But the Congress has and will never bow before the power of arrogance of this government which has launched vendetta against its opponents, she said.</p>

<p>The Congress parliamentary party chief said the party was exposing the frauds of the Modi government with proof.</p>

<p>The party, she said, was making efforts to win back the trust of the people and would work with like-minded parties to oust the BJP.</p>

<p>&quot;Those who want to throw the very identity of the Congress party out of the country do not know how much people love them.</p>

<p>&quot;There is only one priority today and that is how to make Congress party stronger. Congress is not just a party, but an idea several years ahead of its time,&quot; Gandhi said.</p>

<p>She also urged the partymen to extend all support to the new party chief and her son Rahul Gandhi who had taken over the reigns in &quot;such difficult times&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


The party, Sonia said, was making efforts to win back the trust of the people and would work with like-minded parties to oust the BJP.

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi today launched an all-out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that his pre-poll promises of combating corruption and ensuring inclusive development were "only dramebazi' and a trick to grab power. Gandhi, in her address at the 84th Congress Plenary Session, gave a clarion call to the partymen to be ready for any kind of sacrifice to strengthen the party and to make the county free from discrimination, vendetta politics and arrogance. She called upon them to forcefully fight against the challenges posed by the present dispensation and asked them to mount a struggle to free the country from the fear of power. "The slogans of 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikas' and 'na khaoonga, na khaane doonga' are only and only dramebazi (drama) and a trick to grab power," she said, referring to Modi's promises of inclusive development and corruption-free governance. She said that the Congress was fighting the tyrannical Modi government and the people have begun to realise that the promises made by the BJP in 2014 were hollow. "Under the leadership of former PM Manmohan Singh, the economy of this country flourished. Our government formed policies which lifted millions of people from poverty. And today, the Modi government is weakening these policies," she said. Gandhi said the present dispensation was using all means to be in power. But the Congress has and will never bow before the power of arrogance of this government which has launched vendetta against its opponents, she said. The Congress parliamentary party chief said the party was exposing the frauds of the Modi government with proof. The party, she said, was making efforts to win back the trust of the people and would work with like-minded parties to oust the BJP. "Those who want to throw the very identity of the Congress party out of the country do not know how much people love them. "There is only one priority today and that is how to make Congress party stronger. Congress is not just a party, but an idea several years ahead of its time," Gandhi said. She also urged the partymen to extend all support to the new party chief and her son Rahul Gandhi who had taken over the reigns in "such difficult times".

Modi's slogans on corruption, development all 'dramebaazi' to grab power: Sonia Gandhi

<p>The upcoming Congress plenary session in Delhi will feature both continuity and discontinuity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi as Congress President has decided to dedicate the plenary to the party&#39;s workers but UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi may not officially address the session. This may then be the first Congress plenary session that Sonia Gandhi will refrain from addressing after joining politics. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Secondly, unlike PV Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesari, Rahul Gandhi will not in go for an election to the CWC. Elections had in the past led to open warfare within the party when Rao and Kesari were at the helm of affairs. Rahul had earlier advocated and allowed elections to the Youth Congress, which too had led to infighting and adverse results.</p>

<p>Under Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s presidentship, Manmohan Singh will hold a meeting on March 16 of the party&#39;s Steering Committee at the Constitution Club.</p>

<p>Rahul has told his colleagues that the session should be about the party&#39;s workers and not about him becoming president of the Congress.</p>

<p>The Congress will pass five resolutions during the session. The political resolution will focus on the RSS but that said, the focus will be on Rahul.</p>

<p>There will also be a separate resolution on the farmers&#39; issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Priyanka is expected to come to the session too but like in the past, is expected keep to back-room preparations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul himself will speak on the last day of the session, March 18.</p>


Earler elections to the Congress Working Committee had led to open warfare within the Congress

The upcoming Congress plenary session in Delhi will feature both continuity and discontinuity. Rahul Gandhi as Congress President has decided to dedicate the plenary to the party's workers but UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi may not officially address the session. This may then be the first Congress plenary session that Sonia Gandhi will refrain from addressing after joining politics. Secondly, unlike PV Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesari, Rahul Gandhi will not in go for an election to the CWC. Elections had in the past led to open warfare within the party when Rao and Kesari were at the helm of affairs. Rahul had earlier advocated and allowed elections to the Youth Congress, which too had led to infighting and adverse results. Under Rahul Gandhi’s presidentship, Manmohan Singh will hold a meeting on March 16 of the party's Steering Committee at the Constitution Club. Rahul has told his colleagues that the session should be about the party's workers and not about him becoming president of the Congress. The Congress will pass five resolutions during the session. The political resolution will focus on the RSS but that said, the focus will be on Rahul. There will also be a separate resolution on the farmers' issue. Priyanka is expected to come to the session too but like in the past, is expected keep to back-room preparations. Rahul himself will speak on the last day of the session, March 18.

Rahul Gandhi to not hold elections to CWC

<p>All roads in Delhi on Tuesday night led to 10 Janpath, residence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi who had<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-talk-of-broad-front-against-bjp-in-2019-17-opposition-party-leaders-to-attend-sonia-dinner-tomorrow-35560"> invited leaders of several Opposition parties</a> for dinner.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Those who were present on the occasion included Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party&#39;s Ramgopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party&#39;s Satish Mishra, Rashtriya Janata Dal&#39;s Tejashwi Yadav, Hindustani Awam Morcha&#39;s Jitan Ram Manjhi and National Conference&#39;s Omar Abdullah.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Sharad Yadav, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, SP&#39;s Ramgopal Yadav, BSP&#39;s Satish Mishra at dinner hosted for opposition parties by Sonia Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/M3gAwwloim">pic.twitter.com/M3gAwwloim</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RJD&#39;s Tejashwi Yadav, HAM&#39;s Jitan Ram Manjhi &amp; NC&#39;s Omar Abdullah arrive for dinner hosted for opposition parties by Sonia Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/Cg2hnbrjW0">pic.twitter.com/Cg2hnbrjW0</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) chief Babulal Marandi, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Kanimozhi, All India United Democratic Front&#39;s Badruddin Ajmal were also invited by the former Congress president.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="da">JVM&#39;s Babulal Marandi, DMK&#39;s Kanimozhi &amp; AIUDF&#39;s Badruddin Ajmal arrive for dinner hosted for opposition parties by Sonia Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/xSPMLB3TOD">pic.twitter.com/xSPMLB3TOD</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress said that the dinner should not be seen from the &quot;prism of politics&quot; and was for &quot;friendship and better dialogue between parties.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;This dinner hosted by Sonia Gandhi ji for opposition parties should not be seen from the prism of politics, it was for friendship and better dialogue between parties,&quot; Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.</p>

<p>The dinner is expected to set the tone for opposition unity in the run up to the next general elections.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi has called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from PTI)</p>


The Congress said that the dinner should not be seen from the 'prism of politics' and was for 'friendship and better dialogue between parties'

All roads in Delhi on Tuesday night led to 10 Janpath, residence of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi who had invited leaders of several Opposition parties for dinner. × Those who were present on the occasion included Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party's Ramgopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Satish Mishra, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, Hindustani Awam Morcha's Jitan Ram Manjhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah. Delhi: Sharad Yadav, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, SP's Ramgopal Yadav, BSP's Satish Mishra at dinner hosted for opposition parties by Sonia Gandhi pic.twitter.com/M3gAwwloim — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018 × RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, HAM's Jitan Ram Manjhi & NC's Omar Abdullah arrive for dinner hosted for opposition parties by Sonia Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/Cg2hnbrjW0 — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018 × Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) chief Babulal Marandi, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Kanimozhi, All India United Democratic Front's Badruddin Ajmal were also invited by the former Congress president. JVM's Babulal Marandi, DMK's Kanimozhi & AIUDF's Badruddin Ajmal arrive for dinner hosted for opposition parties by Sonia Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/xSPMLB3TOD — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018 × The Congress said that the dinner should not be seen from the "prism of politics" and was for "friendship and better dialogue between parties." "This dinner hosted by Sonia Gandhi ji for opposition parties should not be seen from the prism of politics, it was for friendship and better dialogue between parties," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. The dinner is expected to set the tone for opposition unity in the run up to the next general elections. Sonia Gandhi has called for opposition unity and said parties should set aside their minor differences to get together in the larger interest of keeping the BJP out of power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. (With inputs from PTI)

Sonia Gandhi dinner for Opposition: Not for politics but friendship, says Congress

<p>Launching a scathing attack on Modi and BJP, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that Aadhaar is being turned into an intrusive instrument of control while the judiciary is in turmoil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Sonia said RTI was brought to bring transparency, but today that law is in &#39;&#39;cold storage&#39;&#39;. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sonia noted that Congress was out-marketed and added that the party has to develop a new style of connecting with people.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;We were out-marketed. We have to really develop a new style of connecting with people. We have to look how we project our programs and policies,&#39;&#39; said the Congress leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Was India really a giant black hole before May 16, 2014?&quot; a combative Sonia Gandhi asked, adding, &quot;Is this claim not an insult to the intelligence of our people?&quot;</p>

<p>That claim refers to Modi&#39;s - and the BJP&#39;s - frequent attacks on the Congress, blaming the party for doing nothing in the past 60-70 years that it has been in power.</p>

<p>She also alleged that BJP has managed to persuade people that Congress is a Muslim party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;We have always been to temples. When I travelled with Rajiv Gandhi, wherever we used to go, there was always a major temple that we used to visit. But we never made a show of it,&#39;&#39; she noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Sonia noted that Congress was out-marketed and added that the party has to develop a new style of connecting with people.

Launching a scathing attack on Modi and BJP, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that Aadhaar is being turned into an intrusive instrument of control while the judiciary is in turmoil. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Sonia said RTI was brought to bring transparency, but today that law is in ''cold storage''. Sonia noted that Congress was out-marketed and added that the party has to develop a new style of connecting with people. ''We were out-marketed. We have to really develop a new style of connecting with people. We have to look how we project our programs and policies,'' said the Congress leader. "Was India really a giant black hole before May 16, 2014?" a combative Sonia Gandhi asked, adding, "Is this claim not an insult to the intelligence of our people?" That claim refers to Modi's - and the BJP's - frequent attacks on the Congress, blaming the party for doing nothing in the past 60-70 years that it has been in power. She also alleged that BJP has managed to persuade people that Congress is a Muslim party. ''We have always been to temples. When I travelled with Rajiv Gandhi, wherever we used to go, there was always a major temple that we used to visit. But we never made a show of it,'' she noted.

Sonia tears into Modi, says Aadhaar being 'turned into intrusive instrument of control'

<p>Former president of the Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi said Friday that her party may sometime in the future have a leader from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family.</p>

<p>Replying to a question on whether there was any chance of the Congress being led by an outsider, she replied, &quot;Why not? In future, there may well be.&quot;</p>

<p>Sonia however did not answer when she was asked whether the party would survive without a Gandhi as its leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to the prime ministership of Dr Manmohan Singh, she said she opted for him in 2004 over herserlf since he was a better candidate for the post.</p>

<p>She also dismissed the popular belief that under the UPA government, the real power was in her hands.</p>

<p>She said that she joined politics after she realised that Congress party was going through a difficult time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring&nbsp;to the Bush and the Clinton families, she also highlighted the political dynasties of the US.</p>


Replying to a question on whether there is any chance of a leader from outside the family heading the Congress, she replied 'Why not? In future , there may well be'

Former president of the Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi said Friday that her party may sometime in the future have a leader from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family. Replying to a question on whether there was any chance of the Congress being led by an outsider, she replied, "Why not? In future, there may well be." Sonia however did not answer when she was asked whether the party would survive without a Gandhi as its leader. Referring to the prime ministership of Dr Manmohan Singh, she said she opted for him in 2004 over herserlf since he was a better candidate for the post. She also dismissed the popular belief that under the UPA government, the real power was in her hands. She said that she joined politics after she realised that Congress party was going through a difficult time. Referring to the Bush and the Clinton families, she also highlighted the political dynasties of the US.

Why not? Sonia on possibility of Congress being ruled by outsider in future

<p>Former Congress chief and Rae Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi canceled her visit last moment after concerns over her health, reports said on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi, who had plans to go to her parliamentary constituency for a one-day visit after about two years, canceled last moment due to &quot;unavoidable reasons,&quot; her representative K L Sharma said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharma had informed the representatives in Rae&nbsp;Bareli about the update on Friday night, District Congress President VK Shukla said.</p>

<p>&quot;Gandhi&#39;s day-long visit has been canceled due to unavoidable reasons. We informed district officials about it late last night,&quot; her representative K L Sharma said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi was to inaugurate various schemes from MP&#39;s discretionary fund at Bhuemau guest house and meet party leaders there.&nbsp;</p>


Gandhi was to inaugurate various schemes from MP's discretionary fund at Bhuemau guest house and meet party leaders there

Former Congress chief and Rae Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi canceled her visit last moment after concerns over her health, reports said on Saturday. Gandhi, who had plans to go to her parliamentary constituency for a one-day visit after about two years, canceled last moment due to "unavoidable reasons," her representative K L Sharma said. Sharma had informed the representatives in Rae Bareli about the update on Friday night, District Congress President VK Shukla said. "Gandhi's day-long visit has been canceled due to unavoidable reasons. We informed district officials about it late last night," her representative K L Sharma said. Gandhi was to inaugurate various schemes from MP's discretionary fund at Bhuemau guest house and meet party leaders there.

Sonia Gandhi cancels visit to Rae Bareli

<p>BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has produced an IT order in court against the Young Indian company majorly owned by Sonai and Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;The order&nbsp;has reportedly cancelled Young India&#39;s tax exemption certificate and asked the company to pay tax on income gain of Rs 414 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gandhis could be slapped with a&nbsp;fine of&nbsp;between 100-300 per cent of the concealed amount along with criminal prosecution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court has ordered to keep the documents submitted by Subramanian Swamy in sealed cover until next hearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hearing is&nbsp;adjourned until March 17.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalHerald?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalHerald</a> case adjourned till 17th March, Court orders the documents submitted by Subramanian Swamy to be kept in sealed cover till then.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954645842496913408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Subramanian Swamy had filed a complaint against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former party president Sonia Gandhi, Congress treasurer Motilal Vora, party leaders Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda in 2012.</p>

<p>In the complaint, he alleged that the Congress granted an interest-free loan of Rs 90.25 crore to the owner of National Herald-Associated Journal Limited (AJL). It further stated&nbsp;that Congress had mismanaged the loan which remained outstanding. Sonia and Rahul were made directors of the company, Young India, in 2010. The company acquired all the shareholdings of the AJL amounting to Rs 5,000 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In their response to&nbsp;Subramanian Swamy&#39;s complaint in connection with the National Herald case,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-rahul-respond-to-national-herald-case-call-for-its-dismissal-24572" target="_blank">Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi stated in November</a> that the application filed by the BJP leader was not bonafide.</p>

<p>Calling the complaint a &quot;lifeless case&quot; they said that the application was filled with the sole object of &quot;delaying the proceedings&quot;.</p>

<p>They also said that it was filed with the &quot;most casual manner&quot; and it failed to call witnesses and documents within a&nbsp;specified period of time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mother-son duo called for an immediate rejection of the complaint.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The court has ordered to keep the documents submitted by Swamy in sealed cover until next hearing

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has produced an IT order in court against the Young Indian company majorly owned by Sonai and Rahul Gandhi. The order has reportedly cancelled Young India's tax exemption certificate and asked the company to pay tax on income gain of Rs 414 crore. The Gandhis could be slapped with a fine of between 100-300 per cent of the concealed amount along with criminal prosecution. The court has ordered to keep the documents submitted by Subramanian Swamy in sealed cover until next hearing. The hearing is adjourned until March 17. #NationalHerald case adjourned till 17th March, Court orders the documents submitted by Subramanian Swamy to be kept in sealed cover till then. — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 × Subramanian Swamy had filed a complaint against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former party president Sonia Gandhi, Congress treasurer Motilal Vora, party leaders Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda in 2012. In the complaint, he alleged that the Congress granted an interest-free loan of Rs 90.25 crore to the owner of National Herald-Associated Journal Limited (AJL). It further stated that Congress had mismanaged the loan which remained outstanding. Sonia and Rahul were made directors of the company, Young India, in 2010. The company acquired all the shareholdings of the AJL amounting to Rs 5,000 crore. In their response to Subramanian Swamy's complaint in connection with the National Herald case, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi stated in November that the application filed by the BJP leader was not bonafide. Calling the complaint a "lifeless case" they said that the application was filled with the sole object of "delaying the proceedings". They also said that it was filed with the "most casual manner" and it failed to call witnesses and documents within a specified period of time. The mother-son duo called for an immediate rejection of the complaint.

National Herald case: Subramanian Swamy submits IT order against Rahul, Sonia Gandhi

<p>Bhartiya Janata Party reacted to the allegations of indulging in &#39;cheap politics&#39; after Rahul Gandhi was seen sitting in the sixth row during the Republic day parade.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi was given the seat during Republic Day parade as per the protocol, rules &amp; traditions. The controversy created by Congress party is unwarranted &amp; an example of cheap politics. It shows that Congress party still believes in aristocracy and not in democracy : <a href="https://twitter.com/GVLNRAO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GVLNRAO</a> <a href="https://t.co/eSWgJcJbrL">pic.twitter.com/eSWgJcJbrL</a></p>
&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/957142249682345986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said, &quot;democracy workes&nbsp;around rules and not people, it shows that Congress party still believes in aristocracy and not in democracy.&quot;</p>

<p>Rao further asked the Congress if they don&#39;t believe in democracy?</p>

<p>On January 26, during the Republic Day celebrations, Rahul Gandhi took the designated seat in the sixth row which prompted an uproar among Congress leaders.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मोदी सरकार की ओछी राजनीति जग ज़ाहिर!<br />
<br />
कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी को गणतंत्र दिवस के राष्ट्रीय पर्व पर अंहकारी शासकों ने सारी परंपराओं को दरकिनार करके पहले चौथी पंक्ति और फिर छठी पंक्ति में जानबूझकर बिठाया।<br />
<br />
हमारे लिये संविधान का उत्सव ही सर्व प्रथम है। <a href="https://t.co/8bRi017G8J">pic.twitter.com/8bRi017G8J</a></p>
&mdash; Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/956789223910137856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi was seated along with the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad.</p>

<p>Congress sources said the party presidents, including Sonia Gandhi, were always seated in the front row at the Republic Day parade.</p>

<p>During last year celebrations, Sonia Gandhi was seated in the first row with BJP president Amit Shah.</p>

<p>India celebrated its 69th Republic Day on Friday with a grand display of the country&#39;s military might and rich cultural diversity in the presence of leaders from the ASEAN nations.&nbsp;</p>


During the 69th Republic Day celebrations, Rahul Gandhi took his designated seat in the sixth row

Bhartiya Janata Party reacted to the allegations of indulging in 'cheap politics' after Rahul Gandhi was seen sitting in the sixth row during the Republic day parade. Rahul Gandhi was given the seat during Republic Day parade as per the protocol, rules & traditions. The controversy created by Congress party is unwarranted & an example of cheap politics. It shows that Congress party still believes in aristocracy and not in democracy : @GVLNRAO pic.twitter.com/eSWgJcJbrL — BJP (@BJP4India) January 27, 2018 × BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said, "democracy workes around rules and not people, it shows that Congress party still believes in aristocracy and not in democracy." Rao further asked the Congress if they don't believe in democracy? On January 26, during the Republic Day celebrations, Rahul Gandhi took the designated seat in the sixth row which prompted an uproar among Congress leaders. मोदी सरकार की ओछी राजनीति जग ज़ाहिर! कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी को गणतंत्र दिवस के राष्ट्रीय पर्व पर अंहकारी शासकों ने सारी परंपराओं को दरकिनार करके पहले चौथी पंक्ति और फिर छठी पंक्ति में जानबूझकर बिठाया। हमारे लिये संविधान का उत्सव ही सर्व प्रथम है। pic.twitter.com/8bRi017G8J — Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 26, 2018 × Gandhi was seated along with the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad. Congress sources said the party presidents, including Sonia Gandhi, were always seated in the front row at the Republic Day parade. During last year celebrations, Sonia Gandhi was seated in the first row with BJP president Amit Shah. India celebrated its 69th Republic Day on Friday with a grand display of the country's military might and rich cultural diversity in the presence of leaders from the ASEAN nations.

Rahul Gandhi's seating row: 'Democracy works around rules and not people,' retorts BJP

<p>Unlike Sonia Gandhi whose tenure saw the institutionalisation of the office of political secretary, Congress President Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to appoint any Congress leader as his political secretary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources confirmed that Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s office has been modelled after the hub and spoke system whereby small organisational units contribute directly to the central hub unlike the earlier system which functioned through a couple of designated people.</p>

<p>Technically, the office of Rahul Gandhi would function in a very different way from Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s office where functions were devolved to few people. In this case, it would be more centralised and decision-making would remain in his purview.</p>

<p>The hub and spoke model would not allow any one functionary to be the voice of Congress President and functionaries would meet Rahul Gandhi on equal footing.</p>

<p>In the new set up, strict instructions have been issued to people working in his office to not&nbsp;give interviews to the media.</p>

<p>As of now Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s office is being managed by low profile, K Raju who has earlier worked closely with former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YSR Reddy. He subsequently worked under Sonia Gandhi as part of the National Advisory Council and subsequently as head of the SC/ST of the Congress. For now, he remains as the point person in Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s office and other associates like Kanishka Singh, Alankar Sawai, Kaushal Vidyarthi continue to work closely with him. He fulfills the role of Chief of Staff as he has requisite experience in bureaucracy of running systems but also the understanding that low profile grants longevity in politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi after taking over the Congress had appointed Ambika Soni and Ahmad Patel as her political secretaries. Subsequent to a power struggle, Ambika Soni was shifted to organisation and later inducted as a minister in the the government. On the other hand, Ahmad Patel continued as political secretary to the former Congress president. As of now Ahmad Patel continues as the political secretary to the Congress president as organisational reshuffle is taking place in bits and pieces. One will have to wait and see which role will be made open for Ahmad Patel.</p>


In the new set up, strict instructions have been issued to people working in his office to not give interviews to the media

Unlike Sonia Gandhi whose tenure saw the institutionalisation of the office of political secretary, Congress President Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to appoint any Congress leader as his political secretary. Sources confirmed that Rahul Gandhi’s office has been modelled after the hub and spoke system whereby small organisational units contribute directly to the central hub unlike the earlier system which functioned through a couple of designated people. Technically, the office of Rahul Gandhi would function in a very different way from Sonia Gandhi’s office where functions were devolved to few people. In this case, it would be more centralised and decision-making would remain in his purview. The hub and spoke model would not allow any one functionary to be the voice of Congress President and functionaries would meet Rahul Gandhi on equal footing. In the new set up, strict instructions have been issued to people working in his office to not give interviews to the media. As of now Rahul Gandhi’s office is being managed by low profile, K Raju who has earlier worked closely with former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YSR Reddy. He subsequently worked under Sonia Gandhi as part of the National Advisory Council and subsequently as head of the SC/ST of the Congress. For now, he remains as the point person in Rahul Gandhi’s office and other associates like Kanishka Singh, Alankar Sawai, Kaushal Vidyarthi continue to work closely with him. He fulfills the role of Chief of Staff as he has requisite experience in bureaucracy of running systems but also the understanding that low profile grants longevity in politics. Sonia Gandhi after taking over the Congress had appointed Ambika Soni and Ahmad Patel as her political secretaries. Subsequent to a power struggle, Ambika Soni was shifted to organisation and later inducted as a minister in the the government. On the other hand, Ahmad Patel continued as political secretary to the former Congress president. As of now Ahmad Patel continues as the political secretary to the Congress president as organisational reshuffle is taking place in bits and pieces. One will have to wait and see which role will be made open for Ahmad Patel.

Rahul Gandhi unlikely to continue with position of political secretary in Congress

<p>Rahul Gandhi is all set to kickstart Congress party&#39;s election campaign for upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka from Saturday.</p>

<p>Gandhi will begin his four-day campaign tour from Bellary district, the same district from where Sonia Gandhi won&nbsp;in 1999 Assembly polls&nbsp;defeating current external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi campaigning in Karnataka is being compared to Sonia Gandhi&#39;s 1999 campaign&nbsp;noticing the similarity that Sonia Gandhi also started her campaign after she was elected as Congress president.</p>

<p>Media reports say Rahul Gandhi will&nbsp;be visiting Koppal&#39;s Huligamma Temple on Saturday and Gavi Siddeshwara Mutt in the evening.</p>

<p>The four-day campaign will&nbsp;involve road shows, public meetings, interactions with civil society groups and farmers.</p>

<p>Earlier former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Gundu Rao had said that Rahul Gandhi is going to be a &quot;very key&quot; campaigner for the Congress in the state.</p>

<p>Countering criticism of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-continue-temple-run-in-karnataka-30075">Gandhi visiting temple</a> during the elections campaign, Congress leader Anil Shastri said that Gandhi&#39;s visit to temples is just a matter of faith and not intended to create a vote bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi also visited several temples during the Gujarat Assembly elections inviting criticism of playing &#39;&#39;soft&nbsp;Hindutva&#39;&#39; card.</p>


The four-day campaign will involve road shows, public meetings, interactions with civil society groups and farmers

Rahul Gandhi is all set to kickstart Congress party's election campaign for upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka from Saturday. Gandhi will begin his four-day campaign tour from Bellary district, the same district from where Sonia Gandhi won in 1999 Assembly polls defeating current external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Rahul Gandhi campaigning in Karnataka is being compared to Sonia Gandhi's 1999 campaign noticing the similarity that Sonia Gandhi also started her campaign after she was elected as Congress president. Media reports say Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Koppal's Huligamma Temple on Saturday and Gavi Siddeshwara Mutt in the evening. The four-day campaign will involve road shows, public meetings, interactions with civil society groups and farmers. Earlier former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Gundu Rao had said that Rahul Gandhi is going to be a "very key" campaigner for the Congress in the state. Countering criticism of Gandhi visiting temple during the elections campaign, Congress leader Anil Shastri said that Gandhi's visit to temples is just a matter of faith and not intended to create a vote bank. Rahul Gandhi also visited several temples during the Gujarat Assembly elections inviting criticism of playing ''soft Hindutva'' card.

Rahul Gandhi to kickstart election campaign in Karnataka from today

<p>Sonia Gandhi has said that his son Rahul, who took over ar Congress president in December, is her boss too.</p>

<p>&quot;We have a new Congress president and on your behalf and my own I wish him all the best. He is now my boss too. Let there be no doubt about that,&quot; she said at the party&#39;s parliamentary party meeting on Thursday.</p>

<p>Sounding an upbeat note, Sonia told party MPs to work with dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm with Rahul Gandhi to strengthen the party.</p>

<p>Seventy-one-year-old Sonia served as Congress president for nearly two decades, but has taken a backseat now.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-meets-party-delegation-at-aicc-headqurters-32079"><strong>Also Read: Rahul Gandhi meets party delegation at AICC headquarters</strong></a></p>

<p>She also said that the process to revive the party&#39;s fortunes had begun and she would work with &quot;like-minded parties&quot; to ensure the BJP&#39;s defeat in the next elections.</p>

<p>&quot;We performed very creditably under tough circumstances in Gujarat and recent by-election results in Rajasthan were huge. This shows winds of change are coming. I am sure Karnataka too will underline resurgence of Congress,&quot; Sonia Gandhi said lauding party workers&#39; efforts in the recently-held Gujarat assembly elections.</p>

<p>Attacking the Centre, Sonia said that government indulges in &#39;maximum publicity, minimum government&#39; and &#39;maximum marketing, minimum delivery&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;It has been almost 4 years since this government came to power. This has been a period in which institutions like Parliament, judiciary, media and civil society have come under assault. Investigative agencies have been let loose against political opponents,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>She had slammed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-continues-attack-on-opposition-says-congress-mukt-bharat-was-gandhis-idea-32115">PM Modi&#39;s hard hitting speech</a> in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday asserting there was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-has-not-said-anything-new-says-sonia-gandhi-32088">&quot;nothing new&quot; in what he said</a>.</p>

<p>&quot;People of India want to know what the PM will do about jobs,&quot; she said while taking a dig at PM Modi.</p>

<p>PM Modi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-on-opposition-during-parliament-speech-highlights-32083">during an address to Parliament</a> on the motion of thanks to the President on the Budget had said his government was faster than the UPA in implementing infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>The PM repeatedly attacked the Congress saying the party should rise above &quot;chest-thumping&quot;, adding that the Congress takes &quot;credit&quot; for NDA&#39;s projects.</p>


Seventy-one-year-old Sonia served as Congress president for nearly two decades, but has taken a backseat now.

Sonia Gandhi has said that his son Rahul, who took over ar Congress president in December, is her boss too. "We have a new Congress president and on your behalf and my own I wish him all the best. He is now my boss too. Let there be no doubt about that," she said at the party's parliamentary party meeting on Thursday. Sounding an upbeat note, Sonia told party MPs to work with dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm with Rahul Gandhi to strengthen the party. Seventy-one-year-old Sonia served as Congress president for nearly two decades, but has taken a backseat now. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi meets party delegation at AICC headquarters She also said that the process to revive the party's fortunes had begun and she would work with "like-minded parties" to ensure the BJP's defeat in the next elections. "We performed very creditably under tough circumstances in Gujarat and recent by-election results in Rajasthan were huge. This shows winds of change are coming. I am sure Karnataka too will underline resurgence of Congress," Sonia Gandhi said lauding party workers' efforts in the recently-held Gujarat assembly elections. Attacking the Centre, Sonia said that government indulges in 'maximum publicity, minimum government' and 'maximum marketing, minimum delivery'. "It has been almost 4 years since this government came to power. This has been a period in which institutions like Parliament, judiciary, media and civil society have come under assault. Investigative agencies have been let loose against political opponents," she said. She had slammed PM Modi's hard hitting speech in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday asserting there was "nothing new" in what he said. "People of India want to know what the PM will do about jobs," she said while taking a dig at PM Modi. PM Modi during an address to Parliament on the motion of thanks to the President on the Budget had said his government was faster than the UPA in implementing infrastructure projects. The PM repeatedly attacked the Congress saying the party should rise above "chest-thumping", adding that the Congress takes "credit" for NDA's projects.

Rahul now my boss too, let there be no doubt: Sonia Gandhi

<p>After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-has-not-said-anything-new-says-sonia-gandhi-32088">UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi slammed</a> PM&#39;s speech in Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the&nbsp;PM didn&#39;t speak about jobs for the youth</p>

<p>While <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-heckles-pm-modi-as-he-speaks-in-lok-sabha-32078">addressing the Parliament the PM</a> had asked, &quot;In December, did we witness an election or coronation?&quot; while taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>Taking a jibe at the Gandhi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-on-opposition-during-parliament-speech-highlights-32083">family, the PM said: &quot;You used</a> paid machinery for promoting family, adding,&quot;the Congress served only one family.&quot;</p>

<p>The Congress president had earlier&nbsp;alleged that there is corruption in the&nbsp;Rafale jet fighter deal&nbsp;and the Prime Minister was responsible as &quot;Modiji personally got the deal done&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul repeated the message after the PM&#39;s address saying: &quot;PM Modi must answer the Rafale deal.&quot;</p>


Taking a jibe at the Gandhi family, the PM said: "You used paid machinery for promoting family, adding,"the Congress served only one family."

After UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi slammed PM's speech in Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the PM didn't speak about jobs for the youth While addressing the Parliament the PM had asked, "In December, did we witness an election or coronation?" while taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Taking a jibe at the Gandhi family, the PM said: "You used paid machinery for promoting family, adding,"the Congress served only one family." The Congress president had earlier alleged that there is corruption in the Rafale jet fighter deal and the Prime Minister was responsible as "Modiji personally got the deal done". Rahul repeated the message after the PM's address saying: "PM Modi must answer the Rafale deal."

Watch: PM didn't speak about jobs for the youth, says Rahul Gandhi

<p>Former president of Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi chaired a meeting with opposition leaders at Parliament library building on Thursday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sonia Gandhi, Former PM Manmohan Singh and other leaders arrive at Parliament Library Building for the meeting of the opposition parties <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/cCV58YjaMM">pic.twitter.com/cCV58YjaMM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959027698805936128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The meeting was called to plan a joint strategy for the ongoing budget session of parliament and work towards opposition unity to take on the BJP.</p>

<p>The main focus of the meeting was to bring support from 17 parties which have come together during the presidential and vice presidential polls against the currently ruling BJP party.</p>

<p>According to the media reports issues like triple talaq bill, the Supreme Court judges row and the Kasganj violence were discussed during the meeting.</p>

<p>The opposition leader meeting began around five in the evening and lasted for more than two hours.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting for the opposition parties held at Parliament Library Building concludes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/959054867745705985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi chairing the meeting with opposition leader could be taken as a signal that Sonia Gandhi will be playing an active role in upcoming General Elections of 2019.</p>

<p>Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also hosted an informal meet over a tea with opposition leaders at his residence where it was decided to hold another meeting post-budget with Sonia Gandhi.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The meeting was called to plan a joint strategy for the ongoing budget session of parliament and work towards opposition unity to take on the BJP

Former president of Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi chaired a meeting with opposition leaders at Parliament library building on Thursday. Sonia Gandhi, Former PM Manmohan Singh and other leaders arrive at Parliament Library Building for the meeting of the opposition parties #Delhi pic.twitter.com/cCV58YjaMM — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × The meeting was called to plan a joint strategy for the ongoing budget session of parliament and work towards opposition unity to take on the BJP. The main focus of the meeting was to bring support from 17 parties which have come together during the presidential and vice presidential polls against the currently ruling BJP party. According to the media reports issues like triple talaq bill, the Supreme Court judges row and the Kasganj violence were discussed during the meeting. The opposition leader meeting began around five in the evening and lasted for more than two hours. Meeting for the opposition parties held at Parliament Library Building concludes. #Delhi — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2018 × Gandhi chairing the meeting with opposition leader could be taken as a signal that Sonia Gandhi will be playing an active role in upcoming General Elections of 2019. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also hosted an informal meet over a tea with opposition leaders at his residence where it was decided to hold another meeting post-budget with Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi chairs opposition meeting on joint strategy in Parliament

<p>Minister of Petroleum&nbsp;and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the opening of the first-ever seven refineries and petrochemical complexes on 16 January in Barmer oil refinery.</p>

<p>He said &quot; For the first time, 7 refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India &amp; will go on floor from 16th January, with all clearances and tenders.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For the first time, 7 refineries &amp; petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India &amp; will go on floor from 16th Jan, with all clearances &amp; tenders: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi&#39;s proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/9UmoZouJre">pic.twitter.com/9UmoZouJre</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950674278726254592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He invalidated&nbsp;the statements made by Congress party that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and the prime minister was repeating their action.</p>

<p>He said &quot;Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are all false claims.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery &amp; why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are false claims: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi&#39;s proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/ngCnum6gsO">pic.twitter.com/ngCnum6gsO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950675960285704192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On January 16, seven refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functioning in India for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi is proposed to visit the foundation site in Barmer Oil refinery in Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on January 6, Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has opposed the upcoming foundation laying ceremony of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=oil%20refinery">oil refinery</a>&nbsp;in Barmer by the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>He said that the foundation stone for the refinery was already laid September 22, 2013, by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On January 16, seven refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India for the first time. Congress said that the foundation stone for the refinery was already laid on September 22, 2013, by former party president Sonia Gandhi.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the opening of the first-ever seven refineries and petrochemical complexes on 16 January in Barmer oil refinery. He said " For the first time, 7 refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India & will go on floor from 16th January, with all clearances and tenders." For the first time, 7 refineries & petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functions in India & will go on floor from 16th Jan, with all clearances & tenders: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi's proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/9UmoZouJre — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 × He invalidated the statements made by Congress party that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and the prime minister was repeating their action. He said "Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery and why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are all false claims." Congress is raising objections that they have already laid the foundation stone of the refinery & why is Modi Ji going again for that? These are false claims: Dharmendra Pradhan on PM Modi's proposed visit for foundation laying ceremony of Barmer oil refinery #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/ngCnum6gsO — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 × On January 16, seven refineries and petrochemical complexes are about to begin their functioning in India for the first time. PM Modi is proposed to visit the foundation site in Barmer Oil refinery in Rajasthan. Earlier on January 6, Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has opposed the upcoming foundation laying ceremony of an oil refinery in Barmer by the Prime Minister. He said that the foundation stone for the refinery was already laid September 22, 2013, by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

PM Modi laying foundation of refineries, petrochemical sites in Barmer Oil refinery, Congress takes credit

<p>As Rahul Gandhi has taken charge of Congress party, there has been a role reversal at the Gandhi household. The Congress party President&#39;s mother Sonia Gandhi was recently seen enjoying a much-deserved break in Goa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Photos of the vacation have surfaced on the Internet which shows Mrs. Gandhi enjoying a cycle ride and posing for selfies with tourists.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The former president of Congress party reportedly flew to Goa on December 26th and would be coming back to New Delhi only in the first week of January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in News18.com, the politician is staying at a five-star property in South Goa currently.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This photo was shared by Riteish Deshmukh who wrote, &quot;Some pictures make you happy... this is one of them. Wishing Sonia ji happiness and best of health.(sic)&quot; (Twitter)</p>
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<p>Many feel that its a holiday well deserved for the longest-serving president of the Congress party who has till recently postponed vacations to concentrate on work while her son Rahul has been taking annual vacations.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Sources close to Mrs. Gandhi have stated that she is there with some of her close friends and is spending time reading, doing her yoga and cycling around the property.&nbsp;</p>


The former president of Congress party reportedly flew to Goa on December 26 and will be coming back to New Delhi only in the first week of January

As Rahul Gandhi has taken charge of Congress party, there has been a role reversal at the Gandhi household. The Congress party President's mother Sonia Gandhi was recently seen enjoying a much-deserved break in Goa. Photos of the vacation have surfaced on the Internet which shows Mrs. Gandhi enjoying a cycle ride and posing for selfies with tourists. The former president of Congress party reportedly flew to Goa on December 26th and would be coming back to New Delhi only in the first week of January. According to a report in News18.com, the politician is staying at a five-star property in South Goa currently. This photo was shared by Riteish Deshmukh who wrote, "Some pictures make you happy... this is one of them. Wishing Sonia ji happiness and best of health.(sic)" (Twitter) × Many feel that its a holiday well deserved for the longest-serving president of the Congress party who has till recently postponed vacations to concentrate on work while her son Rahul has been taking annual vacations. Sources close to Mrs. Gandhi have stated that she is there with some of her close friends and is spending time reading, doing her yoga and cycling around the property.

Caught on camera: Sonia Gandhi in Goa on a cycle

<p>While addressing a press conference in Delhi after his first Congress Working Committee meeting, Congress president Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;again hit out at the BJP and said its entire structure was based on lies.</p>

<p>The Congress president said, &quot;The whole architecture of BJP is about lies, the whole structure is about lies.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to the 2G spectrum acquittal, he said the truth was before the people.</p>

<p>Claiming Gujarat Model to be a lie, he said &quot; If you see the Modi model in Gujarat it was a clear lie, when we went to Gujarat the people said there is no model, they said what is going on is stealing of people&#39;s resources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You talk of 2G....whether you look at the Modi model or the promise of 15 lakhs in every bank account, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax, everything is a lie.&quot;</p>

<p>The newly-appointed Congress president headed&nbsp;his first Congress Working Committee meeting today.</p>

<p>The meeting was organised at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and senior Congress leader Motilal Vohra were also in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Former Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh reaches AICC for Congress Working Committee meeting, <a href="https://t.co/ZyolRgSbio">pic.twitter.com/ZyolRgSbio</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944161455091286017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Rahul Gandhi arrives for his first CWC meeting as Congress President, Sonia Gandhi and Motilal Vora also reach AICC for Congress Working Committee Meet <a href="https://t.co/r6uKazDYen">pic.twitter.com/r6uKazDYen</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944163029825994752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Inside visuals of Congress Working Committee meeting underway at AICC, it is Rahul Gandhi&#39;s first CWC meeting as party President, <a href="https://t.co/BdVipcyLDs">pic.twitter.com/BdVipcyLDs</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944163906909540353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahul Gandhi took over as Congress President on December 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gandhi scion took the position as the party&#39;s chief from his mother Sonia Gandhi who served as party president for 19 years.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you see the Modi model in Gujarat it was a clear lie, when we went to Gujarat the people said there is no model, they said what is going on is stealing of people&#39;s resources: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/M0PioaxkhF">pic.twitter.com/M0PioaxkhF</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944196899434774530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You talk of 2G... whether you look at the Modi model or the promise of 15 lakhs in every bank account... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeMonetisation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeMonetisation</a>, &#39;Gabbar Singh Tax&#39;.. everything is a lie: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/teMuZ0tPvB">pic.twitter.com/teMuZ0tPvB</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944197896219459584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Referring to the 2G spectrum acquittal, Rahul Gandhi said the truth was before the people

While addressing a press conference in Delhi after his first Congress Working Committee meeting, Congress president Rahul Gandhi again hit out at the BJP and said its entire structure was based on lies. The Congress president said, "The whole architecture of BJP is about lies, the whole structure is about lies." Referring to the 2G spectrum acquittal, he said the truth was before the people. Claiming Gujarat Model to be a lie, he said " If you see the Modi model in Gujarat it was a clear lie, when we went to Gujarat the people said there is no model, they said what is going on is stealing of people's resources. You talk of 2G....whether you look at the Modi model or the promise of 15 lakhs in every bank account, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax, everything is a lie." The newly-appointed Congress president headed his first Congress Working Committee meeting today. The meeting was organised at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in Delhi. Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and senior Congress leader Motilal Vohra were also in attendance. Delhi: Former Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh reaches AICC for Congress Working Committee meeting, pic.twitter.com/ZyolRgSbio — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Delhi: Rahul Gandhi arrives for his first CWC meeting as Congress President, Sonia Gandhi and Motilal Vora also reach AICC for Congress Working Committee Meet pic.twitter.com/r6uKazDYen — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Delhi: Inside visuals of Congress Working Committee meeting underway at AICC, it is Rahul Gandhi's first CWC meeting as party President, pic.twitter.com/BdVipcyLDs — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Rahul Gandhi took over as Congress President on December 16. The Gandhi scion took the position as the party's chief from his mother Sonia Gandhi who served as party president for 19 years. If you see the Modi model in Gujarat it was a clear lie, when we went to Gujarat the people said there is no model, they said what is going on is stealing of people's resources: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/M0PioaxkhF — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × You talk of 2G... whether you look at the Modi model or the promise of 15 lakhs in every bank account... #DeMonetisation, 'Gabbar Singh Tax'.. everything is a lie: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/teMuZ0tPvB — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 ×

Everything about BJP is a lie: Rahul Gandhi in first meet as CWC president

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


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

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

Sonia Gandhi will fight from Rae Bareli: Priyanka Gandhi

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


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

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

Rahul Gandhi takes charge as Congress President

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


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

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

Rahul Gandhi to be sworn-in as Congress president today

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


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

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

Rahul Gandhi will infuse new energy into Congress: Sachin Pilot

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


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

Evening News Brief, December 16, 2017

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Sonia Gandhi has not retired from politics: Congress

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

WION Evening News Brief, December 15, 2017

<p>The job has come easy to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-the-underdog-26329">Rahul Gandhi</a> as president of the Congress party but the task in front him is cut out. He takes over from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-turns-71-cong-leaders-and-workers-throng-residence-26315">Sonia Gandhi</a> who is the longest serving president of the Congress. Sonia Gandhi had certain comforts when she took over the Congress which Rahul does not enjoy, so there are less similarities between both events apart from the family name. Rahul inherits tougher and more challenging circumstances.</p>

<p>Sonia took over reins of the Congress in similar but less enduring circumstances and brought it to power by 2004. For Rahul, things are tougher. Sample this: Unlike 2003-04, Congress has collapsed in many states, number of states under Congress is miniscule, till 2003, the party still had many strong state leaders and seasoned politicians from Rajiv and Indira days which in 2017 are either not there or on the verge of retirement.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-elected-congress-president-unopposed-26455">Also Read: Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president, unopposed</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has his set of team but most of them have not served at the top rung of the UPA and for that reason for some time will have to depend on the older set when it comes to Parliament.</p>

<p>Sonia once in charge, gradually brought faces who were handpicked either by Indira or Sanjay Gandhi. Very few from the core team of Rajiv Gandhi were able to make to her inner circle. Whether it was Arjun Singh, Natwar Singh, Ambika Soni, Margaret Alva, Gulam Nabi Azad, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Priyaranjan Das Munshi, Kamalnath, Hansraj Bhardwaj, AK Antony or Ahmad Patel, they had cut teeth into politics much before Sonia Gandhi entered politics.</p>

<p>On top of it, she had to face much gentler Atal Bihari Vajpayee who never brought his political battle to the Gandhi family&#39;s home or bastion. On the other hand, Narendra Modi has done all of that. He has made dynasty an issue for Congress, charged them as un-Indian, and openly questioned the Congress abroad. All of it cannot be pinned on Rahul because political flanks were left vulnerable by the Congress and he took advantage of it. Rahul Gandhi will have to deal with all of them apart from a very visible RSS which was not the case under Vajpayee government. Rahul Gandhi will have to work through states where Congress has an organizational vacuum. These states are in plenty unlike 1999. These states are Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar. Together, they constitute more than 200 Lok Sabha seats. And it does not stop here. For the first time, even North East is vulnerable where BJP has made massive in roads. For this reason, Rahul Gandhi&#39;s journey is going to be tougher.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
But in politics nothing succeeds like success. The differentiator between Modi and the rest is that he is a vote catcher and that too a mammoth one. Secondly, despite murmurs he unites all the BJP workers if not the leaders.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi has neither proved to be a vote catcher nor a glue to keep the Congress united. In past, most of the Congress leaders from the state and Centre left the Congress accusing Rahul Gandhi. If Rahul Gandhi can unite the Congress party, it will be his first big step. The second step would be to have a victory solely attributable to him.</p>

<p>Third and the most important challenge for Rahul Gandhi would be to create a balance between building a coalition to keep BJP at bay and building Congress party brick by brick which has been corroded from seam by the very regional parties which had supported it at the Centre. Right now, the core has shrunk and regional parties have become assertive to a point where Congress is being treated as one amongst many.</p>

<p>Lastly, he needs to be seen as a sole challenger to Modi in India. He cannot afford another to be like Kejriwal. He has shown a bit of it in Gujarat. If this sense of challenge continues to emanate from Rahul Gandhi, he will be considered as the sole challenger by public against Modi. The public would say that Rahul Gandhi has arrived. For now, jury is out and all eyes are set on Gujarat where Congress has given a good fight.</p>

<p><strong>Watch this WION Special</strong></p>

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Rahul Gandhi has his set of team but most of them have not served at the top rung of the UPA and for that reason for some time will have to depend on the older set when it comes to Parliament.

The job has come easy to Rahul Gandhi as president of the Congress party but the task in front him is cut out. He takes over from Sonia Gandhi who is the longest serving president of the Congress. Sonia Gandhi had certain comforts when she took over the Congress which Rahul does not enjoy, so there are less similarities between both events apart from the family name. Rahul inherits tougher and more challenging circumstances. Sonia took over reins of the Congress in similar but less enduring circumstances and brought it to power by 2004. For Rahul, things are tougher. Sample this: Unlike 2003-04, Congress has collapsed in many states, number of states under Congress is miniscule, till 2003, the party still had many strong state leaders and seasoned politicians from Rajiv and Indira days which in 2017 are either not there or on the verge of retirement. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president, unopposed Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has his set of team but most of them have not served at the top rung of the UPA and for that reason for some time will have to depend on the older set when it comes to Parliament. Sonia once in charge, gradually brought faces who were handpicked either by Indira or Sanjay Gandhi. Very few from the core team of Rajiv Gandhi were able to make to her inner circle. Whether it was Arjun Singh, Natwar Singh, Ambika Soni, Margaret Alva, Gulam Nabi Azad, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Priyaranjan Das Munshi, Kamalnath, Hansraj Bhardwaj, AK Antony or Ahmad Patel, they had cut teeth into politics much before Sonia Gandhi entered politics. On top of it, she had to face much gentler Atal Bihari Vajpayee who never brought his political battle to the Gandhi family's home or bastion. On the other hand, Narendra Modi has done all of that. He has made dynasty an issue for Congress, charged them as un-Indian, and openly questioned the Congress abroad. All of it cannot be pinned on Rahul because political flanks were left vulnerable by the Congress and he took advantage of it. Rahul Gandhi will have to deal with all of them apart from a very visible RSS which was not the case under Vajpayee government. Rahul Gandhi will have to work through states where Congress has an organizational vacuum. These states are in plenty unlike 1999. These states are Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar. Together, they constitute more than 200 Lok Sabha seats. And it does not stop here. For the first time, even North East is vulnerable where BJP has made massive in roads. For this reason, Rahul Gandhi's journey is going to be tougher. But in politics nothing succeeds like success. The differentiator between Modi and the rest is that he is a vote catcher and that too a mammoth one. Secondly, despite murmurs he unites all the BJP workers if not the leaders. Rahul Gandhi has neither proved to be a vote catcher nor a glue to keep the Congress united. In past, most of the Congress leaders from the state and Centre left the Congress accusing Rahul Gandhi. If Rahul Gandhi can unite the Congress party, it will be his first big step. The second step would be to have a victory solely attributable to him. Third and the most important challenge for Rahul Gandhi would be to create a balance between building a coalition to keep BJP at bay and building Congress party brick by brick which has been corroded from seam by the very regional parties which had supported it at the Centre. Right now, the core has shrunk and regional parties have become assertive to a point where Congress is being treated as one amongst many. Lastly, he needs to be seen as a sole challenger to Modi in India. He cannot afford another to be like Kejriwal. He has shown a bit of it in Gujarat. If this sense of challenge continues to emanate from Rahul Gandhi, he will be considered as the sole challenger by public against Modi. The public would say that Rahul Gandhi has arrived. For now, jury is out and all eyes are set on Gujarat where Congress has given a good fight. Watch this WION Special ×

Rahul takes over as Congress president, but faces greater challenges than mother Sonia Gandhi

<p>Rahul Gandhi is likely to assume the reins of the Congress on December 16, marking a generational shift in the grand old party when his mother and its longest-serving president would formally hand over the baton to him.</p>

<p>While pageantry would herald the dawn of a new era in the party which has ruled the country for over half-a-century since independence, the 47-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family will face the daunting task of restoring lost glory to the party whose fortunes have been dwindling in the recent past.</p>

<p>Today, the party, which once controlled almost the entire country, has its governments in just five states and the Union Territory of Puducherry.</p>

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<h5>A sure-footed Rahul Gandhi powered a spirited campaign for the Congress in Gujarat, and a win in the election, which many analysts say could be a&nbsp;dead heat between the two parties, would come as a massive boost for him</h5>
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<p>The announcement of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s elevation, however, is likely to be made tomorrow, the last date of withdrawal of nomination for the election of the Congress president which is a one horse race.</p>

<p>Altogether 89 nominations received in his favour were found to be valid during scrutiny.</p>

<p>The Congress&#39;s Central Election Authority chairman Mullapally Ramachandran, and CEA members Madhusudan Mistry and Bhubaneswar Kalita will announce that Gandhi&#39;s was the only nomination for the top job tomorrow.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi would, however, be handed over the certificate appointing him the party president on December 16 in the presence of Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Ramachandran said.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi will officially hand over the mantle of the 132-year-old party to her son around 11am after which Rahul Gandhi will meet leaders from across the country at the Congress&#39;s headquarters, party sources said.</p>

<p>The Congress has been losing state after state since the 2014 Lok Sabha election with the exception of Punjab.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi&#39;s elevation would come just two days ahead of the counting of votes for the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly poll.</p>

<p>A sure-footed Rahul Gandhi powered a spirited campaign for the Congress in Gujarat, and a win in the election, which many analysts say could be a&nbsp;dead heat between the two parties, would come as a massive boost for him.</p>

<p>&quot;Delivering in Gujarat will be important as it is the immediate test facing Rahul Gandhi, who has mounted a strong anti-BJP campaign in the state and led personally from the front. We are looking at victory in Gujarat,&quot; said a Congress leader and former chief minister.</p>

<p>Mahila Congress chief and party spokesperson Sushmita Dev said reorganising the party would be another major task for him.</p>

<p>&quot;Every post comes with a challenge. He has to rebuild the party at the grassroots and strengthen the ideological base. His undisputed election as party president is a sign of his strength. He will have to take everyone along from the AICC level right up to the states,&quot; she told PTI.</p>

<p>Striking a balance between the old guard and the young leaders would be a key to running the organisation which has many seasoned politicians whose wisdom he could use as he steers the party.</p>

<p>Gandhi had said in the past that he would draw upon a blend of experience of the old and the energy of the young.</p>

<p>&quot;Initial signs are encouraging since he put veterans like Ashok Gehlot and Sushil Kumar Shinde in charge of elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh respectively and was willing to bank on them,&quot; said a leader. He also got appointed young leaders as secretaries.</p>

<p>Clarity on the party&#39;s ideological stand on the issue of Hindutva would also be important as he is being seen as projecting the Congress&#39;s soft Hindutva with his visit to temples in Gujarat. He has also proclaimed himself a &quot;Shiv bhakt&quot;.</p>

<p>These visits are also being seen as an attempt to blunt the BJP&#39;s accusation against the party of Muslim appeasement.</p>

<p>&quot;This is to course-correct after it was felt that an overtly pro-minority image of the Congress undermined its electoral prospects on the eve of 2014 Lok Sabha elections,&quot; a party veteran noted, adding cobbling together electoral alliances will also be key to the future growth of the party.</p>

<p>Another former union minister said every state had its own set of challenges and Gandhi would be expected to take informed decisions in each by taking everyone along.</p>

<p>Gandhi has already been taking all major decisions in the party even though his formal elevation was delayed due to a long-drawn internal election process.</p>

<p>The deadline set by the Election Commission for conclusion of the organisational elections in the Congress expires on December 31.</p>

<p>Organisational elections in the Congress were due in 2015. The party constitution provides for elections to be held every five years. The last such polls were held in 2010.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, who was initially hesitant about taking over the reins from Sonia Gandhi, who held the party&#39;s top post for 19 years, will be the sixth member and fifth generation leader of the Nehru-Gandhi clan to occupy the post. These include Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>Some eminent leaders who held the post in the pre- independence era included Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad, Vallabhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad.</p>

<p>Eminent people like Madan Mohan Malviya, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, Annie Besant and Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, the first party president, also led the party in the pre-independence era.</p>


The announcement though is expected to be made tomorrow

Rahul Gandhi is likely to assume the reins of the Congress on December 16, marking a generational shift in the grand old party when his mother and its longest-serving president would formally hand over the baton to him. While pageantry would herald the dawn of a new era in the party which has ruled the country for over half-a-century since independence, the 47-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family will face the daunting task of restoring lost glory to the party whose fortunes have been dwindling in the recent past. Today, the party, which once controlled almost the entire country, has its governments in just five states and the Union Territory of Puducherry. A sure-footed Rahul Gandhi powered a spirited campaign for the Congress in Gujarat, and a win in the election, which many analysts say could be a dead heat between the two parties, would come as a massive boost for him × The announcement of Rahul Gandhi's elevation, however, is likely to be made tomorrow, the last date of withdrawal of nomination for the election of the Congress president which is a one horse race. Altogether 89 nominations received in his favour were found to be valid during scrutiny. The Congress's Central Election Authority chairman Mullapally Ramachandran, and CEA members Madhusudan Mistry and Bhubaneswar Kalita will announce that Gandhi's was the only nomination for the top job tomorrow. Rahul Gandhi would, however, be handed over the certificate appointing him the party president on December 16 in the presence of Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders, Ramachandran said. Sonia Gandhi will officially hand over the mantle of the 132-year-old party to her son around 11am after which Rahul Gandhi will meet leaders from across the country at the Congress's headquarters, party sources said. The Congress has been losing state after state since the 2014 Lok Sabha election with the exception of Punjab. Rahul Gandhi's elevation would come just two days ahead of the counting of votes for the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly poll. A sure-footed Rahul Gandhi powered a spirited campaign for the Congress in Gujarat, and a win in the election, which many analysts say could be a dead heat between the two parties, would come as a massive boost for him. "Delivering in Gujarat will be important as it is the immediate test facing Rahul Gandhi, who has mounted a strong anti-BJP campaign in the state and led personally from the front. We are looking at victory in Gujarat," said a Congress leader and former chief minister. Mahila Congress chief and party spokesperson Sushmita Dev said reorganising the party would be another major task for him. "Every post comes with a challenge. He has to rebuild the party at the grassroots and strengthen the ideological base. His undisputed election as party president is a sign of his strength. He will have to take everyone along from the AICC level right up to the states," she told PTI. Striking a balance between the old guard and the young leaders would be a key to running the organisation which has many seasoned politicians whose wisdom he could use as he steers the party. Gandhi had said in the past that he would draw upon a blend of experience of the old and the energy of the young. "Initial signs are encouraging since he put veterans like Ashok Gehlot and Sushil Kumar Shinde in charge of elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh respectively and was willing to bank on them," said a leader. He also got appointed young leaders as secretaries. Clarity on the party's ideological stand on the issue of Hindutva would also be important as he is being seen as projecting the Congress's soft Hindutva with his visit to temples in Gujarat. He has also proclaimed himself a "Shiv bhakt". These visits are also being seen as an attempt to blunt the BJP's accusation against the party of Muslim appeasement. "This is to course-correct after it was felt that an overtly pro-minority image of the Congress undermined its electoral prospects on the eve of 2014 Lok Sabha elections," a party veteran noted, adding cobbling together electoral alliances will also be key to the future growth of the party. Another former union minister said every state had its own set of challenges and Gandhi would be expected to take informed decisions in each by taking everyone along. Gandhi has already been taking all major decisions in the party even though his formal elevation was delayed due to a long-drawn internal election process. The deadline set by the Election Commission for conclusion of the organisational elections in the Congress expires on December 31. Organisational elections in the Congress were due in 2015. The party constitution provides for elections to be held every five years. The last such polls were held in 2010. Rahul Gandhi, who was initially hesitant about taking over the reins from Sonia Gandhi, who held the party's top post for 19 years, will be the sixth member and fifth generation leader of the Nehru-Gandhi clan to occupy the post. These include Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi. Some eminent leaders who held the post in the pre- independence era included Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad, Vallabhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad. Eminent people like Madan Mohan Malviya, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, Annie Besant and Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, the first party president, also led the party in the pre-independence era.

Rahul Gandhi likely to take over as Congress president on December 16

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished the Congress President Sonia Gandhi on her 71st birthday.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter&nbsp;to wish the Congress president long life and good health.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Birthday greetings to Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi. I pray for her long life and good health.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/939363226189533185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Birthday greetings to Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi. I pray for her long life and good health,&quot; read PM Modi&#39;s tweets.</p>

<p>Gandhi took over as the party president in the year 1998.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress party workers and leaders gathered in numbers to celebrate the special day of their leader outside 10 Janpath in Delhi.</p>

<p>The Congress party also tweeted to wish their leader on her birthday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Celebrations outside 10 Janpath on Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SoniaGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SoniaGandhi</a>&#39;s birthday. She turns 71 today <a href="https://t.co/QmBxpiHUGh">pic.twitter.com/QmBxpiHUGh</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939352514306097153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Compassionate, hardworking, selfless. Calm and composed, yet dignified and strong. A force for empowerment against all odds. A mother, a leader, a friend. Wishing Congress President Sonia Gandhi a very happy birthday&quot;, read the tweet.&nbsp;</p>


"Birthday greetings to Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi. I pray for her long life and good health," read PM Modi's tweets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished the Congress President Sonia Gandhi on her 71st birthday. Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to wish the Congress president long life and good health. Birthday greetings to Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi. I pray for her long life and good health. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 9, 2017 × "Birthday greetings to Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi. I pray for her long life and good health," read PM Modi's tweets. Gandhi took over as the party president in the year 1998. Meanwhile, Congress party workers and leaders gathered in numbers to celebrate the special day of their leader outside 10 Janpath in Delhi. The Congress party also tweeted to wish their leader on her birthday. Celebrations outside 10 Janpath on Congress President #SoniaGandhi's birthday. She turns 71 today pic.twitter.com/QmBxpiHUGh — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017 × "Compassionate, hardworking, selfless. Calm and composed, yet dignified and strong. A force for empowerment against all odds. A mother, a leader, a friend. Wishing Congress President Sonia Gandhi a very happy birthday", read the tweet.

PM Modi wishes Sonia Gandhi on her birthday

<p>Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who is set to handle over the party&#39;s mantle to her son Rahul Gandhi after steering it for 19 years, today turned 71 and party leaders and workers thronged her residence to greet her on her birthday.</p>

<p>Gandhi also met a number of leaders including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and accepted their greetings.</p>

<p>Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and several former chief ministers and officer bearers also greeted Gandhi.</p>

<p>Congressmen gathered outside Sonia Gandhi&#39;s 10 Janpath residence since morning and celebrated her birthday by dancing to the beats of drums. Many carried posters and placards wishing Sonia Gandhi.</p>

<p>Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat tried his hands at the drums as folk dancers performed outside Gandhi&#39;s house.</p>

<p>Former chief ministers Sheila Dikshit, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Union ministers including Anand Sharma, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and RPN Singh, and party general secretaries including Janardan Dwivedi, Ambika Soni and Mohan Prakash were also present.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished Gandhi with a tweet, saying &quot;Birthday greetings to Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi. I pray for her long life and good health.</p>

<p>Many Congress leaders also wished her with bouquets.</p>

<p>&quot;I extend my warm birthday greetings to Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi ji. Wish her a healthy, happy and long life,? said Ashok Gehlot, party?s general secretary in-charge of Gujarat.</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also greeted Gandhi, saying, Warm birthday greetings to Congress President Sonia Gandhi ji. On the occasion of your birthday, I wish for your good health and long life.&quot;</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi was born on December 9, 1946 in Louisiana, Vicenza in Italy.</p>

<p>She has held the post of Congress President since 1998 and has been a Lok Sabha MP since 1999. She is all set to hand over the party&#39;s reins to Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>


Former PM Manmohan Singh came to wish her

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who is set to handle over the party's mantle to her son Rahul Gandhi after steering it for 19 years, today turned 71 and party leaders and workers thronged her residence to greet her on her birthday. Gandhi also met a number of leaders including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and accepted their greetings. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and several former chief ministers and officer bearers also greeted Gandhi. Congressmen gathered outside Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence since morning and celebrated her birthday by dancing to the beats of drums. Many carried posters and placards wishing Sonia Gandhi. Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat tried his hands at the drums as folk dancers performed outside Gandhi's house. Former chief ministers Sheila Dikshit, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Union ministers including Anand Sharma, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and RPN Singh, and party general secretaries including Janardan Dwivedi, Ambika Soni and Mohan Prakash were also present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished Gandhi with a tweet, saying "Birthday greetings to Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi. I pray for her long life and good health. Many Congress leaders also wished her with bouquets. "I extend my warm birthday greetings to Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi ji. Wish her a healthy, happy and long life,? said Ashok Gehlot, party?s general secretary in-charge of Gujarat. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also greeted Gandhi, saying, Warm birthday greetings to Congress President Sonia Gandhi ji. On the occasion of your birthday, I wish for your good health and long life." Sonia Gandhi was born on December 9, 1946 in Louisiana, Vicenza in Italy. She has held the post of Congress President since 1998 and has been a Lok Sabha MP since 1999. She is all set to hand over the party's reins to Rahul Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi turns 71, Congress leaders & workers throng residence

<p>A poster congratulating Rahul Gandhi for suspending Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks on Narendra Modi has gone viral on social media.</p>

<p>A poster with the written name of Hasib Ahmed, Congress leader from Allahabad has portrayed a batsman body with Rahul Gandhi&#39;s face on it and is seeing whacking a ball with Aiyar&#39;s face on it.</p>

<p>The poster reads &quot;well done Rahul bhaiya,&quot; with Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi&#39;s face incorporating in the poster.</p>

<p>The poster is being heavily shared on social media and receiving mixed reactions as some are actually congratulating Gandhi for his&nbsp;quick decision of straight suspension, some are also seeing it as a sign of how quickly the party abandons its member.</p>

<p>A Former Union Minister and a party member, Mani Shankar Aiyar, described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as &quot;neech,&quot; later he accepted his mistake and clarified saying that as Hindi is not his mother tongue he may have misspoken.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amar-singh-calls-aiyar-habitual-offender-26197">Amar Singh calls Aiyar &#39;habitual offender&#39;</a></p>


The poster reads 'well done Rahul bhaiya,' with Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's face incorporating in the poster

A poster congratulating Rahul Gandhi for suspending Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks on Narendra Modi has gone viral on social media. A poster with the written name of Hasib Ahmed, Congress leader from Allahabad has portrayed a batsman body with Rahul Gandhi's face on it and is seeing whacking a ball with Aiyar's face on it. The poster reads "well done Rahul bhaiya," with Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's face incorporating in the poster. The poster is being heavily shared on social media and receiving mixed reactions as some are actually congratulating Gandhi for his quick decision of straight suspension, some are also seeing it as a sign of how quickly the party abandons its member. A Former Union Minister and a party member, Mani Shankar Aiyar, described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "neech," later he accepted his mistake and clarified saying that as Hindi is not his mother tongue he may have misspoken. Also read: Amar Singh calls Aiyar 'habitual offender'

Poster congratulating Rahul Gandhi for suspending Mani Shankar Aiyar goes viral

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