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<p>Opposition parties staged a walkout in Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament)&nbsp;on Friday (Aug 9) in support of Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan. The walkout led by Congress stalwart Sonia Gandhi, happened after Jaya Bachchan got into a heated exchange with Indian Vice President and&nbsp;Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar over being introduced as 'Jaya Amitabh Bachchan'.</p>

<p>This is not the first time Jaya Bachchan objected to being called by her husband, Amitabh Bachchan's name. She had expressed her strong disapproval of this practice.</p>

<p>"It was a humiliating experience...," Jaya told reporters after the walkout.</p>

<p>She added, "Whatever is said from the Chair...is allowed. Outside the Chair, the individual is like us.. an MP. I objected to the tone used by the Chair. We are not school children and some of us are even senior citizens. I was upset with the tone... especially when the Leader of the Opposition (Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge) stood up to speak he (the Chair) switched the mike off..."</p>

<p>"And, on top of that, every time words that are unparliamentary are used... like 'nuisance', like 'you may be a celebrity but I don't care'. I am not asking him to care! Nobody has ever spoken the way they do now in Parliament. What is the problem? It is so disrespectful to women," the SP MP continued.</p>

<h2><strong>What went down in Rajya Sabha between Jagdeep Dhankhar and Jaya Bachchan?</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, when Jaya Bachchan objected to being introduced as 'Jaya Amitabh Bachchan' and VP&nbsp;Dhankhar said, "Don't school me."</p>

<p>"You may be a celebrity (but) you have to understand the decorum..." he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-indore-designs-high-tech-shoes-for-armed-forces-that-generate-electricity-with-each-step-748758">IIT Indore designs high-tech shoes for armed forces that generate electricity with each step</a></strong></p>

<p>Jaya Bachchan demanded an apology from the Rajya Sabha Chairperson and said, "Sir, I, Jaya Amitabh Bachchan (to chuckles from some benches), want to say this...I am an actor. I understand body language and expression (to applause) and, forgive me, but your tone is not acceptable. We are colleagues, sir... you may be sitting in the Chair but I remember when I went to school..."</p>

<p>Dhankhar asked her to sit in return.</p>

<p>Ms Bachchan, though, stood firm and demanded an apology. "I need an apology from the Chair," she said.</p>

<p>"Jayaji, you have earned a great reputation. You know the actor is subject to the director... you have not seen what I have seen from here. Every day... I don't want to repeat, I don't want a schooling. I am a person who has gone out of the way ... and you say 'my tone'?" Dhankar said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Opposition parties staged a walkout in Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament) on Friday (Aug 9) in support of Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan. The walkout led by Congress stalwart Sonia Gandhi, happened after Jaya Bachchan got into a heated exchange with Indian Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar over being introduced as 'Jaya Amitabh Bachchan'.

Opposition parties staged a walkout in Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament) on Friday (Aug 9) in support of Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan. The walkout led by Congress stalwart Sonia Gandhi, happened after Jaya Bachchan got into a heated exchange with Indian Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar over being introduced as 'Jaya Amitabh Bachchan'. This is not the first time Jaya Bachchan objected to being called by her husband, Amitabh Bachchan's name. She had expressed her strong disapproval of this practice. "It was a humiliating experience...," Jaya told reporters after the walkout. She added, "Whatever is said from the Chair...is allowed. Outside the Chair, the individual is like us.. an MP. I objected to the tone used by the Chair. We are not school children and some of us are even senior citizens. I was upset with the tone... especially when the Leader of the Opposition (Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge) stood up to speak he (the Chair) switched the mike off..." "And, on top of that, every time words that are unparliamentary are used... like 'nuisance', like 'you may be a celebrity but I don't care'. I am not asking him to care! Nobody has ever spoken the way they do now in Parliament. What is the problem? It is so disrespectful to women," the SP MP continued. What went down in Rajya Sabha between Jagdeep Dhankhar and Jaya Bachchan? On Friday, when Jaya Bachchan objected to being introduced as 'Jaya Amitabh Bachchan' and VP Dhankhar said, "Don't school me." "You may be a celebrity (but) you have to understand the decorum..." he added. Also read: IIT Indore designs high-tech shoes for armed forces that generate electricity with each step Jaya Bachchan demanded an apology from the Rajya Sabha Chairperson and said, "Sir, I, Jaya Amitabh Bachchan (to chuckles from some benches), want to say this...I am an actor. I understand body language and expression (to applause) and, forgive me, but your tone is not acceptable. We are colleagues, sir... you may be sitting in the Chair but I remember when I went to school..." Dhankhar asked her to sit in return. Ms Bachchan, though, stood firm and demanded an apology. "I need an apology from the Chair," she said. "Jayaji, you have earned a great reputation. You know the actor is subject to the director... you have not seen what I have seen from here. Every day... I don't want to repeat, I don't want a schooling. I am a person who has gone out of the way ... and you say 'my tone'?" Dhankar said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Jaya Bachchan gets in heated clash with Rajya Sabha Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar - 'Don't school me'

<p>Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on various issues including NEET and Emergency remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Prime Minister continues as if nothing has changed. He preaches the value of consensus but continues to value confrontation," the Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi said in an editorial column for the Hindu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The first few days of the 18th Lok Sabha have sadly been far from encouraging. Any hope that we might see a changed attitude has been dashed," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Prime Minister who does his 'Pariksha pe Charcha' has been conspicuously silent on the leaks that have devastated so many families across the country," she said, highlighting the NEET paper leak issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-struggles-amid-waterlogging-in-first-two-days-of-monsoon-death-toll-rises-to-11-736399">Delhi’s waterlogging woes surface in just two days of Monsoon rain, death toll rises to 11</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi said the Lok Sabha poll verdict has signalled a "personal, political and moral defeat" for PM Modi but "he is continuing as if nothing has changed".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that when the prime minister's "emissaries sought unanimity for the post of Speaker", the opposition INDIA bloc agreed to support the government. "But in keeping with convention and tradition, it was only fair and to be expected that the post of deputy speaker would be given to a member from the ranks of the opposition," Gandhi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-cji-chandrachuds-presence-bengal-cm-mamata-calls-for-judiciary-free-of-political-bias-736299">In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>But this "perfectly reasonable request" was found unacceptable by the government, she said, adding the opposition alliance is committed to restoring balance and productivity in Parliament. "On June 4, 2024, the verdict of our country's electorate was delivered clearly and resoundingly. It signalled a personal, political, and moral defeat for a prime minister who had awarded himself a divine status during the campaign," the Congress leader wrote in her column.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also talked about the mention of the Emergency by the prime minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP leaders, describing it as an "assault on the Constitution".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on various issues including NEET and Emergency remarks. "The Prime Minister continues as if nothing has changed.

Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on various issues including NEET and Emergency remarks. "The Prime Minister continues as if nothing has changed. He preaches the value of consensus but continues to value confrontation," the Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi said in an editorial column for the Hindu. "The first few days of the 18th Lok Sabha have sadly been far from encouraging. Any hope that we might see a changed attitude has been dashed," she added. "The Prime Minister who does his 'Pariksha pe Charcha' has been conspicuously silent on the leaks that have devastated so many families across the country," she said, highlighting the NEET paper leak issue. Also read: Delhi’s waterlogging woes surface in just two days of Monsoon rain, death toll rises to 11 Sonia Gandhi said the Lok Sabha poll verdict has signalled a "personal, political and moral defeat" for PM Modi but "he is continuing as if nothing has changed". She said that when the prime minister's "emissaries sought unanimity for the post of Speaker", the opposition INDIA bloc agreed to support the government. "But in keeping with convention and tradition, it was only fair and to be expected that the post of deputy speaker would be given to a member from the ranks of the opposition," Gandhi said. Also read: In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias But this "perfectly reasonable request" was found unacceptable by the government, she said, adding the opposition alliance is committed to restoring balance and productivity in Parliament. "On June 4, 2024, the verdict of our country's electorate was delivered clearly and resoundingly. It signalled a personal, political, and moral defeat for a prime minister who had awarded himself a divine status during the campaign," the Congress leader wrote in her column. She also talked about the mention of the Emergency by the prime minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP leaders, describing it as an "assault on the Constitution". (With inputs from agencies)

'Assault on Constitution': From NEET to Emergency remarks, Sonia Gandhi slams PM Modi

<p>All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi on Friday (May 17) made an emotional appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli, urging them to accept her son, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with open arms, just as they accepted her.</p>

<p>She further asserted during her very first public address amid the ongoing Lok Sabha election campaign that Rahul "won't disappoint them".</p>

<p>Recalling the 'age-old' roots of the Gandhi family with the people of the constituency in the northern state, the AICC chief expressed gratitude to the residents of the city.</p>

<p>"I am very happy that I got the opportunity to come among you after so long...You all gave me the opportunity to serve you as an MP, this is the biggest treasure of my life. For the last 100 years, the roots of our family are connected to the soil of this land. This relation is as pure as Ganga Maa. It started with the farmer's agitation of Awadh and Raebareli," Sonia Gandhi said addressing the public meeting.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-dig-at-akhilesh-yadav-ask-mamata-why-she-calls-people-of-up-outsiders-722254">PM Modi takes dig at Akhilesh Yadav; 'ask Mamata why she calls people of UP outsiders'</a></p>

<h2><strong>'There was special place for Raebareli in Indira Ji's heart'</strong></h2>

<p>She then said that she had imparted the same teachings to both her children, Rahul as well as Priyanka, that she had learnt from the people of the constituency while serving as the MP and also from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: Addressing a public rally, Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi says, "The roots of our family are connected to the soil of this land. This relation, as pure as Ganga ma, began with the farmer's agitation of Awadh and Raebareli. In Indira Ji's heart,… <a href="https://t.co/QnDrSe5gw2">pic.twitter.com/QnDrSe5gw2</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In Indira Ji's heart, there was a special place for Raebareli. I have seen her working very closely, she had immense affection for you all. I have given the same teachings to Rahul and Priyanka, that Indira Ji and the people of Raebareli had bestowed upon me; Respect all, protect the weak, fight for people's rights against injustice, don't be sacred, because the roots of struggle is very strong," Sonia said.</p>

<p>"My aanchal (end of a saari, also refers to protective shelter) was always filled with your love and affection. Your love never made me feel alone. Everything I have is yours...I am handing over my son to you. You have to accept him and keep him, just like you accepted me. Rahul will not disappoint you," the Congress leader said.</p>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to contest the general elections from Raebareli, which is the erstwhile constituency of his mother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sonia, since the year 2004, held the constituency for four consecutive terms before she decided to take over as the Rajya Sabha MP earlier this year.</p>

<p>The grand old party lost its other bastion Amethi to BJP in the year 2019. BJP has nominated incumbent MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani to contest the seat in the current elections, whereas the Congress has fielded its long-time loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma.</p>

<p>Polling on both the seats will be held on May 20, which is the fifth phase of the ongoing elections.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi on Friday (May 17) made an emotional appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli, urging them to accept her son, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with open arms, just as they accepted her.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi on Friday (May 17) made an emotional appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli, urging them to accept her son, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with open arms, just as they accepted her. She further asserted during her very first public address amid the ongoing Lok Sabha election campaign that Rahul "won't disappoint them". Recalling the 'age-old' roots of the Gandhi family with the people of the constituency in the northern state, the AICC chief expressed gratitude to the residents of the city. "I am very happy that I got the opportunity to come among you after so long...You all gave me the opportunity to serve you as an MP, this is the biggest treasure of my life. For the last 100 years, the roots of our family are connected to the soil of this land. This relation is as pure as Ganga Maa. It started with the farmer's agitation of Awadh and Raebareli," Sonia Gandhi said addressing the public meeting. Also read: PM Modi takes dig at Akhilesh Yadav; 'ask Mamata why she calls people of UP outsiders' 'There was special place for Raebareli in Indira Ji's heart' She then said that she had imparted the same teachings to both her children, Rahul as well as Priyanka, that she had learnt from the people of the constituency while serving as the MP and also from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. #WATCH | Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: Addressing a public rally, Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi says, "The roots of our family are connected to the soil of this land. This relation, as pure as Ganga ma, began with the farmer's agitation of Awadh and Raebareli. In Indira Ji's heart,… pic.twitter.com/QnDrSe5gw2 — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2024 × "In Indira Ji's heart, there was a special place for Raebareli. I have seen her working very closely, she had immense affection for you all. I have given the same teachings to Rahul and Priyanka, that Indira Ji and the people of Raebareli had bestowed upon me; Respect all, protect the weak, fight for people's rights against injustice, don't be sacred, because the roots of struggle is very strong," Sonia said. "My aanchal (end of a saari, also refers to protective shelter) was always filled with your love and affection. Your love never made me feel alone. Everything I have is yours...I am handing over my son to you. You have to accept him and keep him, just like you accepted me. Rahul will not disappoint you," the Congress leader said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to contest the general elections from Raebareli, which is the erstwhile constituency of his mother. Sonia, since the year 2004, held the constituency for four consecutive terms before she decided to take over as the Rajya Sabha MP earlier this year. The grand old party lost its other bastion Amethi to BJP in the year 2019. BJP has nominated incumbent MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani to contest the seat in the current elections, whereas the Congress has fielded its long-time loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma. Polling on both the seats will be held on May 20, which is the fifth phase of the ongoing elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you'

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi addressed a press briefing this morning. The leaders sharply attacked the ruling party over the freezing of the Congress party's bank accounts ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Congress' Sonia Gandhi hits out at BJP, says 'systematic efforts to cripple Congress financially'

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<p>The Congress, which is the main opposition party in India, slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the freezing of its bank accounts weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Addressing a party press conference in New Delhi, Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi said, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no democracy in India today."</p>

<p>"Twenty per cent of India votes for us and we are not able to pay Rs 2 for anything. It has been orchestrated to cripple us in the elections. Even if our bank accounts are unfrozen today, a huge amount of debt damage has been done to Indian democracy," Gandhi, the former party president, said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On freezing of party accounts ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no… <a href="https://t.co/W9SOKyxU4z">pic.twitter.com/W9SOKyxU4z</a></p>
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<p>"What’s interesting to me is that there are institutions in this country that are supposed to protect the democratic framework. There is an Election Commission in the country but it has not even said anything; that you have frozen the bank accounts of one of the biggest political parties and largest opposition in the country," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Systematic effort by PM to cripple Cong financially'</strong></h2>

<p>Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was present at the press conference, said on Thursday that a systematic effort was underway by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cripple the Congress financially.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Here’s what former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said during a press conference in Delhi.<br />
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“The issue we are taking up today is extremely serious. The issue affects not just Indian National Congress but the democracy itself. A systematic effort is underway by the Prime… <a href="https://t.co/BijzOEpSes">pic.twitter.com/BijzOEpSes</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1770703405960311275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"However, even under these most challenging circumstances, we are doing our very best to maintain the effectiveness of our election campaign. On one hand, there is the Electoral Bond issue which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Electoral Bonds benefitted the BJP hugely. On the other hand, the finances of the principal opposition party - the INC - are under a determined assault. This, we all believe, is unprecedented and undemocratic," she told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, appealed to the constitutional bodies to allow the Congress to access its bank accounts if they wanted free and fair elections.</p>

<p>"Defreeze our accounts to ensure a level playing field in polls," Kharge said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP hits back</strong></h2>

<p>Hitting back at the Congress' remarks over its bank accounts being frozen, the BJP said that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress created an alibi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: At the BJP Press Conference, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "If we summarise the press conference of Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, we can say that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress party has created an alibi today." <a href="https://t.co/JXzUrbZE0e">pic.twitter.com/JXzUrbZE0e</a></p>
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<p>"As far as bank account freezing is concerned if you are a defaulter, you will be treated like one. The sense of entitlement that the Gandhi family had that even if we were a defaulter, provisions of the law of this country would not apply to us. The era of this kind of entitlement is now over under PM Narendra Modi..." BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters.&nbsp;</p>


The Congress, which is the main opposition party in India, slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the freezing of its bank accounts weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.

The Congress, which is the main opposition party in India, slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the freezing of its bank accounts weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Addressing a party press conference in New Delhi, Congress Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi said, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no democracy in India today." "Twenty per cent of India votes for us and we are not able to pay Rs 2 for anything. It has been orchestrated to cripple us in the elections. Even if our bank accounts are unfrozen today, a huge amount of debt damage has been done to Indian democracy," Gandhi, the former party president, said. #WATCH | On freezing of party accounts ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister...So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no… pic.twitter.com/W9SOKyxU4z — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024 × "What’s interesting to me is that there are institutions in this country that are supposed to protect the democratic framework. There is an Election Commission in the country but it has not even said anything; that you have frozen the bank accounts of one of the biggest political parties and largest opposition in the country," he added. 'Systematic effort by PM to cripple Cong financially' Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who was present at the press conference, said on Thursday that a systematic effort was underway by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cripple the Congress financially. VIDEO | Here’s what former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said during a press conference in Delhi. “The issue we are taking up today is extremely serious. The issue affects not just Indian National Congress but the democracy itself. A systematic effort is underway by the Prime… pic.twitter.com/BijzOEpSes — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 21, 2024 × "However, even under these most challenging circumstances, we are doing our very best to maintain the effectiveness of our election campaign. On one hand, there is the Electoral Bond issue which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Electoral Bonds benefitted the BJP hugely. On the other hand, the finances of the principal opposition party - the INC - are under a determined assault. This, we all believe, is unprecedented and undemocratic," she told reporters. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, appealed to the constitutional bodies to allow the Congress to access its bank accounts if they wanted free and fair elections. "Defreeze our accounts to ensure a level playing field in polls," Kharge said. BJP hits back Hitting back at the Congress' remarks over its bank accounts being frozen, the BJP said that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress created an alibi. #WATCH | Delhi: At the BJP Press Conference, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "If we summarise the press conference of Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, we can say that in the utter desperation of defeat, the Congress party has created an alibi today." pic.twitter.com/JXzUrbZE0e — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024 × "As far as bank account freezing is concerned if you are a defaulter, you will be treated like one. The sense of entitlement that the Gandhi family had that even if we were a defaulter, provisions of the law of this country would not apply to us. The era of this kind of entitlement is now over under PM Narendra Modi..." BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters.

Lok Sabha polls | 'Criminal act by Modi, Shah': Congress slams govt over bank account freeze, BJP hits back

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: The 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) campaign launched by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in response to Bihar politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'Modi has no family' remark has emerged as political high-point of the ongoing election campaign.</p>

<p>The hashtag 'Modi Ka Parivar' is topping the trend charts after the BJP supporters including PM Modi's cabinet colleagues added 'Modi Ka Parivar' to their social media bios. The coordinated move by the BJP coincided with PM Modi's comment during a public address in Telangana's Adilabad where he said that India's 1.4 billion people are his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In PM Modi's parliamentary constituency in Varanasi in northern India, visuals showing the locals putting 'Hum Hain Modi Ka Parivar' (We are Modi's family) posters outside their homes have started pouring in. The campaign is gradually emerging as a defining moment ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-launches-modi-ka-parivar-campaign-after-lalu-yadavs-he-has-no-family-jibe-696418">BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe</a></strong></p>

<p>But this is not a one-off case when the BJP has turned a verbal offensive against Modi to the party's advantage.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: PM Modi responds to RJD's Lalu Yadav's family jibe says "140 crore people my family"</strong></p>

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<p>At least four times — between 2007 and 2024 — the BJP has weaponised verbal offensives against Modi to craft election campaigns in his favour that handed the party significant wins in different elections and eventually bolstered Modi's political profile.</p>

<h2><strong>Sonia Gandhi to Manishankar Aiyar: How Modi reversed&nbsp;political attacks</strong></h2>

<p>In 2007, Sonia Gandhi, Congress leader and the president of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, referred to Modi as 'Maut Ka Saudagar' (Merchant of Death) in relation to the 2002 Gujarat riots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gujarat BJP under Modi turned it around against the Congress as a party, that it claimed was shielding the perpetrators of the Parliament attack of 2001.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP won with a majority in Modi's home state, and bagged 117 of the 182 seats in the Gujarat Assembly.</p>

<p>As Sonia Gandhi-led UPA sought a third term in power in 2014, the BJP put out Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. In one of the key moments of the election campaign, senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar snidely remarked that Modi would never become India's prime minister. "He could sell tea at a Congress conclave instead," Aiyar said, in a purported reference to Modi's roots as the son of a tea seller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aiyar's jibe became the BJP's cue to project PM Modi as a leader with modest beginnings and one the vast Indian middle class could relate to. Shortly, the '<em>Chai Pe Charcha'</em> [Talk over Tea] became a popular pre-poll campaign for the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Modi as the PM candidate and '<em>Chai Pe Charcha</em>' as the defining campaign, the BJP won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, 10 more than the required majority.</p>

<p>Two years later in 2017, Aiyar pulled off another act of snide to hand over the BJP a close win in Modi's home state of Gujarat. He called Modi a '<em>neech aadmi</em>' (lowly man) and upon ferocious backlash, blamed it on his 'bad Hindi'.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Gandhi's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment</strong></h2>

<p>The current 'Modi Ka Parivar' campaign is similar to the '<em>Main Bhi Chowkidar</em>' (I am a Watchman too) moment of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. This was when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as a 'thief' by claiming '<em>Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai</em>' (The country's watchman is a thief), about what Modi once addressed him as 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after Rahul's '<em>Chowkidar Chor Hai</em>' comment, the BJP supporters and PM Modi's cabinet colleagues&nbsp;began adding 'Chowkidar' (Watchman) with their names in their social media bios.&nbsp;<br />
<img alt="BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fddb5fce-aadd-46cb-a134-dc9aef6382ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chowkidar.png" /></p>

<p><em>BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in 2019</em></p>

<p>The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 and increased BJP's tally from 282 to 302 seats in 2019.&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) campaign launched by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in response to Bihar politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'Modi has no family' remark has emerged as political high-point of the ongoing election campaign.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) campaign launched by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in response to Bihar politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'Modi has no family' remark has emerged as political high-point of the ongoing election campaign. The hashtag 'Modi Ka Parivar' is topping the trend charts after the BJP supporters including PM Modi's cabinet colleagues added 'Modi Ka Parivar' to their social media bios. The coordinated move by the BJP coincided with PM Modi's comment during a public address in Telangana's Adilabad where he said that India's 1.4 billion people are his family. In PM Modi's parliamentary constituency in Varanasi in northern India, visuals showing the locals putting 'Hum Hain Modi Ka Parivar' (We are Modi's family) posters outside their homes have started pouring in. The campaign is gradually emerging as a defining moment ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Also read | BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe But this is not a one-off case when the BJP has turned a verbal offensive against Modi to the party's advantage. Also watch | India: PM Modi responds to RJD's Lalu Yadav's family jibe says "140 crore people my family" × At least four times — between 2007 and 2024 — the BJP has weaponised verbal offensives against Modi to craft election campaigns in his favour that handed the party significant wins in different elections and eventually bolstered Modi's political profile. Sonia Gandhi to Manishankar Aiyar: How Modi reversed political attacks In 2007, Sonia Gandhi, Congress leader and the president of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, referred to Modi as 'Maut Ka Saudagar' (Merchant of Death) in relation to the 2002 Gujarat riots. The Gujarat BJP under Modi turned it around against the Congress as a party, that it claimed was shielding the perpetrators of the Parliament attack of 2001. The BJP won with a majority in Modi's home state, and bagged 117 of the 182 seats in the Gujarat Assembly. As Sonia Gandhi-led UPA sought a third term in power in 2014, the BJP put out Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. In one of the key moments of the election campaign, senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar snidely remarked that Modi would never become India's prime minister. "He could sell tea at a Congress conclave instead," Aiyar said, in a purported reference to Modi's roots as the son of a tea seller. Aiyar's jibe became the BJP's cue to project PM Modi as a leader with modest beginnings and one the vast Indian middle class could relate to. Shortly, the 'Chai Pe Charcha' [Talk over Tea] became a popular pre-poll campaign for the BJP. With Modi as the PM candidate and 'Chai Pe Charcha' as the defining campaign, the BJP won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, 10 more than the required majority. Two years later in 2017, Aiyar pulled off another act of snide to hand over the BJP a close win in Modi's home state of Gujarat. He called Modi a 'neech aadmi' (lowly man) and upon ferocious backlash, blamed it on his 'bad Hindi'. Rahul Gandhi's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment The current 'Modi Ka Parivar' campaign is similar to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I am a Watchman too) moment of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. This was when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as a 'thief' by claiming 'Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai' (The country's watchman is a thief), about what Modi once addressed him as 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check. Shortly after Rahul's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment, the BJP supporters and PM Modi's cabinet colleagues began adding 'Chowkidar' (Watchman) with their names in their social media bios. BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in 2019 The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 and increased BJP's tally from 282 to 302 seats in 2019.

From Sonia Gandhi to Lalu Yadav: How BJP tossed back jibes aimed at PM Modi to win elections

<p>The former president of the Indian National Congress (INC) Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday (Feb 20). This is the first time when Sonia has chosen to become a member of the Rajya Sabha. As per reports, she decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections this time due to her health.</p>

<p>Assembly Secretary Mahaveer Prasad Sharma said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Chunnilal Garasiya and Madan Rathore were also elected unopposed to the Upper House from the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officer said that as no other candidates were contesting, the three leaders were elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed. The tenure of Rajya Sabha members Manmohan Singh (Congress) and Bhupendra Yadav (BJP) is ending on April 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third seat fell vacant after the BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena resigned from the House in December after being elected MLA. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
The BJP has 115 members and the Congress 70 in the 200-member assembly. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan. After the results, Congress has six members and the BJP four.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandigarh-mayor-polls-cji-orders-recounting-of-votes-all-defaced-ballot-papers-to-be-considered-valid-691977">Chandigarh mayor polls: SC declares AAP candidate 'validly elected', previous result set aside</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>From Gujarat, BJP president JP Nadda and three other party candidates were declared elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were four vacant Rajya Sabha seats in the state and as many candidates, all of the ruling BJP had filed their nomination papers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Returning Officer Reeta Mehta declared all four BJP candidates elected unopposed as no other candidates had filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat on four vacant seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maratha-reservation-bill-passed-in-maharashtra-legislature-691960">Maratha reservation bill passed in Maharashtra assembly</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Diamond baron Govindbhai Dholakia, BJP leaders Jasvantsinh Parmar and Mayank Nayak were the other three candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Sonia Gandhi's letter to Rae Bareli voters</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi wrote an emotional letter dated Feb 14 to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The former president of the Indian National Congress (INC) Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday (Feb 20). This is the first time when Sonia has chosen to become a member of the Rajya Sabha.

The former president of the Indian National Congress (INC) Sonia Gandhi was elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on Tuesday (Feb 20). This is the first time when Sonia has chosen to become a member of the Rajya Sabha. As per reports, she decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections this time due to her health. Assembly Secretary Mahaveer Prasad Sharma said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Chunnilal Garasiya and Madan Rathore were also elected unopposed to the Upper House from the state. The officer said that as no other candidates were contesting, the three leaders were elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed. The tenure of Rajya Sabha members Manmohan Singh (Congress) and Bhupendra Yadav (BJP) is ending on April 3. The third seat fell vacant after the BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena resigned from the House in December after being elected MLA. The BJP has 115 members and the Congress 70 in the 200-member assembly. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan. After the results, Congress has six members and the BJP four. Also read: Chandigarh mayor polls: SC declares AAP candidate 'validly elected', previous result set aside From Gujarat, BJP president JP Nadda and three other party candidates were declared elected to Rajya Sabha unopposed. There were four vacant Rajya Sabha seats in the state and as many candidates, all of the ruling BJP had filed their nomination papers. Returning Officer Reeta Mehta declared all four BJP candidates elected unopposed as no other candidates had filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat on four vacant seats. Also read: Maratha reservation bill passed in Maharashtra assembly Diamond baron Govindbhai Dholakia, BJP leaders Jasvantsinh Parmar and Mayank Nayak were the other three candidates elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha. × Sonia Gandhi's letter to Rae Bareli voters Gandhi wrote an emotional letter dated Feb 14 to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004. In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election." (With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi elected unopposed to Upper House from Rajasthan

<p>Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress, wrote an emotional letter dated Wednesday (Feb 14) to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sandeshkhali-section-144-imposed-again-despite-calcutta-hc-order-in-trouble-hit-areas-690445">Sandeshkhali sex abuse row - Section 144 slapped again despite Calcutta HC order in trouble-hit areas</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">CPP चेयरपर्सन श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी का रायबरेली की जनता के नाम संदेश- <a href="https://t.co/6zlJkWjwvi">pic.twitter.com/6zlJkWjwvi</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1758023821934883202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"After this decision, I will not have the opportunity to serve you directly but my heart and soul will always remain with you," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a veiled reference, the 77-year-old hinted that the party&nbsp;might field another member of the Gandhi family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know that you will stand by me and my family in future, just as you have in the past," the letter further read, as&nbsp;speculations are rife of&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the upcoming polls from Rae Bareli.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tamil-nadu-assembly-passes-resolution-against-delimitation-one-nation-one-election-690342">Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolutions against delimitation, ‘One Nation One Election’</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds ahead of elections</strong></p>

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<p>This comes a day after the Congress party nominated Sonia Gandhi and senior leaders Ajay Maken and Abhishek Singhvi for the Rajya Sabha election to be held on February 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi, who was accompanied by her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra besides former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, filed her nomination papers in Jaipur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 77-year-old former Congress president is set to enter the Upper House for the first time from Rajasthan. Gandhi will fill the seat that is going to&nbsp;fall vacant in April&nbsp;after former prime minister Manmohan Sigh completes his Rajya Sabha tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress, wrote an emotional letter dated Wednesday (Feb 14) to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress, wrote an emotional letter dated Wednesday (Feb 14) to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004. In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election." Also read: Sandeshkhali sex abuse row - Section 144 slapped again despite Calcutta HC order in trouble-hit areas CPP चेयरपर्सन श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी का रायबरेली की जनता के नाम संदेश- pic.twitter.com/6zlJkWjwvi — Congress (@INCIndia) February 15, 2024 × "After this decision, I will not have the opportunity to serve you directly but my heart and soul will always remain with you," she added. In a veiled reference, the 77-year-old hinted that the party might field another member of the Gandhi family. "I know that you will stand by me and my family in future, just as you have in the past," the letter further read, as speculations are rife of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the upcoming polls from Rae Bareli. Also read: Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolutions against delimitation, ‘One Nation One Election’ Watch: Indian Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds ahead of elections × This comes a day after the Congress party nominated Sonia Gandhi and senior leaders Ajay Maken and Abhishek Singhvi for the Rajya Sabha election to be held on February 27. Gandhi, who was accompanied by her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra besides former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, filed her nomination papers in Jaipur. The 77-year-old former Congress president is set to enter the Upper House for the first time from Rajasthan. Gandhi will fill the seat that is going to fall vacant in April after former prime minister Manmohan Sigh completes his Rajya Sabha tenure. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi pens emotional letter to Rae Bareli voters, reveals why she won't contest in India elections

One of India's tallest politicians, Sonia Gandhi, who led the congress party for over two decades has bid farewell to the lower house of parliament. Making her intentions clear that she won't contest the party's upcoming election from the Rae Bareily seat. On Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan. She was accompanied by her son Rahul and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The polls will be held for three seats from the state on February 27.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi files nomination for Rajya Sabha polls

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi filed nomination for Rajya Sabha seat from Rajasthan. With this Sonia Gandhi bids adieu to her 25 years journey of Lok Sabha.

India: Congress' Sonia Gandhi to contest Rajya Sabha polls from Rajasthan

<p>Sonia Gandhi, former and the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress, filed her nomination for Rajya Sabha elections at the State Assembly in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Wednesday (Feb 14). She was accompanied by party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ashok Gehlot and Govind Singh Dotasra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, Sonia Gandhi took the decision to move to the Rajya Sabha due to health reasons, which has been making it difficult for her to visit her Lok Sabha constituency regularly.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Jaipur | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi files her nomination for the Rajya Sabha election, from Rajasthan.<br />
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Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ashok Gehlot and Govind Singh Dotasra are with her.<br />
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(Video: Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha PRO) <a href="https://t.co/htQ5rSFOvV">pic.twitter.com/htQ5rSFOvV</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1757656881240199231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Welcoming Sonia Gandhi's nomination from the Rajya Sabha, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said that the Congress leader has always been connected with Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We heartily welcome the announcement of respected Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji as the Rajya Sabha candidate from the Congress Party, who renounced the post of Prime Minister," said Gehlot, in a post shared on X.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-former-maharashtra-cm-ashok-chavan-quits-congress-reports-suggest-may-join-bjp-party-reacts-689510">India: Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan quits Congress, party reacts; reports suggest may join BJP</a></p>

<p>A statement was released by the Congress party in which it nominated Sonia Gandhi from Rajasthan, Akhilesh Prasad Singh from Bihar, Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Himachal Pradesh, and Chandrakant Handore from Maharashtra.</p>

<p>After the Congress leader filed her nomination, State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra said, "This decision will give us strength...We will perform very well under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and you...We will make Congress win. Our goal is to ensure that Rahul Gandhi becomes the PM of the country."</p>

<h2><strong>BJP leader takes a jibe on Gandhi's shift, says she must be 'tired'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about Sonia Gandhi's Rajya Sabha nomination, Union Minister Giriraj Singh took a sharp jibe and said she must be tired.</p>

<p>"She must be tired," the minister said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi, who was nominated to Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli, will not contest the upcoming general elections. In 1999, she was first elected as an MP after she took over as the Congress president.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Another snub to I.N.D.I.A bloc: Why Congress cut short Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra?</strong></p>

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<p>In April, a total of 56 members of the Rajya Sabha, who belong to 15 states, will be retiring and the election for the vacant seats will be held on February 27. The last date for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha is February 15.</p>

<p>Gandhi was the second member of the Gandhi family to get entry into the Rajya Sabha after former prime minister Indira Gandhi, who became a member of the Upper House from August 1964 to February 1967.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sonia Gandhi, former and the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress, filed her nomination for Rajya Sabha elections at the State Assembly in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Wednesday (Feb 14).

Sonia Gandhi, former and the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress, filed her nomination for Rajya Sabha elections at the State Assembly in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Wednesday (Feb 14). She was accompanied by party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ashok Gehlot and Govind Singh Dotasra. As per reports, Sonia Gandhi took the decision to move to the Rajya Sabha due to health reasons, which has been making it difficult for her to visit her Lok Sabha constituency regularly. #WATCH | Jaipur | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi files her nomination for the Rajya Sabha election, from Rajasthan. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ashok Gehlot and Govind Singh Dotasra are with her. (Video: Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha PRO) pic.twitter.com/htQ5rSFOvV — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 × Welcoming Sonia Gandhi's nomination from the Rajya Sabha, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said that the Congress leader has always been connected with Rajasthan. "We heartily welcome the announcement of respected Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji as the Rajya Sabha candidate from the Congress Party, who renounced the post of Prime Minister," said Gehlot, in a post shared on X. Also Read: India: Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan quits Congress, party reacts; reports suggest may join BJP A statement was released by the Congress party in which it nominated Sonia Gandhi from Rajasthan, Akhilesh Prasad Singh from Bihar, Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Himachal Pradesh, and Chandrakant Handore from Maharashtra. After the Congress leader filed her nomination, State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra said, "This decision will give us strength...We will perform very well under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and you...We will make Congress win. Our goal is to ensure that Rahul Gandhi becomes the PM of the country." BJP leader takes a jibe on Gandhi's shift, says she must be 'tired' Speaking about Sonia Gandhi's Rajya Sabha nomination, Union Minister Giriraj Singh took a sharp jibe and said she must be tired. "She must be tired," the minister said. Gandhi, who was nominated to Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli, will not contest the upcoming general elections. In 1999, she was first elected as an MP after she took over as the Congress president. Watch: Another snub to I.N.D.I.A bloc: Why Congress cut short Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra? In April, a total of 56 members of the Rajya Sabha, who belong to 15 states, will be retiring and the election for the vacant seats will be held on February 27. The last date for filing nominations for Rajya Sabha is February 15. Gandhi was the second member of the Gandhi family to get entry into the Rajya Sabha after former prime minister Indira Gandhi, who became a member of the Upper House from August 1964 to February 1967. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Sonia Gandhi files Rajya Sabha nomination from Rajasthan

<p>Sonia Gandhi, former president of the Indian National Congress, is likely to contest the Rajya Sabha election,&nbsp;making way for her daughter Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli, according to multiple media reports. The constituency in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is the traditional stronghold of the Gandhi family. If elected, this will be Sonia Gandhi's first term in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament of India. She has served five terms as a lawmaker in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Priyanka Gandhi, this will be her first contest in the electoral arena. The Rajya Sabha elections are due on February 27. Candidates would have to fill out nomination forms by&nbsp;February 15.</p>

<p>While NDTV reported that Sonia Gandhi will likely contest the Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan, Press Trust of India&nbsp;reported that Gandhi will contest from Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>An official announcement in this matter has not been made as of now.</p>

<p>The Congress has yet to name Rajya Sabha candidates. The party is yet to do so in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas | Another snub to I.N.D.I.A bloc: Why Congress cut short Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra?</strong></p>

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<p>Congress leaders from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have urged Sonia Gandhi to contest Rajya Sabha elections from their states.</p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, the state unit president Jitu Patwari was quoted in media reports as saying that the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit would be happy if Sonia Gandhi contests the election from the state. Patwari also said that if veteran party leader Kamal Nath decides to contest the election, the state unit would support him.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-remain-adamant-for-delhi-chalo-march-heres-how-protest-differs-from-2020s-stir-689701">Farmers remain adamant for 'Delhi Chalo' march. Here's how protest differs from the 2020 stir</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tika Ram Jully urged Gandhi to contest Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-first-hindu-temple-in-abu-dhabi-check-full-schedule-details-689738">PM Modi to inaugurate first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi | Check full schedule, details</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have requested the national president and the high command to nominate Sonia Gandhi to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. If she is elected from here, all the Congress workers from the state will be very happy," he said, as quoted by Mint.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sonia Gandhi, former president of the Indian National Congress, is likely to contest the Rajya Sabha election, making way for her daughter Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli, according to multiple media reports.

Sonia Gandhi, former president of the Indian National Congress, is likely to contest the Rajya Sabha election, making way for her daughter Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli, according to multiple media reports. The constituency in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is the traditional stronghold of the Gandhi family. If elected, this will be Sonia Gandhi's first term in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament of India. She has served five terms as a lawmaker in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. For Priyanka Gandhi, this will be her first contest in the electoral arena. The Rajya Sabha elections are due on February 27. Candidates would have to fill out nomination forms by February 15. While NDTV reported that Sonia Gandhi will likely contest the Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan, Press Trust of India reported that Gandhi will contest from Himachal Pradesh. An official announcement in this matter has not been made as of now. The Congress has yet to name Rajya Sabha candidates. The party is yet to do so in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Watch | Gravitas | Another snub to I.N.D.I.A bloc: Why Congress cut short Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra? × Congress leaders from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have urged Sonia Gandhi to contest Rajya Sabha elections from their states. In Madhya Pradesh, the state unit president Jitu Patwari was quoted in media reports as saying that the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit would be happy if Sonia Gandhi contests the election from the state. Patwari also said that if veteran party leader Kamal Nath decides to contest the election, the state unit would support him. Also Read | Farmers remain adamant for 'Delhi Chalo' march. Here's how protest differs from the 2020 stir Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tika Ram Jully urged Gandhi to contest Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan. Also Read | PM Modi to inaugurate first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi | Check full schedule, details "We have requested the national president and the high command to nominate Sonia Gandhi to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. If she is elected from here, all the Congress workers from the state will be very happy," he said, as quoted by Mint. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi to contest Rajya Sabha elections, Priyanka to get Rae Bareli: Reports

<p>India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress MP Sonia Gandhi while responding to the debate on the White Paper in Lok Sabha stating that Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), acted like a 'super' Prime Minister and said that 'Ghotala driven' government mismanaged the economy the government. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The centre point of the 'Ghotala-driven' government and mismanagement of the economy lies in the issue of leadership. Sonia Gandhi ji was the 'super' Prime Minister as the chairperson of the advisory council and an extra-constitutional and unaccountable person," Sitharaman said.</p>

<p>"It was an unaccountable and unanswerable power. Due to this, scams took pace. It was an unconstitutional use of power," she added.</p>

<p>She then referred to the incident when&nbsp;Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tore up the ordinance that was put forward by the Manmohan Singh government in the year 2013 questioning the&nbsp;decency in the matter.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/white-paper-is-serious-document-says-nirmala-sitharaman-as-she-slams-opposition-in-lok-sabha-688798">'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>"When Manmohan Singhji, the then-Prime Minister, was on a foreign trip, a man who might have been the Congress' general secretary or president at the time tore an ordinance. Was this decency? Wasn't this an insult to the Constitution?"</p>

<p>"He was an arrogant man who did not care for his own prime minister," she added.</p>

<p>Highlighting the scams under the UPA government's tenure, the Indian finance minister stressed Congress' "glaring mismanagement of defence" sector stating that its highlight was the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland scam.</p>

<p>"Critical shortage of ammunition and defence equipment was the main feature of 2014 when we inherited the economy. Bulletproof jackets were not available for our soldiers. Night vision goggles were not available," Sitharaman said.</p>

<p>She then highlighted that the 'Jayanti Tax' during the reign of UPA, pushed the environment clearances for projects for up to a year stating that the efforts of the Modi government during its 10-year tenure put the economy back on rails.</p>

<p>The average time to clear projects increased to 316 days from 86 days between 2011 and 2014.</p>

<p>"We corrected all misgovernance, and focussed on reforms," Sitharaman said, adding the average environment clearance time for projects has come down to 70 days.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened at the 2013 presser?</strong></h2>

<p>The UPA government, which was led by Congress had put forward the Ordinance in order to get around a Supreme Court judgement barring the elected representatives from becoming the members of legislative bodies upon being convicted in criminal cases.</p>

<p>However, they were propelled to push back the Ordinance after Rahul Gandhi publicly opposed it by shredding the piece of paper, claiming that it deserved to be dumped in&nbsp;the bin.</p>

<p>At the time of a hearing in the Lily Thomas vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court ruled that "any MP, MLA or MLC who is convicted of a crime and given a minimum of 2 years' jail loses membership of the House with immediate effect".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress MP Sonia Gandhi while responding to the debate on the White Paper in Lok Sabha stating that Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), acted like a 'super' Prime Minister and said that 'Ghotala driven' government mismanaged the economy the government.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress MP Sonia Gandhi while responding to the debate on the White Paper in Lok Sabha stating that Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), acted like a 'super' Prime Minister and said that 'Ghotala driven' government mismanaged the economy the government. "The centre point of the 'Ghotala-driven' government and mismanagement of the economy lies in the issue of leadership. Sonia Gandhi ji was the 'super' Prime Minister as the chairperson of the advisory council and an extra-constitutional and unaccountable person," Sitharaman said. "It was an unaccountable and unanswerable power. Due to this, scams took pace. It was an unconstitutional use of power," she added. She then referred to the incident when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tore up the ordinance that was put forward by the Manmohan Singh government in the year 2013 questioning the decency in the matter. Also read: 'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha "When Manmohan Singhji, the then-Prime Minister, was on a foreign trip, a man who might have been the Congress' general secretary or president at the time tore an ordinance. Was this decency? Wasn't this an insult to the Constitution?" "He was an arrogant man who did not care for his own prime minister," she added. Highlighting the scams under the UPA government's tenure, the Indian finance minister stressed Congress' "glaring mismanagement of defence" sector stating that its highlight was the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland scam. "Critical shortage of ammunition and defence equipment was the main feature of 2014 when we inherited the economy. Bulletproof jackets were not available for our soldiers. Night vision goggles were not available," Sitharaman said. She then highlighted that the 'Jayanti Tax' during the reign of UPA, pushed the environment clearances for projects for up to a year stating that the efforts of the Modi government during its 10-year tenure put the economy back on rails. The average time to clear projects increased to 316 days from 86 days between 2011 and 2014. "We corrected all misgovernance, and focussed on reforms," Sitharaman said, adding the average environment clearance time for projects has come down to 70 days. What happened at the 2013 presser? The UPA government, which was led by Congress had put forward the Ordinance in order to get around a Supreme Court judgement barring the elected representatives from becoming the members of legislative bodies upon being convicted in criminal cases. However, they were propelled to push back the Ordinance after Rahul Gandhi publicly opposed it by shredding the piece of paper, claiming that it deserved to be dumped in the bin. At the time of a hearing in the Lily Thomas vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court ruled that "any MP, MLA or MLC who is convicted of a crime and given a minimum of 2 years' jail loses membership of the House with immediate effect". (With inputs from agencies)

‘Sonia Gandhi acted like super PM’: Nirmala Sitharaman launches scathing attack on opposition

<p>Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme,&nbsp;Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal.</p>

<p>The yatra, which is set to cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.</p>

<p>Besides Manipur, the yatra will also cover four northeastern states which are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme">🇮🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/nomGaId9Kr">pic.twitter.com/nomGaId9Kr</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746497764463374845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will then move on to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-celebrates-pongal-2024-says-festival-depicts-emotion-of-unity-679879">Prime Minister Modi celebrates Pongal 2024, says festival depicts ‘emotion of unity’</a></p>

<p>The starting point of the yatra was chosen as Manipur against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in the state which has so far killed nearly 180 since the month of May.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatJodoNyayYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatJodoNyayYatra</a> begins, embarking on a journey to address critical issues &amp; champion justice.<br />
<br />
Join us in this collective effort for positive change! 🇮🇳<br />
<br />
𝐍𝐲𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐪 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤 <a href="https://t.co/SPz8QmFP1l">pic.twitter.com/SPz8QmFP1l</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746494242271404426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'We are going through period of injustice,' says Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>While addressing people after kickstarting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi assured that his party would bring peace and harmony to the state after claiming that the people in the country were facing a period of "great injustice".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The questions arose- why the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It is because we are going through a period of great injustice in India. It is of all kinds - social, political and economical," he said after launching his yatra from Manipur's Thoubal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through.<br />
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Manipur has lost what it valued the most because of the politics of the BJP-RSS and the hatred they instill.<br />
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We will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for.<br />
<br />
:… <a href="https://t.co/7ArwVuDkcR">pic.twitter.com/7ArwVuDkcR</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746494331517833400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress leader also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not planning a visit to the conflict-torn state.</p>

<p>"I've been in politics since 2004 and for the first time, I visited a place in India where the entire infrastructure of governance has collapsed. After 29th June (his visit to state), Manipur wasn't Manipur anymore, it got divided and hatred was spread everywhere, lakhs of people suffered loss. People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes. And till now, the Indian PM has not come here to wipe your tears and hold your hand. It is a shameful thing," Rahul said.</p>

<p>He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stealing the essence of the state and affirmed that his party would bring back the harmony and peace that Manipur was known for.</p>

<p>"We are here to listen to you, share your pain, and present a new vision of India that is one of harmony and equity. We understand your loss and grief and will bring back the harmony and peace for which Manipur was known," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal.

Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal. The yatra, which is set to cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21. Besides Manipur, the yatra will also cover four northeastern states which are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam. 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/nomGaId9Kr — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × It will then move on to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Also read: Prime Minister Modi celebrates Pongal 2024, says festival depicts ‘emotion of unity’ The starting point of the yatra was chosen as Manipur against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in the state which has so far killed nearly 180 since the month of May. The #BharatJodoNyayYatra begins, embarking on a journey to address critical issues & champion justice. Join us in this collective effort for positive change! 🇮🇳 𝐍𝐲𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐪 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤 pic.twitter.com/SPz8QmFP1l — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × 'We are going through period of injustice,' says Rahul Gandhi While addressing people after kickstarting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi assured that his party would bring peace and harmony to the state after claiming that the people in the country were facing a period of "great injustice". WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur × "The questions arose- why the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It is because we are going through a period of great injustice in India. It is of all kinds - social, political and economical," he said after launching his yatra from Manipur's Thoubal. We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through. Manipur has lost what it valued the most because of the politics of the BJP-RSS and the hatred they instill. We will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for. :… pic.twitter.com/7ArwVuDkcR — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × The Congress leader also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not planning a visit to the conflict-torn state. "I've been in politics since 2004 and for the first time, I visited a place in India where the entire infrastructure of governance has collapsed. After 29th June (his visit to state), Manipur wasn't Manipur anymore, it got divided and hatred was spread everywhere, lakhs of people suffered loss. People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes. And till now, the Indian PM has not come here to wipe your tears and hold your hand. It is a shameful thing," Rahul said. He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stealing the essence of the state and affirmed that his party would bring back the harmony and peace that Manipur was known for. "We are here to listen to you, share your pain, and present a new vision of India that is one of harmony and equity. We understand your loss and grief and will bring back the harmony and peace for which Manipur was known," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress kickstarts Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal

<p>Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.</p>

<p>Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event.</p>

<p>At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf.</p>

<p>"Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa <a href="https://t.co/cCk3Yn12I1">pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/770513682203717632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added.</p>

<p>Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP.</p>

<p>The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the statement of Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a>, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. <a href="https://t.co/JcKIEk3afy">pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1745034149457477811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ayodhya-to-develop-ramayana-forest-offering-glimpse-into-lord-rams-exile-period-679386">Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period</a></p>

<p>"For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address.</p>

<p>"Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress'</strong></h2>

<p>Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva".</p>

<p>"Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.

Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media. Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event. At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf. "Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter. Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1 — Congress (@INCIndia) August 30, 2016 × "If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added. Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP. The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya." Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy — Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024 × 'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement." Also read: Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period "For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address. "Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said. Watch | Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge × 'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress' Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva." Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva". "Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi's old letter to Pope goes viral after she declines Ram temple inauguration invite

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<p>Amid speculations that former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi as well as Mallikarjun Kharge would attend the highly-anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in the north Indian city of Ayodhya next month, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh has provided an update.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramesh said both Kharge and Gandhi had received an invite but "a decision will be taken and communicated at the appropriate time".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chairman Congress Parliamentary Party Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have been invited to the inauguration of the Ram Temple. A decision will be taken at an appropriate time, and communicated at an appropriate time," he said.</p>

<p>Apart from the two heavyweight leaders, an invite has also been extended to Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust delegation, led by Nripendra Misra and other prominent figures had extended the invitation to the senior Congress leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Ram temple consecration ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>After years of court cases and several controversies, the Indian Supreme Court in 2019&nbsp;granted the land to the Hindu side to build the temple. PM Modi laid the foundation stone (Bhumi puja) in August 2020 and after three years, he will be there to attend the consecration ceremony on January 22.</p>

<p>The consecration ceremony is set to precede extensive rituals, including bathing the deity in the Sarayu River and a procession to major temples in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhyas-new-airport-to-be-named-maharishi-valmiki-international-airport-ayodhya-dham-report-674456"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ayodhya's new airport to be named 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham': Report</strong></a></p>

<p>The ceremony, expected to draw roughly 8,000 attendees, will feature PM Narendra Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as speakers. The guest list underscores a diverse representation, celebrating the cultural and national significance of the historic event.</p>

<p>The temple is central to the beliefs of Hindus and the entire complex has been built in the traditional Nagara style. Upon completion, the temple will be 380 feet long (east-west direction), 250 feet wide and 161 feet high. Each floor of the temple will be 20 ft high and have a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid speculations that former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi as well as Mallikarjun Kharge would attend the highly-anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in the north Indian city of Ayodhya next month, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh has provided an update.

Amid speculations that former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi as well as Mallikarjun Kharge would attend the highly-anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in the north Indian city of Ayodhya next month, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh has provided an update. Ramesh said both Kharge and Gandhi had received an invite but "a decision will be taken and communicated at the appropriate time". "Chairman Congress Parliamentary Party Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have been invited to the inauguration of the Ram Temple. A decision will be taken at an appropriate time, and communicated at an appropriate time," he said. Apart from the two heavyweight leaders, an invite has also been extended to Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust delegation, led by Nripendra Misra and other prominent figures had extended the invitation to the senior Congress leaders. Watch | Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024 Ram temple consecration ceremony After years of court cases and several controversies, the Indian Supreme Court in 2019 granted the land to the Hindu side to build the temple. PM Modi laid the foundation stone (Bhumi puja) in August 2020 and after three years, he will be there to attend the consecration ceremony on January 22. The consecration ceremony is set to precede extensive rituals, including bathing the deity in the Sarayu River and a procession to major temples in Ayodhya. Also read | Ayodhya's new airport to be named 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham': Report The ceremony, expected to draw roughly 8,000 attendees, will feature PM Narendra Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as speakers. The guest list underscores a diverse representation, celebrating the cultural and national significance of the historic event. The temple is central to the beliefs of Hindus and the entire complex has been built in the traditional Nagara style. Upon completion, the temple will be 380 feet long (east-west direction), 250 feet wide and 161 feet high. Each floor of the temple will be 20 ft high and have a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress provides update on Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge attending Ram Temple consecration ceremony

<p>In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the&nbsp;party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Priyanka has been replaced by Avinash Pande&nbsp;as the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>The Congress released a statement on the significant development saying that Vadra will now be a general secretary "without any assigned portfolio".</p>

<p>The move comes two days after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party's highest decision-making body, was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-jaishankar-rakes-up-extremism-after-hate-crime-at-hindu-temple-in-us-672834">‘Extremists should not be given space’: India’s Jaishankar reacts to vandalism at Hindu temple in US</a></p>

<h2><strong>Other developments</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala was appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Deepa Dasmunshi was appointed as the General Secretary of the Kerala, Lakshadweep and additional charge of Telangana Congress units.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader GA Mir is the general secretary in charge of Jharkhand with the additional charge of West Bengal, the party said in a statement.</p>

<p>On the other hand, senior leaders Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Singh Surjewala will continue as general secretaries&nbsp;of communication,&nbsp; organisation,&nbsp;Gujarat and Karnataka, respectively.</p>

<p>Bhawar Jitendra Singh was given an additional charge of Madhya Pradesh. Milind Deora and Vijay Inder Singla were appointed as joint treasurers of the party, while Deepak Babaria holds the charge of Delhi and the additional charge of Haryana.</p>

<p>The statement further said that the appointments were made with immediate effect.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.

In a major reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general elections in India, the Congress party appointed Sachin Pilot as the general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was removed as the party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka has been replaced by Avinash Pande as the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh. The Congress released a statement on the significant development saying that Vadra will now be a general secretary "without any assigned portfolio". The move comes two days after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), party's highest decision-making body, was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Also read: ‘Extremists should not be given space’: India’s Jaishankar reacts to vandalism at Hindu temple in US Other developments Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala was appointed as AICC in-charge of Maharashtra. Deepa Dasmunshi was appointed as the General Secretary of the Kerala, Lakshadweep and additional charge of Telangana Congress units. Congress leader GA Mir is the general secretary in charge of Jharkhand with the additional charge of West Bengal, the party said in a statement. On the other hand, senior leaders Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Singh Surjewala will continue as general secretaries of communication, organisation, Gujarat and Karnataka, respectively. Bhawar Jitendra Singh was given an additional charge of Madhya Pradesh. Milind Deora and Vijay Inder Singla were appointed as joint treasurers of the party, while Deepak Babaria holds the charge of Delhi and the additional charge of Haryana. The statement further said that the appointments were made with immediate effect. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress relieves Priyanka Gandhi as UP in-charge, Sachin Pilot gets key role ahead of polls

<p>On Tuesday (Dec 19), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi received invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust delegation, led by Nripendra Misra and other prominent figures, also extended invitations to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, H D Deve Gowda, and former President Ram Nath Kovind.</p>

<p>Manmohan Singh's declining health prevented the delegation from securing an appointment, while Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are reportedly unlikely to attend. The grand ceremony, marking the culmination of the temple construction, has garnered attention from across the political spectrum.</p>

<p>Champat Rai, Secretary of the trust, shared insights into the carefully crafted guest list, featuring industrialists, scientists, actors, and army officers. Invitees range from the Dalai Lama and Baba Ramdev to industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, along with iconic actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and Madhuri Dixit Nene. The list also includes key figures from the Tata Group and L&amp;T, as reported by the Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/criminal-laws-in-india-death-penalty-for-mob-lynching-and-sedition-law-to-be-scrapped-5-major-points-671805">Also read |&nbsp;Criminal laws in India: Death penalty for mob-lynching, sedition law to be scrapped - 5 major points</a></p>

<h2><strong>Tentative schedule and elaborate rituals</strong></h2>

<p>The consecration ceremony is set to precede extensive rituals, including bathing the deity in the Sarayu river and a procession to major temples in Ayodhya. The schedule also involves state-wise allotment for temple visits after the ceremony, with special train provisions considered. Chief Ministers and Governors, however, are not on the invite list, as per sources.</p>

<p>Political leaders, including Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Mayawati, and Arvind Kejriwal, have received invitations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing speculation about opposition leaders not being invited, a senior VHP leader clarified that key leaders across the political spectrum are part of the plan. While logistical constraints limit the crowd size, party presidents have been prioritized for invitations.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The ceremony, expected to draw roughly 8,000 attendees, will feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as speakers. The guest list underscores a diverse representation, celebrating the cultural and national significance of the historic event.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On Tuesday (Dec 19), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi received invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

On Tuesday (Dec 19), Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi received invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust delegation, led by Nripendra Misra and other prominent figures, also extended invitations to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, H D Deve Gowda, and former President Ram Nath Kovind. Manmohan Singh's declining health prevented the delegation from securing an appointment, while Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are reportedly unlikely to attend. The grand ceremony, marking the culmination of the temple construction, has garnered attention from across the political spectrum. Champat Rai, Secretary of the trust, shared insights into the carefully crafted guest list, featuring industrialists, scientists, actors, and army officers. Invitees range from the Dalai Lama and Baba Ramdev to industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, along with iconic actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and Madhuri Dixit Nene. The list also includes key figures from the Tata Group and L&T, as reported by the Indian Express. Also read | Criminal laws in India: Death penalty for mob-lynching, sedition law to be scrapped - 5 major points Tentative schedule and elaborate rituals The consecration ceremony is set to precede extensive rituals, including bathing the deity in the Sarayu river and a procession to major temples in Ayodhya. The schedule also involves state-wise allotment for temple visits after the ceremony, with special train provisions considered. Chief Ministers and Governors, however, are not on the invite list, as per sources. Political leaders, including Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Mayawati, and Arvind Kejriwal, have received invitations. Addressing speculation about opposition leaders not being invited, a senior VHP leader clarified that key leaders across the political spectrum are part of the plan. While logistical constraints limit the crowd size, party presidents have been prioritized for invitations. Also watch | Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024 The ceremony, expected to draw roughly 8,000 attendees, will feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as speakers. The guest list underscores a diverse representation, celebrating the cultural and national significance of the historic event. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ayodhya Trust extends invitations to Kharge, Sonia Gandhi for Ram temple consecration

After the declaration of candidate lists, both BJP and Congress are facing dissidence from those who failed to make the cut. The situation is same in all the poll-bound states including Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Madhya And Mizoram, although the intensity varies. But why is ticket allocation such a problematic task before every election?

Congress, BJP in a fix over containing dissent in poll-bound states

<p>Congress leader Sonia Gandhi&nbsp;declared her party's backing for the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament)&nbsp;during the discussion on the proposed legislation advocating a 33 per cent quota for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.</p>

<p>Speaking as the Congress parliamentary party chief, she said, "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I stand in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023."</p>

<h2><strong>What did her speech encompass?</strong></h2>

<p>She credited her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, for his efforts in bringing about a constitutional amendment to bring women's representation in local body elections.</p>

<p>She recounted how this amendment was initially defeated in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian parliament)&nbsp;but was eventually passed under the leadership of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, resulting in the election of 15,00,000&nbsp;women leaders across the nation in local bodies.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Women's Reservation Bill | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi says, "This is an emotional moment of my own life as well. For the first time, Constitutional amendment to decide women's representation in local body election was brought by my life partner… <a href="https://t.co/stm2Sggnor">pic.twitter.com/stm2Sggnor</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1704375892540301536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>She further said that Rajiv Gandhi's vision remains only partially fulfilled and that its realisation lies in the passing of this bill.</p>

<p>Gandhi highlighted the patience and dedication of Indian women, urging the immediate implementation of the bill. While expressing the Congress party's support for the bill, she raised concerns about the prolonged wait of Indian women for political responsibilities and called into question the appropriateness of this delay.</p>

<p>She said&nbsp;that the Indian National Congress demands immediate implementation of the bill and also advocates&nbsp;for a caste census and provisions for the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC women.</p>

<p>She warned against any delay in the implementation of the women's reservation bill, stating that it would amount to gross injustice to women.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-claims-words-socialist-and-secular-missing-from-new-constitution-copies-ruling-party-responds-637772">Congress claims words 'socialist and secular' missing from new Constitution copies, ruling party responds</a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP says Congress politicising the bill</strong></h2>

<p>BJP MP&nbsp;Nishikant Dubey launched an attack on Congress, suggesting that the party&nbsp;was squandering the opportunity to empower women by politicising the issue.</p>

<p>"I thought Sonia Gandhi would speak rising above political lines but she did not mention Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj who worked extensively for women's reservation,"&nbsp;said Nishikant Dubey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Key words from Constitution of India dropped? | All you need to know about Preamble of Constitution</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/key-words-from-constitution-of-india-dropped-all-you-need-to-know-about-preamble-of-constitution-637812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The bill you brought was wrong and those who protested against it were Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj. This is BJP and PM Modi's bill," Dubey added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha is currently engaged in debating the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023' that was introduced in the new parliament building on Tuesday (September 19).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Congress leader Sonia Gandhi declared her party's backing for the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) during the discussion on the proposed legislation advocating a 33 per cent quota for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi declared her party's backing for the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) during the discussion on the proposed legislation advocating a 33 per cent quota for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Speaking as the Congress parliamentary party chief, she said, "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I stand in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023." What did her speech encompass? She credited her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, for his efforts in bringing about a constitutional amendment to bring women's representation in local body elections. She recounted how this amendment was initially defeated in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian parliament) but was eventually passed under the leadership of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, resulting in the election of 15,00,000 women leaders across the nation in local bodies. Watch the video here: #WATCH | Women's Reservation Bill | Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi says, "This is an emotional moment of my own life as well. For the first time, Constitutional amendment to decide women's representation in local body election was brought by my life partner… pic.twitter.com/stm2Sggnor — ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2023 × She further said that Rajiv Gandhi's vision remains only partially fulfilled and that its realisation lies in the passing of this bill. Gandhi highlighted the patience and dedication of Indian women, urging the immediate implementation of the bill. While expressing the Congress party's support for the bill, she raised concerns about the prolonged wait of Indian women for political responsibilities and called into question the appropriateness of this delay. She said that the Indian National Congress demands immediate implementation of the bill and also advocates for a caste census and provisions for the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC women. She warned against any delay in the implementation of the women's reservation bill, stating that it would amount to gross injustice to women. Also read | Congress claims words 'socialist and secular' missing from new Constitution copies, ruling party responds BJP says Congress politicising the bill BJP MP Nishikant Dubey launched an attack on Congress, suggesting that the party was squandering the opportunity to empower women by politicising the issue. "I thought Sonia Gandhi would speak rising above political lines but she did not mention Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj who worked extensively for women's reservation," said Nishikant Dubey. Also watch | Key words from Constitution of India dropped? | All you need to know about Preamble of Constitution "The bill you brought was wrong and those who protested against it were Geeta Mukherjee and Sushma Swaraj. This is BJP and PM Modi's bill," Dubey added. The Lok Sabha is currently engaged in debating the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023' that was introduced in the new parliament building on Tuesday (September 19). WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sonia announces Cong support to women’s quota bill, demands fast implementation; BJP calls it politicisation

A special session of the Indian Parliament is set to convene on September 18th. So far, no agenda has been announced so far for the five-day session against this backdrop. India's main opposition party, Congress has put forward some issues.

Indian parliament special session called from September 18

Congress parliamentary party leader writes to Modi

<p>Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”. The meeting was called at the CPP office at the Parliament at 10:30 am.<br />
<br />
On Thursday (August 10), a resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi for the suspension of Chowdhury after the Congress leader's certain remarks on the prime minister amid the no-confidence motion debate led to outrage from the treasury benches. The resolution was passed using a voice vote.<br />
<br />
Later, Chowdhury defended his remarks stating that he was not insulting the country's prime minister. "Modi ji is sitting 'nirav' on Manipur issue, which means sitting silent. 'Nirav' means to be silent. My intention was not to insult PM Modi," said the Congress leader in Lok Sabha.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/adhir-ranjan-chowdhury-suspended-from-lok-sabha-till-report-of-privileges-committee-624370">Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee</a></p>

<p>"PM Modi did not feel that he was insulted, his darbaris (courtiers) felt so and brought this proposal against me. I came to know that (the matter) has been referred to the privileges committee and I have been suspended till then," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Congress responds to </strong>Chowdhury's&nbsp;<strong>suspension</strong></h2>

<p>Congress MP Manish Tewari said that the suspension was “unfortunate” and an “utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India”.<br />
<br />
“It has profound implications for democracy &amp; freedom speech in Parliament &amp; the legislatures,” he said while writing on X.<br />
<br />
“It is in utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India that states Subject to the provisions of this constitution and the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament,” he added.<br />
<br />
“This is a fit case for to challenge the suspension in an appropriate Court of Law,” Tewari stated.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore stated, "First time for speaking against Modi, largest opposition (party) leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended. Unbelievable. Undemocratic. Condemn the autocracy."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;No-Confidence motion LIVE: PM Modi attacks Opposition in Parliament: They are betraying people| WION</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi stated, “It has become habitual for him (Adhir) and it has become most unfortunate. He is the leader of the Congress party, which is the largest party in the opposition in this House. Despite repeated warnings, he has not improved himself.”<br />
<br />
"Always in his debate he makes these baseless charges, he tries to lower the dignity of the government. There are no facts in his arguments and he never apologises. Today also, we demanded that he apologise. He did the same thing when the home minister was speaking," Joshi added.</p>

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Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”.

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be holding a meeting with the party's Lok Sabha members on Friday (August 11) to discuss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's suspension from the lower house for “repeated misconduct”. The meeting was called at the CPP office at the Parliament at 10:30 am. On Thursday (August 10), a resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi for the suspension of Chowdhury after the Congress leader's certain remarks on the prime minister amid the no-confidence motion debate led to outrage from the treasury benches. The resolution was passed using a voice vote. Later, Chowdhury defended his remarks stating that he was not insulting the country's prime minister. "Modi ji is sitting 'nirav' on Manipur issue, which means sitting silent. 'Nirav' means to be silent. My intention was not to insult PM Modi," said the Congress leader in Lok Sabha. ALSO READ | Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended from Lok Sabha till report of Privileges Committee "PM Modi did not feel that he was insulted, his darbaris (courtiers) felt so and brought this proposal against me. I came to know that (the matter) has been referred to the privileges committee and I have been suspended till then," he added. Congress responds to Chowdhury's suspension Congress MP Manish Tewari said that the suspension was “unfortunate” and an “utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India”. “It has profound implications for democracy & freedom speech in Parliament & the legislatures,” he said while writing on X. “It is in utter violation of Article 105 (1) of the Constitution of India that states Subject to the provisions of this constitution and the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament,” he added. “This is a fit case for to challenge the suspension in an appropriate Court of Law,” Tewari stated. Meanwhile, Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore stated, "First time for speaking against Modi, largest opposition (party) leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suspended. Unbelievable. Undemocratic. Condemn the autocracy." WATCH | No-Confidence motion LIVE: PM Modi attacks Opposition in Parliament: They are betraying people| WION Speaking in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi stated, “It has become habitual for him (Adhir) and it has become most unfortunate. He is the leader of the Congress party, which is the largest party in the opposition in this House. Despite repeated warnings, he has not improved himself.” "Always in his debate he makes these baseless charges, he tries to lower the dignity of the government. There are no facts in his arguments and he never apologises. Today also, we demanded that he apologise. He did the same thing when the home minister was speaking," Joshi added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Sonia Gandhi to hold meeting with Congress MPs over suspension of Adhir Ranjan from Lok Sabha

<p>Indian politician Rahul Gandhi shared a picture of his mother and veteran Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi soon after their chartered plane made an emergency landing. He shared the photo on his Instagram and wrote, ‘Ma, the epitome of grace under pressure’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The picture was apparently clicked on the aircraft in which the Gandhis were travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi. The flight had to make an emergency landing in Bhopal on Tuesday due to some technical issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-at-least-15-killed-as-power-transformer-explodes-in-uttarakhand-617380">India: At least 15 killed as power transformer explodes in Uttarakhand</a></p>

<p>The veteran Congress leader and her son Rahul Gandhi had attended the two-day mega opposition meeting in Bengaluru.</p>

<p>In the Instagram post, Sonia Gandhi was seen wearing an oxygen mask.</p>

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<p>On getting information about the development, senior Congress leaders, including former Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza, former union minister Suresh Pachori, MLAs PC Sharma, Arif Masood and Kunal Choudhary rushed to the airport and met the Gandhis in the lounge.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-update-isro-successfully-performed-third-orbit-raising-manoeuvre-617431">Chandrayaan-3 update: ISRO successfully performed third orbit-raising manoeuvre</a></p>

<p>They also enquired about their well-being.</p>

<p>“Both of them left for New Delhi by an IndiGo flight at around 9:30 pm,” she said.</p>

<h2><strong>Pre-poll alliance meeting in Bengaluru</strong></h2>

<p>In Bengaluru, at least 26 opposition parties came together and announced a pre-poll alliance at the grand meeting, joining hands against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The opposition leaders announced the new grouping will be called INDIA, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-equity-indices-end-at-record-highs-sensex-closes-at-lifetime-high-of-67097-617448">Indian equity indices end at record highs, Sensex closes at lifetime high of 67,097</a></p>

<p>“Earlier, we were UPA and now all the 26 parties have given a name to the Opposition and that is – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Everybody has agreed upon this, and the resolution for the name was passed unanimously”, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian politician Rahul Gandhi shared a picture of his mother and veteran Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi soon after their chartered plane made an emergency landing.

Indian politician Rahul Gandhi shared a picture of his mother and veteran Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi soon after their chartered plane made an emergency landing. He shared the photo on his Instagram and wrote, ‘Ma, the epitome of grace under pressure’. The picture was apparently clicked on the aircraft in which the Gandhis were travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi. The flight had to make an emergency landing in Bhopal on Tuesday due to some technical issue. Also Read | India: At least 15 killed as power transformer explodes in Uttarakhand The veteran Congress leader and her son Rahul Gandhi had attended the two-day mega opposition meeting in Bengaluru. In the Instagram post, Sonia Gandhi was seen wearing an oxygen mask. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rahul Gandhi (@rahulgandhi) × On getting information about the development, senior Congress leaders, including former Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza, former union minister Suresh Pachori, MLAs PC Sharma, Arif Masood and Kunal Choudhary rushed to the airport and met the Gandhis in the lounge. Also Read | Chandrayaan-3 update: ISRO successfully performed third orbit-raising manoeuvre They also enquired about their well-being. “Both of them left for New Delhi by an IndiGo flight at around 9:30 pm,” she said. Pre-poll alliance meeting in Bengaluru In Bengaluru, at least 26 opposition parties came together and announced a pre-poll alliance at the grand meeting, joining hands against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The opposition leaders announced the new grouping will be called INDIA, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Also Read | Indian equity indices end at record highs, Sensex closes at lifetime high of 67,097 “Earlier, we were UPA and now all the 26 parties have given a name to the Opposition and that is – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Everybody has agreed upon this, and the resolution for the name was passed unanimously”, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Grace under pressure': Rahul Gandhi posts pic of mother Sonia Gandhi after emergency landing

<p>The flight carrying Congress leaders Rahul and his mother Sonia Gandhi made an emergency landing in India’s central Bhopal city due to bad weather on Tuesday evening, ANI news agency reported citing police.</p>

<p>The Gandhis were returning after attending the two-day meeting in Bengaluru that was attended by 26 opposition parties, and was presided by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.</p>

<p>According to reports, the mother-son duo will now take an IndiGo flight around 9.30 pm to fly back to the national capital New Delhi.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the opposition parties announced their coalition name in a bid to take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA alliance in the 2024 general elections.</p>

<p>They all arrived at a consensus and named their collation ‘INDIA’, an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.</p>

<p>It's going to be "a battle between NDA and INDIA" in 2024, Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.</p>

<p>During a press conference, Gandhi said they have chalked out an action plan to discuss more about their ideology and programmes.</p>

<p>"The fight is against the ideology of the BJP and their thinking, they are attacking the country, unemployment is rampant, and the country's wealth is being taken away from millions and handed over to a few of the friends of the BJP and the Prime Minister," Gandhi said.</p>

<h2><strong>Who will head the alliance?</strong></h2>

<p>Though a formal announcement is awaited, several media reports speculated that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi would be named the president of the alliance and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be announced as the convener.</p>

<p>Moreover, some Left parties were not in favour of calling it an 'alliance' and wanted that to be changed to 'Front'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the next opposition meeting will be held in Mumbai. The date of the meeting is yet to be announced.</p>

<p>Kharge revealed that an 11-member coordination committee will be set up, the names of committee members will be announced during the Mumbai meeting.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The flight carrying Congress leaders Rahul and his mother Sonia Gandhi made an emergency landing in India’s central Bhopal city due to bad weather on Tuesday evening, ANI news agency reported citing police.

The flight carrying Congress leaders Rahul and his mother Sonia Gandhi made an emergency landing in India’s central Bhopal city due to bad weather on Tuesday evening, ANI news agency reported citing police. The Gandhis were returning after attending the two-day meeting in Bengaluru that was attended by 26 opposition parties, and was presided by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. According to reports, the mother-son duo will now take an IndiGo flight around 9.30 pm to fly back to the national capital New Delhi. Earlier in the day, the opposition parties announced their coalition name in a bid to take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA alliance in the 2024 general elections. They all arrived at a consensus and named their collation ‘INDIA’, an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. It's going to be "a battle between NDA and INDIA" in 2024, Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said. During a press conference, Gandhi said they have chalked out an action plan to discuss more about their ideology and programmes. "The fight is against the ideology of the BJP and their thinking, they are attacking the country, unemployment is rampant, and the country's wealth is being taken away from millions and handed over to a few of the friends of the BJP and the Prime Minister," Gandhi said. Who will head the alliance? Though a formal announcement is awaited, several media reports speculated that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi would be named the president of the alliance and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be announced as the convener. Moreover, some Left parties were not in favour of calling it an 'alliance' and wanted that to be changed to 'Front'. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the next opposition meeting will be held in Mumbai. The date of the meeting is yet to be announced. Kharge revealed that an 11-member coordination committee will be set up, the names of committee members will be announced during the Mumbai meeting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Flight carrying Rahul and Sonia Gandhi makes emergency landing in Bhopal city

<p>The last leg of Karnataka assembly elections saw a massive political storm brewing between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress over Sonia Gandhi’s alleged remarks that seemingly endorsed “sovereignty” for India’s southern Karnataka state.</p>

<p>On Monday morning, a delegation of the BJP went to the country’s poll panel, the Election Commission of India (ECI), to lodge a complaint and sought punitive action against her.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“She (Sonia Gandhi) deliberately used the word sovereignty. Congress manifesto is the agenda of the 'Tukde-Tukde' (anti-national) gang and hence they are using such words. We hope EC will take action against this anti-national act,” Union Minister Bhupender Yadav told reporters outside the office.</p>

<p>The saffron party urged the Election Commission to revoke the registration of the Congress party "that acts in clear violation of the mandatory oath of upholding the Sovereignty, Unity &amp; Integrity of India" and sought appropriate preventive and punitive action in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct.</p>

<p>In response, the poll body&nbsp;issued&nbsp;a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to provide clarification and take rectification measures with a Twitter post put up on the Official INC Twitter handle and attributed to Sonia Gandhi.</p>

<p>"The Commission received a complaint dated 8th May 2023 submitted by the leaders of BJP, Bhupender Yadav, Dr Jitendra Singh, Tarun Chugh, Anil Baluni and Om Pathak...According to the complaint made by BJP, the above tweet is violative of the mandatory oath undertaken by the political parties under section 29A (5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 at the time of registration,"&nbsp;Election Commission said in its notice.</p>

<p>The BJP moved the EC a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while campaigning in Karnataka, lambasted Sonia Gandhi for “insulting” India’s sovereignty by suggesting secession of the southern state from the rest of the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“Not only Karnataka, I want to tell this to the entire country with a lot of pain that in this election Congress’s ‘shahi parivar’ (royal family) yesterday came to Karnataka and said that they want to protect the ‘sovereignty’ of Karnataka,” he said.</p>

<p>“Do you know what is the meaning of it... When a country becomes independent, that country is called a sovereign country. The meaning of what Congress is saying is that the Congress believes that Karnataka is separate from India,” he said.</p>

<p>Modi was responding to a Twitter post from Congress’ official account on May 6 which had quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying during an election rally in Huballi-Dharwad, “The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas:<br />
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"The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity." <a href="https://t.co/W6HjKYWjLa">pic.twitter.com/W6HjKYWjLa</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1654882853744787456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi, in a scathing attack on the BJP, said, "Karnataka and the rest of the country cannot make progress without getting rid of the ruling party’s loot, lies, ego and hatred."</p>

<p>She was joined on the stage by Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka's former&nbsp;chief minister Jagadish Shettar, who recently quit BJP over the denial of a ticket and joined the party.</p>

<p>Congress fielded Shettar, a six-time MLA, from the Hubli-Dharwad Central constituency, from where he had won the previous Assembly polls in 2018.</p>

<p>Karnataka will vote in a single-phase election on May 10 and the results will be declared on May 13.</p>

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The last leg of Karnataka assembly elections saw a massive political storm brewing between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress over Sonia Gandhi’s alleged remarks that seemingly endorsed “sovereignty” for India’s southern Karnataka state.

The last leg of Karnataka assembly elections saw a massive political storm brewing between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress over Sonia Gandhi’s alleged remarks that seemingly endorsed “sovereignty” for India’s southern Karnataka state. On Monday morning, a delegation of the BJP went to the country’s poll panel, the Election Commission of India (ECI), to lodge a complaint and sought punitive action against her. “She (Sonia Gandhi) deliberately used the word sovereignty. Congress manifesto is the agenda of the 'Tukde-Tukde' (anti-national) gang and hence they are using such words. We hope EC will take action against this anti-national act,” Union Minister Bhupender Yadav told reporters outside the office. The saffron party urged the Election Commission to revoke the registration of the Congress party "that acts in clear violation of the mandatory oath of upholding the Sovereignty, Unity & Integrity of India" and sought appropriate preventive and punitive action in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct. In response, the poll body issued a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to provide clarification and take rectification measures with a Twitter post put up on the Official INC Twitter handle and attributed to Sonia Gandhi. "The Commission received a complaint dated 8th May 2023 submitted by the leaders of BJP, Bhupender Yadav, Dr Jitendra Singh, Tarun Chugh, Anil Baluni and Om Pathak...According to the complaint made by BJP, the above tweet is violative of the mandatory oath undertaken by the political parties under section 29A (5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 at the time of registration," Election Commission said in its notice. The BJP moved the EC a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while campaigning in Karnataka, lambasted Sonia Gandhi for “insulting” India’s sovereignty by suggesting secession of the southern state from the rest of the country. “Not only Karnataka, I want to tell this to the entire country with a lot of pain that in this election Congress’s ‘shahi parivar’ (royal family) yesterday came to Karnataka and said that they want to protect the ‘sovereignty’ of Karnataka,” he said. “Do you know what is the meaning of it... When a country becomes independent, that country is called a sovereign country. The meaning of what Congress is saying is that the Congress believes that Karnataka is separate from India,” he said. Modi was responding to a Twitter post from Congress’ official account on May 6 which had quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying during an election rally in Huballi-Dharwad, “The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity." CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas: "The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity." pic.twitter.com/W6HjKYWjLa — Congress (@INCIndia) May 6, 2023 × Gandhi, in a scathing attack on the BJP, said, "Karnataka and the rest of the country cannot make progress without getting rid of the ruling party’s loot, lies, ego and hatred." She was joined on the stage by Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka's former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, who recently quit BJP over the denial of a ticket and joined the party. Congress fielded Shettar, a six-time MLA, from the Hubli-Dharwad Central constituency, from where he had won the previous Assembly polls in 2018. Karnataka will vote in a single-phase election on May 10 and the results will be declared on May 13. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Karnataka assembly polls: EC seeks clarification on Sonia Gandhi’s ‘sovereignty’ remark

<p>Federal Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Congress&nbsp;leader Rahul Gandhi for 'shaming' India's democracy, polity, parliament, judicial system, and security for&nbsp;'seeking foreign intervention' on Tuesday (March 7).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, he asked Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi whether they agreed with his comments, and if not, he suggested "disowning" them.</p>

<p>"BJP would like to emphatically state with great agony that Rahul Gandhi, in his speeches, has sought to shame India's democracy, polity, parliament, political system, and judicial system," the Union minister said during a press conference.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strangers-in-the-eyes-of-law-wion-speaks-with-hyderabad-gay-couple-569191">'Strangers in eyes of law': WION speaks with gay couple as India's top court set to hear petitions on marriage</a></p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi's "utterly irresponsible" remark that he was "asking for involvement by America and Europe to restore democracy" prompted him to contact Sonia Gandhi and Kharge for their opinions on the matter.</p>

<p>Gandhi&nbsp;claimed recently that the US and Europe are not doing enough to restore democracy in India because they are "receiving trade and money" from the nation. He made this claim at a public appearance in London.</p>

<p>His comparison of the RSS with the Muslim Brotherhood was further criticised by the Union minister. A nationalist group, the RSS Being swayamsevaks, those of us seated here are pleased to be so, he said. Rahul Gandhi is "totally under the grasp of Maoist mind process," the man further said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Federal Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for 'shaming' India's democracy, polity, parliament, judicial system, and security for 'seeking foreign intervention' on Tuesday (March 7).

Federal Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for 'shaming' India's democracy, polity, parliament, judicial system, and security for 'seeking foreign intervention' on Tuesday (March 7). Furthermore, he asked Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi whether they agreed with his comments, and if not, he suggested "disowning" them. "BJP would like to emphatically state with great agony that Rahul Gandhi, in his speeches, has sought to shame India's democracy, polity, parliament, political system, and judicial system," the Union minister said during a press conference. ALSO READ | 'Strangers in eyes of law': WION speaks with gay couple as India's top court set to hear petitions on marriage Rahul Gandhi's "utterly irresponsible" remark that he was "asking for involvement by America and Europe to restore democracy" prompted him to contact Sonia Gandhi and Kharge for their opinions on the matter. Gandhi claimed recently that the US and Europe are not doing enough to restore democracy in India because they are "receiving trade and money" from the nation. He made this claim at a public appearance in London. His comparison of the RSS with the Muslim Brotherhood was further criticised by the Union minister. A nationalist group, the RSS Being swayamsevaks, those of us seated here are pleased to be so, he said. Rahul Gandhi is "totally under the grasp of Maoist mind process," the man further said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad slams Rahul Gandhi for ‘seeking foreign intervention’

<p>Leader of Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi was admitted to a prominent hospital in New Delhi 'on account of fever', said a doctor on Friday (March 3). Gandhi has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the Indian capital. According to a health bulletin issued by the hospital, Gandhi's condition is stable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She was admitted to the hospital on Thursday, a spokesperson of the hospital said.</p>

<p>D S Rana, Chairman, Trust Society, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said Gandhi has been admitted to the hospital under the supervision of Arup Basu, senior consultant, Department of Chest Medicine, and his team, "on account of fever".</p>

<p>"Gandhi is under observation and undergoing investigations. Her condition is stable," the bulletin added.</p>

<p>This is not the first time Gandhi has been admitted to a hospital this year. In January, she had been admitted for treatment of a viral respiratory infection.</p>

<p>Last year, Sonia Gandhi was admitted to hospital as she suffered from Covid-related issues. She was admitted in June and got discharged after eight days. At that time, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had&nbsp;said that Sonia Gandhi was taken to hospital after profuse bleeding from nose following COVID-19 infection.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi is 76 years of age.</p>

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Leader of Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi was admitted to a prominent hospital in New Delhi 'on account of fever', said a doctor on Friday (March 3). Gandhi has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the Indian capital.

Leader of Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi was admitted to a prominent hospital in New Delhi 'on account of fever', said a doctor on Friday (March 3). Gandhi has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the Indian capital. According to a health bulletin issued by the hospital, Gandhi's condition is stable. She was admitted to the hospital on Thursday, a spokesperson of the hospital said. D S Rana, Chairman, Trust Society, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said Gandhi has been admitted to the hospital under the supervision of Arup Basu, senior consultant, Department of Chest Medicine, and his team, "on account of fever". "Gandhi is under observation and undergoing investigations. Her condition is stable," the bulletin added. This is not the first time Gandhi has been admitted to a hospital this year. In January, she had been admitted for treatment of a viral respiratory infection. Last year, Sonia Gandhi was admitted to hospital as she suffered from Covid-related issues. She was admitted in June and got discharged after eight days. At that time, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had said that Sonia Gandhi was taken to hospital after profuse bleeding from nose following COVID-19 infection. Sonia Gandhi is 76 years of age. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi admitted to hospital due to fever

<p>Sonia Gandhi, the former president of India’s grand-old party Congress, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Wednesday following complaints of respiratory infection.&nbsp;The Congress politician was accompanied by her daughter and party’s general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, PTI news agency reported quoting sources. Sonia is now undergoing treatment at Ganga Ram Hospital.</p>

<p>The report added that this was a routine check-up for the 76-year-old leader, who has been unwell since Tuesday.</p>

<p>A hospital bulletin issued by the hospital in the evening stated that she has been admitted for observation, reports PTI.</p>

<p>"Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA, has been admitted to our hospital today. She has been admitted in Department of Chest Medicine under the care of Dr. Arup Basu and his team. Mrs. Gandhi has been admitted for observation and treatment of a viral respiratory infection," said Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman of the hospital's board of management.</p>

<p>Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka, who were participating in the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ (unite India movement), had to return to Delhi after hearing about their mother’s health. The mass movement entered its Uttar Pradesh leg on Tuesday evening.</p>

<h2><strong>India's top court on free speech of MPs, MLAs, says 'no more restrictions on free speech'</strong></h2>

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<p>The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ resumed at 6 am from UP's Mavikalan in Baghpat district after halting there for the night.</p>

<p>Rahul, who has been seen in a half T-shirt throughout the yatra in Haryana and Delhi despite the biting cold, was snapped walking in the march this morning.</p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi has been battling health issues since getting infected with COVID-19 last year. She had travelled abroad for a check-up a few months ago.</p>

<p>The Congress veteran had joined the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in southern Karnataka state and was later seen with Rahul, Priyanka and her husband Robert Vadra in Delhi.</p>

<p>The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ is one of the biggest outreach movement launched by the Congress party which aims to unite the country amidst what it calls&nbsp;divisive politics of the ruling party.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Sonia Gandhi, the former president of India’s grand-old party Congress, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Wednesday following complaints of respiratory infection.

Sonia Gandhi, the former president of India’s grand-old party Congress, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi on Wednesday following complaints of respiratory infection. The Congress politician was accompanied by her daughter and party’s general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, PTI news agency reported quoting sources. Sonia is now undergoing treatment at Ganga Ram Hospital. The report added that this was a routine check-up for the 76-year-old leader, who has been unwell since Tuesday. A hospital bulletin issued by the hospital in the evening stated that she has been admitted for observation, reports PTI. "Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA, has been admitted to our hospital today. She has been admitted in Department of Chest Medicine under the care of Dr. Arup Basu and his team. Mrs. Gandhi has been admitted for observation and treatment of a viral respiratory infection," said Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman of the hospital's board of management. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka, who were participating in the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ (unite India movement), had to return to Delhi after hearing about their mother’s health. The mass movement entered its Uttar Pradesh leg on Tuesday evening. India's top court on free speech of MPs, MLAs, says 'no more restrictions on free speech' The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ resumed at 6 am from UP's Mavikalan in Baghpat district after halting there for the night. Rahul, who has been seen in a half T-shirt throughout the yatra in Haryana and Delhi despite the biting cold, was snapped walking in the march this morning. Sonia Gandhi has been battling health issues since getting infected with COVID-19 last year. She had travelled abroad for a check-up a few months ago. The Congress veteran had joined the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in southern Karnataka state and was later seen with Rahul, Priyanka and her husband Robert Vadra in Delhi. The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ is one of the biggest outreach movement launched by the Congress party which aims to unite the country amidst what it calls divisive politics of the ruling party. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Congress party's ex-president Sonia Gandhi admitted to Delhi hospital following respiratory infection

<p>Senior Congress leader and a candidate for the party president post, Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday conceded defeat to rival Mallikarjuan Kharge. Tharoor admitting defeat comes hours after his faction alleged that voting had been rigged in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and demanded the 'vote count' be removed from the final result.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Tharoor posted a congratulatory message to Kharge and thanked colleagues for their support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is a great honour &amp; a huge responsibility to be President of @INCIndia &amp; I wish @Kharge ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues, &amp; to carry the hopes &amp; aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India," tweeted Tharoor.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is a great honour &amp; a huge responsibility to be President of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> &amp;I wish <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kharge</a> ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues,&amp; to carry the hopes&amp; aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India. <a href="https://t.co/NistXfQGN1">pic.twitter.com/NistXfQGN1</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1582644658361860096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"On 17th October, in a true celebration of inner-party democracy, over 9500 delegates of the Indian National Congress cast their vote in the elections for the post of party president. Today, the final verdict has been in favour of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji. I would like to convey my warm congratulations to him for his victory. The decision of the party delegates is final and I accept it humbly. It is a privilege to be a member of a party that allows its workers to choose their President," read the statement released by Tharoor.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Thiruvananthapuram MP also thanked the Gandhi family, especially former President Rahul Gandhi as well as her sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for their support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My thanks also to former President Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for doing their own bit to support free and neutral elections. The Nehru-Gandhi family has held, and will always hold, a special place in the hearts of Congress party members - and with good reason too. It is my hope and belief that the family will remain the foundational pillar of the Congress, our moral conscience and ultimate guiding spirit."</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, currently on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, in a statement said that he could not comment on the role of the newly elected president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I can't comment on Congress president's role, that's for Mr Kharge to comment on. The President will decide what my role is," said the former Congress president.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>| "I can't comment on Congress President's role, that's for Mr Kharge (party's Presidential candidate) to comment on. The President will decide what my role is...", says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in Andhra Pradesh<br />
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Counting of votes to decide the Congress President underway <a href="https://t.co/eRoRBY7QfX">pic.twitter.com/eRoRBY7QfX</a></p>
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<p>According to reports, it was a landslide win for Kharge who received over 90 per cent of the votes cast. The senior Congress leader polled 7,897 votes while Tharoor trailed miles behind at 1,072.</p>

<p>This was the first Congress presidential election to be held in more than 20 years. Earlier, the chair rotated between the Gandhi family members with the mother-son duo of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi occupying the position since 1998.</p>

<p>However, political experts are casting aspersions over the authenticity of the result as Kharge was projected as the 'Gandhi-approved' candidate and not many in the party dare go beyond the line issued by the top family.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Senior Congress leader and a candidate for the party president post, Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday conceded defeat to rival Mallikarjuan Kharge. Tharoor admitting defeat comes hours after his faction alleged that voting had been rigged in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and demanded the 'vote count' be removed from the final result.

Senior Congress leader and a candidate for the party president post, Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday conceded defeat to rival Mallikarjuan Kharge. Tharoor admitting defeat comes hours after his faction alleged that voting had been rigged in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and demanded the 'vote count' be removed from the final result. Taking to Twitter, Tharoor posted a congratulatory message to Kharge and thanked colleagues for their support. "It is a great honour & a huge responsibility to be President of @INCIndia & I wish @Kharge ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues, & to carry the hopes & aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India," tweeted Tharoor. It is a great honour & a huge responsibility to be President of @INCIndia &I wish @Kharge ji all success in that task. It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues,& to carry the hopes& aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India. pic.twitter.com/NistXfQGN1 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 19, 2022 × "On 17th October, in a true celebration of inner-party democracy, over 9500 delegates of the Indian National Congress cast their vote in the elections for the post of party president. Today, the final verdict has been in favour of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji. I would like to convey my warm congratulations to him for his victory. The decision of the party delegates is final and I accept it humbly. It is a privilege to be a member of a party that allows its workers to choose their President," read the statement released by Tharoor. The Thiruvananthapuram MP also thanked the Gandhi family, especially former President Rahul Gandhi as well as her sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for their support. "My thanks also to former President Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for doing their own bit to support free and neutral elections. The Nehru-Gandhi family has held, and will always hold, a special place in the hearts of Congress party members - and with good reason too. It is my hope and belief that the family will remain the foundational pillar of the Congress, our moral conscience and ultimate guiding spirit." Rahul Gandhi, currently on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, in a statement said that he could not comment on the role of the newly elected president. "I can't comment on Congress president's role, that's for Mr Kharge to comment on. The President will decide what my role is," said the former Congress president. #WATCH| "I can't comment on Congress President's role, that's for Mr Kharge (party's Presidential candidate) to comment on. The President will decide what my role is...", says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in Andhra Pradesh Counting of votes to decide the Congress President underway pic.twitter.com/eRoRBY7QfX — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2022 × According to reports, it was a landslide win for Kharge who received over 90 per cent of the votes cast. The senior Congress leader polled 7,897 votes while Tharoor trailed miles behind at 1,072. This was the first Congress presidential election to be held in more than 20 years. Earlier, the chair rotated between the Gandhi family members with the mother-son duo of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi occupying the position since 1998. However, political experts are casting aspersions over the authenticity of the result as Kharge was projected as the 'Gandhi-approved' candidate and not many in the party dare go beyond the line issued by the top family. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Tharoor concedes defeat, Kharge set to be Congress party president

In pics | India pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 153rd birth anniversary 

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