Paolo Maino, the mother of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, passed away in Italy.

According to a PTI report, Maino, who was in her 90s, passed away at her home in Italy on August 27. Her funeral was held on Tuesday (30th&nbsp;August).

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter to announce the demise of party president's mother. He wrote: "Smt. Sonia Gandhi's mother, Mrs. Paola Maino passed away at her home in Italy on Saturday the 27th August, 2022. The funeral took place yesterday".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Smt. Sonia Gandhi’s mother, Mrs. Paola Maino passed away at her home in Italy on Saturday the 27th August, 2022. The funeral took place yesterday.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1564938856549720066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reportedly, Sonia Gandhi is already abroad for a medical checkup along with her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and was also visiting her ailing mother.

The trio departed on August 23 from India. According to IANS, Rahul Gandhi will be back soon to take part in a Congress rally on September 4 in the national capital.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi belongs to Lusiana, a historically Cimbrian-speaking village about 35 km from Vicenza in Veneto, Italy. She came to India in 1968 following her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, son of India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

India's&nbsp;incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to offer his condolences. Many INC leaders and party workers also offered prayers for the departed soul.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Condolences to Sonia Gandhi Ji on the passing away of her mother, Mrs. Paola Maino. May her soul rest in peace. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the entire family.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1564968124277002242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Respected Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi’s mother, Mrs. Paola Maino passed away. 
May Departed soul rest in peace 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@priyankagandhi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/RY7pgs0oO6">pic.twitter.com/RY7pgs0oO6</a>
— Akhilesh (@AkhileshLY) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkhileshLY/status/1564957461953781760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is learnt that @priyankagandhiji's and <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> Ji's Grand mother and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SoniaGandhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SoniaGandhi</a> ji 's mother has passed away. 
My heartfelt condolences to them . Prayers for her soul Rest in Peace. <a href="https://t.co/bQRCPWXRmD">pic.twitter.com/bQRCPWXRmD</a>
— Sunil Ahire (@SunilAh64145529) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunilAh64145529/status/1564952242649800704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RIP Mrs.Paola Maino. 
 
Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and family. <a href="https://t.co/e1Tz9DIQPn">pic.twitter.com/e1Tz9DIQPn</a>
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKerala/status/1564962088929628160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Paolo Maino, the mother of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, passed away in Italy. According to a PTI report, Maino, who was in her 90s, passed away at her home in Italy on August 27.

Paolo Maino, the mother of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, passed away in Italy. According to a PTI report, Maino, who was in her 90s, passed away at her home in Italy on August 27. Her funeral was held on Tuesday (30th August). Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter to announce the demise of party president's mother. He wrote: "Smt. Sonia Gandhi's mother, Mrs. Paola Maino passed away at her home in Italy on Saturday the 27th August, 2022. The funeral took place yesterday". Smt. Sonia Gandhi’s mother, Mrs. Paola Maino passed away at her home in Italy on Saturday the 27th August, 2022. The funeral took place yesterday. — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 31, 2022 × Reportedly, Sonia Gandhi is already abroad for a medical checkup along with her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and was also visiting her ailing mother. The trio departed on August 23 from India. According to IANS, Rahul Gandhi will be back soon to take part in a Congress rally on September 4 in the national capital. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi belongs to Lusiana, a historically Cimbrian-speaking village about 35 km from Vicenza in Veneto, Italy. She came to India in 1968 following her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, son of India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. India's incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to offer his condolences. Many INC leaders and party workers also offered prayers for the departed soul. Condolences to Sonia Gandhi Ji on the passing away of her mother, Mrs. Paola Maino. May her soul rest in peace. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the entire family. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2022 × Respected Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi’s mother, Mrs. Paola Maino passed away. May Departed soul rest in peace 🙏@RahulGandhi@priyankagandhi@INCIndia pic.twitter.com/RY7pgs0oO6 — Akhilesh (@AkhileshLY) August 31, 2022 × It is learnt that @priyankagandhiji's and @RahulGandhi Ji's Grand mother and #SoniaGandhi ji 's mother has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to them . Prayers for her soul Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/bQRCPWXRmD — Sunil Ahire (@SunilAh64145529) August 31, 2022 × RIP Mrs.Paola Maino. Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and family. pic.twitter.com/e1Tz9DIQPn — Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) August 31, 2022 × (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.

INC chief Sonia Gandhi's mother Paolo Maino passes away; PM Narendra Modi offers condolences

India's premier opposition party Congress has announced the schedule for the election of the post of party's national president. The election for the top party post will be held on October 17 and the counting of votes to be done, if necessary, two days later on October 19.

India's premier opposition party Congress has announced the schedule for the election of the post of party's national president. The election for the top party post will be held on October 17 and the counting of votes to be done, if necessary, two days later on October 19. The announcement was made by the party's highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which assembled for a meeting on Sunday. The CWC also said that the filing of nominations will start on September 24, with the deadline being September 30. The nominations will be scrutinised by October 1 with candidates allowed to withdraw their nominations till October 7. Reportedly, current Congress President Sonia Gandhi attended the meeting virtually as she is abroad for medical check-ups for some health problems. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, party’s central election authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry, KC Venugopal, former Union ministers Jairam Ramesh, Mukul Wasnik, P Chidambaram, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel also attended the meeting. Read more: Indian MP trolled for carrying a Louis Vuitton bag while addressing inflation & commodity price rise It is pertinent to note that the announcement of the party's presidential elections comes in the backdrop of several high-profile Congress leaders exiting the party, citing lack of leadership at the top. Notably, it was the recent resignation of Jammu & Kashmir Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad that created the most buzz as experts cast aspersions over the Gandhi family's ability to lead the party out of the rut it finds itself in currently. Calling Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his "immaturity" and for "demolishing the consultative mechanism" of the party, Azad in his letter to the Congress president Sonia wrote: "Unfortunately, after the entry of Rahul Gandhi into politics and particularly after January 2013, when he was appointed Vice President by you (Sonia Gandhi), the entire consultative mechanism which existed earlier was demolished by him." "The leadership in the past eight years has tried to foist a non-serious individual at the helm of the party. The entire organizational election process is a farce and a sham. Before starting Bharath Jodo Yatra, the leadership should have undertaken a Congress Jodo exercise across the country," he added. Read more: Ghulam Nabi Azad quits Congress: As it happened Akin to Azad, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, in his resignation letter, had also echoed similar sentiments. "In the past 8 years, I have not taken anything from Congress but only poured into the party. Today when I am being pushed to bow down before people because they are close to the top leadership. This is not acceptable to me," said Shergill in his letter. Read more: Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill quits, says sycophancy is eating the party like termites (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Congress to elect new president, announces election schedule

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned from all positions, including primary membership of the grand old party of India as he sent his resignation laced with sharp barbs at the organisational leadership.&nbsp; 
 
In the letter addressed to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the former J&amp;K chief minister and Union minister cited the sidelining of senior leaders and the increasing sway of a "coterie of inexperienced sycophants" as the reasons for his decision to quit. 
 
The former Rajya Sabha MP also blamed Rahul Gandhi’s immaturity for the dwindling political clout of the Congress and its poor performance in successive elections. 
 
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad criticised Rahul Gandhi in his scathing resignation letter sent to Sonia.

"Unfortunately after the entry of Rahul Gandhi into politics and particularly after January 2013 when he was appointed vice president by you, the entire consultative mechanism which existed earlier was demolished by him," the Congress leader said as he attacked Rahul Gandhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-appeals-congress-workers-to-not-celebrate-his-birthday-amid-agnipath-protests-489548">Also Read:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi appeals to Congress workers&nbsp;not celebrate his birthday</a>

In the letter, Azad said: "One of the glaring examples of his immaturity was the tearing up of a government ordinance in the full glare of the media." The senior Congress leader informed that the ordinance was "incubated" in the Congress core group and later approved by the cabinet and was presided over by the prime minister and approved by the president.

"This childish behaviour completely subverted the authority of the prime minister and Government of India," Azad claimed&nbsp;while adding it contributed to the defeat of the UPA government in&nbsp;the 2014 national elections.

"Congress has lost will and ability under the tutelage of the coterie that runs AICC," he said, adding, "Before starting 'Bharat jodo yatra', leadership should have undertaken 'Congress jodo yatra'."

Azad said elections haven't been held at any level of the organisation as he further blamed the AICC saying: "Handpicked lieutenants of AICC have been coerced to sign on lists prepared by the coterie that runs AICC."&nbsp;

The Congress leader said "proxies" were being propped up to take over leadership of the party. According to reports, the election for Congress president has been delayed due to "Bharat jodo yatra" campaign with Congress president Sonia Gandhi set to announce the election dates in the next Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned from all positions, including primary membership of the grand old party of India as he sent his resignation laced with sharp barbs at the organisational leadership.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned from all positions, including primary membership of the grand old party of India as he sent his resignation laced with sharp barbs at the organisational leadership. In the letter addressed to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the former J&K chief minister and Union minister cited the sidelining of senior leaders and the increasing sway of a "coterie of inexperienced sycophants" as the reasons for his decision to quit. The former Rajya Sabha MP also blamed Rahul Gandhi’s immaturity for the dwindling political clout of the Congress and its poor performance in successive elections. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad criticised Rahul Gandhi in his scathing resignation letter sent to Sonia. "Unfortunately after the entry of Rahul Gandhi into politics and particularly after January 2013 when he was appointed vice president by you, the entire consultative mechanism which existed earlier was demolished by him," the Congress leader said as he attacked Rahul Gandhi. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi appeals to Congress workers not celebrate his birthday In the letter, Azad said: "One of the glaring examples of his immaturity was the tearing up of a government ordinance in the full glare of the media." The senior Congress leader informed that the ordinance was "incubated" in the Congress core group and later approved by the cabinet and was presided over by the prime minister and approved by the president. "This childish behaviour completely subverted the authority of the prime minister and Government of India," Azad claimed while adding it contributed to the defeat of the UPA government in the 2014 national elections. "Congress has lost will and ability under the tutelage of the coterie that runs AICC," he said, adding, "Before starting 'Bharat jodo yatra', leadership should have undertaken 'Congress jodo yatra'." Azad said elections haven't been held at any level of the organisation as he further blamed the AICC saying: "Handpicked lieutenants of AICC have been coerced to sign on lists prepared by the coterie that runs AICC." The Congress leader said "proxies" were being propped up to take over leadership of the party. According to reports, the election for Congress president has been delayed due to "Bharat jodo yatra" campaign with Congress president Sonia Gandhi set to announce the election dates in the next Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. (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.

Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad quits party; attacks Rahul Gandhi for 'childish behaviour'

Barely three days after Droupadi Murmu took oath as India’s 15th President, the tribal leader has found herself amid a controversy surrounding her constitutional designation. Reportedly, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of India's opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), made a speech where he allegedly misgendered Murmu’s designation.

The INC leader allegedly called Murmu a ‘Rashtrapatni’, inviting the wrath of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is pertinent to note that a President is called ‘Rashtrapati’ in Hindi which is a gender-neutral term. Anyone taking the office, whether a man, woman or any other person is referred to as the same.

The Constitution makes no difference in the gender of the occupant of the position either. However, Choudhary allegedly changed the last part of the word ‘pati’ meaning husband, to ‘patni’, meaning wife.

Ruling party corners&nbsp;Chowdhury and INC

As soon as the lower house of the parliament met on Thursday (July 28), senior BJP leader Smriti Irani raised the issue and cornered INC.

“A tribal woman from a poor family who created history is being continuously demeaned by the Congress,” she told the reporters.&nbsp;

Irani further claimed that it was INC President Sonia Gandhi who&nbsp;sanctioned Chowdhury’s remark and that both should issue an apology for disrespecting the entire tribal community, women, the poor and the downtrodden.

“Sonia Gandhi sanctioned the humiliation of a woman at the highest constitutional office in the country,” said Irani.&nbsp;

Irani was backed up by her colleague and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who stated, “I demand an apology from the President of Congress party who herself is a woman but has allowed her leader to speak like that. Sonia Gandhi should come before the nation and apologise for insulting the President.”&nbsp;

Chowdhury issues a clarification

Soon, a clamour ensued and the house was adjourned for a brief period. After the controversy snowballed, Chowdhury took to Twitter to issue a clarification.&nbsp;

The INC leader tweeted a video where he could be heard saying, “Whoever is the President of India, be it Brahmin, or Adivasi, the President is the President for us. Our respect is for the post.”

He further added, “Yesterday when we were protesting at Vijay Chowk, reporters asked us where we wanted to go. I told them I want to visit the President’s house. Just once, I said “Rashtrapatni”...The reporter repeated it to me and I said I might have said that by mistake and it would be better if they didn’t broadcast it. They (BJP) are creating a furore because of this. I made a mistake, just once and in one word.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/fvBNLmI7ah">pic.twitter.com/fvBNLmI7ah</a>
— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) <a href="https://twitter.com/adhirrcinc/status/1552533324458889216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Who is Droupadi Murmu?

It is important to note that, for the first time in Indian history,&nbsp;a tribal leader has held the top constitutional post. Murmu comes from&nbsp;India’s poorest but resource-rich state of Odisha. She&nbsp;belongs to the Santhal tribe, which&nbsp;is spread over four states and is India’s largest scheduled tribe after the Bhils and Gonds. Her election is seen as a milestone for the tribals of the country.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-indias-15th-president-droupadi-murmu-500635">Gravitas: The story of India's 15th President Droupadi Murmu</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-indias-15th-president-droupadi-murmu-500635/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Barely three days after Droupadi Murmu took oath as India’s 15th President, the tribal leader has found herself amid a controversy surrounding her constitutional designation.

Barely three days after Droupadi Murmu took oath as India’s 15th President, the tribal leader has found herself amid a controversy surrounding her constitutional designation. Reportedly, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of India's opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), made a speech where he allegedly misgendered Murmu’s designation. The INC leader allegedly called Murmu a ‘Rashtrapatni’, inviting the wrath of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is pertinent to note that a President is called ‘Rashtrapati’ in Hindi which is a gender-neutral term. Anyone taking the office, whether a man, woman or any other person is referred to as the same. The Constitution makes no difference in the gender of the occupant of the position either. However, Choudhary allegedly changed the last part of the word ‘pati’ meaning husband, to ‘patni’, meaning wife. Ruling party corners Chowdhury and INC As soon as the lower house of the parliament met on Thursday (July 28), senior BJP leader Smriti Irani raised the issue and cornered INC. “A tribal woman from a poor family who created history is being continuously demeaned by the Congress,” she told the reporters. Irani further claimed that it was INC President Sonia Gandhi who sanctioned Chowdhury’s remark and that both should issue an apology for disrespecting the entire tribal community, women, the poor and the downtrodden. “Sonia Gandhi sanctioned the humiliation of a woman at the highest constitutional office in the country,” said Irani. Irani was backed up by her colleague and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who stated, “I demand an apology from the President of Congress party who herself is a woman but has allowed her leader to speak like that. Sonia Gandhi should come before the nation and apologise for insulting the President.” Chowdhury issues a clarification Soon, a clamour ensued and the house was adjourned for a brief period. After the controversy snowballed, Chowdhury took to Twitter to issue a clarification. The INC leader tweeted a video where he could be heard saying, “Whoever is the President of India, be it Brahmin, or Adivasi, the President is the President for us. Our respect is for the post.” He further added, “Yesterday when we were protesting at Vijay Chowk, reporters asked us where we wanted to go. I told them I want to visit the President’s house. Just once, I said “Rashtrapatni”...The reporter repeated it to me and I said I might have said that by mistake and it would be better if they didn’t broadcast it. They (BJP) are creating a furore because of this. I made a mistake, just once and in one word.” pic.twitter.com/fvBNLmI7ah — Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) July 28, 2022 × Who is Droupadi Murmu? It is important to note that, for the first time in Indian history, a tribal leader has held the top constitutional post. Murmu comes from India’s poorest but resource-rich state of Odisha. She belongs to the Santhal tribe, which is spread over four states and is India’s largest scheduled tribe after the Bhils and Gonds. Her election is seen as a milestone for the tribals of the country. Watch: Gravitas: The story of India's 15th President Droupadi Murmu × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Rashtrapatni' remark: BJP leader Smriti Irani demands apology from Congress

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday questioned Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper. The day was a show of strength for the party, with street protests and leaders courting arrest across the country.

The questioning of the 75-year-old, who is recovering from Covid, lasted for about two hours and the session ended on her request, officials said. She is likely to be called for another round of questioning in the next couple of days, they said.

The session was conducted keeping in mind Covid protocol with everyone participating equipped with a Covid negative certificate.

Sonia Gandhi was questioned by the same assistant director-level investigation officer who interrogated her son Rahul Gandhi in the case -- related to alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns National Herald. A woman officer was part of the questioning team

The summons to the Congress president took political centrestage in Parliament, where opposition leaders raised the issue, and on the streets with party workers staging massive protests.

As parts of central Delhi went into gridlock, Sonia Gandhi reached the federal probe agency's headquarters in Lutyens Delhi's A P J Abdul Kalam Road a little after noon escorted by her Z+ category CRPF security cover.

The Congress president, seen wearing a mask, was accompanied by her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Priyanka Gandhi was allowed to stay in the Pravartan Bhawan headquarters of the agency, away from the questioning room, so she could be with her mother in case of a health issue and give her medicines. However, Rahul Gandhi left soon after.

Ahead of Sonia Gandhi's appearance, Delhi Police deployed a huge force, including CRPF and RAF personnel, and barricaded the entire over one kilometre stretch between her residence and the ED office.

The Congress party slammed the agency's action against its top leadership and termed it "political vendetta".

"All Congress MPs and CWC members have courted mass arrest outside our party headquarters in a show of collective solidarity with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, a target of 'Vishguru's' political vendetta, said Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh.

His party colleague P Chidambaram said the ED is not higher than the Supreme Court.

"What is that the ED wants to 'investigate' that will not be examined by the SC," he asked.

&nbsp;Other Opposition leaders voiced their protest too. Leaders of 13 political parties, including the DMK, Shiv Sena, RJD and the Left, met at Parliament House and issued a statement accusing the government of unleashing a relentless campaign of vendetta against its political opponents and critics through the mischievous misuse of investigative agencies.

Prominent leaders of a number of political parties have been deliberately targeted and subjected to harassment in an unprecedented manner," the leaders said.

The opposition's presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha said he strongly condemned the ED's attitude to humiliate political leaders.

The officers of ED shd have gone to her residence even if they had questions to ask of Sonia Gandhi, he said on Twitter.

"Yet again the Extended Department (ED) of BJP is insulating the party from people's anger towards price rise, joblessness and inflation. By repeatedly calling opposition leaders with zero evidence against them is deliberate political vendetta carried out on behalf of the BJP," Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi.

The issue echoed in Parliament as well where the Congress and other Opposition parties sought to raise the issue.

With tempers running high, Union minister Pralhad Joshi asked whether the Opposition party believes everyone is equal before the law or not.

"Is she some 'super human' because she is the Congress president?" he asked.

The Congress chief had been summoned twice earlier but sought an exemption on grounds of Covid. Her statement was recorded by the agency under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The probe relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns the National Herald newspaper.

Rahul Gandhi was questioned by the agency in the case for over 50 hours in sessions spread across five days last month.

The move to question the Gandhis was initiated after the ED late last year registered a fresh case under criminal provisions of the PMLA. This was after a trial court here took cognisance of an Income Tax department probe against Young Indian on the basis of a private criminal complaint by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in 2013.

Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are among the promoters and majority shareholders of Young Indian. Like her son, the Congress president too has 38 per cent shareholding.

Swamy had accused the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds, with YI paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress.

In February last year, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Gandhis for their response on Swamy's plea.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Bansal were questioned by the ED in the case in April.

The Congress party has maintained that there has been no wrongdoing and Young Indian is a "not-for-profit" company established under section 25 of the Companies Act and hence there can be no question of money laundering.

It is understood that Rahul Gandhi, during his deposition before the ED, stuck to the position that there was no personal acquisition of assets by himself or his family.

According to the ED, assets worth about Rs 800 crore are "owned" by the AJL and it wants to know from the Gandhis how a not-for-profit company like Young Indian was undertaking commercial activities of renting out its land and building assets. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday questioned Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper. The day was a show of strength for the party, with street protests and leaders courting arrest across the country.

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday questioned Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper. The day was a show of strength for the party, with street protests and leaders courting arrest across the country. The questioning of the 75-year-old, who is recovering from Covid, lasted for about two hours and the session ended on her request, officials said. She is likely to be called for another round of questioning in the next couple of days, they said. The session was conducted keeping in mind Covid protocol with everyone participating equipped with a Covid negative certificate. Sonia Gandhi was questioned by the same assistant director-level investigation officer who interrogated her son Rahul Gandhi in the case -- related to alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns National Herald. A woman officer was part of the questioning team The summons to the Congress president took political centrestage in Parliament, where opposition leaders raised the issue, and on the streets with party workers staging massive protests. As parts of central Delhi went into gridlock, Sonia Gandhi reached the federal probe agency's headquarters in Lutyens Delhi's A P J Abdul Kalam Road a little after noon escorted by her Z+ category CRPF security cover. The Congress president, seen wearing a mask, was accompanied by her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Priyanka Gandhi was allowed to stay in the Pravartan Bhawan headquarters of the agency, away from the questioning room, so she could be with her mother in case of a health issue and give her medicines. However, Rahul Gandhi left soon after. Ahead of Sonia Gandhi's appearance, Delhi Police deployed a huge force, including CRPF and RAF personnel, and barricaded the entire over one kilometre stretch between her residence and the ED office. The Congress party slammed the agency's action against its top leadership and termed it "political vendetta". "All Congress MPs and CWC members have courted mass arrest outside our party headquarters in a show of collective solidarity with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, a target of 'Vishguru's' political vendetta, said Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh. His party colleague P Chidambaram said the ED is not higher than the Supreme Court. "What is that the ED wants to 'investigate' that will not be examined by the SC," he asked. Other Opposition leaders voiced their protest too. Leaders of 13 political parties, including the DMK, Shiv Sena, RJD and the Left, met at Parliament House and issued a statement accusing the government of unleashing a relentless campaign of vendetta against its political opponents and critics through the mischievous misuse of investigative agencies. Prominent leaders of a number of political parties have been deliberately targeted and subjected to harassment in an unprecedented manner," the leaders said. The opposition's presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha said he strongly condemned the ED's attitude to humiliate political leaders. The officers of ED shd have gone to her residence even if they had questions to ask of Sonia Gandhi, he said on Twitter. "Yet again the Extended Department (ED) of BJP is insulating the party from people's anger towards price rise, joblessness and inflation. By repeatedly calling opposition leaders with zero evidence against them is deliberate political vendetta carried out on behalf of the BJP," Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi. The issue echoed in Parliament as well where the Congress and other Opposition parties sought to raise the issue. With tempers running high, Union minister Pralhad Joshi asked whether the Opposition party believes everyone is equal before the law or not. "Is she some 'super human' because she is the Congress president?" he asked. The Congress chief had been summoned twice earlier but sought an exemption on grounds of Covid. Her statement was recorded by the agency under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The probe relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns the National Herald newspaper. Rahul Gandhi was questioned by the agency in the case for over 50 hours in sessions spread across five days last month. The move to question the Gandhis was initiated after the ED late last year registered a fresh case under criminal provisions of the PMLA. This was after a trial court here took cognisance of an Income Tax department probe against Young Indian on the basis of a private criminal complaint by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in 2013. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are among the promoters and majority shareholders of Young Indian. Like her son, the Congress president too has 38 per cent shareholding. Swamy had accused the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds, with YI paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress. In February last year, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Gandhis for their response on Swamy's plea. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Bansal were questioned by the ED in the case in April. The Congress party has maintained that there has been no wrongdoing and Young Indian is a "not-for-profit" company established under section 25 of the Companies Act and hence there can be no question of money laundering. It is understood that Rahul Gandhi, during his deposition before the ED, stuck to the position that there was no personal acquisition of assets by himself or his family. According to the ED, assets worth about Rs 800 crore are "owned" by the AJL and it wants to know from the Gandhis how a not-for-profit company like Young Indian was undertaking commercial activities of renting out its land and building assets. 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.

ED questions Sonia for two hours, Congress uses occasion to stage show of strength

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India’s main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC) was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday. Protests erupted across India by Congress supporters. But what is the corruption case in which the Gandhi family has been summoned?

Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC), was questioned on Monday (June 13) by the country's money-laundering investigators. India-based news agencies reported that Rahul was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case for about ten hours in over two sessions. He has been summoned again for Tuesday (June 14).&nbsp;

In the aftermath, protests erupted across the country by Congress supporters and workers in favour of Rahul. Hundreds and thousands of people took part in protests. Police have also detained scores of party supporters and some members of the party. &nbsp;

Besides Rahul, his mother, the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi was also summoned by the ED office. Although, she was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi with health issues related to coronavirus (COVID-19) just a day before she was supposed to appear before the court.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the opposition Congress party said the Gandhis and the party had done nothing illegal and the probe was politically motivated.&nbsp;

The Congress spokesman, Randeep Singh Surjewala, told reporters: "We will fight undeterred, we will fight fearlessly. We will answer every question."&nbsp;

The summons by ED are basically related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by a lawmaker of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

At that time, the lawmaker, Subramanian Swamy, had accused the Gandhis of forming a shell company and illegally gaining control of properties worth $300 million.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC), was questioned on Monday (June 13) by the country's money-laundering investigators.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's main opposition party Indian National Congress (INC), was questioned on Monday (June 13) by the country's money-laundering investigators. India-based news agencies reported that Rahul was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case for about ten hours in over two sessions. He has been summoned again for Tuesday (June 14). In the aftermath, protests erupted across the country by Congress supporters and workers in favour of Rahul. Hundreds and thousands of people took part in protests. Police have also detained scores of party supporters and some members of the party. Besides Rahul, his mother, the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi was also summoned by the ED office. Although, she was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi with health issues related to coronavirus (COVID-19) just a day before she was supposed to appear before the court. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the opposition Congress party said the Gandhis and the party had done nothing illegal and the probe was politically motivated. The Congress spokesman, Randeep Singh Surjewala, told reporters: "We will fight undeterred, we will fight fearlessly. We will answer every question." The summons by ED are basically related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by a lawmaker of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi. At that time, the lawmaker, Subramanian Swamy, had accused the Gandhis of forming a shell company and illegally gaining control of properties worth $300 million. 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.

National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi questioned by ED for over 10 hours, summoned again on Tuesday

Sonia Gandhi, the President of the Indian National Congress (INC), was admitted to a hospital for treatment on Sunday (June 12). Last week, she tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). She is receiving treatment in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the nation's capital, New Delhi, owing to post-Covid issues. She is currently stable.&nbsp;

"Congress President Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital today owing to Covid related issues. She is stable and will be kept at the hospital for observation," Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala tweeted.&nbsp;

"We thank all the Congressmen &amp; women as also all well wishers for their concern and good wishes," Surjewala added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, sources told news agencies that Sonia visited the hospital for a routine checkup and was being examined by doctors. However, it was not clear that she will be admitted.&nbsp;

The president of the Congress party tested positive for Covid infection on June 2. The report emerged a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned her and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.&nbsp;

She was supposed to appear before the ED on June 8 but now it has been postponed as she has been asked to appear before it on June 23.&nbsp;

The ED has registered an FIR in a money-laundering case related to the National Herald-AJL case.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Surge in Monkeypox cases increases vaccine demands

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surge-in-monkeypox-cases-increases-vaccine-demands-487500/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, the President of the Indian National Congress (INC), was admitted to a hospital for treatment on Sunday (June 12). Last week, she tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Sonia Gandhi, the President of the Indian National Congress (INC), was admitted to a hospital for treatment on Sunday (June 12). Last week, she tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). She is receiving treatment in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the nation's capital, New Delhi, owing to post-Covid issues. She is currently stable. "Congress President Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital today owing to Covid related issues. She is stable and will be kept at the hospital for observation," Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala tweeted. "We thank all the Congressmen & women as also all well wishers for their concern and good wishes," Surjewala added. Earlier in the day, sources told news agencies that Sonia visited the hospital for a routine checkup and was being examined by doctors. However, it was not clear that she will be admitted. The president of the Congress party tested positive for Covid infection on June 2. The report emerged a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned her and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. She was supposed to appear before the ED on June 8 but now it has been postponed as she has been asked to appear before it on June 23. The ED has registered an FIR in a money-laundering case related to the National Herald-AJL case. WATCH | Surge in Monkeypox cases increases vaccine demands ×

Sonia Gandhi admitted to hospital in New Delhi due to Covid-related issues, currently stable

Congress President Sonia Gandhi tested COVID-19 positive, a day later of the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to her in the National Herald case.

Gandhi has to appear before the probe agency on June 8.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala informed that Sonia Gandhi has developed some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-appoints-navjot-singh-sidhu-as-chief-of-punjab-congress-398928">Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as Chief of Punjab Congress</a>

"Congress president Sonia Gandhi tests positive for COVID-19. She has developed mild fever and some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention. As of today, her date of appearance before ED on June 8 stands as it is," Surjewala told ANI.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also tested COVID-19 positive. Rahul and Sonia Gandhi were issued a summons by the ED on Wednesday in connection with the National Herald case, which was closed by the investigating agency in 2015.

The federal agency`s move followed the questioning of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Treasurer Pawan Bansal in April this year in New Delhi in connection with its money laundering probe into the National Herald case.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pak wants 'healthy trade' ties with India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pak-wants-healthy-trade-ties-with-india-484266/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The agency then recorded the statements of both the Congress leaders then under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The National Herald is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Pvt Limited (YIL). While Kharge is the CEO of YIL, Bansal is the Managing Director of AJL.

The ED is currently investigating the shareholding pattern and financial transactions as well as the role of party functionaries in the functioning of AJL and YIL.

The YIL promoters include Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/999-want-rahul-gandhi-as-congress-president-randeep-surjewala-350824">99.9% want Rahul Gandhi as Congress president: Randeep Surjewala</a>

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy had alleged that the Gandhis cheated and misappropriated funds, with YIL paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress.

He had filed a complaint with a Delhi court earlier. Following the court taking cognisance of an Income Tax Department probe against YIL on Swamy`s petition, the ED also registered a fresh case under PMLA.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi tested COVID-19 positive, a day later of the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to her in the National Herald case. Gandhi has to appear before the probe agency on June 8.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi tested COVID-19 positive, a day later of the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to her in the National Herald case. Gandhi has to appear before the probe agency on June 8. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala informed that Sonia Gandhi has developed some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention. Also read | Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as Chief of Punjab Congress "Congress president Sonia Gandhi tests positive for COVID-19. She has developed mild fever and some symptoms and has isolated herself and has been given requisite medical attention. As of today, her date of appearance before ED on June 8 stands as it is," Surjewala told ANI. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also tested COVID-19 positive. Rahul and Sonia Gandhi were issued a summons by the ED on Wednesday in connection with the National Herald case, which was closed by the investigating agency in 2015. The federal agency`s move followed the questioning of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Treasurer Pawan Bansal in April this year in New Delhi in connection with its money laundering probe into the National Herald case. Watch | Gravitas: Pak wants 'healthy trade' ties with India The agency then recorded the statements of both the Congress leaders then under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The National Herald is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Pvt Limited (YIL). While Kharge is the CEO of YIL, Bansal is the Managing Director of AJL. The ED is currently investigating the shareholding pattern and financial transactions as well as the role of party functionaries in the functioning of AJL and YIL. The YIL promoters include Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Also read | 99.9% want Rahul Gandhi as Congress president: Randeep Surjewala BJP MP Subramanian Swamy had alleged that the Gandhis cheated and misappropriated funds, with YIL paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress. He had filed a complaint with a Delhi court earlier. Following the court taking cognisance of an Income Tax Department probe against YIL on Swamy`s petition, the ED also registered a fresh case under PMLA. 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.

COVID-19: Sonia Gandhi tests positive, ahead of ED questioning in National Herald case

India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Indian National Congress (INC) party president Sonia Gandhi and her MP son Rahul Gandhi for questioning in a money laundering case worth millions of rupees.&nbsp;The case is linked to the National Herald newspaper. Rahul Gandhi has been asked to appear on June 2nd while Sonia Gandhi has been summoned to depose before the federal agency on June 8th.&nbsp;Speaking at a press conference, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the president will comply with the summons.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has requested a postponement till after June 5 on account of not being present in India at the moment.

Singhvi further called this a conspiracy on the part of the leading Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that "the Modi government should know that by registering such fake and fabricated cases, they cannot succeed in their cowardly conspiracy."

"The entire party and every worker will stand shoulder to shoulder with them and we will fight and win this attack on the country's democracy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hc-to-hear-on-january-15-appeal-of-ajl-publisher-of-national-herald-189143">Delhi HC to hear on January 15 appeal of AJL, publisher of National Herald</a>

The summons is related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by Subramanian Swamy,&nbsp;a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul.

Swamy, a lawmaker, accused the Gandhis of creating a shell corporation and obtaining ownership of properties worth $300 million unlawfully.

The assets in dispute belonged to a company that published the National Herald newspaper, which was created in 1937 by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul Gandhi's great grandfather and India's first prime minister.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan and India have a lot to gain from mutually beneficial trade, says Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-and-india-have-a-lot-to-gain-from-mutually-beneficial-trade-says-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-484039/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A case was registered&nbsp;to investigate potential financial irregularities at the party-backed Young Indian, which owns the National Herald newspaper.

Officials said the agency wants to record Sonia and Rahul Gandhi's comments under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Indian National Congress (INC) party president Sonia Gandhi and her MP son Rahul Gandhi for questioning in a money laundering case worth millions of rupees.

India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Indian National Congress (INC) party president Sonia Gandhi and her MP son Rahul Gandhi for questioning in a money laundering case worth millions of rupees. The case is linked to the National Herald newspaper. Rahul Gandhi has been asked to appear on June 2nd while Sonia Gandhi has been summoned to depose before the federal agency on June 8th. Speaking at a press conference, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the president will comply with the summons. Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has requested a postponement till after June 5 on account of not being present in India at the moment. Singhvi further called this a conspiracy on the part of the leading Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that "the Modi government should know that by registering such fake and fabricated cases, they cannot succeed in their cowardly conspiracy." "The entire party and every worker will stand shoulder to shoulder with them and we will fight and win this attack on the country's democracy." Also read | Delhi HC to hear on January 15 appeal of AJL, publisher of National Herald The summons is related to a nine-year-old complaint filed by Subramanian Swamy, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul. Swamy, a lawmaker, accused the Gandhis of creating a shell corporation and obtaining ownership of properties worth $300 million unlawfully. The assets in dispute belonged to a company that published the National Herald newspaper, which was created in 1937 by Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul Gandhi's great grandfather and India's first prime minister. Watch | Pakistan and India have a lot to gain from mutually beneficial trade, says Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif A case was registered to investigate potential financial irregularities at the party-backed Young Indian, which owns the National Herald newspaper. Officials said the agency wants to record Sonia and Rahul Gandhi's comments under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). (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.

India: Sonia Gandhi, son Rahul summoned in money-laundering case, Congress party calls it conspiracy

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months.

Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh.

"I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

"I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said.

The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster".

The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said.

Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister.

"He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh.

If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail".

Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes."

"I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said.

He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor.

Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post.

In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress.

"I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters.

"They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said.

"I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said.

To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and

I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics."

"I have only resigned for myself," he said.

"I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said.

In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge.

"I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh.

The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability.

"I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign.

"In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. 
Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question.

Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present.

"I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.&nbsp;

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls. The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months. Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh. "I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. "I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said. The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster". The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said. Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister. "He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh. If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail". Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes." "I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said. He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor. Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post. In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress. "I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters. "They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said. "I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said. To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics." "I have only resigned for myself," he said. "I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said. In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge. "I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh. The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability. "I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign. "In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question. Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present. "I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.

India's Punjab state chief minister resigns, says 'feel humiliated'

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President, Sonia Gandhi, has appointed Navjot Singh Sidhu as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee on Sunday.

The decision was announced after several meetings between the higher leadership of the Congress party and Sidhu. The 57-year-old minister had also met Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh, in the past few days.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
AICC President Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. <a href="https://t.co/c7ggMUSCts">pic.twitter.com/c7ggMUSCts</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1416790878832644102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

These meetings between Congress leaders and Sidhu had sparked rumours about his re-entry in the party’s senior leadership.

Sidhu has earlier, too, served in Amarinder Singh’s cabinet but had resigned after his portfolio was changed in 2019, which upset the former cricketer. Since then, the two politicians have locked horns on several issues.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Seeking guidance of Presidents of the illustrious Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee … Conversations with wise men, worth months of Education !! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/Tq5uqkbp6m">pic.twitter.com/Tq5uqkbp6m</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1416332798802104322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Aiming to fix the fight between the two before the polls next year, Punjab in-charge, Harish Rawat, had been scheduling meetings with the two leaders in the past few days.

As per reports, while Sidhu has been awarded the new leadership role, Singh has decided to not meet Sidhu till he apologises for tweets in which he had criticised the Singh government. However, these reports have not been substantiated by party member.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President, Sonia Gandhi, has appointed Navjot Singh Sidhu as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee on Sunday.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President, Sonia Gandhi, has appointed Navjot Singh Sidhu as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee on Sunday. The decision was announced after several meetings between the higher leadership of the Congress party and Sidhu. The 57-year-old minister had also met Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh, in the past few days. AICC President Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/c7ggMUSCts — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2021 × These meetings between Congress leaders and Sidhu had sparked rumours about his re-entry in the party’s senior leadership. Sidhu has earlier, too, served in Amarinder Singh’s cabinet but had resigned after his portfolio was changed in 2019, which upset the former cricketer. Since then, the two politicians have locked horns on several issues. Seeking guidance of Presidents of the illustrious Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee … Conversations with wise men, worth months of Education !! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Tq5uqkbp6m — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) July 17, 2021 × Aiming to fix the fight between the two before the polls next year, Punjab in-charge, Harish Rawat, had been scheduling meetings with the two leaders in the past few days. As per reports, while Sidhu has been awarded the new leadership role, Singh has decided to not meet Sidhu till he apologises for tweets in which he had criticised the Singh government. However, these reports have not been substantiated by party member.

Sonia Gandhi appoints Navjot Singh Sidhu as Chief of Punjab Congress

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to provide free education at Navodaya Vidyalayas to children who lost either both parents or an earning parent to COVID-19.

"Amidst the devastation caused by the pandemic and the heart-wrenching tragedies being faced by affected families news of young children losing one or both parents to COVID-19 are the most poignant. These children are left with the trauma of loss and no support towards a stable education or future," the letter said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-step-up-measures-for-well-being-protection-of-children-during-covid-19-second-wave-sc-judge-383754">Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge</a>

"As you are aware, one of my husband Rajiv Gandhi`s most significant legacies is the network of Navodaya Vidyalayas. It was his dream to make high-quality modem education accessible and affordable to talented youth, predominantly from rural areas.

There are now, as you know, 661 such schools across the country," it further said."I am writing to request you to consider providing free education at the Navodaya Vidhyalayas to children who have lost either both parents or an earning parent on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pandemic-can-leave-long-term-effect-on-kids-mental-health-study-385473">Pandemic can leave long-term effect on kids' mental health: Study</a>

I feel that as a nation, we owe it to them to give them hope for a robust future after the unimaginable tragedy that has befallen them," the Congress leader concluded.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to provide free education at Navodaya Vidyalayas to children who lost either both parents or an earning parent to COVID-19.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to provide free education at Navodaya Vidyalayas to children who lost either both parents or an earning parent to COVID-19. "Amidst the devastation caused by the pandemic and the heart-wrenching tragedies being faced by affected families news of young children losing one or both parents to COVID-19 are the most poignant. These children are left with the trauma of loss and no support towards a stable education or future," the letter said. Also read | Need to step up measures for well-being, protection of children during COVID-19 second wave: SC judge "As you are aware, one of my husband Rajiv Gandhi`s most significant legacies is the network of Navodaya Vidyalayas. It was his dream to make high-quality modem education accessible and affordable to talented youth, predominantly from rural areas. There are now, as you know, 661 such schools across the country," it further said."I am writing to request you to consider providing free education at the Navodaya Vidhyalayas to children who have lost either both parents or an earning parent on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Pandemic can leave long-term effect on kids' mental health: Study I feel that as a nation, we owe it to them to give them hope for a robust future after the unimaginable tragedy that has befallen them," the Congress leader concluded.

Sonia Gandhi writes to PM, requests free education for children who lost parents to COVID-19

Senior leader and Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday said that the party would soon begin the process to elect its new chief, adding that 99.9 per cent of party members back Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Surjewala's comments came as Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is all set to meet the party's rebel leaders who are demanding a structural overhaul and an "active" and "full-time" leadership.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-agrees-to-meet-rebel-congress-leaders-in-person-350542">Sonia Gandhi agrees to meet 'rebel' Congress leaders in person</a>

"Party will soon start the procedure to elect a new party president. Electoral college of Congress, AICC members, Congress workers &amp; members will choose who's best suited. 99.9% of people including me want Rahul Gandhi to be elected as party president," Surjewala was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-extends-support-to-bharat-bandh-as-deadlock-between-farmers-govt-continues-347886">Congress extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' as deadlock between farmers, govt continues</a>

India's Grand Old Party is witnessing declining support ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi established himself in the national politics and later won two general elections with a resounding mandate.&nbsp;

Rahul was Congress's prime ministerial candidate during the 2019 election in which party again performed poorly, which led to his resignation as the party president.

He also had said that no one from his family, including his mother Sonia and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will head Congress and ever since his resignation more than a year ago, the party has failed to elect a permanent leader. &nbsp;

Other than Lok Sabha polls, Congress also faced a drubbing in Bihar Assembly polls and lost power in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Its failures triggered 23 dissenting leaders to write a letter demanding an overhaul of the party in August.

Senior leader and Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday said that the party would soon begin the process to elect its new chief, adding that 99.

Senior leader and Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday said that the party would soon begin the process to elect its new chief, adding that 99.9 per cent of party members back Rahul Gandhi. Surjewala's comments came as Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is all set to meet the party's rebel leaders who are demanding a structural overhaul and an "active" and "full-time" leadership. Also read | Sonia Gandhi agrees to meet 'rebel' Congress leaders in person "Party will soon start the procedure to elect a new party president. Electoral college of Congress, AICC members, Congress workers & members will choose who's best suited. 99.9% of people including me want Rahul Gandhi to be elected as party president," Surjewala was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. Also read | Congress extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' as deadlock between farmers, govt continues India's Grand Old Party is witnessing declining support ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi established himself in the national politics and later won two general elections with a resounding mandate. Rahul was Congress's prime ministerial candidate during the 2019 election in which party again performed poorly, which led to his resignation as the party president. He also had said that no one from his family, including his mother Sonia and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will head Congress and ever since his resignation more than a year ago, the party has failed to elect a permanent leader. Other than Lok Sabha polls, Congress also faced a drubbing in Bihar Assembly polls and lost power in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Its failures triggered 23 dissenting leaders to write a letter demanding an overhaul of the party in August.

99.9% want Rahul Gandhi as Congress president: Randeep Surjewala

Congress president Sonia Gandhi is set to meet some of the Congress dissenters who had earlier written a letter to her flagging leadership crisis.&nbsp;

Several reports claimed that Gandhi will be holding a series of meetings on December 19 and 20 with party leaders over key issues and will also meet some important members of the rebel leaders.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-extends-support-to-bharat-bandh-as-deadlock-between-farmers-govt-continues-347886">Congress extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' as deadlock between farmers, govt continues</a>

It is not clear whether other key Congress leaders and Sonia's children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be a part of the meeting.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khurshid-slams-congress-critics-says-support-to-gandhis-apparent-to-anyone-who-isnt-blind-344717">Khurshid slams Congress critics, says support to Gandhis 'apparent to anyone who isn't blind'</a>

The dissent leaders include Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Ghulam Nabi Azar and deputy leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha (Rajya Sabha) Anand Sharma will meet the party chief, sources told news agency PTI.

This will be the first face-to-face meeting of Sonia with party leaders after the coronavirus pandemic spread in India.

The meetings will focus on key issues that are concerning Congress, its performance in the recent polls and its strategy ahead of the winter session of Parliament.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath played a key role in acting as a mediator between Congress dissenters and party leadership which resulted in this meeting.

On August, 23 Congress leaders signed a letter demanding party to have a "full and active leadership", more than a year after its lacklustre performance in the 2019 general election and after it lost power in the state of Madhya Pradesh. &nbsp;

Congress president Sonia Gandhi is set to meet some of the Congress dissenters who had earlier written a letter to her flagging leadership crisis. Several reports claimed that Gandhi will be holding a series of meetings on December 19 and 20 with party leaders over key issues and will also meet some important members of the rebel leaders.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi is set to meet some of the Congress dissenters who had earlier written a letter to her flagging leadership crisis. Several reports claimed that Gandhi will be holding a series of meetings on December 19 and 20 with party leaders over key issues and will also meet some important members of the rebel leaders. Also read | Congress extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' as deadlock between farmers, govt continues It is not clear whether other key Congress leaders and Sonia's children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be a part of the meeting. Also read | Khurshid slams Congress critics, says support to Gandhis 'apparent to anyone who isn't blind' The dissent leaders include Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Ghulam Nabi Azar and deputy leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha (Rajya Sabha) Anand Sharma will meet the party chief, sources told news agency PTI. This will be the first face-to-face meeting of Sonia with party leaders after the coronavirus pandemic spread in India. The meetings will focus on key issues that are concerning Congress, its performance in the recent polls and its strategy ahead of the winter session of Parliament. Reports suggest that senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath played a key role in acting as a mediator between Congress dissenters and party leadership which resulted in this meeting. On August, 23 Congress leaders signed a letter demanding party to have a "full and active leadership", more than a year after its lacklustre performance in the 2019 general election and after it lost power in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi agrees to meet 'rebel' Congress leaders in person

I did not know that it would be my last Eid with Ahmed bhai. I saw him take all precaution and never once suspected that he would fall ill and would never make his way back home.

The last two decades of the Indian National Congress cannot be understood without knowing Ahmed Patel. It will not be wrong to say that Congress, as we know it today, belonged to Ahmed Patel.&nbsp;

He was fondly called as AP by both junior and senior partners. It is not as if AP had no history before Sonia Gandhi, but he came into his own during her tenure. The irony is that he also witnessed the lowest phase of his career during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as the president of the Party.&nbsp;

AP became MP from Gujarat in the 1980s, and since then never looked back. In the late 80s, he made a switch to the Rajya Sabha and did well even during PV Narasimha Rao’s tenure in the Congress.

It would be impossible to cover Congress during Sonia’s days if one did not have access to her all powerful political secretary - AP. It also remained impossible to understand Congress even when Rahul Gandhi sidelined AP during his tenure.&nbsp;

Patel's institutional memory served everyone associated with him. My first brush with AP was in 2004 when I was a junior reporter in a TV channel. Those were different days, perhaps. I had done a story that was not particularly complimentary to him. He called me, asking that I inserted his version of events, not a word of anger passed his lips on the overall tone of the story nor was my editor called over the story.

During the reign of UPA, his power and reach remained immense. I remember a serving Cabinet minister calling me and complaining that even Sonia Gandhi does not keep the sanctity of a private conversation. When I asked the reason, she said she had gone to 10, Janpath to inform Gandhi that she would be on leave for 10 days in Europe and by the time she left the premise, she received a call from AP asking her which countries she intended to visit, and that he too be kept in the loop.&nbsp;

My answer was that if the boss loves him, then you cannot fight him. Make peace with AP.&nbsp;

A second conversation I recall was Patel’s own assessment of himself. &nbsp;On many issues, he did not see eye to eye with Rahul Gandhi but was candid enough to admit that one cannot perform surgery on nature, and that the work had to be done with what one has.&nbsp;

When I probed him about being sidelined after all he did for the party, his answer would remain the same.&nbsp;

“Not a single person would stand at my gate if the party realised that Sonia Gandhi is not interested in working with me,” he would say.&nbsp;

He knew his power and limit, and understood that it was a symbiotic relationship. Perhaps it is for this reason that he dispassionately spoke against all 23 dissenters in Congress Working Committee when they questioned Sonia Gandhi’s way of functioning.&nbsp;

It was not as if he was surprised by the letter. He knew the letter existed and also knew what his last stand was.&nbsp;

Lastly, he was a quintessential Congressman. He has taken many secrets to grave. He chose never to speak in public. He would always call back, irrespective of rank and designation and never hold a grudge.&nbsp;

There are many anecdotes I have of AP, but time is not ripe to share but with this I would like to end this obit.&nbsp;

During a reporting assignment, I sent a text message to AP by mistake. The message was supposed to be sent to my editor. The text message read that “AP has confirmed that this particular minister would be asked to resign because madam thinks that continuation is untenable. We can run with the story”.&nbsp;

I ran with the story after speaking with my editor not realising that the message was not with him. The story broke, I won the day but also received a lashing from AP saying that he would never speak with me again. I thought that it would end my reporting in Congress.&nbsp;

It was 2008 but I received a call in evening where AP apologised to me for shouting at me.

And like a true self effacing Gujarati he said, "You got to be careful in what you speak or write in context of me. I don’t like my name being taken. Just see to it."

This was AP -- a powerful back room person but humble who never let power run in his head. He will be missed above all for the powerful political observer he was despite being a player in the system.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

I did not know that it would be my last Eid with Ahmed bhai. I saw him take all precaution and never once suspected that he would fall ill and would never make his way back home.

I did not know that it would be my last Eid with Ahmed bhai. I saw him take all precaution and never once suspected that he would fall ill and would never make his way back home. The last two decades of the Indian National Congress cannot be understood without knowing Ahmed Patel. It will not be wrong to say that Congress, as we know it today, belonged to Ahmed Patel. He was fondly called as AP by both junior and senior partners. It is not as if AP had no history before Sonia Gandhi, but he came into his own during her tenure. The irony is that he also witnessed the lowest phase of his career during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as the president of the Party. AP became MP from Gujarat in the 1980s, and since then never looked back. In the late 80s, he made a switch to the Rajya Sabha and did well even during PV Narasimha Rao’s tenure in the Congress. It would be impossible to cover Congress during Sonia’s days if one did not have access to her all powerful political secretary - AP. It also remained impossible to understand Congress even when Rahul Gandhi sidelined AP during his tenure. Patel's institutional memory served everyone associated with him. My first brush with AP was in 2004 when I was a junior reporter in a TV channel. Those were different days, perhaps. I had done a story that was not particularly complimentary to him. He called me, asking that I inserted his version of events, not a word of anger passed his lips on the overall tone of the story nor was my editor called over the story. During the reign of UPA, his power and reach remained immense. I remember a serving Cabinet minister calling me and complaining that even Sonia Gandhi does not keep the sanctity of a private conversation. When I asked the reason, she said she had gone to 10, Janpath to inform Gandhi that she would be on leave for 10 days in Europe and by the time she left the premise, she received a call from AP asking her which countries she intended to visit, and that he too be kept in the loop. My answer was that if the boss loves him, then you cannot fight him. Make peace with AP. A second conversation I recall was Patel’s own assessment of himself. On many issues, he did not see eye to eye with Rahul Gandhi but was candid enough to admit that one cannot perform surgery on nature, and that the work had to be done with what one has. When I probed him about being sidelined after all he did for the party, his answer would remain the same. “Not a single person would stand at my gate if the party realised that Sonia Gandhi is not interested in working with me,” he would say. He knew his power and limit, and understood that it was a symbiotic relationship. Perhaps it is for this reason that he dispassionately spoke against all 23 dissenters in Congress Working Committee when they questioned Sonia Gandhi’s way of functioning. It was not as if he was surprised by the letter. He knew the letter existed and also knew what his last stand was. Lastly, he was a quintessential Congressman. He has taken many secrets to grave. He chose never to speak in public. He would always call back, irrespective of rank and designation and never hold a grudge. There are many anecdotes I have of AP, but time is not ripe to share but with this I would like to end this obit. During a reporting assignment, I sent a text message to AP by mistake. The message was supposed to be sent to my editor. The text message read that “AP has confirmed that this particular minister would be asked to resign because madam thinks that continuation is untenable. We can run with the story”. I ran with the story after speaking with my editor not realising that the message was not with him. The story broke, I won the day but also received a lashing from AP saying that he would never speak with me again. I thought that it would end my reporting in Congress. It was 2008 but I received a call in evening where AP apologised to me for shouting at me. And like a true self effacing Gujarati he said, "You got to be careful in what you speak or write in context of me. I don’t like my name being taken. Just see to it." This was AP -- a powerful back room person but humble who never let power run in his head. He will be missed above all for the powerful political observer he was despite being a player in the system. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

The Ahmed Patel I knew

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled senior party leader Ahmed Patel's death on Wednesday, saying she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend" whose entire life was dedicated to the party.

Patel (71) passed away in the early hours on Wednesday at a Delhi hospital due to multiple organ failure more than a month after he tested positive for COVID-19.

In her condolence message for Patel, who served as her political secretary for years, Gandhi said, “In Shri Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party."

His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others, she said.

"I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support," the Congress president said.&nbsp;

Patel had tested positive for Covid-19 on October 1. He was hospitalised on November 15 after his health condition deteriorated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled senior party leader Ahmed Patel's death on Wednesday, saying she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend" whose entire life was dedicated to the party.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled senior party leader Ahmed Patel's death on Wednesday, saying she has lost an "irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend" whose entire life was dedicated to the party. Patel (71) passed away in the early hours on Wednesday at a Delhi hospital due to multiple organ failure more than a month after he tested positive for COVID-19. In her condolence message for Patel, who served as her political secretary for years, Gandhi said, “In Shri Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party." His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others, she said. "I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support," the Congress president said. Patel had tested positive for Covid-19 on October 1. He was hospitalised on November 15 after his health condition deteriorated. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Lost an irreplaceable comrade, faithful colleague’: Sonia Gandhi on Ahmed Patel's demise

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday slammed other leaders for criticising the grand old party for its dismal performance in recent elections and declining support.&nbsp;

Khurshid, who is considered close to the Gandhi family, said that overall support for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi is "apparent to anyone who is not blind".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-cm-ashok-gehlot-slams-senior-party-leader-kapil-sibal-for-congress-criticism-343567">Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot slams senior party leader Kapil Sibal for Congress criticism</a>

"I think that is apparent to anyone who is not blind, that people are fully supportive of Congress president Sonia ji and of Mr Rahul Gandhi, who is our former president. Everybody supports them," he said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-like-a-child-trying-to-impress-teacher-barack-obama-says-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342781">Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a>

In an interview to news agency PTI, he also said that the party's leadership "listens" to other party members and voicing out the views outside the party forums "hurts" it.&nbsp;

"The leadership listens to me, I am given an opportunity, they (those criticising in the media) are given an opportunity, where does this thing come from that the leadership is not listening," Khurshid said. &nbsp;

Recently, leaders and former Cabinet ministers like Kapil Sibal and P Chidambaram had said that the time for introspection is over and the party has failed to remain as the top alternative to the ruling BJP.&nbsp;

"Analysis is done all the time, there is no quarrel about analysis. It will be done. The leadership, of which all these people are a part, will appropriately look at what may have gone wrong, how we could have improved, and that will happen in the normal course, we needn't talk about it in the public," Khurshid added.&nbsp;

Khurshid also said that he agreed with the views of other leaders who have openly criticised but adds that there was no reason to air these opinions to media.&nbsp;

When asked that the party has still not elected its president for more than a year following its poor show in the general election, Khurshid gave examples of several parties that are running without presidents and said the process to choose party chief is being conducted and there is a good reason why the process is taking the time. &nbsp;

"Nobody has gone away, they are all here. The only insistence is on a label, why do you insist on a label. There is no president in the Bahujan Samaj Party, there is no chairman in the Left wing parties, only general secretaries...Every party cannot follow the same model," the senior Congress leader said.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday slammed other leaders for criticising the grand old party for its dismal performance in recent elections and declining support.

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Sunday slammed other leaders for criticising the grand old party for its dismal performance in recent elections and declining support. Khurshid, who is considered close to the Gandhi family, said that overall support for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi is "apparent to anyone who is not blind". Also read | Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot slams senior party leader Kapil Sibal for Congress criticism "I think that is apparent to anyone who is not blind, that people are fully supportive of Congress president Sonia ji and of Mr Rahul Gandhi, who is our former president. Everybody supports them," he said. Also read | Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' In an interview to news agency PTI, he also said that the party's leadership "listens" to other party members and voicing out the views outside the party forums "hurts" it. "The leadership listens to me, I am given an opportunity, they (those criticising in the media) are given an opportunity, where does this thing come from that the leadership is not listening," Khurshid said. Recently, leaders and former Cabinet ministers like Kapil Sibal and P Chidambaram had said that the time for introspection is over and the party has failed to remain as the top alternative to the ruling BJP. "Analysis is done all the time, there is no quarrel about analysis. It will be done. The leadership, of which all these people are a part, will appropriately look at what may have gone wrong, how we could have improved, and that will happen in the normal course, we needn't talk about it in the public," Khurshid added. Khurshid also said that he agreed with the views of other leaders who have openly criticised but adds that there was no reason to air these opinions to media. When asked that the party has still not elected its president for more than a year following its poor show in the general election, Khurshid gave examples of several parties that are running without presidents and said the process to choose party chief is being conducted and there is a good reason why the process is taking the time. "Nobody has gone away, they are all here. The only insistence is on a label, why do you insist on a label. There is no president in the Bahujan Samaj Party, there is no chairman in the Left wing parties, only general secretaries...Every party cannot follow the same model," the senior Congress leader said.

Khurshid slams Congress critics, says support to Gandhis 'apparent to anyone who isn't blind '

Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions&nbsp;several senior Indian leaders from Congress.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi find mention in the book.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-like-a-child-trying-to-impress-teacher-barack-obama-says-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342781">Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a>

Obama compared Singh with former US Secretary of Defence Bob Gates, saying both coming across as "having a kind of impassive integrity".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remake-the-world-barack-obama-urges-youngsters-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342779">'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a>

The former president also wrote about Sonia's beauty, saying "we are told of the handsomeness of men like Charlie Crist and Rahm Emanuel, but not the beauty of women, except for one or two instances, as in the case of Sonia Gandhi."

While describing Rahul Gandhi, Obama called him a "student" who "was eager to impress the teacher" but lacked "either the aptitude or the aptitude to master the subject".&nbsp;

Rahul has "a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who’d done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," writes Obama.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nervous-unformed-obamas-impression-of-rahul-gandhi-343053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Obama also wrote on the recent US President-elect Joe Biden, who was also the vice president during his tenure, saying: "He is a decent man who might get prickly if he thought he wasn’t given his due –– a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss".&nbsp;

Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions several senior Indian leaders from Congress.

Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions several senior Indian leaders from Congress. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi find mention in the book. Also read | Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' Obama compared Singh with former US Secretary of Defence Bob Gates, saying both coming across as "having a kind of impassive integrity". Also read | 'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' The former president also wrote about Sonia's beauty, saying "we are told of the handsomeness of men like Charlie Crist and Rahm Emanuel, but not the beauty of women, except for one or two instances, as in the case of Sonia Gandhi." While describing Rahul Gandhi, Obama called him a "student" who "was eager to impress the teacher" but lacked "either the aptitude or the aptitude to master the subject". Rahul has "a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who’d done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," writes Obama. × Obama also wrote on the recent US President-elect Joe Biden, who was also the vice president during his tenure, saying: "He is a decent man who might get prickly if he thought he wasn’t given his due –– a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss".

From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections.

The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party. It also blunts the charge of the gang of 23 of Congress being unresponsive to certain organizational issues.

This turn become important for the fact that Ahmed Patel was in fore front of defending Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in Congress Working Committee.

For Ahmad Patel to support this position means that all fences are mended with the Gandhi’s and once again he has emerged as the main trouble shooter for the Gandhi’s.

This will be preceded by the formation of a four-member committee which will assist interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi for next 6 months.

This decision succeeds the Congress Working Committee meeting where split was open between the Gandhi’s and the gang of 23.

When spoke to couple of signatories and all of them were of the issue that CWC failed to discuss the substantial nature of the letter. One of them candidly said that Congress cannot be run like a private fiefdom.

Nonetheless, CWC witnessed consolidation for the Gandhi family. One has to wait and see how member committee will be made and whether detractors would be accommodated in it.

Ahmed Patel in the CWC had pulled up Congress leader Anand Sharma on the letter controversy.

Though old timers like Mukul Wasnik also spoke their mind. They said that if the letter is objectionable and if there is anything anti-Gandhi, then action can be taken against them.

The divide in the Congress is hard reality. The only link between the old and new remains Ahmed Patel.

Only thing one will have to wait and see is as to how the difference between the Gang of 23 and Gandhi’s play out in future with AP in the middle.

WION knows that AP advised the leaders not to shoot of the letter and speak to Mrs. Gandhi in person on organizational issues.

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections. The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party.

Speaking to WION, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said that there will be election to the post of the Congress President and anyone can fight the elections. The statement set the ball for ending the question of non-Gandhi leading the Congress Party. It also blunts the charge of the gang of 23 of Congress being unresponsive to certain organizational issues. This turn become important for the fact that Ahmed Patel was in fore front of defending Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in Congress Working Committee. For Ahmad Patel to support this position means that all fences are mended with the Gandhi’s and once again he has emerged as the main trouble shooter for the Gandhi’s. This will be preceded by the formation of a four-member committee which will assist interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi for next 6 months. This decision succeeds the Congress Working Committee meeting where split was open between the Gandhi’s and the gang of 23. When spoke to couple of signatories and all of them were of the issue that CWC failed to discuss the substantial nature of the letter. One of them candidly said that Congress cannot be run like a private fiefdom. Nonetheless, CWC witnessed consolidation for the Gandhi family. One has to wait and see how member committee will be made and whether detractors would be accommodated in it. Ahmed Patel in the CWC had pulled up Congress leader Anand Sharma on the letter controversy. Though old timers like Mukul Wasnik also spoke their mind. They said that if the letter is objectionable and if there is anything anti-Gandhi, then action can be taken against them. The divide in the Congress is hard reality. The only link between the old and new remains Ahmed Patel. Only thing one will have to wait and see is as to how the difference between the Gang of 23 and Gandhi’s play out in future with AP in the middle. WION knows that AP advised the leaders not to shoot of the letter and speak to Mrs. Gandhi in person on organizational issues.

Congress to hold elections for the post of president: Ahmed Patel

Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, whose name figured in the list of 23 leaders, who demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president, said on Monday that their communication should not be seen as dissent, but good suggestions were given in party's interest.

Another signatory to the letter, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, however, declined to comment on the party's "internal matters".

Bhattal said that Sonia Gandhi had been made interim president of the Congress last year.

That was less than two years after she voluntarily relinquished the top post in favour of her son Rahul Gandhi who refused to continue as Congress chief (after the 2019 general election defeat), the former Punjab CM said.

After her tenure (as interim chief) came to an end on August 10, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till such time a "proper procedure" is implemented in the "not too distant future" to elect a party chief.

"She (Sonia Gandhi) had said that she will continue for one year and her tenure was to come to an end on August 10. Rahul ji had earlier said that he does not want to continue as party chief.

"In light of these things, we had given our suggestions (in the letter). Those who have read the full contents of the letter know that we have praised Sonia Gandhi and her leadership," Bhattal told PTI.

She said that despite the tragedies Sonia Gandhi faced on the personal front -- losing her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi and husband Rajiv Gandhi -- "she moved on and effectively guided the Congress and formed government at the Centre twice".

"Soniaji's leadership is acceptable to all, but we had said that a working group be formed under her which will be directly answerable to her. This was our demand, there is nothing wrong, it was not dissent, it was a suggestion letter, we gave good points to make the party strong," said the senior Congress leader.

On the other hand, when asked about the letter during an informal chat, Hooda replied, "I won't make any comment on the party's internal matters." He, however, said the Congress needs to be strengthened.

The Congress Working Committee on Monday urged Sonia Gandhi to continue as its interim chief till an AICC session can be convened and authorised her to effect necessary organisational changes to deal with the challenges facing the party.

At an over seven-hour long meeting, which took place in the backdrop of more than 20 party leaders seeking an immediate organisational overhaul and a collective leadership, Gandhi is said to have offered to quit but was requested by the party's top decision-making panel with over 50 members to stay on.

Bhattal said, "We had suggested that a working group should be formed under her and an AICC session should be summoned. We always accepted Sonia ji's leadership and never were any question marks raised. We have been well-wishers of the Nehru-Gandhi family, which made sacrifices for the nation's sake."

She said that Sonia Gandhi ran things quite smoothly being at the helm.

"But she had herself said last year that she will be there for one year. It is good that she will continue now," Bhattal said.

Bhattal said assembly elections are due in Punjab in over a year, polls in other states are going to take place in coming months and the suggestions they gave was to strength party for the elections also.

Asked why then there has been criticism to their letter, Bhattal replied: "Sometimes, things get misinterpreted in the media. We all want that Congress should be further strengthened. It is a grand old party which first fought for the country's freedom and then ran the country for all these years. To speak for strengthening the party, I think there is nothing wrong in that."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, whose name figured in the list of 23 leaders, who demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president, said on Monday that their communication should not be seen as dissent, but good suggestions were given in party's interest.

Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, whose name figured in the list of 23 leaders, who demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president, said on Monday that their communication should not be seen as dissent, but good suggestions were given in party's interest. Another signatory to the letter, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, however, declined to comment on the party's "internal matters". Bhattal said that Sonia Gandhi had been made interim president of the Congress last year. That was less than two years after she voluntarily relinquished the top post in favour of her son Rahul Gandhi who refused to continue as Congress chief (after the 2019 general election defeat), the former Punjab CM said. After her tenure (as interim chief) came to an end on August 10, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till such time a "proper procedure" is implemented in the "not too distant future" to elect a party chief. "She (Sonia Gandhi) had said that she will continue for one year and her tenure was to come to an end on August 10. Rahul ji had earlier said that he does not want to continue as party chief. "In light of these things, we had given our suggestions (in the letter). Those who have read the full contents of the letter know that we have praised Sonia Gandhi and her leadership," Bhattal told PTI. She said that despite the tragedies Sonia Gandhi faced on the personal front -- losing her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi and husband Rajiv Gandhi -- "she moved on and effectively guided the Congress and formed government at the Centre twice". "Soniaji's leadership is acceptable to all, but we had said that a working group be formed under her which will be directly answerable to her. This was our demand, there is nothing wrong, it was not dissent, it was a suggestion letter, we gave good points to make the party strong," said the senior Congress leader. On the other hand, when asked about the letter during an informal chat, Hooda replied, "I won't make any comment on the party's internal matters." He, however, said the Congress needs to be strengthened. The Congress Working Committee on Monday urged Sonia Gandhi to continue as its interim chief till an AICC session can be convened and authorised her to effect necessary organisational changes to deal with the challenges facing the party. At an over seven-hour long meeting, which took place in the backdrop of more than 20 party leaders seeking an immediate organisational overhaul and a collective leadership, Gandhi is said to have offered to quit but was requested by the party's top decision-making panel with over 50 members to stay on. Bhattal said, "We had suggested that a working group should be formed under her and an AICC session should be summoned. We always accepted Sonia ji's leadership and never were any question marks raised. We have been well-wishers of the Nehru-Gandhi family, which made sacrifices for the nation's sake." She said that Sonia Gandhi ran things quite smoothly being at the helm. "But she had herself said last year that she will be there for one year. It is good that she will continue now," Bhattal said. Bhattal said assembly elections are due in Punjab in over a year, polls in other states are going to take place in coming months and the suggestions they gave was to strength party for the elections also. Asked why then there has been criticism to their letter, Bhattal replied: "Sometimes, things get misinterpreted in the media. We all want that Congress should be further strengthened. It is a grand old party which first fought for the country's freedom and then ran the country for all these years. To speak for strengthening the party, I think there is nothing wrong in that."

Letter not dissent, but good suggestions given in Congress's interests: Former Punjab CM

Sonia Gandhi will remain Congress party's interim president for now, new chief to be elected within next six months, said sources as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting concludes after 7 hours.

According to the sources, a panel has also been formed to help Sonia Gandhi in her day-to-day functioning. An All India Congress Committee (AICC) session will be called within six months.&nbsp;

“Congress is one big family and I don’t hold anything against anyone. But all, especially senior leaders should raise concerns at the party forum only,” Sonia Gandhi said in her concluding remarks at the CWC meeting. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi will remain Congress party's interim president for now, new chief to be elected within next six months, said sources as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting concludes after 7 hours.

Sonia Gandhi will remain Congress party's interim president for now, new chief to be elected within next six months, said sources as the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting concludes after 7 hours. According to the sources, a panel has also been formed to help Sonia Gandhi in her day-to-day functioning. An All India Congress Committee (AICC) session will be called within six months. “Congress is one big family and I don’t hold anything against anyone. But all, especially senior leaders should raise concerns at the party forum only,” Sonia Gandhi said in her concluding remarks at the CWC meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi to remain interim Congress chief for a few more months: Sources

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked a section of the party during the Congress Working Committee meet&nbsp;for going public against the leadership, and charged that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leadership-crisis-split-wide-open-322596">Also Read:&nbsp;Also Read - Congress leadership crisis: Split wide open</a>

The charge invited sharp rebuttals from former ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal. Azad said he would resign if any such link is established.

In his brief speech at the CWC, Rahul Gandhi also questioned the timing of the letter, which was sent when Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ 
 
Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party 
 
Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. 
 
Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue 
 
Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal/status/1297794831096459265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Azad, who is one of the signatories read out the contents of the letter, saying the leaders are not questioning Sonia Gandhi and only wanted organisational reform in the larger interest of the party.

Echoes of the fiery CWC meeting which is underway, were also heard outside with former minister Kapil Sibal, another signatory to the letter, publicly questioning Rahul's accusations of a BJP link to the letter seeking sweeping changes to party organisation and elections to the CWC.

"Rahul Gandhi says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!," he tweeted.

Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul Gandhi said Sonia Gandhi had accepted the party presidentship only after the committee last year urged her to take responsibility.

He took on the leaders who went public with their complaints saying, "it is the CWC where we discuss our differences and put out our thoughts, not the media,".

Questioning the timing of Azad's letter, the former Congress chief said the letter was sent when Sonia Gandhi was unwell and was admitted to a hospital and at a time when the Congress was fighting the crisis in Rajasthan. 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked a section of the party during the Congress Working Committee meet for going public against the leadership, and charged that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked a section of the party during the Congress Working Committee meet for going public against the leadership, and charged that the letter seeking leadership changes was written in cahoots with the BJP. Also Read: Also Read - Congress leadership crisis: Split wide open The charge invited sharp rebuttals from former ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal. Azad said he would resign if any such link is established. In his brief speech at the CWC, Rahul Gandhi also questioned the timing of the letter, which was sent when Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised. Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “! — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 × Azad, who is one of the signatories read out the contents of the letter, saying the leaders are not questioning Sonia Gandhi and only wanted organisational reform in the larger interest of the party. Echoes of the fiery CWC meeting which is underway, were also heard outside with former minister Kapil Sibal, another signatory to the letter, publicly questioning Rahul's accusations of a BJP link to the letter seeking sweeping changes to party organisation and elections to the CWC. "Rahul Gandhi says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!," he tweeted. Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul Gandhi said Sonia Gandhi had accepted the party presidentship only after the committee last year urged her to take responsibility. He took on the leaders who went public with their complaints saying, "it is the CWC where we discuss our differences and put out our thoughts, not the media,". Questioning the timing of Azad's letter, the former Congress chief said the letter was sent when Sonia Gandhi was unwell and was admitted to a hospital and at a time when the Congress was fighting the crisis in Rajasthan.

Rahul questions timing of letter to Sonia; alleges written in cahoots with BJP

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi during at Congress Working Committee(CWC)&nbsp;meeting today asked the party committee to relieve her as interim party chief even as former prime minister Manmohan Singh urged her to continue, sources said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ 
 
Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party 
 
Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. 
 
Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue 
 
Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal/status/1297794831096459265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sonia Gandhi referred to a letter by Ghulam Nabi Azad and others while offering to quit, sources said. Sonia Gandhi handed over the letter to KC Venugopal while replying to the note sent by dissidents. The contents of the letter were read out at the party meeting. Sonia Gandhi asked the party leaders to start the process to select a new party chief.

Rahul Gandhi criticised the letter by some leaders and questioned its timing. After Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he will the quit party if found of colluding with the BJP, the sources added.

"Rahul Gandhi says we are colluding with BJP, I have never made a statement in favour of BJP in last 30 years," Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.&nbsp;

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi during at Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting today asked the party committee to relieve her as interim party chief even as former prime minister Manmohan Singh urged her to continue, sources said.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi during at Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting today asked the party committee to relieve her as interim party chief even as former prime minister Manmohan Singh urged her to continue, sources said. Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “ Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt. Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “! — Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 × Sonia Gandhi referred to a letter by Ghulam Nabi Azad and others while offering to quit, sources said. Sonia Gandhi handed over the letter to KC Venugopal while replying to the note sent by dissidents. The contents of the letter were read out at the party meeting. Sonia Gandhi asked the party leaders to start the process to select a new party chief. Rahul Gandhi criticised the letter by some leaders and questioned its timing. After Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he will the quit party if found of colluding with the BJP, the sources added. "Rahul Gandhi says we are colluding with BJP, I have never made a statement in favour of BJP in last 30 years," Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.

Rahul Gandhi says we are colluding with BJP, never made a statement in favour of BJP: Kapil Sibal at CWC meeting

The Indian National Congress instead of reinventing itself after its second successive defeat in Lok Sabha election continues to hop from one crisis to another.&nbsp;

On Sunday, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered her resignation to the party so that a new president can be elected.

Sources inside the Congress party confirmed the letter was indeed written to Sonia Gandhi and she too had responded to the letter.&nbsp;

In the very letter, she had suggested that all issues will be discussed within the party forum and the new leader can be elected if everyone is of the opinion.&nbsp;

According to the reports, Sonia Gandhi is not going to continue as Congress President indefinitely. Regardless of pressure on her from party faithfuls to continue, she will only grace the office until a new president is elected. This period, undoubtedly, is going to be very short.

Sources said that it is for the discussion of the grievances Sonia Gandhi had called for a Congress Working Committee meeting on August 24. It is the leak of Sonia Gandhi’s response which has upset Gandhi family.

This comes in the wake three dozen-odd leaders writing to Sonia Gandhi asking her to commence reforms in the Congress. A set of senior leaders is upset at the fact that decisions in the Congress party are being taken without consultations and Rahul Gandhi continues to run the party through the office of KC Venugopal who happens to be the General Secretary Organisation.

The leaders who shot off a letter to Sonia wants the immediate election to the Congress Working Committee but with Sonia Gandhi putting her papers, it will put them on backfoot. Sonia Gandhi as the Congress President in this period had closely aligned the party with ideas of Rahul Gandhi. Whether it personal and upfront attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on political and security issues to getting KC Venugopal and Rajiv Satav a seat in Rajya Sabha, Sonia Gandhi has supported decisions of Rahul Gandhi. This is being resented by a large majority of leaders that Rahul Gandhi instead of taking everyone along has chosen a set of people to run the party without consultation.

Gandhi camp, on the other hand, feel that letter is a ruse for bargaining for positions within the party. It is suspected that discussion may start from functioning from at the top but concrete compromise may each on important positions like General Secretary Organisation or head of the media department.

Gandhi camp also feels that the crisis is created and not natural. The Opposite camp feels that the party is not been run properly and requires greater participation from all sides rather than being run by a few people. Though sources feel that Sonia’s gesture to put in her paper would be immediately rejected by the seniors in the group who feel that in her absence Rahul’s takeover would become imminent.

The Indian National Congress instead of reinventing itself after its second successive defeat in Lok Sabha election continues to hop from one crisis to another. On Sunday, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered her resignation to the party so that a new president can be elected.

The Indian National Congress instead of reinventing itself after its second successive defeat in Lok Sabha election continues to hop from one crisis to another. On Sunday, interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered her resignation to the party so that a new president can be elected. Sources inside the Congress party confirmed the letter was indeed written to Sonia Gandhi and she too had responded to the letter. In the very letter, she had suggested that all issues will be discussed within the party forum and the new leader can be elected if everyone is of the opinion. According to the reports, Sonia Gandhi is not going to continue as Congress President indefinitely. Regardless of pressure on her from party faithfuls to continue, she will only grace the office until a new president is elected. This period, undoubtedly, is going to be very short. Sources said that it is for the discussion of the grievances Sonia Gandhi had called for a Congress Working Committee meeting on August 24. It is the leak of Sonia Gandhi’s response which has upset Gandhi family. This comes in the wake three dozen-odd leaders writing to Sonia Gandhi asking her to commence reforms in the Congress. A set of senior leaders is upset at the fact that decisions in the Congress party are being taken without consultations and Rahul Gandhi continues to run the party through the office of KC Venugopal who happens to be the General Secretary Organisation. The leaders who shot off a letter to Sonia wants the immediate election to the Congress Working Committee but with Sonia Gandhi putting her papers, it will put them on backfoot. Sonia Gandhi as the Congress President in this period had closely aligned the party with ideas of Rahul Gandhi. Whether it personal and upfront attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on political and security issues to getting KC Venugopal and Rajiv Satav a seat in Rajya Sabha, Sonia Gandhi has supported decisions of Rahul Gandhi. This is being resented by a large majority of leaders that Rahul Gandhi instead of taking everyone along has chosen a set of people to run the party without consultation. Gandhi camp, on the other hand, feel that letter is a ruse for bargaining for positions within the party. It is suspected that discussion may start from functioning from at the top but concrete compromise may each on important positions like General Secretary Organisation or head of the media department. Gandhi camp also feels that the crisis is created and not natural. The Opposite camp feels that the party is not been run properly and requires greater participation from all sides rather than being run by a few people. Though sources feel that Sonia’s gesture to put in her paper would be immediately rejected by the seniors in the group who feel that in her absence Rahul’s takeover would become imminent.

Congress leadership crisis: Split wide open

Congress's interim chief Sonia Gandhi has told her aides that she would step down from the party's top post, sources said

Sonia Gandhi may step down as interim Congress chief | Indian Political Party | WION

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore.

Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief".

Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow.

Earlier, ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on Monday, different voices have emerged within the party with one section comprising sitting MPs and former ministers demanding collective leadership, while another group has sought the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

While two dozen Congress leaders including some ex-ministers have written to party president Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organizational structure and changes to the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul have also written to the CWC pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as chief.

The letter by former ministers and some MPs was believed to have been written a few weeks ago and sets the stage for a stormy CWC meeting where issues flagged by dissenters are expected to be discussed and debated.

These leaders have called for bringing changes in the organization by effecting reforms through decentralisation of power and empowerment of state units besides setting up of the Central Parliamentary Board, a body that existed in the party in the 1970s but was later wound up.

The letter in question has also stressed collective decision-making with the Gandhi family as its "integral part."

They have also called for the appointment of a full-time leadership which is active and which can be easily contacted by workers and leaders.

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore. Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that she does not want to carry out the responsibilities of party chief anymore. Reports citing top party sources claimed that Sonia responded to the letter written to her by over 100 party colleagues, seeking an overhaul of the Congress organization. In her response, she reportedly said they should "get together and elect a new party chief". Sonia Gandhi was appointed for a one-year interim period in August last year. The decision on her exit from the party's topmost position would reportedly be finalised at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled tomorrow. Earlier, ahead of the Congress Working Committee meeting on Monday, different voices have emerged within the party with one section comprising sitting MPs and former ministers demanding collective leadership, while another group has sought the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm. While two dozen Congress leaders including some ex-ministers have written to party president Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organizational structure and changes to the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul have also written to the CWC pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as chief. The letter by former ministers and some MPs was believed to have been written a few weeks ago and sets the stage for a stormy CWC meeting where issues flagged by dissenters are expected to be discussed and debated. These leaders have called for bringing changes in the organization by effecting reforms through decentralisation of power and empowerment of state units besides setting up of the Central Parliamentary Board, a body that existed in the party in the 1970s but was later wound up. The letter in question has also stressed collective decision-making with the Gandhi family as its "integral part." They have also called for the appointment of a full-time leadership which is active and which can be easily contacted by workers and leaders. (With inputs from PTI)

Sonia Gandhi to quit Congress President post, final decision at CWC meeting tomorrow: Reports

Whatever be the fate of Congress government in Rajasthan, a massive blow has been delivered to the Congress leadership by Sachin Pilot. He has shown that central leadership does not count for anything in the Congress and demonstrated the weakness of the Interim Congress President. 
 
Imagine that party’s top leadership was unable to speak to him through Sunday. After Jyotiraditya Scindhia, it will be the second big exit from the Congress if it happens.

Even in Maharashtra, a fait accompli was served to Sonia Gandhi whereby regional leadership went and formed the government with Shiv Sena and NCP.

Secondly, many leaders in the Congress are comparing an impending exit by Sachin Pilot and his marginalization to a purge in the party where they feel that Rahul Gandhi does not want some leaders in the organizational fold anymore. Many have silently conveyed that they are paying the price for suggesting a non-Gandhi name for the position of the President of the party after Rahul Gandhi’s exit.

Thirdly, 2019 Lok Sabha defeat did away with the old binary of old vs new in the Congress Party. After 2019 defeat, a new political architecture has evolved in the Congress. A section of the party is being run by Rahul Gandhi through organizational general secretary K C Venugopal and another by senior leader Ahmad Patel who by virtue of his political weight continues to exercise power in the organization. It is no more a fight between old and new, but between a Rahul Gandhi camp and others, and has young and old in both camps. For example, Sachin Pilot met Ahmad Patel but did not make himself available to the top leadership of the Congress, despite being once considered close to Rahul Gandhi, while Ashok Gehlot is now closer to Rahul Gandhi where he was once considered Ahmad Patel’s man.

Added to this melee is another set of people whom I call the “lost generation” who are loyal Congressmen but considered close to Ahmad Patel and could never reconfigure a relationship with Rahul Gandhi who always regarded them with a degree of suspicion. This “lost generation” is also one of the main reason behind the dissent as most of them joined Congress when Sonia Gandhi was taking over the party in 90s. Coming back to the point, 10 Janpath is confident that Rahul Gandhi would take over as the President of the Congress in August and would like leaders in sync with him, leaving others out in the cold.

In politics, however, wishes don’t&nbsp;turn into reality. If and when Rahul Gandhi takes over the Congress, he will, once again, inherit a party that is at loggerheads with the leadership. Deepinder Hooda’s Rajya Sabha seat is the best example where his father Bhupinder Hooda made sure of his son’s ticket to the Upper House despite opposition from the Gandhi family.

Sachin Pilot may or may not remain in the Congress, but his exit would send a message to leaders like RPN Singh, Milind Deora and Jitin Prasada, people who went on to become the young faces of UPA 2 between 2009-2014 that despite their age (or lack of it) if not firmly aligned with the Gandhi’s, they may have no space in the party.

Though some politicians like Ashok Tanwar have been compromised in the feud, the writing on the wall is clear that Rahul Gandhi will not let go of control and is being actively encouraged to intervene more openly. In the meeting held on Saturday with party MPs, Interim President Sonia Gandhi asked Rahul Gandhi to intervene a number of times when, barring a few, the rest of them praised him for a “successful” anti-government campaign. Rahul Gandhi politely refused to intervene almost all the times but the writing on the wall was clear and that being that this time Sonia Gandhi will not let allow any dissent on Rahul Gandhi.

Sachin Pilot is himself a dynast like Jyotiraditya Scindhia but his reinvention in 2014 made him get rid of the dynast tag. He reinvented himself and worked in Rajasthan where other people were sulking in Delhi. It is for this reason, he still enjoys sympathy.

Life within Congress can continue as normal even if Sachin Pilot leaves, but it will impact its image badly. In the 1970s and 80s, socialists were bitter adversaries of Indira Gandhi, but they could never keep their house in order. They also sealed the image in public that they could neither run a government efficiently nor be a cohesive political unit. In this case, the continuous exit of leaders for varying reasons can reinforce the image that Rahul Gandhi cannot run the Congress properly. Sometimes perceptions become a liability bigger than the actual weight of facts and Rahul Gandhi needs to be mindful of it. By 1990s, Indians junked socialists after romanticising them for 45 years and voted for BJP as an alternative to Congress. Rest is history.

Congress lost Lok Sabha elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. 2024 is far away. If he cannot put the house in order, then there will be nothing to fight against with and Congress will get reduced to another Swatantra Party or Jan Sangh which neither had a say nor the way in Lok Sabha till Indira Gandhi was alive. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Whatever be the fate of Congress government in Rajasthan, a massive blow has been delivered to the Congress leadership by Sachin Pilot. He has shown that central leadership does not count for anything in the Congress and demonstrated the weakness of the Interim Congress President.

Whatever be the fate of Congress government in Rajasthan, a massive blow has been delivered to the Congress leadership by Sachin Pilot. He has shown that central leadership does not count for anything in the Congress and demonstrated the weakness of the Interim Congress President. Imagine that party’s top leadership was unable to speak to him through Sunday. After Jyotiraditya Scindhia, it will be the second big exit from the Congress if it happens. Even in Maharashtra, a fait accompli was served to Sonia Gandhi whereby regional leadership went and formed the government with Shiv Sena and NCP. Secondly, many leaders in the Congress are comparing an impending exit by Sachin Pilot and his marginalization to a purge in the party where they feel that Rahul Gandhi does not want some leaders in the organizational fold anymore. Many have silently conveyed that they are paying the price for suggesting a non-Gandhi name for the position of the President of the party after Rahul Gandhi’s exit. Thirdly, 2019 Lok Sabha defeat did away with the old binary of old vs new in the Congress Party. After 2019 defeat, a new political architecture has evolved in the Congress. A section of the party is being run by Rahul Gandhi through organizational general secretary K C Venugopal and another by senior leader Ahmad Patel who by virtue of his political weight continues to exercise power in the organization. It is no more a fight between old and new, but between a Rahul Gandhi camp and others, and has young and old in both camps. For example, Sachin Pilot met Ahmad Patel but did not make himself available to the top leadership of the Congress, despite being once considered close to Rahul Gandhi, while Ashok Gehlot is now closer to Rahul Gandhi where he was once considered Ahmad Patel’s man. Added to this melee is another set of people whom I call the “lost generation” who are loyal Congressmen but considered close to Ahmad Patel and could never reconfigure a relationship with Rahul Gandhi who always regarded them with a degree of suspicion. This “lost generation” is also one of the main reason behind the dissent as most of them joined Congress when Sonia Gandhi was taking over the party in 90s. Coming back to the point, 10 Janpath is confident that Rahul Gandhi would take over as the President of the Congress in August and would like leaders in sync with him, leaving others out in the cold. In politics, however, wishes don’t turn into reality. If and when Rahul Gandhi takes over the Congress, he will, once again, inherit a party that is at loggerheads with the leadership. Deepinder Hooda’s Rajya Sabha seat is the best example where his father Bhupinder Hooda made sure of his son’s ticket to the Upper House despite opposition from the Gandhi family. Sachin Pilot may or may not remain in the Congress, but his exit would send a message to leaders like RPN Singh, Milind Deora and Jitin Prasada, people who went on to become the young faces of UPA 2 between 2009-2014 that despite their age (or lack of it) if not firmly aligned with the Gandhi’s, they may have no space in the party. Though some politicians like Ashok Tanwar have been compromised in the feud, the writing on the wall is clear that Rahul Gandhi will not let go of control and is being actively encouraged to intervene more openly. In the meeting held on Saturday with party MPs, Interim President Sonia Gandhi asked Rahul Gandhi to intervene a number of times when, barring a few, the rest of them praised him for a “successful” anti-government campaign. Rahul Gandhi politely refused to intervene almost all the times but the writing on the wall was clear and that being that this time Sonia Gandhi will not let allow any dissent on Rahul Gandhi. Sachin Pilot is himself a dynast like Jyotiraditya Scindhia but his reinvention in 2014 made him get rid of the dynast tag. He reinvented himself and worked in Rajasthan where other people were sulking in Delhi. It is for this reason, he still enjoys sympathy. Life within Congress can continue as normal even if Sachin Pilot leaves, but it will impact its image badly. In the 1970s and 80s, socialists were bitter adversaries of Indira Gandhi, but they could never keep their house in order. They also sealed the image in public that they could neither run a government efficiently nor be a cohesive political unit. In this case, the continuous exit of leaders for varying reasons can reinforce the image that Rahul Gandhi cannot run the Congress properly. Sometimes perceptions become a liability bigger than the actual weight of facts and Rahul Gandhi needs to be mindful of it. By 1990s, Indians junked socialists after romanticising them for 45 years and voted for BJP as an alternative to Congress. Rest is history. Congress lost Lok Sabha elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. 2024 is far away. If he cannot put the house in order, then there will be nothing to fight against with and Congress will get reduced to another Swatantra Party or Jan Sangh which neither had a say nor the way in Lok Sabha till Indira Gandhi was alive. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Congress at crossroads again

An all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border on Friday saw leaders of major political parties putting across their views on the sensitive issue.

The virtual meeting began with participants paying tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers killed in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in East Ladakh earlier this week.

Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were seen standing in silence as a mark of respect for the fallen army men.

Singh and Jaishankar spoke on the stand-off at the meeting.

The government had invited presidents of major political parties for the meet.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been asking the government to be transparent about the situation on the border and slammed its handling of the issue.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, to this end, asked the government whether there was any intelligence failure on the situation, and sought an assurance from the prime minister that status quo ante would be restored at the border and China will revert to its original position.

She posed a set of questions to the government, asking specifics about when Chinese troops intruded into the Indian territory in Ladakh and whether the country's external intelligence agencies did not report any unusual activity there.

"The question is, what next? What is the way forward? The entire country would like an assurance that the status quo ante would be restored and China will revert to the original position on the Line of Actual Control," she said.

Gandhi alleged that valuable time was lost between May 5 and June 6 and the government failed to use all avenues of talks to ease the situation and the result was the loss of 20 lives as well as injury to dozens of personnel.

She also asked about the current status of the Mountain Strike Corps, with two mountain infantry divisions, that was sanctioned in 2013. "Should the government not treat it with utmost priority," she asked.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, on her part, said India should not allow entry of Chinese firms in telecom, railway, and aviation sectors.

Apart from them, BJP chief J P Nadda, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, DMK's M K Stalin, YSR Congress Party's YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting.

(with inputs from PTI)

An all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border on Friday saw leaders of major political parties putting across their views on the sensitive issue.

An all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border on Friday saw leaders of major political parties putting across their views on the sensitive issue. The virtual meeting began with participants paying tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers killed in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in East Ladakh earlier this week. Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were seen standing in silence as a mark of respect for the fallen army men. Singh and Jaishankar spoke on the stand-off at the meeting. The government had invited presidents of major political parties for the meet. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been asking the government to be transparent about the situation on the border and slammed its handling of the issue. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, to this end, asked the government whether there was any intelligence failure on the situation, and sought an assurance from the prime minister that status quo ante would be restored at the border and China will revert to its original position. She posed a set of questions to the government, asking specifics about when Chinese troops intruded into the Indian territory in Ladakh and whether the country's external intelligence agencies did not report any unusual activity there. "The question is, what next? What is the way forward? The entire country would like an assurance that the status quo ante would be restored and China will revert to the original position on the Line of Actual Control," she said. Gandhi alleged that valuable time was lost between May 5 and June 6 and the government failed to use all avenues of talks to ease the situation and the result was the loss of 20 lives as well as injury to dozens of personnel. She also asked about the current status of the Mountain Strike Corps, with two mountain infantry divisions, that was sanctioned in 2013. "Should the government not treat it with utmost priority," she asked. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, on her part, said India should not allow entry of Chinese firms in telecom, railway, and aviation sectors. Apart from them, BJP chief J P Nadda, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, DMK's M K Stalin, YSR Congress Party's YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. (with inputs from PTI)

All party meeting discusses border tension with China; Sonia Gandhi criticises govt

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.

Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-financial-package-for-msme-sector-294769">Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector</a>

"After the country gained Independence, for the first time, everybody experienced the pain of lakhs of labourers, who were forced to go home barefooted, hungry and without medicines. Their pain was felt by everyone, but not by this govt," Gandhi said in his address.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-launches-a-broadside-against-modi-says-pm-has-gone-into-low-key-mode-301089">Rahul Gandhi launches a broadside against Modi, says PM has gone into low-key mode</a>

"This is why Congress leaders have decided that to strengthen India's voice, we have to run this social media campaign."

She said that Rs 7,500 per month in cash should be given to each family for six months and for the same Rs 10,000 should be released immediately.&nbsp;

"Under MGNREGA, 200 days for work should be given so that employment can be generated in villages," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months.

Congress party launched 'Speak Up India' campaign today where the party asked people to share their problems due to coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Urging Centre to open its 'treasury', Congress chief Sonia Gandhi also asked the government to provide every month Rs 7,500 to each family for six months. Also read | Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi, seeks financial package for MSME sector "After the country gained Independence, for the first time, everybody experienced the pain of lakhs of labourers, who were forced to go home barefooted, hungry and without medicines. Their pain was felt by everyone, but not by this govt," Gandhi said in his address. Also read | Rahul Gandhi launches a broadside against Modi, says PM has gone into low-key mode "This is why Congress leaders have decided that to strengthen India's voice, we have to run this social media campaign." She said that Rs 7,500 per month in cash should be given to each family for six months and for the same Rs 10,000 should be released immediately. "Under MGNREGA, 200 days for work should be given so that employment can be generated in villages," Gandhi said.

Sonia Gandhi asks Centre to provide Rs 7,500 per month to each family

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown.

She said that Congress had taken the decision as the Centre and Rail Ministry had completely ignored party's repeated requests to ensure provisions of "safe and free rail travel of migrant workers and labourers to their home-towns."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-30-till-may-17-what-is-prohibited-and-what-will-be-allowed-296478" hreflang="en">Lockdown 3.0 till May 17: What is prohibited and what will be allowed</a>

"Indian National Congress has taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress' humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them," a statement issued by the Congress interim President read.

<img alt="congress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eff85e07-dff2-4517-b20f-e3d90ae0a3d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EXI_deiU4AAIMgW.jpg" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-issues-guidelines-for-shramik-special-trains-296353" hreflang="en">Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains'</a>

She stressed upon the importance of workers terming them "ambassadors of our nation`s growth" and alleged "when the Rail Ministry has the largesse to donate Rs. 151 Crores to the PM's Corona fund, then why can`t these essential members of our nation`s fabric be given a fraction of the same courtesy, especially free rail travel, at this hour of acute distress?"

"Our workers and labourers form the backbone of our economy. Their hard work andsacrifice are the foundation of our nation," the statement read.

She equated the lockdown phase with that of post-partition and said, "Post the partition of 1947, this is the first time India witnessed a tragedy with such a massive human cost as thousands of migrant workers and labourers were forced to walk home several hundred kilometres on foot- without food, without medicines, without money, without transportation, without anything except for the desire to return to their families and loved ones."

On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The lockdown was later extended till May 3 and then for another two weeks till May 17.

In an order issued on May 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places through special trains.

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown.

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that her party will bear the cost for rail travel of every needy migrant worker and labourer to their respective home towns during the lockdown. She said that Congress had taken the decision as the Centre and Rail Ministry had completely ignored party's repeated requests to ensure provisions of "safe and free rail travel of migrant workers and labourers to their home-towns." Also read: Lockdown 3.0 till May 17: What is prohibited and what will be allowed "Indian National Congress has taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress' humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them," a statement issued by the Congress interim President read. Also read: Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains' She stressed upon the importance of workers terming them "ambassadors of our nation`s growth" and alleged "when the Rail Ministry has the largesse to donate Rs. 151 Crores to the PM's Corona fund, then why can`t these essential members of our nation`s fabric be given a fraction of the same courtesy, especially free rail travel, at this hour of acute distress?" "Our workers and labourers form the backbone of our economy. Their hard work andsacrifice are the foundation of our nation," the statement read. She equated the lockdown phase with that of post-partition and said, "Post the partition of 1947, this is the first time India witnessed a tragedy with such a massive human cost as thousands of migrant workers and labourers were forced to walk home several hundred kilometres on foot- without food, without medicines, without money, without transportation, without anything except for the desire to return to their families and loved ones." On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3 and then for another two weeks till May 17. In an order issued on May 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places through special trains.

Congress to pay for rail tickets of every needy migrant worker amid lockdown: Sonia Gandhi

sonia-gandhi

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

sonia gandhi