UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Sources told WION that she wanted lighter colours on the cover of the manifesto instead of the dark theme used currently.

Gowda, the convener of the manifesto committee of Congress, acknowledged the conversation with Mrs Gandhi. "We did not put leaders' face on the manifesto because we wanted to put people on the cover. This cover is a departure from past and decision was reached after many rounds of meeting which included senior leaders like Sam Pitroda," he said.

Sonia Gandhi, after going through the manifesto, suggested that photograph published on page nine of the party's manifesto could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women with ghoonghat (veil).

<img alt="Rahul-Congress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6571a73e-2586-463b-8474-aec4a2d3d050" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sonia-rahul-congress-manifesto-ANI_0.jpg" />

(The photo which was used as the cover of Congress's manifesto)

Sources said that the said photo was dropped for the wrong messaging it would have done. "The picture looked very good in context of colour scheme but women were in ghooghat and we were against putting this photograph on the front page," sources told WION.

Gowda, meanwhile, clarified that no discussion took place about the size of Rahul Gandhi's photograph on the cover, nor there was any suggestion on part of Sonia Gandhi to add photographs of other leaders. When WION enquired about absence of Mahatma Gandhi on the cover, Gowda said, "It is not easy to use Gandhi's picture during election time for various reasons." Rajeev Gowda said that manifesto signals professionalism and show case a modern approach. When asked whether Sonia Gandhi enquired about absence of other leaders on manifesto, Gowda said, "No conversation of this nature took place." Though it is being said Sonia Gandhi also enquired about the absence of photographs of older leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram is the chairman of the manifesto committee.

The much-talked-about manifesto was released by Rahul Gandhi with a tagline "Congress Will Deliver". The manifesto promised the Congress will create jobs, address farm distress, bring in a single moderate rate of GST and give Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families if it comes to power in the Lok Sabha polls.

In the 55-page document, the Congress also promised to come out with separate budget for farmers, fill up 22 lakh government vacancies, allocate six per cent of GDP to education, assured 50 more days of guaranteed jobs from current 100 under the MNREGA, boosting healthcare infrastructure and enhance safety of women.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had an issue with the colour scheme used in the election manifesto released by the Congress on Tuesday. Mrs Gandhi, the former president of the party, spoke to Rajeev Gowda, the head of party's research department right before the function to release the manifesto at Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Sources told WION that she wanted lighter colours on the cover of the manifesto instead of the dark theme used currently. Gowda, the convener of the manifesto committee of Congress, acknowledged the conversation with Mrs Gandhi. "We did not put leaders' face on the manifesto because we wanted to put people on the cover. This cover is a departure from past and decision was reached after many rounds of meeting which included senior leaders like Sam Pitroda," he said. Sonia Gandhi, after going through the manifesto, suggested that photograph published on page nine of the party's manifesto could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women with ghoonghat (veil). (The photo which was used as the cover of Congress's manifesto) Sources said that the said photo was dropped for the wrong messaging it would have done. "The picture looked very good in context of colour scheme but women were in ghooghat and we were against putting this photograph on the front page," sources told WION. Gowda, meanwhile, clarified that no discussion took place about the size of Rahul Gandhi's photograph on the cover, nor there was any suggestion on part of Sonia Gandhi to add photographs of other leaders. When WION enquired about absence of Mahatma Gandhi on the cover, Gowda said, "It is not easy to use Gandhi's picture during election time for various reasons." Rajeev Gowda said that manifesto signals professionalism and show case a modern approach. When asked whether Sonia Gandhi enquired about absence of other leaders on manifesto, Gowda said, "No conversation of this nature took place." Though it is being said Sonia Gandhi also enquired about the absence of photographs of older leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. Former finance minister P Chidambaram is the chairman of the manifesto committee. The much-talked-about manifesto was released by Rahul Gandhi with a tagline "Congress Will Deliver". The manifesto promised the Congress will create jobs, address farm distress, bring in a single moderate rate of GST and give Rs 72,000 per annum to poor families if it comes to power in the Lok Sabha polls. In the 55-page document, the Congress also promised to come out with separate budget for farmers, fill up 22 lakh government vacancies, allocate six per cent of GDP to education, assured 50 more days of guaranteed jobs from current 100 under the MNREGA, boosting healthcare infrastructure and enhance safety of women.

This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

The list of 15 candidates includes 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-no-mention-of-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-as-congress-releases-first-list-of-candidates-201853"> list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra </a>who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year.&nbsp;

Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively.

Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP).

While Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), Bharat Sinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Lok Sabha elections are due by May end.

The Election Commission is expected to announce its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-announce-lok-sabha-elections-soon-logistic-preparations-almost-over-201813">schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;soon. The polls are likely to be&nbsp;spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates includes 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year. Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively. Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP). While Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), Bharat Sinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Lok Sabha elections are due by May end. The Election Commission is expected to announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections soon. The polls are likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported. Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling. A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. (With inputs from news agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: First list of Congress candidates out, Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli; Rahul from Amethi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seals-3-billion-deal-with-russia-to-lease-nuclear-powered-submarine-201867">Russia to lease nuclear-powered submarine to India in deal worth $3 billion</a>

India on Thursday sealed a $3 billion deal with Russia for leasing of a nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years, military sources said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ex-campaign-chief-paul-manafort-sentenced-to-47-months-in-prison-for-tax-crimes-bank-fraud-201865">Trump ex-campaign chief Paul Manafort sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax crimes, bank fraud</a>

US President Donald Trump's former campaign chief Paul Manafort was sentenced to 47 months in prison Thursday for tax crimes and bank fraud.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-arsenal-slump-to-defeat-against-french-club-rennes-201871">Europa League: Arsenal slump to defeat against French club Rennes</a>

Chelsea outclassed Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday but Arsenal face an uphill task to make the quarter-finals after slumping to a 3-1 defeat at French club Rennes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-first-list-of-congress-candidates-out-sonia-gandhi-to-contest-from-rae-bareli-rahul-from-amethi-201869">Lok Sabha polls: First list of Congress candidates out, Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli; Rahul from Amethi</a>

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-terrorist-training-camps-active-in-pakistan-indian-official-201877">22 terrorist training camps active in Pakistan: Indian official</a>

As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of Jaish-e-Mohammed, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border.

&nbsp;

Russia to lease nuclear-powered submarine to India in deal worth $3 billion India on Thursday sealed a $3 billion deal with Russia for leasing of a nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years, military sources said.

Russia to lease nuclear-powered submarine to India in deal worth $3 billion India on Thursday sealed a $3 billion deal with Russia for leasing of a nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years, military sources said. Trump ex-campaign chief Paul Manafort sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax crimes, bank fraud US President Donald Trump's former campaign chief Paul Manafort was sentenced to 47 months in prison Thursday for tax crimes and bank fraud. Europa League: Arsenal slump to defeat against French club Rennes Chelsea outclassed Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday but Arsenal face an uphill task to make the quarter-finals after slumping to a 3-1 defeat at French club Rennes. Lok Sabha polls: First list of Congress candidates out, Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli; Rahul from Amethi Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. 22 terrorist training camps active in Pakistan: Indian official As many as 22 terrorist training camps, including nine of Jaish-e-Mohammed, are active in Pakistan, but no action is being taken against them, a senior Indian official said here on Thursday, warning that New Delhi will carry out operation similar to that of the Balakot airstrike if there is an act of terrorism coming from across the border.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congress releases first list of 15 candidates for Lok Sabha elections. 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli and Rahul Gandhi to contest from Amethi. <a href="https://t.co/PZI4TlJfC6">pic.twitter.com/PZI4TlJfC6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1103683080403865600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2019</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>

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest from Rae Bareli while party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year.&nbsp;

Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively, news agency ANI reported.

Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP).

While, Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), BharatSinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to announce its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-announce-lok-sabha-elections-soon-logistic-preparations-almost-over-201813">schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections</a> soon, sources said on Thursday. The polls are likely to be&nbsp;spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In the list of 15 candidates, 11 have been named from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Congress releases first list of 15 candidates for Lok Sabha elections. 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli and Rahul Gandhi to contest from Amethi. pic.twitter.com/PZI4TlJfC6 — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest from Rae Bareli while party president Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi. The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year. Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively, news agency ANI reported. Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP). While, Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), BharatSinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Meanwhile, the Election Commission is expected to announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections soon, sources said on Thursday. The polls are likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported. Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling. A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha 2019: No mention of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Congress releases first list of candidates

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-extends-robert-vadras-interim-bail-till-march-2-directs-him-to-join-probe-197796">Robert Vadra</a>'s lawyer KTS Tulsi on Tuesday informed&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate&nbsp;(ED) that&nbsp;Vadra was suffering from acute diarrhoea and will not be able to attend the&nbsp;hearing today.

''Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea &amp; nausea," KTS Tulsi said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Money laundering case: Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi says, "Robert Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea &amp; nausea." <a href="https://t.co/Be8mDGKoVk">pic.twitter.com/Be8mDGKoVk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097752313064771584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The ED&nbsp;on Munday summoned UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law to appear before it today for questioning in money laundering case linked to purchase of his London based property.

A Delhi court had over the weekend extended interim bail of Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora till March 2 in connection with the case.

Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi on Tuesday informed Enforcement Directorate (ED) that Vadra was suffering from acute diarrhoea and will not be able to attend the hearing today.

Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi on Tuesday informed Enforcement Directorate (ED) that Vadra was suffering from acute diarrhoea and will not be able to attend the hearing today. ''Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea & nausea," KTS Tulsi said. Money laundering case: Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi says, "Robert Vadra is not able to attend the hearing today for which he had been summoned by ED because he suffered about a food poisoning last night as a result of which he is having acute diarrhoea & nausea." pic.twitter.com/Be8mDGKoVk — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × The ED on Munday summoned UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law to appear before it today for questioning in money laundering case linked to purchase of his London based property. A Delhi court had over the weekend extended interim bail of Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora till March 2 in connection with the case.

Robert Vadra suffering from diarrhoea, hence will not attend hearing today: Lawyer

Former Samajwadi Party chief and Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav father has thrown political circles into a slight tizzy with his latest comment. He told Narendra Modi on Wednesday that he wanted him to become prime minister again.&nbsp;

"I want to congratulate the PM for trying to take everybody along," Mulayam said. &nbsp;

"I want all the MPs to win again, and for you to become prime minister again," he added. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha: PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ki koshish ki hai. Main kehna chahta hun ki saare sadaysa phir se jeet kar aayen, aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/reeyh5H9bB">pic.twitter.com/reeyh5H9bB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095632564591702017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</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" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha, says, "PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ka pura prayas kiya. Main chahta hun, meri kamna hai ki saare sadsya phir se jeet kar aayen aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein." <a href="https://t.co/j6Bnj9Kr3p">pic.twitter.com/j6Bnj9Kr3p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095655381966163971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</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>

Wednesday was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-lapse-as-rajya-sabha-adjourned-sine-die-197104">the last day of parliament</a> before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Mulayam made his comments with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi sitting next to him. Modi in turn smiled, and folded his hands in a namaste.&nbsp;

Mulayam's son Akhilesh and the current chief of the Samajwadi Party is of course firmly in the opposition camp. He will be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in alliance with BSP chief Mayawati. They will be the main challengers of Uttar Pradesh's ruling BJP.&nbsp;

UP is the country most important state politically, sending 80 MPs to parliament.&nbsp;

All has not seemed to be well between Akhilesh and his father Mulayam since a family feud broke out within the SP with Mulayam placing himself somewhere between the competing factions of Akhilesh and Mulayam's brothers Shivpal and Ram Gopal.&nbsp;

Shivpal has since broken away from the SP, setting up a separate Samajwadi Secular Morcha. Shivpal has also said that the SP's current tie-up the BSP goes against everything Mulayam has fought for.&nbsp;

Former Samajwadi Party chief and Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav father has thrown political circles into a slight tizzy with his latest comment. He told Narendra Modi on Wednesday that he wanted him to become prime minister again.

Former Samajwadi Party chief and Akhilesh Yadav's father Mulayam Singh Yadav father has thrown political circles into a slight tizzy with his latest comment. He told Narendra Modi on Wednesday that he wanted him to become prime minister again. "I want to congratulate the PM for trying to take everybody along," Mulayam said. "I want all the MPs to win again, and for you to become prime minister again," he added. Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha: PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ki koshish ki hai. Main kehna chahta hun ki saare sadaysa phir se jeet kar aayen, aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein (File pic) pic.twitter.com/reeyh5H9bB — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × #WATCH Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lok Sabha, says, "PM ko badhaai dena chahta hun ki PM ne sabko saath lekar chalne ka pura prayas kiya. Main chahta hun, meri kamna hai ki saare sadsya phir se jeet kar aayen aur aap (PM) dobara pradhan mantri banein." pic.twitter.com/j6Bnj9Kr3p — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2019 × Wednesday was the last day of parliament before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Mulayam made his comments with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi sitting next to him. Modi in turn smiled, and folded his hands in a namaste. Mulayam's son Akhilesh and the current chief of the Samajwadi Party is of course firmly in the opposition camp. He will be fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in alliance with BSP chief Mayawati. They will be the main challengers of Uttar Pradesh's ruling BJP. UP is the country most important state politically, sending 80 MPs to parliament. All has not seemed to be well between Akhilesh and his father Mulayam since a family feud broke out within the SP with Mulayam placing himself somewhere between the competing factions of Akhilesh and Mulayam's brothers Shivpal and Ram Gopal. Shivpal has since broken away from the SP, setting up a separate Samajwadi Secular Morcha. Shivpal has also said that the SP's current tie-up the BSP goes against everything Mulayam has fought for.

I want you to become PM again: Mulayam Singh Yadav to Narendra Modi

The last trump card of the Congress Party is out in open and has made Lok Sabha elections all the more interesting. It is not that Priyanka Gandhi is a novice in politics but the position of general secretary in charge of Eastern Uttar Pradesh only acknowledges the role she was playing in private in the Congress Party.

It also shows that nothing is cast in stone in politics. In fact, Priyanka Gandhi was already handling Sonia Gandhi’s constituency when Rahul Gandhi was studying abroad in the late 1990s. The code name given to her by the Special Protection Group was Bhaiya ji. It is used even today throughout Raebarelli and Amethi but this time by the party workers. It was only because of Sonia Gandhi’s insistence that baton was passed to Rahul despite the fact that Priyanka was interested in politics.&nbsp;

This decision led to Priyanka Gandhi getting confined to family bastions in Uttar Pradesh. Even then she remained connected with the decision-making process of the party in private.&nbsp;

Throughout she had been in charge of the family burrow and played an important role in 2017 UP Assembly elections which in the end proved to be a disaster as BJP smashed SP-Congress coalition.

So, her entry does not change the caste equations in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka Gandhi, for now, only changes the mood within the party. Her entry will definitely enthuse workers. She is only in charge of Eastern UP and the Western part will be handled by Jyotiraditya Scindia whose graph continues to rise within the Congress party.

What is important to remember is that Eastern UP is the stronghold of current chief minister Yogi Adityanath who hails from Gorakhpur. Prime Minister Modi’s constituency also falls in this area.

The decision also shows the seriousness with which Congress is going to fight elections in Uttar Pradesh. It should worry the BJP as Priyanka can disrupt upper caste consolidation which, as of now, is standing solidly behind BJP.

There can be criticism too that Congress has become a party of the mother, son and daughter but it will not damage the party as those opposed to them are anyways voting for BJP.

Priyanka, on the other hand, will have to navigate the political space in Congress more carefully. Today, Rahul Gandhi is the party president and decides the policy of Congress. Priyanka Gandhi will have to limit herself to Uttar Pradesh.

She will also have to ensure that a second power centre does not emerge as Congress under Rahul Gandhi has gained stability after Sonia Gandhi reduced her public presence and forced the senior leadership to negotiate decision making with Rahul alone. Priyanka will easily get compared to Indira Gandhi. This will also make her task difficult. It will heighten the expectations within the party despite the fact that ground reality is quite different today.

In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi came down by a lakh. In 2017, Congress performed very poorly in the assembly segments. Priyanka Gandhi will add a lot of glamour to the Congress party, but she will have to create a new ground for the party in the state. But the possibility exists. People forget that same Congress got 20+ seats in Lok Sabha after the then PM Manmohan Singh waived off farmers debt.

The enthusiasm generated by debuts is often succeeded by losses. It has been true for both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Sonia twice failed to get Congress into power. She lost both in 1998 and 1996 to BJP. It was worst for Rahul Gandhi. He lost 2014 elections and subsequently a number of states. The states where Congress won, the credit was given to the chief ministerial candidates.&nbsp;

This long spell of bad performance ended in 2019 when Congress swept the three Hindi heartland states. So, an entry can take place with a grand reception but road to success can be long and tiring. Priyanka Gandhi will have to negotiate the same path. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

The last trump card of the Congress Party is out in open and has made Lok Sabha elections all the more interesting. It is not that Priyanka Gandhi is a novice in politics but the position of general secretary in charge of Eastern Uttar Pradesh only acknowledges the role she was playing in private in the Congress Party.

The last trump card of the Congress Party is out in open and has made Lok Sabha elections all the more interesting. It is not that Priyanka Gandhi is a novice in politics but the position of general secretary in charge of Eastern Uttar Pradesh only acknowledges the role she was playing in private in the Congress Party. It also shows that nothing is cast in stone in politics. In fact, Priyanka Gandhi was already handling Sonia Gandhi’s constituency when Rahul Gandhi was studying abroad in the late 1990s. The code name given to her by the Special Protection Group was Bhaiya ji. It is used even today throughout Raebarelli and Amethi but this time by the party workers. It was only because of Sonia Gandhi’s insistence that baton was passed to Rahul despite the fact that Priyanka was interested in politics. This decision led to Priyanka Gandhi getting confined to family bastions in Uttar Pradesh. Even then she remained connected with the decision-making process of the party in private. Throughout she had been in charge of the family burrow and played an important role in 2017 UP Assembly elections which in the end proved to be a disaster as BJP smashed SP-Congress coalition. So, her entry does not change the caste equations in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka Gandhi, for now, only changes the mood within the party. Her entry will definitely enthuse workers. She is only in charge of Eastern UP and the Western part will be handled by Jyotiraditya Scindia whose graph continues to rise within the Congress party. What is important to remember is that Eastern UP is the stronghold of current chief minister Yogi Adityanath who hails from Gorakhpur. Prime Minister Modi’s constituency also falls in this area. The decision also shows the seriousness with which Congress is going to fight elections in Uttar Pradesh. It should worry the BJP as Priyanka can disrupt upper caste consolidation which, as of now, is standing solidly behind BJP. There can be criticism too that Congress has become a party of the mother, son and daughter but it will not damage the party as those opposed to them are anyways voting for BJP. Priyanka, on the other hand, will have to navigate the political space in Congress more carefully. Today, Rahul Gandhi is the party president and decides the policy of Congress. Priyanka Gandhi will have to limit herself to Uttar Pradesh. She will also have to ensure that a second power centre does not emerge as Congress under Rahul Gandhi has gained stability after Sonia Gandhi reduced her public presence and forced the senior leadership to negotiate decision making with Rahul alone. Priyanka will easily get compared to Indira Gandhi. This will also make her task difficult. It will heighten the expectations within the party despite the fact that ground reality is quite different today. In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi came down by a lakh. In 2017, Congress performed very poorly in the assembly segments. Priyanka Gandhi will add a lot of glamour to the Congress party, but she will have to create a new ground for the party in the state. But the possibility exists. People forget that same Congress got 20+ seats in Lok Sabha after the then PM Manmohan Singh waived off farmers debt. The enthusiasm generated by debuts is often succeeded by losses. It has been true for both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Sonia twice failed to get Congress into power. She lost both in 1998 and 1996 to BJP. It was worst for Rahul Gandhi. He lost 2014 elections and subsequently a number of states. The states where Congress won, the credit was given to the chief ministerial candidates. This long spell of bad performance ended in 2019 when Congress swept the three Hindi heartland states. So, an entry can take place with a grand reception but road to success can be long and tiring. Priyanka Gandhi will have to negotiate the same path. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Priyanka Gandhi enters active politics: Congress plays its last trump card

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly.

"In principle, it was decided yesterday to pass a resolution in legislative assembly for 33 per cent reservation for women. Congress president wants that resolution is passed in five Congress-ruled states," Gehlot told reporters outside the assembly.

However, he did not say whether the resolution will be passed in this assembly session.

Gehlot said former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had been fighting for reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies. After a long struggle, the bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it was pending in Rajya Sabha.

Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said the bill granting reservation to women was introduced in parliament and Congress has been committed to the matter.

He said it is the party's intention to pass a resolution in state assemblies where Congress has formed government.

Though the matter is pending at the Centre, it was discussed yesterday in the state cabinet to form a consensus on it as it was one of the promises in the Congress election manifesto, he added.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday the state cabinet has in principle decided to pass a resolution seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assembly. "In principle, it was decided yesterday to pass a resolution in legislative assembly for 33 per cent reservation for women. Congress president wants that resolution is passed in five Congress-ruled states," Gehlot told reporters outside the assembly. However, he did not say whether the resolution will be passed in this assembly session. Gehlot said former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had been fighting for reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies. After a long struggle, the bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it was pending in Rajya Sabha. Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said the bill granting reservation to women was introduced in parliament and Congress has been committed to the matter. He said it is the party's intention to pass a resolution in state assemblies where Congress has formed government. Though the matter is pending at the Centre, it was discussed yesterday in the state cabinet to form a consensus on it as it was one of the promises in the Congress election manifesto, he added.

Rajasthan Cabinet decides to pass resolution for 33% reservation for women in assembly

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.&nbsp;

"We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat.&nbsp;

According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited.&nbsp;

Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead.&nbsp;

Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally.&nbsp;

The leaders include HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha.&nbsp;

The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.&nbsp;

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.

Putting all speculations to rest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by its senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge in the 'Mahagathbandhan' rally to be held on January 19 at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. "We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge will be attending," Banerjee said while leaving Nabanna - the state secretariat. According to TMC sources, a personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was also invited. Congress insiders said that the high command was miffed with Banerjee as she skipped the swearing-in ceremonies of Congress chief ministers in the recently concluded assembly elections. Banerjee had sent party leaders to represent Trinamool Congress at the events instead. Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that even Mayawati is to skip the meeting. However, it is yet to be known whether she will be sending a representative from her party. On the other hand, Banerjee confirmed the names of twenty opposition leaders that are to attend the Brigade Parade Grounds rally. The leaders include HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Badrudding Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arun Shorie, Chandrababu Naidu, Ajit Singh, Jayant Choudhary, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Shatrughan Sinha, Babulal Marandi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Yashwant Sinha. The meeting is being seen as the next major congregation of opposition leaders ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Today, a high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat - Nabanna to discuss the itinerary and security arrangements of the upcoming Brigade rally. The meeting was chaired by CM Banerjee and most senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress. Senior officials from the administration were also present at the meeting.

Sonia, Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati to skip Mamata Banerjee's Mahagathbandhan meet on January 19

Intensifying his attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over their alleged involvement in the National Herald case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that those who are out on bail do not believe in the law of institution.

Addressing BJP workers on the concluding day of party's two-day national council meeting in Delhi's Ramlila ground, the Prime Minister targeted the Congress, saying, "How can those who do not believe in country's institution, will respect this country? Those who are out on bail do not believe in the law of land or the institution. When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I was called by an agency and questioned for nine hours. They even jailed Amit Shah. But the Congress'&nbsp;first family thinks it is above the law and doesn't appear before courts despite several summons issued to them".

He added, "This example of how the Congress and its 'naamdar'&nbsp;family breaks the system is that Congress President and other leaders are out on bail in the National Herald case. This case shows that the Congress leaders grab the public's land and money too."

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he said that now it is a fight between a sultanate and the Constitution. "For Congress, every authority such as the RBI, CAG, CBI, Army, Police, SC is incorrect. For them, only they are correct and anyone who opposes their authority is incorrect. It is now a fight between a sultanate and the Constitution," he added.

The Prime Minister further said, "In 2007, they tried to threaten me with a jail sentence," adding that the United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) only agenda was to implicate Narendra Modi.

He added that the Government, before the NDA regime, had pushed the country into darkness. "The government before us pushed the country into darkness. It would not be wrong if I say that India lost 10 important years (2004-2014) in scams and corruption," he said.&nbsp;

Intensifying his attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over their alleged involvement in the National Herald case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that those who are out on bail do not believe in the law of institution.

Intensifying his attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over their alleged involvement in the National Herald case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that those who are out on bail do not believe in the law of institution. Addressing BJP workers on the concluding day of party's two-day national council meeting in Delhi's Ramlila ground, the Prime Minister targeted the Congress, saying, "How can those who do not believe in country's institution, will respect this country? Those who are out on bail do not believe in the law of land or the institution. When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I was called by an agency and questioned for nine hours. They even jailed Amit Shah. But the Congress' first family thinks it is above the law and doesn't appear before courts despite several summons issued to them". He added, "This example of how the Congress and its 'naamdar' family breaks the system is that Congress President and other leaders are out on bail in the National Herald case. This case shows that the Congress leaders grab the public's land and money too." Continuing his tirade against the Congress, he said that now it is a fight between a sultanate and the Constitution. "For Congress, every authority such as the RBI, CAG, CBI, Army, Police, SC is incorrect. For them, only they are correct and anyone who opposes their authority is incorrect. It is now a fight between a sultanate and the Constitution," he added. The Prime Minister further said, "In 2007, they tried to threaten me with a jail sentence," adding that the United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) only agenda was to implicate Narendra Modi. He added that the Government, before the NDA regime, had pushed the country into darkness. "The government before us pushed the country into darkness. It would not be wrong if I say that India lost 10 important years (2004-2014) in scams and corruption," he said.

Those out on bail don't believe in law of institution: PM Modi attacks Sonia, Rahul

Controversial film 'The Accidental Prime Minister' may have got released in the country on Friday with minor changes by the Censor Board, but the film's shows were cancelled at a Kolkata theatre due to secuirty reasons.&nbsp; 
 
Amid protest demonstrations by youth Congress activists in the city, the noon show at a theatre in Kolkata`s Chandni Chowk area was cancelled after screening for just 10 minutes on its opening day. 
 
"The afternoon screening of `The Accidental Prime Minister` has been cancelled due to security reasons. There was an agitation by a certain group outside the hall," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said told a news agency. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-accidental-prime-minister-review-a-fictional-account-of-real-people-in-power-189571">Read the film's review here</a> 
 
However, he could not confirm whether the next shows of the film will be screened as scheduled. 
 
State youth Congress leadership claimed the content and the title of the film is derogatory towards Singh and other senior leaders of Congress and demanded that the film be banned.

"The tile of the film itself is derogatory. What did the filmmaker want to imply by calling Manmohan Singh an accidental prime minister? Close to 100 activists of youth Congress in Kolkata protested in front of the theatre. It is good the screening has been stopped," Bengal Youth Congress President Shadab Khan told the agency.

Asked whether forcing to cancel the screening of a film can be termed as violation of freedom of speech, the leader said sentiments of the party workers have been hurt by the film.

"The agitation was held as the sentiments of our activists were hurt. However, we are not planning any other agitations here as of now," he added.

The film, directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, released on Friday. It is based on a book with the same title written by Sanjaya Baru, who was media advisor to Manmohan Singh when he was Prime Minister.&nbsp; 
 
Baru`s book was published on April 20, 2014. Actor Anupam Kher portrays the role of Singh while Akshaye Khanna stars as Baru.

Controversial film 'The Accidental Prime Minister' may have got released in the country on Friday with minor changes by the Censor Board, but the film's shows were cancelled at a Kolkata theatre due to secuirty reasons.

Controversial film 'The Accidental Prime Minister' may have got released in the country on Friday with minor changes by the Censor Board, but the film's shows were cancelled at a Kolkata theatre due to secuirty reasons. Amid protest demonstrations by youth Congress activists in the city, the noon show at a theatre in Kolkata`s Chandni Chowk area was cancelled after screening for just 10 minutes on its opening day. "The afternoon screening of `The Accidental Prime Minister` has been cancelled due to security reasons. There was an agitation by a certain group outside the hall," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said told a news agency. Read the film's review here However, he could not confirm whether the next shows of the film will be screened as scheduled. State youth Congress leadership claimed the content and the title of the film is derogatory towards Singh and other senior leaders of Congress and demanded that the film be banned. "The tile of the film itself is derogatory. What did the filmmaker want to imply by calling Manmohan Singh an accidental prime minister? Close to 100 activists of youth Congress in Kolkata protested in front of the theatre. It is good the screening has been stopped," Bengal Youth Congress President Shadab Khan told the agency. Asked whether forcing to cancel the screening of a film can be termed as violation of freedom of speech, the leader said sentiments of the party workers have been hurt by the film. "The agitation was held as the sentiments of our activists were hurt. However, we are not planning any other agitations here as of now," he added. The film, directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, released on Friday. It is based on a book with the same title written by Sanjaya Baru, who was media advisor to Manmohan Singh when he was Prime Minister. Baru`s book was published on April 20, 2014. Actor Anupam Kher portrays the role of Singh while Akshaye Khanna stars as Baru.

Screening of 'The Accidental Prime Minister' cancelled at a theatre in Kolkata

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed.

The ruling party fielded Smriti Irani to attack Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whom the Union minister accused of supporting terrorists in his tweet that said "nobody killed" Shaikh and he "just died".

Rahul Gandhi had tweeted this after a special CBI court in Mumbai on December 21 acquitted all 22 accused in the case of the killing of Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Tulsi Prajapati in alleged fake encounters by Gujarat police between 2005 and 2006 citing insufficient evidence.

Shah, who was the minister of state for home in Gujarat at that time, was also arrested briefly in 2010 in the case before being discharged in December 2014.

"It is now clear that the CBI had arrested Amit Shah in 2010 at the prodding of the Congress leadership," Irani said.

She alleged Shah was targeted by the CBI as a part of a "political conspiracy" of the Congress and its then-president because Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, and Shah were seen as political rivals by the party.

"The Congress and its president used the CBI to manufacture evidence to politically destroy Shah. It is one of the finest examples of the length to which the Congress will go to destroy its political opponents," she said.

She described the case as a trial by fire for Shah and said he came out unscathed, as the country's verdict had shown that "truth cannot be destroyed".

There was no immediate response from the Congress to her allegations.

The Congress is always willing to trample upon justice and the Constitution to finish off its political rivals, Irani alleged.&nbsp;

Targeting Rahul Gandhi, she said his tweet was an expression of frustration that Shah came out of the case unscathed despite eight years of harassment.

Following the court's order acquitting the accused, Gandhi had tweeted, "No one killed Haren Pandya. Tulsiram Prajapati. Justice Loya. Prakash Thombre. Shrikant Khandalkar. Kauser Bi. Sohrabuddin Shiekh. They just died."&nbsp;

Irani alleged that the Congress will not spare anybody who comes in the way of its pursuit of power which it uses not to serve people but "one family".

She noted that activist Harsh Mander, who she claimed was a member of Sonia Gandhi's "kitchen cabinet", had moved the Supreme Court against Shah's discharge.

Irani read from the Mumbai court's order that criticised the CBI probe and said the agency created evidence to suit its "preconceived and premeditated" theory to implicate political leaders.

The BJP leader alleged that Shah was arrested in 2010 on the "order" of the Congress leadership and left to "rot" in jail before he was granted bail by the court.

"The court has admitted that these cases were slapped against Shah for purely political reasons. Not only in the Mumbai High Court but also in the Supreme Court, the Congress' conspiracy got defeated, " Irani told reporters.&nbsp;

To a question about AgustaWestland case accused Christian Michel's speaking of "Mrs Gandhi" and making other references which the BJP has linked to the Gandhi family, Irani said sarcastically that she was not in a position to explain it as she is neither Italian and nor her son's name begins with 'R'.

She alleged that the Congress had dispatched its lawyers to help Michel whose "historical relations" with the Gandhi family are established.

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed.

The BJP on Tuesday accused the Congress leadership of using the CBI to manufacture evidence in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh case to "politically destroy" its president Amit Shah who, it said, has come out of this "trial by fire" unscathed. The ruling party fielded Smriti Irani to attack Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, whom the Union minister accused of supporting terrorists in his tweet that said "nobody killed" Shaikh and he "just died". Rahul Gandhi had tweeted this after a special CBI court in Mumbai on December 21 acquitted all 22 accused in the case of the killing of Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and his aide Tulsi Prajapati in alleged fake encounters by Gujarat police between 2005 and 2006 citing insufficient evidence. Shah, who was the minister of state for home in Gujarat at that time, was also arrested briefly in 2010 in the case before being discharged in December 2014. "It is now clear that the CBI had arrested Amit Shah in 2010 at the prodding of the Congress leadership," Irani said. She alleged Shah was targeted by the CBI as a part of a "political conspiracy" of the Congress and its then-president because Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, and Shah were seen as political rivals by the party. "The Congress and its president used the CBI to manufacture evidence to politically destroy Shah. It is one of the finest examples of the length to which the Congress will go to destroy its political opponents," she said. She described the case as a trial by fire for Shah and said he came out unscathed, as the country's verdict had shown that "truth cannot be destroyed". There was no immediate response from the Congress to her allegations. The Congress is always willing to trample upon justice and the Constitution to finish off its political rivals, Irani alleged. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, she said his tweet was an expression of frustration that Shah came out of the case unscathed despite eight years of harassment. Following the court's order acquitting the accused, Gandhi had tweeted, "No one killed Haren Pandya. Tulsiram Prajapati. Justice Loya. Prakash Thombre. Shrikant Khandalkar. Kauser Bi. Sohrabuddin Shiekh. They just died." Irani alleged that the Congress will not spare anybody who comes in the way of its pursuit of power which it uses not to serve people but "one family". She noted that activist Harsh Mander, who she claimed was a member of Sonia Gandhi's "kitchen cabinet", had moved the Supreme Court against Shah's discharge. Irani read from the Mumbai court's order that criticised the CBI probe and said the agency created evidence to suit its "preconceived and premeditated" theory to implicate political leaders. The BJP leader alleged that Shah was arrested in 2010 on the "order" of the Congress leadership and left to "rot" in jail before he was granted bail by the court. "The court has admitted that these cases were slapped against Shah for purely political reasons. Not only in the Mumbai High Court but also in the Supreme Court, the Congress' conspiracy got defeated, " Irani told reporters. To a question about AgustaWestland case accused Christian Michel's speaking of "Mrs Gandhi" and making other references which the BJP has linked to the Gandhi family, Irani said sarcastically that she was not in a position to explain it as she is neither Italian and nor her son's name begins with 'R'. She alleged that the Congress had dispatched its lawyers to help Michel whose "historical relations" with the Gandhi family are established.

Congress used Sohrabuddin case to 'politically destroy' Amit Shah: BJP

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed.

Reacting to Modi's televised interview, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said the NDA government at the Centre is in its last days and the words of an "outgoing" prime minister will have no effect.

In an interview broadcast by various television channels, Modi talked about a host of issues including the surgical strikes, the Ram temple's construction and personal attacks on him by the Congress.

"It is need of the hour today to discuss issues that concern people of the country rather than wasting time on Narendra Modi and Sonia Gandhi," Singh said reacting to the PM's interview.

Farmers are forced to throw vegetables and milk on the road, women feel insecure, the youth are disenchanted and still, Modi is avoiding his promises to all of them, he said.

"Modi will have to explain what happened to his promises to the people. Not even a single penny of black money came back after demonetisation although over 100 people died due to it," he said.

Singh charged that if the prime minister felt that the people should wait for the court's judgment on the Ram temple issue then why his party was creating "animosity" in the country in its name.&nbsp;

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed.

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed. Reacting to Modi's televised interview, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said the NDA government at the Centre is in its last days and the words of an "outgoing" prime minister will have no effect. In an interview broadcast by various television channels, Modi talked about a host of issues including the surgical strikes, the Ram temple's construction and personal attacks on him by the Congress. "It is need of the hour today to discuss issues that concern people of the country rather than wasting time on Narendra Modi and Sonia Gandhi," Singh said reacting to the PM's interview. Farmers are forced to throw vegetables and milk on the road, women feel insecure, the youth are disenchanted and still, Modi is avoiding his promises to all of them, he said. "Modi will have to explain what happened to his promises to the people. Not even a single penny of black money came back after demonetisation although over 100 people died due to it," he said. Singh charged that if the prime minister felt that the people should wait for the court's judgment on the Ram temple issue then why his party was creating "animosity" in the country in its name.

Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview

Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep".

In a series of tweets, Shah also asked if Michel wanted details of his questioning by investigators to be passed onto "Mrs Gandhi".

"Trails of the AgustaWestland Case?the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs Gandhi to his lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs Gandhi herself? Why?" he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Trails of the AgustaWestland Case…the SOS of Christian Michel. 
 
Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs. Gandhi to his Lawyer?&nbsp; 
 
Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs. Gandhi herself? Why?
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651578670399488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</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>

Shah said Michel's lawyer had admitted that the alleged middleman indeed passed paper to him and claimed that he thought it was a list of medicines.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Michel’s lawyer has admitted that the paper was indeed passed on to him. He thought that it was a list of medicines, which could have been transparently given in any case.&nbsp; 
 
We have heard of Zandu Balm and Tiger Balm but what is this ‘Family Balm’ that every middleman wants?
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651611763445763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The BJP president took an apparent swipe at the Gandhi family, saying people have heard of Zandu balm and Tiger balm -- medicines used to relieve pain -- but what is this "family balm" that every middleman wants.

"In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel's lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a sham. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs Gandhi!" Shah said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel’s lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a SHAM. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs. Gandhi!
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651679996399616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Congress had expelled Aljo K Joseph, an office bearer in its youth wing, after he appeared as a counsel for Michel.

"In national interest, Michel's lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep," Shah said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In national interest, Michel’s lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs. Gandhi. 
 
Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1079651737420603393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</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>

A Delhi court had Saturday imposed restrictions on Michel, the alleged middleman in the purchase of VVIP choppers during the UPA's tenure, meeting his lawyers in Enforcement Directorate's custody. The directions were given after the probe agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi".

The agency also claimed that he has spoken about "son of an Italian lady" and taken "Mrs Gandhi's" name in reference to a query.

The BJP has used this disclosure to attack the Congress, especially the Gandhi family.

Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep".

Targeting the Gandhi family, BJP chief Amit Shah Monday said the "friendship" between Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, and the Congress' top leadership is "time-tested and deep". In a series of tweets, Shah also asked if Michel wanted details of his questioning by investigators to be passed onto "Mrs Gandhi". "Trails of the AgustaWestland Case?the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs Gandhi to his lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs Gandhi herself? Why?" he tweeted. Trails of the AgustaWestland Case…the SOS of Christian Michel. Does anyone know why Christian Michel passed on the details of questioning on Mrs. Gandhi to his Lawyer? Did he want them to be passed on to Mrs. Gandhi herself? Why? — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × Shah said Michel's lawyer had admitted that the alleged middleman indeed passed paper to him and claimed that he thought it was a list of medicines. Michel’s lawyer has admitted that the paper was indeed passed on to him. He thought that it was a list of medicines, which could have been transparently given in any case. We have heard of Zandu Balm and Tiger Balm but what is this ‘Family Balm’ that every middleman wants? — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × The BJP president took an apparent swipe at the Gandhi family, saying people have heard of Zandu balm and Tiger balm -- medicines used to relieve pain -- but what is this "family balm" that every middleman wants. "In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel's lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a sham. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs Gandhi!" Shah said. In any case, what must be told again and again is the Congress background of Michel’s lawyer. The so called expulsion remains a SHAM. He remains the conduit between Michel and Mrs. Gandhi! — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × The Congress had expelled Aljo K Joseph, an office bearer in its youth wing, after he appeared as a counsel for Michel. "In national interest, Michel's lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep," Shah said. In national interest, Michel’s lawyer must tell us about the existence of documents of 2008, which make a reference to Mrs. Gandhi. Evidently, the friendship between Michel and one family in India is time tested and deep. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 31, 2018 × A Delhi court had Saturday imposed restrictions on Michel, the alleged middleman in the purchase of VVIP choppers during the UPA's tenure, meeting his lawyers in Enforcement Directorate's custody. The directions were given after the probe agency said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi". The agency also claimed that he has spoken about "son of an Italian lady" and taken "Mrs Gandhi's" name in reference to a query. The BJP has used this disclosure to attack the Congress, especially the Gandhi family.

Friendship between one family and Christian Michel 'time-tested and deep': Amit Shah

Former defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony Monday accused the BJP and the government of "manufacturing" lies in the AgustaWestland case and said Sonia Gandhi and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sad-slams-rahul-gandhi-amarinder-for-betraying-farmers-in-punjab-186896">Rahul Gandhi</a> never interfered in any defence deals during the UPA regime.

"The Government and the BJP are misusing agencies to manufacture lies. I am surprised to know that the present government is spreading lies....Is trying to manufacture something out of nothing," Antony said.

"I would like to say categorically that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never showed any interest ... Never interfered in the AgustaWestland deal. During my entire tenure as defence minister, Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals," he told reporters.

Addressing a press conference in Parliament, he said, "Without any iota of truth, they are trying to follow vendetta politics." His comments came after the Congress and the BJP were engaged in a slugfest on Sunday.

While the opposition party alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government were AgustaWestland's protectors and promoters, the saffron party accused it of defending Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the deal, and asked why it was scared of a probe into the case.

The former defence minister said it was the Congress-led UPA government that ordered a CBI inquiry the moment it came to know of corruption allegations in the VVIP AgustaWestland helicopter deal and initiated proceedings to blacklist the company.

Antony claimed that the UPA government fought the case "unusually" in a Milan court against the chopper-making company and won it too.

"We cancelled the contract and started proceedings of blacklisting. But after we left, the Modi government did nothing against AgustaWestland. Instead of acting against the company, they favoured the company," he said.

Antony said if the Congress had anything to hide, it would not have ordered a CBI probe or gone to Italy to fight the case.

The senior Congress leader alleged that the government and the BJP were trying to divert attention from the allegations raised by his party on the Rafale fighter jet deal and were not initiating an inquiry into the matter or a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the charges.

"During our time, whenever there were allegations, even in media reports, we took action and held an inquiry," he said while attacking the BJP government for not ordering a JPC probe into the Rafale deal.

On the BJP's charges of the Congress being jittery ever since Michel was extradited to India, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said this was like "chor machaye shor" (the thief is making noise).

Former defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony Monday accused the BJP and the government of "manufacturing" lies in the AgustaWestland case and said Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals during the UPA regime.

Former defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony Monday accused the BJP and the government of "manufacturing" lies in the AgustaWestland case and said Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals during the UPA regime. "The Government and the BJP are misusing agencies to manufacture lies. I am surprised to know that the present government is spreading lies....Is trying to manufacture something out of nothing," Antony said. "I would like to say categorically that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi never showed any interest ... Never interfered in the AgustaWestland deal. During my entire tenure as defence minister, Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deals," he told reporters. Addressing a press conference in Parliament, he said, "Without any iota of truth, they are trying to follow vendetta politics." His comments came after the Congress and the BJP were engaged in a slugfest on Sunday. While the opposition party alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government were AgustaWestland's protectors and promoters, the saffron party accused it of defending Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the deal, and asked why it was scared of a probe into the case. The former defence minister said it was the Congress-led UPA government that ordered a CBI inquiry the moment it came to know of corruption allegations in the VVIP AgustaWestland helicopter deal and initiated proceedings to blacklist the company. Antony claimed that the UPA government fought the case "unusually" in a Milan court against the chopper-making company and won it too. "We cancelled the contract and started proceedings of blacklisting. But after we left, the Modi government did nothing against AgustaWestland. Instead of acting against the company, they favoured the company," he said. Antony said if the Congress had anything to hide, it would not have ordered a CBI probe or gone to Italy to fight the case. The senior Congress leader alleged that the government and the BJP were trying to divert attention from the allegations raised by his party on the Rafale fighter jet deal and were not initiating an inquiry into the matter or a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the charges. "During our time, whenever there were allegations, even in media reports, we took action and held an inquiry," he said while attacking the BJP government for not ordering a JPC probe into the Rafale deal. On the BJP's charges of the Congress being jittery ever since Michel was extradited to India, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said this was like "chor machaye shor" (the thief is making noise).

Sonia, Rahul Gandhi never interfered in any defence deal: A K Antony

AgustaWestland scam: Michel caught handing chits to lawyers

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/16-fugitive-extradited-back-to-india-in-last-4-years-5-in-2018-187061">Christian Michel the man who was the key </a>middleman in the Rs 3600 crore&nbsp; AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.&nbsp;

The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that.&nbsp;

The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata.&nbsp;

ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them.

Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen."

ED has got 7-day custody of Michel.&nbsp;

The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agustawestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Agustawestland</a> <a href="https://t.co/qCxYeObJYN">pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078951959976206337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</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>

Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&amp;‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security <a href="https://t.co/LqGRuSGoDv">pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078980179425320960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</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>

Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day.&nbsp;

Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets".

Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear. The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that. The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata. ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them. Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen." ED has got 7-day custody of Michel. The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family". RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. #Agustawestland pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security. Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day. Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets". Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.

AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court

AgustaWestland scam: Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', ED tells Court

Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Agusta Westland case: Enforcement Directorate tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi but in what reference can't be said right now. <a href="https://t.co/9foBKVd3V0">pic.twitter.com/9foBKVd3V0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078947808030289920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The ED also told the special court that Christian Michel had spoken about "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the "next prime minister of the country".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
ED in Delhi's Patiala House court: Christian Michel has also spoken about “the son of the Italian lady” and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078950427276627968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</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>

ED's lawyer said that Michel has spelt out how state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal and how it was offered to Tata instead.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Agusta Westland case: ED tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has identified how HAL was removed from the deal and the deal was offered to Tata instead. ED also seeks to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside <a href="https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH">https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078948638548733952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</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>

ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging that he is being tutored from outside.&nbsp;

Christian Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI.&nbsp;The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;

He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days.

The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.

The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made.

Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, had named 'Mrs Gandhi', but did not specify in which context the reference was made. Agusta Westland case: Enforcement Directorate tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi but in what reference can't be said right now. pic.twitter.com/9foBKVd3V0 — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × The ED also told the special court that Christian Michel had spoken about "the son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the "next prime minister of the country". ED in Delhi's Patiala House court: Christian Michel has also spoken about “the son of the Italian lady” and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. #AgustaWestland — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × ED's lawyer said that Michel has spelt out how state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal and how it was offered to Tata instead. Agusta Westland case: ED tells Delhi's Patiala House court that Christian Michel has identified how HAL was removed from the deal and the deal was offered to Tata instead. ED also seeks to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside https://t.co/xvQSaJnyxH — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging that he is being tutored from outside. Christian Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. He was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court, which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. It was extended by five more days, and later for another four days. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

Christian Michel names 'Mrs Gandhi', context not specified: ED to Delhi court

No film should be banned. Art should not be banned. Books should not be banned. Free speech is part of our fundamental right and Indian Constitution provides enough freedom to individuals to express their views. Despite the provisions, films, books and art installations are banned frequently. If they are not banned, then the promoter and artists are subjected to undue harassment creating a situation that withdrawal becomes the best option. 
 
From films like 'Aandhi', 'Kissa Kursi Ka' to 'Udta Punjab' to 'Padmaavat', political parties created conditions whereby either the film had to go under the knife or the name was changed. India has also witnessed books like 'Satanic Verses' being banned.&nbsp;

Renowned artist MF Husain was harassed to such end that he had to leave the country. This brings us to the movie 'The Accidental Prime Minister' which has created a storm for its negative portrayal of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. This film must not be banned&nbsp;nor opposed by the Congress party.

In its long sojourn in power, Congress has used censor’s knife, again and again, to ban, alter or curate the content. The only thing which is hurting the party most is that it brings back the memory of an ineffective Prime Minister who was dictated by the party and lacked functional autonomy.

It is a fact which Congress cannot run away from. Nehru-Gandhi dynasty is both Congress party’s strength and weakness. Without the family, the party has 90 per cent potential to disintegrate and with their continuation, no top talent can become the president of the Congress party.&nbsp;

The film would remind people of the way Rahul Gandhi tore the ordinance on convicted lawmakers during his infamous press conference at Delhi’s Press Club. It will bring back the memory and ruthless push which Sonia Gandhi created for Rahul Gandhi’s elevation in the party. It will be a fillip to Narendra Modi who weaponised the word dynasty during 2014 elections.&nbsp;

It will also bring back memories of Rahul Gandhi’s tense relationship with party seniors. It will revitalise the charge of BJP against Congress that PMO was remote-controlled by the family and all of it right before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

But will it have an electoral impact? No, because no one issue can be milked twice.

Rahul Gandhi has been cultivating a different image from last 3 years where he is constantly seen with the old guard. Even Manmohan Singh is not politically ignored as special care is taken to ensure that on every occasion he remains with Rahul Gandhi. Lastly, Rahul Gandhi is not a political greenhorn anymore. For a politician, ultimate legitimacy flows from electoral victory and Rahul Gandhi got his own in three north Indian states.&nbsp;

The only thing the film would end up doing is to provide potshot for the ruling dispensation to attack the Opposition. The only thing Congress must do is to behave gracefully because today even BJP cannot escape the fact that it is remote-controlled by the RSS which claims to be a cultural organisation but, surreptitiously through BJP, is participating in elections.&nbsp;

But the debate must not end here. What makes political parties so confident that they can dictate terms to people who work in other walks of life?

Unlike modern western democracies where political parties are not all-pervasive, it is exactly the opposite in India. All of them have used bans to promote their respective political interests.&nbsp;

The civil institutions which should stand independently from political pressure give in&nbsp;easily in India. The bane of the ban flows from political legitimacy for the cultural and artistic quest.&nbsp;

India cannot afford to continue with it. It only happens in totalitarian regimes where the artistic quest is subject to the political vision of those who control the state.

Mature democracies allow a lot of freedom to dissenting voices and artistic freedom is not subject to the moods of political parties. In India despite elections, bans have become tools of social and political mobilisation which has acquired acceptability in Indian political culture.&nbsp;

This needs to be checked for our democracy to become more robust and open. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

No film should be banned. Art should not be banned. Books should not be banned. Free speech is part of our fundamental right and Indian Constitution provides enough freedom to individuals to express their views.

No film should be banned. Art should not be banned. Books should not be banned. Free speech is part of our fundamental right and Indian Constitution provides enough freedom to individuals to express their views. Despite the provisions, films, books and art installations are banned frequently. If they are not banned, then the promoter and artists are subjected to undue harassment creating a situation that withdrawal becomes the best option. From films like 'Aandhi', 'Kissa Kursi Ka' to 'Udta Punjab' to 'Padmaavat', political parties created conditions whereby either the film had to go under the knife or the name was changed. India has also witnessed books like 'Satanic Verses' being banned. Renowned artist MF Husain was harassed to such end that he had to leave the country. This brings us to the movie 'The Accidental Prime Minister' which has created a storm for its negative portrayal of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. This film must not be banned nor opposed by the Congress party. In its long sojourn in power, Congress has used censor’s knife, again and again, to ban, alter or curate the content. The only thing which is hurting the party most is that it brings back the memory of an ineffective Prime Minister who was dictated by the party and lacked functional autonomy. It is a fact which Congress cannot run away from. Nehru-Gandhi dynasty is both Congress party’s strength and weakness. Without the family, the party has 90 per cent potential to disintegrate and with their continuation, no top talent can become the president of the Congress party. The film would remind people of the way Rahul Gandhi tore the ordinance on convicted lawmakers during his infamous press conference at Delhi’s Press Club. It will bring back the memory and ruthless push which Sonia Gandhi created for Rahul Gandhi’s elevation in the party. It will be a fillip to Narendra Modi who weaponised the word dynasty during 2014 elections. It will also bring back memories of Rahul Gandhi’s tense relationship with party seniors. It will revitalise the charge of BJP against Congress that PMO was remote-controlled by the family and all of it right before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. But will it have an electoral impact? No, because no one issue can be milked twice. Rahul Gandhi has been cultivating a different image from last 3 years where he is constantly seen with the old guard. Even Manmohan Singh is not politically ignored as special care is taken to ensure that on every occasion he remains with Rahul Gandhi. Lastly, Rahul Gandhi is not a political greenhorn anymore. For a politician, ultimate legitimacy flows from electoral victory and Rahul Gandhi got his own in three north Indian states. The only thing the film would end up doing is to provide potshot for the ruling dispensation to attack the Opposition. The only thing Congress must do is to behave gracefully because today even BJP cannot escape the fact that it is remote-controlled by the RSS which claims to be a cultural organisation but, surreptitiously through BJP, is participating in elections. But the debate must not end here. What makes political parties so confident that they can dictate terms to people who work in other walks of life? Unlike modern western democracies where political parties are not all-pervasive, it is exactly the opposite in India. All of them have used bans to promote their respective political interests. The civil institutions which should stand independently from political pressure give in easily in India. The bane of the ban flows from political legitimacy for the cultural and artistic quest. India cannot afford to continue with it. It only happens in totalitarian regimes where the artistic quest is subject to the political vision of those who control the state. Mature democracies allow a lot of freedom to dissenting voices and artistic freedom is not subject to the moods of political parties. In India despite elections, bans have become tools of social and political mobilisation which has acquired acceptability in Indian political culture. This needs to be checked for our democracy to become more robust and open. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'The Accidental Prime Minister': The issue can't be milked twice

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the BJP for being determined to destroy constitutional values, and sought "steadfast and strong ties" between her party and the DMK to trounce the saffron party in the next year's Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Gandhi, who unveiled a statue of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi at the Dravidian party's headquarters here, heaped praise on the late leader.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sonia Gandhi in Chennai: It's my desire that mutual support of our parties to each other remain strong as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us,as we wage together a battle with political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values&amp;the idea of India as we know it <a href="https://t.co/js5Vi5gaIE">pic.twitter.com/js5Vi5gaIE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074306662989590528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</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>

"Karunanidhi was a Democrat to the core and a believer in parliamentary institutions," she said, adding her party will always remember his support to former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 and 1980 towards Indira's bank nationalisation and the abolition of privy purses initiatives.&nbsp;

''It is my earnest desire that the mutual support of our parties to each other must remain strong and steadfast as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us...And as we wage together a battle with the political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values, our institutions and the idea of India as you know it,'' she said in an apparent reference to the BJP.&nbsp;

Gandhi said the message of unity among the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) should go to the people.

"Let the message go to the people of Tamil Nadu and the country that we are united and determined to protect and preserve our country's constitution and its values that has built and sustained India over the last 70 years," she asserted.&nbsp;

Recalling her association with Karunanidhi, the Congress leader said the late patriarch was a great support and strength for the UPA from 2004 to 2014.&nbsp;

''I personally remember that we looked up to his knowledge and experience to guide our coalition government," she said.&nbsp;

Gandhi lauded Karunanidhi for his service to the people, his literary passion, love for Tamil language and his powerful oratory.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion Rahul Gandhi said the BJP government believes "only one idea should run India".&nbsp;

Training his guns on the Narendra Modi government, Gandhi accused it of targeting institutions of the country, besides the culture of India.&nbsp;

"We are not going to allow the destruction of the idea of India. We are not going to allow the destruction of institutions, the Supreme Court, Reserve Bank of India, Election Commission of India," he said.&nbsp;

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the BJP for being determined to destroy constitutional values, and sought "steadfast and strong ties" between her party and the DMK to trounce the saffron party in the next year's Lok Sabha elections.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the BJP for being determined to destroy constitutional values, and sought "steadfast and strong ties" between her party and the DMK to trounce the saffron party in the next year's Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi, who unveiled a statue of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi at the Dravidian party's headquarters here, heaped praise on the late leader. Sonia Gandhi in Chennai: It's my desire that mutual support of our parties to each other remain strong as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us,as we wage together a battle with political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values&the idea of India as we know it pic.twitter.com/js5Vi5gaIE — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2018 × "Karunanidhi was a Democrat to the core and a believer in parliamentary institutions," she said, adding her party will always remember his support to former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 and 1980 towards Indira's bank nationalisation and the abolition of privy purses initiatives. ''It is my earnest desire that the mutual support of our parties to each other must remain strong and steadfast as when Karunanidhi ji was guiding us...And as we wage together a battle with the political forces that are determined to destroy our constitutional values, our institutions and the idea of India as you know it,'' she said in an apparent reference to the BJP. Gandhi said the message of unity among the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) should go to the people. "Let the message go to the people of Tamil Nadu and the country that we are united and determined to protect and preserve our country's constitution and its values that has built and sustained India over the last 70 years," she asserted. Recalling her association with Karunanidhi, the Congress leader said the late patriarch was a great support and strength for the UPA from 2004 to 2014. ''I personally remember that we looked up to his knowledge and experience to guide our coalition government," she said. Gandhi lauded Karunanidhi for his service to the people, his literary passion, love for Tamil language and his powerful oratory. Speaking on the occasion Rahul Gandhi said the BJP government believes "only one idea should run India". Training his guns on the Narendra Modi government, Gandhi accused it of targeting institutions of the country, besides the culture of India. "We are not going to allow the destruction of the idea of India. We are not going to allow the destruction of institutions, the Supreme Court, Reserve Bank of India, Election Commission of India," he said.

Sonia bats for strong Cong-DMK ties to take on BJP in Lok Sabha elections

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson and former President of the Congress party Sonia Gandhi unveiled the bronze statue of late DMK President M Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu on Sunday in Chennai.

Sonia Gandhi was received by DMK President M K Stalin at the party office in the city.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi &amp; Congress President Rahul Gandhi at a public rally in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/RH3LnTlaOI">pic.twitter.com/RH3LnTlaOI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074282117008248832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</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>

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, &nbsp;Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, &nbsp;BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha and leaders of DMK and several other parties, movie actors and industrialists were present when she unveiled former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi`s statue installed at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Chennai: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi unveils former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's statue, at DMK headquarters <a href="https://t.co/hM34stQqof">pic.twitter.com/hM34stQqof</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1074270638502666241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</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>

Rajnikanth was also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Stalin, Chief Ministers Naidu, Vijayan, Narayanasamy and others will be addressing a public rally in Chennai later in the day.

 
&nbsp;

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson and former President of the Congress party Sonia Gandhi unveiled the bronze statue of late DMK President M Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu on Sunday in Chennai.

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson and former President of the Congress party Sonia Gandhi unveiled the bronze statue of late DMK President M Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu on Sunday in Chennai. Sonia Gandhi was received by DMK President M K Stalin at the party office in the city. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi & Congress President Rahul Gandhi at a public rally in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/RH3LnTlaOI — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2018 × Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha and leaders of DMK and several other parties, movie actors and industrialists were present when she unveiled former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi`s statue installed at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai. Chennai: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi unveils former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's statue, at DMK headquarters pic.twitter.com/hM34stQqof — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2018 × Rajnikanth was also present on the occasion. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Stalin, Chief Ministers Naidu, Vijayan, Narayanasamy and others will be addressing a public rally in Chennai later in the day.

Sonia Gandhi unveils Karunanidhi's statue at DMK headquarters in Chennai

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-attacks-sonia-rahul-gandhi-in-chhattisgarh-poll-rally-176811">Narendra Modi tore into the Congress Sunday on Sonia Gandhi's home turf</a>, saying the party was "agitated" and telling "lies" as there was no "Quattrocchi uncle" or Christian Michel in BJP government's defence deals and slammed it for trying to create "distrust" against the judiciary.&nbsp;

They were the prime minister's first public comments after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the BJP government on the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

It was also the prime minister's first public meeting on Sonia Gandhi's home turf after the BJP lost the three heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to the Congress and its allies.

In an&nbsp;all-out attack on the Congress, Modi accused the Congress of aligning with forces which do not want to see India's defence forces becoming strong.

"There are two facets before the country...One is of the government which is making every possible effort to augment the strength of defence forces, and the second is of those forces which want to weaken the country at every cost," he said.

The prime minister said people were witnessing that "the Congress is aligning with those forces which do not want our defence forces to become stronger."

Citing a couplet from the Ramcharit Manas, he said there were some people who only accept lies and share these with other people.

"For these very people the defence ministry, the defence minister, officers of the Indian Air Force, government of France, are all lies...Now the Supreme Court also appears to be a lie to them," Modi said in his 50-minute address, nearly 30 minutes of which were devoted to the Rafale deal.

Holding that previous defence deals were tainted, he said the&nbsp;history of the Congress in terms of such deals "belong to (Italian businessman Ottavio) Quattrocchi mama".

Quattrocchi was one of the alleged middlemen in the Bofors deal inked by the government led by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.

Referring to the AgustaWestland chopper case, he said, "We have brought one uncle Christian Michel to India a few days back."

The 54-year-old British national is one of the three alleged middlemen being investigated by the CBI over charges of organising bribes for Indian politicians and bureaucrats to push for the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal.

"Everyone is seeing as to how to save the accused the Congress had sent its advocate to the court," Modi charged.

"I want to know from the Congress as to why it is agitated and telling lies repeatedly. Is it because there is no Quattrocchi mama or Christian Michel in defence deals done by the BJP government?" he asked.

"Is it because of this that they (Congress) have started creating an atmosphere of distrust against the judiciary?" he posed.

Noting that after the Kargil conflict, there was a need for modern aircraft, the prime minister said, "The Congress ruled the country for ten years, but it did not allow the Air Force to get strengthened. Why? And under whose pressure?"

Accusing the Congress of failing to provide bulletproof jackets to jawans, he said, "In 2009, the Indian Army had demanded 1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets. But, in the five years of UPA-II, these were not purchased."

"But, after we came to power, we purchased 50,000 BP jackets in 2016," he said, adding that this year the order for purchasing 1.86 lakh jackets from a domestic company has been placed.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tore into the Congress Sunday on Sonia Gandhi's home turf, saying the party was "agitated" and telling "lies" as there was no "Quattrocchi uncle" or Christian Michel in BJP government's defence deals and slammed it for trying to create "distrust" against the judiciary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tore into the Congress Sunday on Sonia Gandhi's home turf, saying the party was "agitated" and telling "lies" as there was no "Quattrocchi uncle" or Christian Michel in BJP government's defence deals and slammed it for trying to create "distrust" against the judiciary. They were the prime minister's first public comments after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the BJP government on the Rafale deal. It was also the prime minister's first public meeting on Sonia Gandhi's home turf after the BJP lost the three heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to the Congress and its allies. In an all-out attack on the Congress, Modi accused the Congress of aligning with forces which do not want to see India's defence forces becoming strong. "There are two facets before the country...One is of the government which is making every possible effort to augment the strength of defence forces, and the second is of those forces which want to weaken the country at every cost," he said. The prime minister said people were witnessing that "the Congress is aligning with those forces which do not want our defence forces to become stronger." Citing a couplet from the Ramcharit Manas, he said there were some people who only accept lies and share these with other people. "For these very people the defence ministry, the defence minister, officers of the Indian Air Force, government of France, are all lies...Now the Supreme Court also appears to be a lie to them," Modi said in his 50-minute address, nearly 30 minutes of which were devoted to the Rafale deal. Holding that previous defence deals were tainted, he said the history of the Congress in terms of such deals "belong to (Italian businessman Ottavio) Quattrocchi mama". Quattrocchi was one of the alleged middlemen in the Bofors deal inked by the government led by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986. Referring to the AgustaWestland chopper case, he said, "We have brought one uncle Christian Michel to India a few days back." The 54-year-old British national is one of the three alleged middlemen being investigated by the CBI over charges of organising bribes for Indian politicians and bureaucrats to push for the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal. "Everyone is seeing as to how to save the accused the Congress had sent its advocate to the court," Modi charged. "I want to know from the Congress as to why it is agitated and telling lies repeatedly. Is it because there is no Quattrocchi mama or Christian Michel in defence deals done by the BJP government?" he asked. "Is it because of this that they (Congress) have started creating an atmosphere of distrust against the judiciary?" he posed. Noting that after the Kargil conflict, there was a need for modern aircraft, the prime minister said, "The Congress ruled the country for ten years, but it did not allow the Air Force to get strengthened. Why? And under whose pressure?" Accusing the Congress of failing to provide bulletproof jackets to jawans, he said, "In 2009, the Indian Army had demanded 1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets. But, in the five years of UPA-II, these were not purchased." "But, after we came to power, we purchased 50,000 BP jackets in 2016," he said, adding that this year the order for purchasing 1.86 lakh jackets from a domestic company has been placed.

On Sonia Gandhi's home turf, Modi says Cong upset there is no 'Quatrocchi mama' in BJP's defence deals

Taking on the Congress in Sonia Gandhi's home turf, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday accused earlier governments of neglecting the constituency.

The prime minister laid the foundation stone of some projects and inaugurated few others worth Rs 1,100 crore during his first visit to Sonia Gandhi's Lok Sabha constituency.

He also flagged off the 900th coach and Humsafar rake made by the Modern Coach Factory here.

"The Centre is committed to the development of Raebareli. Earlier governments neglected it," he said in his first public meeting after the BJP's loss in recent Assembly polls.

He, however, did not name any party.

Modi, who inspected the Modern Coach Factory, said its neglect was "an example of injustice to the country's means and resources by previous governments".

The factory was sanctioned in 2007 but failed to take off, he said.

Taking on the Congress in Sonia Gandhi's home turf, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday accused earlier governments of neglecting the constituency. The prime minister laid the foundation stone of some projects and inaugurated few others worth Rs 1,100 crore during his first visit to Sonia Gandhi's Lok Sabha constituency.

Taking on the Congress in Sonia Gandhi's home turf, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday accused earlier governments of neglecting the constituency. The prime minister laid the foundation stone of some projects and inaugurated few others worth Rs 1,100 crore during his first visit to Sonia Gandhi's Lok Sabha constituency. He also flagged off the 900th coach and Humsafar rake made by the Modern Coach Factory here. "The Centre is committed to the development of Raebareli. Earlier governments neglected it," he said in his first public meeting after the BJP's loss in recent Assembly polls. He, however, did not name any party. Modi, who inspected the Modern Coach Factory, said its neglect was "an example of injustice to the country's means and resources by previous governments". The factory was sanctioned in 2007 but failed to take off, he said.

PM Narendra Modi slams Congress in Sonia Gandhi's constituency Rae Bareli

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-house-passes-resolution-on-kartarpur-corridor-suggests-land-swap-with-pak-184124">Punjab Legislative Assembly</a> unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to enact Women's Reservation Bill to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in both Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies by voice vote on Friday after the resolution was moved by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

While moving the resolution during the winter session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Singh pointed to the previous Congress government's decision to reserve 50 per cent seats for women in Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat Raj Institutions and urged the Centre to hasten the enactment of this bill.

"The Bill would ensure greater equity and balanced representation for both men and women in the national electoral process and decision making. This would fulfil a legitimate and long pending demand of women to ensure their empowerment," he said.

Underlining the fact that then Congress president Sonia Gandhi had initiated the process towards ensuring substantial women representation in Parliament and the Vidhan Sabhas, Singh said the Congress government had ensured passage of the earlier Bill in the Upper House but it had lapsed in the Lok Sabha due to the indifferent attitude of the opposition.

Once passed, the Bill would ensure reservation of 181 seats out of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats, besides earmarking 1370 assembly seats out of the total 4109 assembly seats across the nation.

The Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to enact Women's Reservation Bill to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in both Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies by voice vote on Friday after the resolution was moved by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to enact Women's Reservation Bill to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in both Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies by voice vote on Friday after the resolution was moved by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. While moving the resolution during the winter session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Singh pointed to the previous Congress government's decision to reserve 50 per cent seats for women in Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat Raj Institutions and urged the Centre to hasten the enactment of this bill. "The Bill would ensure greater equity and balanced representation for both men and women in the national electoral process and decision making. This would fulfil a legitimate and long pending demand of women to ensure their empowerment," he said. Underlining the fact that then Congress president Sonia Gandhi had initiated the process towards ensuring substantial women representation in Parliament and the Vidhan Sabhas, Singh said the Congress government had ensured passage of the earlier Bill in the Upper House but it had lapsed in the Lok Sabha due to the indifferent attitude of the opposition. Once passed, the Bill would ensure reservation of 181 seats out of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats, besides earmarking 1370 assembly seats out of the total 4109 assembly seats across the nation.

Punjab Assembly passes resolution on 33% reservation for women

Congress leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspends-ends-kamal-nath-is-the-new-madhya-pradesh-cm-183854">Kamal Nath</a> will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17&nbsp;at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal.

The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi.

After the announcement, speaking to the media Nath said that as the new chief minister he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-fulfill-all-promise-made-by-congress-kamal-nath-183909">would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled</a> and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/master-strategist-and-gandhi-family-loyalist-kamal-nath-to-rule-madhya-pradesh-183922">Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh</a>

Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats.

The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Congress leader Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

Congress leader Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs. His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi. After the announcement, speaking to the media Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure. Also read: Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats. The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.

Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath to take oath as Chief Minister on December 17

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspends-ends-kamal-nath-is-the-new-madhya-pradesh-cm-183854">Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister</a>, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders.

Flanked by Jyotiraditya Scindia, the other senior leader from the state who was in contention for the top post, Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure.

Asserting that the state unit of the party was united and there were no "camps", Nath said that he has no problems with Scindia and maintains good relations with all leaders in the state.

Nath, 72, will meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at 10.30 am Friday to take forward the government formation and discuss the details of swearing-in ceremony.

Asked about the Congress's manifesto promise of farm loan waiver, he said, "It is a challenging time and we will all together fulfil the promises made in our 'Vachan Patra'."

Nath, who has earlier held multiple portfolios in the union cabinet, recalled his association with the former prime minister Indira Gandhi and said it was she who had introduced him to Chhindwara, which has since become his home turf electing him to Lok Sabha nine times.

He also said that he has had the privilege of working with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi.

Nath also thanked Scindia and said that he had also worked with his father late Madhavrao Scindia. "He has supported me and that matters a lot," he said.

The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state A K Antony after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs, soon after the veteran leader reached Bhopal to a rousing welcome by his supporters chanting 'Jai Jai Kamal Nath'.

His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi had also reached the Tughlaq Lane house when the deliberations were on, but it could not be confirmed whether she was also a participant.

Soon after arriving in Bhopal, Nath and Scindia reached Indira Bhawan, the Congress state headquarters, and held a meeting of party's newly elected MLAs and conveyed the party high command's decision.&nbsp;

Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats.

The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.&nbsp;

Nath said he was "hungry" for the Congress's return to power in the state and asserted that the party has got "unconditional" support from the SP and the BSP.&nbsp;

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders.

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders. Flanked by Jyotiraditya Scindia, the other senior leader from the state who was in contention for the top post, Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure. Asserting that the state unit of the party was united and there were no "camps", Nath said that he has no problems with Scindia and maintains good relations with all leaders in the state. Nath, 72, will meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at 10.30 am Friday to take forward the government formation and discuss the details of swearing-in ceremony. Asked about the Congress's manifesto promise of farm loan waiver, he said, "It is a challenging time and we will all together fulfil the promises made in our 'Vachan Patra'." Nath, who has earlier held multiple portfolios in the union cabinet, recalled his association with the former prime minister Indira Gandhi and said it was she who had introduced him to Chhindwara, which has since become his home turf electing him to Lok Sabha nine times. He also said that he has had the privilege of working with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi. Nath also thanked Scindia and said that he had also worked with his father late Madhavrao Scindia. "He has supported me and that matters a lot," he said. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state A K Antony after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs, soon after the veteran leader reached Bhopal to a rousing welcome by his supporters chanting 'Jai Jai Kamal Nath'. His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi. Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi had also reached the Tughlaq Lane house when the deliberations were on, but it could not be confirmed whether she was also a participant. Soon after arriving in Bhopal, Nath and Scindia reached Indira Bhawan, the Congress state headquarters, and held a meeting of party's newly elected MLAs and conveyed the party high command's decision. Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats. The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005. Nath said he was "hungry" for the Congress's return to power in the state and asserted that the party has got "unconditional" support from the SP and the BSP.

Will fulfill all promise made by Congress: Kamal Nath

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan.

Vadra, a businessman, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal in Bikaner in Rajasthan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
ED Sources: ED has evidence that the persons being raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. <a href="https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt">https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071021824492929024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</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>

Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: They have locked our people of Skylight hospitality inside, they are not allowing anyone to go inside. Is this nazism? Is this a jail? <a href="https://t.co/uRQvO8nRvY">pic.twitter.com/uRQvO8nRvY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071010172909146113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

They locked up the premises from inside and are not allowing any access to those inside, even to the lawyers, he alleged.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
ED Sources: Raids were also held at locations in Bengaluru( on locations connected to close aides of Robert Vadra) <a href="https://t.co/A9uEIsg0rB">https://t.co/A9uEIsg0rB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071014021980143616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</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>

"Is this rule of law?... Evidence has been fabricated," he alleged while speaking to reporters.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: It has been 4.5 years and they found nothing, so now they are locking us outside and planting and fabricating evidence <a href="https://t.co/mYsoJUzMts">pic.twitter.com/mYsoJUzMts</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071011148084867072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</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>

He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan.

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan. Vadra, a businessman, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal in Bikaner in Rajasthan. ED Sources: ED has evidence that the persons being raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants. Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: They have locked our people of Skylight hospitality inside, they are not allowing anyone to go inside. Is this nazism? Is this a jail? pic.twitter.com/uRQvO8nRvY — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × They locked up the premises from inside and are not allowing any access to those inside, even to the lawyers, he alleged. ED Sources: Raids were also held at locations in Bengaluru( on locations connected to close aides of Robert Vadra) https://t.co/A9uEIsg0rB — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × "Is this rule of law?... Evidence has been fabricated," he alleged while speaking to reporters. Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: It has been 4.5 years and they found nothing, so now they are locking us outside and planting and fabricating evidence pic.twitter.com/mYsoJUzMts — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

Enforcement Directorate raids Robert Vadra's close associates: Lawyer

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday appealed to the electorate in Telangana to vote for the grand alliance in the assembly election on December 7, saying those in power in Hyderabad had betrayed them and it is time for people to realise their aspirations.

She said the 'Praja Kutami' (people's alliance) comprising Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI was a grand alliance for all sections of the society.

"Four and a half years ago a separate state of Telangana was created. I too played a role in making that happen. But, you have been betrayed by those in power in Hyderabad," she said in a message posted on the Congress's official Twitter handle.

"Now is the time, wherever you are in Telangana, to fulfil your hopes and expectations, your desires and aspirations. I appeal to you personally to vote for Praja Kutami," she said.

She promised the people of Telangana a government that will stand with every section of the society and will represent the people of the state.&nbsp;

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday appealed to the electorate in Telangana to vote for the grand alliance in the assembly election on December 7, saying those in power in Hyderabad had betrayed them and it is time for people to realise their aspirations.

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday appealed to the electorate in Telangana to vote for the grand alliance in the assembly election on December 7, saying those in power in Hyderabad had betrayed them and it is time for people to realise their aspirations. She said the 'Praja Kutami' (people's alliance) comprising Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Telangana Jana Samithi and CPI was a grand alliance for all sections of the society. "Four and a half years ago a separate state of Telangana was created. I too played a role in making that happen. But, you have been betrayed by those in power in Hyderabad," she said in a message posted on the Congress's official Twitter handle. "Now is the time, wherever you are in Telangana, to fulfil your hopes and expectations, your desires and aspirations. I appeal to you personally to vote for Praja Kutami," she said. She promised the people of Telangana a government that will stand with every section of the society and will represent the people of the state.

Telangana people betrayed by those in power in Hyderabad: Sonia Gandhi

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-herald-case-maintain-status-quo-till-the-next-hearing-high-court-to-centre-177497">Supreme Court </a>on Tuesday allowed the Income Tax Department to reopen tax assessment of top Congress leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi for 2011-12 in connection with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/industry/swamy-trying-to-influence-national-herald-case-proceedings-by-tweeting-vora-tells-court-169851">National Herald case</a>.

The apex court, however, restrained the department from implementing its order in the proceedings against Rahul, who is the Congress president, and his mother Sonia till the pendency of the matter before the court.

The court also said that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the pleas filed by Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the case.

The tax matter is related to the National Herald case in which the Congress leaders are also facing criminal proceedings.

A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri posted the matter for further hearing on January 8.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the I-T department, said the court should not restrain it from implementing the assessment orders against the Gandhis and others.

He said the court should hear the matter and pass appropriate orders.

However, the bench, also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, said that due to the paucity of time, the matter cannot be heard on Tuesday and it is just an interim order which should be equitable to both the parties.

It made it clear that it is not going into the merits of the case for which it requires a detailed hearing.

The Gandhis and senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandes have challenged the Delhi High Court's September 10 verdict that dismissed their plea against the re-opening of their tax assessments for 2011-12.

The apex court on November 13 had said it would hear final arguments on December 4 on the matter which required "consideration".

It had not issued formal notice on the petitions filed by Rahul, Sonia and Fernandes as the I-T Department was represented by its counsel.

They have challenged the judgement of the high court which had given the opportunity to the department to scrutinise their records.

In the last hearing, their lawyers had said the question was whether the reasons given in the notice by the department were right or not.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, P Chidambaram and Arvind Datar have been appearing for the Congress leaders.

The income tax probe against the Congress leaders has arisen from the probe into a private criminal complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy before a trial court here in connection with the National Herald case, in which the trio is out on bail.

Sonia and Rahul were granted bail in the case by the trial court on December 19, 2015.

A tax evasion petition (TEP) was also addressed to the finance minister by Swamy.

In the complaint before the trial court, Sonia, Rahul and others have been accused of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by paying just Rs 50 lakh, through which Young Indian (YI) had obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) owed to the Congress party.

It was alleged that YI, which was incorporated in November 2010 with a capital of Rs 50 lakh, had acquired almost all the shareholding of AJL, which was running the National Herald newspaper.

The I-T department had said the shares Rahul has in YI would lead him to have an income of Rs 154 crore and not about Rs 68 lakh, as was assessed earlier.

It has already issued a demand notice for Rs 249.15 crore to YI for the assessment year 2011-12.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Income Tax Department to reopen tax assessment of top Congress leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi for 2011-12 in connection with the National Herald case.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Income Tax Department to reopen tax assessment of top Congress leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi for 2011-12 in connection with the National Herald case. The apex court, however, restrained the department from implementing its order in the proceedings against Rahul, who is the Congress president, and his mother Sonia till the pendency of the matter before the court. The court also said that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the pleas filed by Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the case. The tax matter is related to the National Herald case in which the Congress leaders are also facing criminal proceedings. A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri posted the matter for further hearing on January 8. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the I-T department, said the court should not restrain it from implementing the assessment orders against the Gandhis and others. He said the court should hear the matter and pass appropriate orders. However, the bench, also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, said that due to the paucity of time, the matter cannot be heard on Tuesday and it is just an interim order which should be equitable to both the parties. It made it clear that it is not going into the merits of the case for which it requires a detailed hearing. The Gandhis and senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandes have challenged the Delhi High Court's September 10 verdict that dismissed their plea against the re-opening of their tax assessments for 2011-12. The apex court on November 13 had said it would hear final arguments on December 4 on the matter which required "consideration". It had not issued formal notice on the petitions filed by Rahul, Sonia and Fernandes as the I-T Department was represented by its counsel. They have challenged the judgement of the high court which had given the opportunity to the department to scrutinise their records. In the last hearing, their lawyers had said the question was whether the reasons given in the notice by the department were right or not. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, P Chidambaram and Arvind Datar have been appearing for the Congress leaders. The income tax probe against the Congress leaders has arisen from the probe into a private criminal complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy before a trial court here in connection with the National Herald case, in which the trio is out on bail. Sonia and Rahul were granted bail in the case by the trial court on December 19, 2015. A tax evasion petition (TEP) was also addressed to the finance minister by Swamy. In the complaint before the trial court, Sonia, Rahul and others have been accused of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by paying just Rs 50 lakh, through which Young Indian (YI) had obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) owed to the Congress party. It was alleged that YI, which was incorporated in November 2010 with a capital of Rs 50 lakh, had acquired almost all the shareholding of AJL, which was running the National Herald newspaper. The I-T department had said the shares Rahul has in YI would lead him to have an income of Rs 154 crore and not about Rs 68 lakh, as was assessed earlier. It has already issued a demand notice for Rs 249.15 crore to YI for the assessment year 2011-12.

National Herald case: SC allows I-T department to reopen tax case against Rahul, Sonia Gandhi

The BJP Friday alleged that Robert Vadra had put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for revocation of an Income Tax department order penalising a company that gave a loan to another entity to buy his land in Rajasthan.

Dubbing Vadra a "tained son-in-law", BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that in 2010, Vadra's Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd had bought 70 hectares of land for nearly Rs 70 lakh and sold it to another entity, Allegeny Finlease Pvt Ltd, in 2012 for Rs 5.15 crore, "seven times the original cost".

Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BSPL) gave an unsecured loan of Rs 5.64 crore to Allegeny Finlease for buying the same land, he claimed.

During the same time, BSPL had got a tax notice that cited anomalies in its returns from 2004-2005 to 2011-12, and was asked to pay Rs 500 crore for the difference, Patra claimed.

"BSPL wrote to the Settlement Commission of the IT (Income Tax) department appealing against the order, which said the company has to pay Rs 500 crore. The commission also granted no immunity to BSPL against prosecution and penalty," the BJP spokesperson told reporters here.

The Settlement Commission reconstituted a bench that rescinded the earlier order and had asked the company to pay Rs 500 crore, he claimed.&nbsp;

"As Bhushan Steel had given money for buying a plot of land from Robert Vadra, he put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to ask the Income Tax department to waive the penalty and save BSPL from punishment. It is a clear case of corruption," Patra said.&nbsp;

"This is case of quid pro quo between Skylight Hospitality, Allegeny Finlease and Bhushan Steel," Patra said, alleging that unaccounted money has been by misusing the powers.&nbsp;

Patra also targeted former prime minister Manmohan Singh and dubbed him a "puppet PM" for overlooking the "corruption" during his time.

He also asked, "How much did the Gandhis benefit (from this deal)?"

Targeting Vadra, the BJP leader said his modus operandi is to buy land at a cheaper price, change the utility of the land and then sell it at a rate several times the original cost.

When asked what his party did as it was in power both in Rajasthan as well as the Centre, Patra said, the BJP governments investigated the case.&nbsp;

"We came to power in 2013-2014. We investigated it. The whole ball started moving since 2015. In early 2015, we had an FIR registered in Rajasthan against the Bikaner land allotment of Mr Robert Vadra.&nbsp;

"Thereafter, the whole thing is moving smoothly according to the law. The ED (Enforcement Directorate) had talked about the whole thing in 2016. In 2017, notices were issued and people were arrested in 2017. In 2018, the settlement commission issue had been taken up and yet again you see how the ED is moving ahead," Patra said.&nbsp;

The ED has summoned Vadra in connection with its money laundering probe in the land scam case in Rajasthan's Bikaner city, agency officials said Friday.&nbsp;

The BJP Friday alleged that Robert Vadra had put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for revocation of an Income Tax department order penalising a company that gave a loan to another entity to buy his land in Rajasthan.

The BJP Friday alleged that Robert Vadra had put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for revocation of an Income Tax department order penalising a company that gave a loan to another entity to buy his land in Rajasthan. Dubbing Vadra a "tained son-in-law", BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that in 2010, Vadra's Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd had bought 70 hectares of land for nearly Rs 70 lakh and sold it to another entity, Allegeny Finlease Pvt Ltd, in 2012 for Rs 5.15 crore, "seven times the original cost". Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BSPL) gave an unsecured loan of Rs 5.64 crore to Allegeny Finlease for buying the same land, he claimed. During the same time, BSPL had got a tax notice that cited anomalies in its returns from 2004-2005 to 2011-12, and was asked to pay Rs 500 crore for the difference, Patra claimed. "BSPL wrote to the Settlement Commission of the IT (Income Tax) department appealing against the order, which said the company has to pay Rs 500 crore. The commission also granted no immunity to BSPL against prosecution and penalty," the BJP spokesperson told reporters here. The Settlement Commission reconstituted a bench that rescinded the earlier order and had asked the company to pay Rs 500 crore, he claimed. "As Bhushan Steel had given money for buying a plot of land from Robert Vadra, he put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to ask the Income Tax department to waive the penalty and save BSPL from punishment. It is a clear case of corruption," Patra said. "This is case of quid pro quo between Skylight Hospitality, Allegeny Finlease and Bhushan Steel," Patra said, alleging that unaccounted money has been by misusing the powers. Patra also targeted former prime minister Manmohan Singh and dubbed him a "puppet PM" for overlooking the "corruption" during his time. He also asked, "How much did the Gandhis benefit (from this deal)?" Targeting Vadra, the BJP leader said his modus operandi is to buy land at a cheaper price, change the utility of the land and then sell it at a rate several times the original cost. When asked what his party did as it was in power both in Rajasthan as well as the Centre, Patra said, the BJP governments investigated the case. "We came to power in 2013-2014. We investigated it. The whole ball started moving since 2015. In early 2015, we had an FIR registered in Rajasthan against the Bikaner land allotment of Mr Robert Vadra. "Thereafter, the whole thing is moving smoothly according to the law. The ED (Enforcement Directorate) had talked about the whole thing in 2016. In 2017, notices were issued and people were arrested in 2017. In 2018, the settlement commission issue had been taken up and yet again you see how the ED is moving ahead," Patra said. The ED has summoned Vadra in connection with its money laundering probe in the land scam case in Rajasthan's Bikaner city, agency officials said Friday.

Vadra put pressure on Rahul, Sonia to revoke I-T order to benefit him: BJP

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