Latest kharge News | Top kharge News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking kharge News Today | English kharge News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Kharge blasts BJP, asks if holy dip at river Ganga would eradicate povert

January 27, 2025, 9:10 pm

Even as the Mahakumbh is going in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday took a swipe at the politicians taking holy dip in river Ganga saying that BJP leaders kept taking dips for the camera and asked if it would eliminate poverty. Addressing the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow, Kharge said “if taking dips into the Ganga would end poverty in the country or fill hungry stomachs”.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone’s ‘aastha (faith)’. If anyone feels bad, I apologise. But tell me, when a child is dying of hunger, is not going to school, labourers are not getting their dues, at such a time, these people are spending thousands of rupees and competing for taking dips (in the Ganga).” He said that the dips continues repeatedly until it appears good in photographs and media. The Leader.of Opposition in the Rajya sabha said that such people cannot benefit the country.

“Our faith is in God — people perform ‘puja’ at home every day, all women step out of their homes after performing ‘puja’, there is no issue. But we have an issue with the poor being exploited in the name of religion,” he Kharge said. Besides Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and sever other top leaders of the party were also present at the public meeting. Kharge’s remarks came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj earlier in the day.

Kharge also trained his guns at the BJP and the RSS and labelled them as “traitors”. He said the Congress would never tolerate the exploitation of the poor in the name of religion. Kharge narrowed down his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, saying “they have committed so many sins that they cannot go to heaven even after 100 lives”.

Kharge jibes Bhagwat over his true independence comments, says if he continues to speak in this way it will tough for him to roam freely

January 15, 2025, 10:44 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday slammed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat‘s ‘true Independence’ remark, warning him that if he continues to make such statements, it will be difficult for him to move around the country. Kharge while addressing the gathering after the inauguration of party’s new office said, “Many divisive forces, who had no contribution in the freedom struggle, later opposed the Constitution, the tricolour, the Ashoka Chakra and even the laws being made for the progress of the society.”

Taking a pot shot at Bhagwat, Kharge said, “RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that when Ram temple was built, the country got independence. Whereas Narendra Modi feels that when he became the Prime Minister in 2014, the country got freedom.”

“This is a shame,” the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said, adding that the people of RSS-BJP do not remember Independence Day because they did not contribute to the independence of the country. “Congress remembers independence because our people sacrificed their lives, suffered and left their homes for freedom. Therefore, I condemn the statement of Mohan Bhagwat ji,” he said.

And if he (Bhagwat) continues on giving such statements then it will be tough for him to roam freely in the country, he added. Kharge also said that this Congress headquarters will become the centre to fight against those forces which are working against the Constitution and democracy and asserted that he hoped that you are all ready for this. “We should remember all the presidents and heroes from the first session in Mumbai under the chairmanship of Vyomkesh Chandra Banerjee ji on 28 December 1885 till now,” the Congress leader said. He said that the year 2024 is the 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution and is also the centenary year of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, becoming the Congress President.

“As president, Gandhiji connected every section of the country including common man, women, farmers, laborers to Congress. Social problems like untouchability were also included in the political agenda and due to this reason, many poor people are associated with Congress today,” he pointed out. Kharge also highlighted that history is a witness that many freedom movements took place under the leadership of Congress, “but today RSS and its allies are trying to tamper with that very history”. “On this occasion, I would like to remind you of a quote by Baba Saheb Ambedkar in which he said, ‘Those who forget history cannot make history’. I want to tell my Congress colleagues that we have to remember history and keep reminding people of history,” he added.

Kharge also reminded of rich legacy of the Congress and said that Congress stands on the power of ideas. All the major national heroes including Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahatma Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Sardar Patel, Nehru, Maulana Azad, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Rajendra Prasad are our heritage, he said. Kharge emphasised that many historical works have been done during the Congress rule that changed the face of the country and pointed out that under the leadership of Nehru, India became the largest democracy in the world. He also said that the best constitution of the world was made under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar.

Lauding Indira Gandhi’s works, he said, “During Indira Gandhi’s tenure, banks were nationalized and the privy purse was abolished. She took forward the work of the green revolution and the white revolution. Indira Gandhi defeated Pakistan and liberated Bangladesh.” “I am proud that I became the President of the Congress Block Committee in the year 1969 during the time of Indira Gandhi ji. Then in 2022, I was elected as the Congress President,” he added.

‘Her English will be good but deeds are not’: Kharge and Sitharaman Engage in Heated Debate Over Constitution in Rajya Sabha| WATCH

December 16, 2024, 2:38 pm

A fierce exchange unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Monday as the House debated the Constitution of India, with Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge clashing over historical interpretations and party legacies. Sitharaman launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and its leaders, including former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, asserting that the constitutional amendments they enacted were aimed at protecting those in power rather than strengthening democracy.

VIDEO | “I have to tell them that I also know how to read. I have studied in municipality school, she (Nirmala Sitharaman) has studied in Jawaharlal Nehru University, it is certain that her English will be good, her Hindi will be good, but the deeds are not good,” says Congress… pic.twitter.com/1PFqGVS9II

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 16, 2024

Sitharaman emphasized that India, a nation that prides itself on freedom of expression, witnessed its first interim government introduce a constitutional amendment to restrict free speech within a year of the Constitution’s adoption.

In response, Kharge countered Sitharaman’s assertions, stating that while she may possess strong language skills, her actions do not reflect good deeds. “I have to tell them that I also know how to read. I have studied in a municipality school; she has studied in Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her English will certainly be good, her Hindi will be good, but the deeds are not good,” Kharge remarked.

Kharge further questioned the motives of those who “hate” the Constitution, the national flag, and the Ashok Chakra, suggesting they were attempting to instruct the Congress party on its legacy. He recalled instances when individuals burned the Constitution and torched effigies of prominent leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi on the day the Constitution was adopted.

Defending the Congress party, Kharge highlighted that while many powerful nations did not grant universal adult franchise or women’s voting rights at the time, the Congress and the Constitution provided these rights to the nation. He noted that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jansangh (now BJP) opposed these progressive measures.

Kharge concluded by stating that the debates from the Constituent Assembly indicate that the leaders of the RSS were against the Constitution.

Rahul Gandhi and Kharge Target PM Modi Over Alleged Cash-for-Vote Scandal in Maharashtra

November 19, 2024, 6:37 pm

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a cash-for-vote controversy involving BJP leader Vinod Tawde in Maharashtra. The incident, which took place ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, sparked heated reactions from Congress and other opposition leaders.

Rahul Gandhi’s “SAFE” Jibe at PM Modi

On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi took to social media to criticize PM Modi, questioning the source of the alleged cash being distributed in Maharashtra. Referring to the BJP’s campaign slogan “Ek hain to safe hain,” which Modi and other BJP leaders have been using, Gandhi posted, “Modiji, from whose SAFE did these 5 crores come? Who looted the public’s money and sent you in the tempo?”

This jibe was in response to reports that Vinod Tawde, a senior BJP leader, was allegedly caught distributing money to party workers in a hotel in Nalasopara, Palghar district, ahead of the state elections.

Mallikarjun Kharge Accuses BJP of “Money and Muscle Power”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the BJP over the issue. He criticized PM Modi’s claims of keeping Maharashtra “SAFE,” while BJP leaders are allegedly using money and muscle power to influence the elections. Kharge wrote on social media, “On one hand, there is a deadly attack on the former Home Minister of the state; on the other hand, a senior BJP leader is caught red-handed with Rs 5 crore in cash! This is not the ideology of Maharashtra; the public will answer this by voting tomorrow.”

He further added that Modi’s promise of a “safe” Maharashtra was based on “money power” and “muscle power,” a claim he said would be rejected by the people of the state in the elections.

In a video posted on social media, the Congress party highlighted the alleged incident where Vinod Tawde was seen holding a bag of money. The Congress accused the BJP of attempting to influence the elections through financial means. The party demanded that the Election Commission take swift action and investigate the matter.

The Congress statement read, “BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde has been caught distributing money in a hotel in Maharashtra. Tawde was seen with money, calling people over and giving them cash. This is happening just before the elections, and BJP leaders are busy influencing the voters with money. The Election Commission must take cognizance and act swiftly.”

In response to the allegations, Vinod Tawde denied the charges, stating that the meeting at the hotel was intended to brief Nalasopara MLAs on the Model Code of Conduct for Election Day. Tawde explained that the discussion was about how voting machines would be sealed and how objections could be raised if needed. He claimed that the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) party workers misinterpreted the meeting as money distribution.

Tawde stated, “I have been in the party for 40 years, and everyone knows me. Let the Election Commission and police investigate the matter, and review CCTV footage. I have no objection, and I am confident the investigation will clear me.”

The row has added to the tensions in the run-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with both the Congress and BJP exchanging barbs over the issue. As voting approaches, the controversy has further polarized political discourse in the state, with the Congress party alleging that the BJP is resorting to unethical means to sway voters, while the BJP insists the matter is a baseless accusation and calls for an impartial investigation.

With the Election Commission set to investigate the claims, this latest development has added fuel to the already heated political environment in Maharashtra.

No One Can Remove Reservation: Kharge Responds to PM Modi’s Allegations

November 14, 2024, 2:25 pm

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly asserted that the reservation policy for marginalized communities in India cannot be undone, countering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent allegations. Kharge emphasized that the reservation system was established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and not by PM Modi, who claimed to be its protector.

“No one can remove the reservation. Baba Saheb Ambedkar brought it. We will never let it end,” Kharge stated, responding to Modi’s comments.

PM Modi’s Allegation: “Congress Has Dangerous Intentions”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a campaign rally in Sarath, Jharkhand, accused the Congress party of harboring “dangerous intentions” regarding the reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Modi alleged that the Congress has a history of opposing reservation policies and aims to weaken the rights of these groups.

“The prince of Congress has made it clear that he wants to end SC/ST/OBC reservation. His father, Rajiv Gandhi, once announced the abolition of reservation, but faced a strong backlash,” said PM Modi.

Modi’s Claims: Congress Wants to Divide SC/ST/OBC Communities

PM Modi further accused the Congress of attempting to divide the SC, ST, and OBC communities to weaken their political influence. He claimed that the party is playing a “new game” to create divisions within these groups.

“Congress wants to break the collective power of SC/ST/OBC and tear it into pieces,” Modi remarked.

The remarks come amid the ongoing assembly elections in Jharkhand. Voting for the remaining 38 seats is scheduled for November 20, and the votes will be counted on November 23. Modi’s comments were aimed at rallying support among voters, particularly those from the SC, ST, and OBC communities, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.

PM Modi, Kharge, Rahul to campaign in Maharashtra today

November 14, 2024, 11:17 am

With just four days left for campaigning in Maharashtra, the BJP and the Congress have intensified their campaign in the state as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Oppositoon in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will be addressing several public meetings.

According to the BJP, the Prime Minister will be addressing three public meetings in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Panwel and Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park.

The Prime Minister’s first rally is scheduled at 1.45 p.m. at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and then he will reach for another public meeting at Panvel in Raigarh district of the state at 4 p.m.

The last public meeting of the Prime Minister will be held at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, where adequate arrangements have been made.

The Mumbai Police has already made several traffic adjustments and also no parking has been allowed around the Shivaji Park area, where the public meeting is scheduled in evening at 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Besides the Prime Minister, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also hold several public meetings in the state and he will also share stage with the Prime Minister in Mumbai.

On other hand, Kharge will be addressing two public meetings in Maharashtra during the day. He will first address a public meeting in Jhagtpuri at 12 noon and then address a press conference in Pune at 2.45 p.m.

Kharge will then also address a public meeting in Pune’s Vanwadi at 7 p.m. in the evening.

Even Rahul Gandhi will be addressing two public meetings in Maharashtra. His first public meeting will be held at Nandurbar at 12 noon and then second public meeting in Nanded at 3.15 p.m.

On Wednesday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also campaigned for the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s candidates in Mumbai’s Worli, Dharavi and Sion assembly seats.

Reddy first addressed a public meeting in Worli, from where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray is contesting against Milind Deora of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction.

Invthe evening on Wednesday, the Telangana Chief Minister along with Aditya Thackeray, Mumbai Congress chief and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad held a massive roadshow in Dharavi (SC) seat of Mumbai.

The roadshow attracted hundreds of people to get a chance to meet the Chief Minister and Aditya Thackeray along with Jyoti Gaikwad, who is contesting as Congress candidate.

The people kept on showering flower petals on the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.

The roadshow was held to bring together the people of Telangana and Karnataka, as a lot of Telugu and Kannada speaking people reside in Dharavi area, which is known as one of the world’s biggest slums.

Varsha Gaikwad’s sister Jyoti Gaikwad is contesting from Dharavi seat.

Before Jyoti Gaikwad this seat was represented for four consecutive terms in the assembly by her elder sister.

This seat has remained with Congress since 1980 and only once Shiv Sena’s Baburao Mane had won in 1995 to 1999, when Eknath Gaikwad didn’t contest. Eknath Gaikwad, who is father of Varsha and Jyoti had represented this seat thrice in assembly and was also four time MP from Mumbai.

Reddy also campaigned for Congress candidate Ganesh Yadav in Sion assembly seat.

Reddy reminded people how his government has fulfilled all the guarantees in Telangana and all the accusations made by BJP against Congress of not fulfilling guarantees are baseless and false.

The polling for the 288 member assembly is scheduled on November 20 and counting of votes will take place on November 23.

Kharge Takes Indirect Jibe at Yogi Adityanath, Accuses BJP of Spreading Hatred

November 10, 2024, 9:07 pm

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, during a speech at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan’ on Sunday, made an indirect attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accusing him of using religious attire as a political guise. Without naming Adityanath directly, Kharge remarked, “Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers.”

Kharge’s comments were seen as a pointed reference to Yogi Adityanath, who serves as both the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Kharge criticized leaders wearing ‘gerua’ (saffron) robes, stating, “They wear saffron clothes, have no hair on their heads, and claim to be saints, but engage in divisive politics. If you are a sanyasi, wear your robes and leave politics. Otherwise, wear white and join political discourse without spreading hate.”

Condemns Yogi’s ‘Batoge Toh Katogey’ Slogan

Kharge also took issue with Adityanath’s recent slogan, “Batoge toh katogey” (If we divide, we will be cut), accusing the Chief Minister of inciting hatred and division. He said, “These leaders are spreading hatred among the people and attempting to divide them. They should focus on unity, not divisiveness.”

Further targeting the BJP, Kharge alleged that the party, along with the RSS, is the real threat to the country’s unity. “BJP is coming up with new slogans, but I ask, is there any real danger to the country? If there is a threat, it is from the BJP and RSS. They are the ones talking about division and violence from morning till night,” Kharge said, contrasting it with the Congress’s efforts to maintain national unity. He cited the example of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s martyrdom, emphasizing the party’s legacy in keeping the nation united.

Kharge also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avoiding media engagement, saying, “In earlier times, heads of government met and interacted with opposition leaders. Today, forget meeting opposition leaders, Narendra Modi doesn’t even speak to the press.”

MVA Joint Manifesto Launched in Maharashtra

Earlier on Sunday, Kharge launched the joint manifesto of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance for the upcoming Assembly polls in Maharashtra. The manifesto, titled ‘Maharashtra Nama,’ outlines five core areas for development: farming and rural development, industry and employment, urban development, environment, and public welfare.

Kharge highlighted several key promises, including a monthly financial aid of ₹3,000 to women under the ‘Mahalakshmi Scheme,’ free bus services for women, and ₹50,000 incentives to farmers repaying loans on time. Additionally, the manifesto proposes a ₹4,000 monthly stipend for job-seeking youth and a ₹25 lakh health insurance scheme, modeled after the one implemented by Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan.

Kharge also pledged to conduct a caste census and vowed to lift the 50% cap on reservations, following the model used in Tamil Nadu.

The Maharashtra Assembly polls are set for November 20, with counting scheduled for November 23. The electoral contest is shaping up as a major showdown between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the MVA, intensifying political campaigning and rhetoric as the state approaches the election date for its 288 Assembly seats.

Rahul, Kharge to launch guarantees for Maha on Nov 6 along with Uddhav, Sharad Pawar

November 2, 2024, 2:38 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will be announcing the guarantees for Mahatrashtra in presence of NCP- SP faction chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) faction Uddhav Thackeray on November 6.

Congress Maharashtra incharge Ramesh Chenithalla on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Nagpur on November 6.

He will first address the Samvidhaan Samman Sammelan in Nagpur.

Chenithalla said, “On November 6, Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, Uddhav Thackeray and sharad Pawar will be holding a joint rally on Mumbai BKC area.”

He said that Maha Vikas Aghadi will be announcing the guarantees for Maharashtra on the same day.

According to party leaders, this will be a common minimum programme and the guarantees have been made after the three parties held a detailed discussion.

This comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders targeting the Congress for not fulfilling the guarantees in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh where it has been in power and accused the grand old party of announcing guarantees only to come to power.

Meanwhile, Kharge responded to the charge of the Prime Minister and gave a point t by point rebuttal saying that the Modi’s guarantees are the cruel joke to 140 crore people of the country.

Speaking to ITV network, Chenithalla also slammed the Prime Minister for not fulfilling promise of providing 2 crore per year and transferring Rs 15 lakh into bank accounts of every citizen.

Kharge Dismisses Modi’s Simultaneous Elections Proposal as “Impossible”

October 31, 2024, 4:07 pm

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for simultaneous elections, deeming it “impossible.” Kharge’s remarks came shortly after the Prime Minister endorsed the concept during a speech in Gujarat’s Kevadia on National Unity Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

PM Modi’s Vision for ‘One Nation, One Election’

In his address, PM Modi emphasized that simultaneous polls would strengthen India’s democracy and optimize the use of resources. He reiterated, “We are now working towards One Nation, One Election… Today, India is moving towards One Nation, One Civil Code that is a Secular Civil Code.” The Prime Minister’s comments echoed his previous statements made during Independence Day celebrations.

Political Divisions on Simultaneous Polls

The proposal, which aims to hold both Lok Sabha and state assembly elections concurrently, has been strongly backed by the ruling BJP-led NDA coalition. However, it faces staunch opposition from Congress and other parties. Kharge stressed that for the initiative to move forward, PM Modi would need to gain consensus in Parliament, which he labeled as “impossible.”

Last month, the Union Cabinet approved a report by the Kovind committee on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ laying the groundwork for potential implementation. The committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its findings in March to current President Droupadi Murmu.

Kharge dubs violent statements on Rahul Gandhi by BJP, its allies as “dangerous”, asks PM Modi to rein in its leaders

September 17, 2024, 3:40 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday and also highlighted that how Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been called a terrorist by Union Minister and how an ally of the saffron party has announced bounty to cut his tongue.

Kharge also urged the Prime Minister to rein in his Minister’s and ally partners to not make such statements and proper legal action should be taken against such leaders so that the politics should not stoop to such low.

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Kharge greeted him on his birthday and said, “I would like to draw your attention which is directly linked to democracy and the Constitution.”

Kharge said that you must be aware that a trend of unwarranted, violent and unfortunate statements are being used against LoP Rahul Gandhi.

Highlighting the statement of three leaders, Kharge said, “With very sad note I want to state that the leaders of the BJP and its alliance partners are using violent words are very dangerous for future.”

He said that thenworld is amazed that a Minister of State for Railways (Ravneet Singh Bittu), BJP ruled Uttar Pradesh Minister have dubbed Rahul Gandhi as number one terrorist.

He also said that in Maharashtra, BJP alliance partner Shiv Sena’s MLA has announced bounty of Rs 11 lakh to cut Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. While a Delhi BJP (Tarwinder Singh Marwah) has threatened that Rahul Gandhi will meet same fate as of his grand mother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Kharge said that Indian culture is known for non violence, bonhomie and love across the world.

The Congress leader said, “Our Geeta leaders have formed these values as India’s identity. Even Mahatma Gandhi made these values an integral part of politics during Brotish rule.”

Kharge said that since independence, ruling as well as opposition have long history of disagreements. And this feature has increased the pride of India’s democracy.

Kharge emphasised that crores of Congress workers are worried and agitated because due to such hatred Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi have to sacrifice their lives.

“The political behavior of the ruling party is the rudest example in our democratic history,” he said.

The Congress leader, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said that I urge and hope that you will ask your leaders to be in discipline and ask them to maintain dignity and guide them to follow proper behavior.

Kharge also said: “For such statements, strong legal actions hold be carried out so that the Indian politics can be saved from stooping further low and no untoward incident happens.”

Kharge also said that I hope that you will take necessary action to stop such hateful and violent statements.

Many BJP leaders, including MoS Railway Ravneet Singh Bittu have spoken against Rahul Gandhi for his comments made in US.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) does not love his country much because he goes abroad and says everything in a wrong way. The people who are most wanted, seperatists, experts in making bombs, guns, and shells, have appreciated what Rahul Gandhi has said. The enemies of the country who try to blow up planes, trains, roads, they are in support of Rahul Gandhi. If there should be an award to catch the number one terrorist and the biggest enemy of the country, it should be on Rahul Gandhi,” Bittu said while speaking to media in Bhagalpur.

Bittu said that even if a single Sikh says that he cannot wear turban or kada, he will leave the BJP. “At the border, there are Sikhs; they protect the nation. Attempts have been made to sabotage them,” the Minister had said.

While addressing a gathering of Indian Americans, Rahul Gandhi had accused the RSS of considering some religions, languages, and communities of being “inferior” to others and said the fight in India is about this and not about politics.

“First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial,” Rahul Gandhi said as he asked one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows to give his name. What is your name, brother with the turban?”

“The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That’s what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions,” Rahul Gandhi, who was on a four-day visit to the US had said.

Kharge, Rahul Visit to J&K Rescheduled, Both to Kickstart Their Visit from Srinagar Instead of Jammu

August 21, 2024, 12:57 pm

Congress on Wednesday rescheduled the visit of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit to poll bound Jammu and Kashmir.

Accordong to senior Congress leaders related to the development, Kharge and Rahul Gandi will be visiting the Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday afternoon and will arrive in Srinagar first instead of heading to Jammu, as per earlier schedule.

The party leaders said that both the senior leaders will leave from Delhi around 2 p.m. and reach Srinagar by 5 p.m.

The leaders pointed out that on Thursday the Congress leaders will have a meeting with the party leaders and workers in Srinagar and discuss the poll strategy as well as preparations.

The leaders also pointed out that both of them will also discuss the alliance talks details with the Farooq Abdullah-led NC and other parties in J&K.

After attending rhe programme in Srinagar, both the leaders will them visit Jammu around 2.30 p.m. and will hold a sammelan with party workers and also meet the party leaders.

Earlier it was said that Rahul Gandhi was also likely to visit Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. Elections are taking place in the union territory for the first time in 10 years.

The Election Commission has announced polling dates for J&K in three phases — September 18, September 25 and October 1. While the counting of votes will take place on October 4. The elections also gains importance as it is haplening for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two union territories of J&K and Ladakh in Augist 2019.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi called on visiting Malayasian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the national capital.

Kharge, Rahul to Visit J&K on 2 Day Visit For Meetings

August 20, 2024, 2:18 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir, where the assembly elections will be held for the first time after abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into union territories on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss election related issues.

In a post on X, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal said, “On 21st and 22nd August, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi ji will be visiting Jammu and Srinagar for key meetings in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections.”

The visit of the Congress leaders come in the wake of the Election Commission announcing the schedule for the three phase elections in the erstwhile state of J&K to discuss the election preparations and seat sharing deal with the Farooq Abdullah-led NC, sources said.

The source claimed that Rahul Gandhi is also set to have a detailed discussion with the party leaders and visit Vaishno Devi shrine during his two day visit.

On Monday, Kharge chaired the meeting of the Screening Committee members, which was also attended by the incharge of the J&K.

The Congress is all set to hold the CEC meeting to finalise the candidates for the upcoming elections.

The elections for J&K will be condictedin three phases — September 18, 25 and October 1 and counting of votes will take place on October 4.

The Central government had abrogated the Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two union territories of J&K and Ladakh in August 2019. The assembly elections in the erstwhile state was last held in 2014.

Since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has been governed as a Union Territory, with key powers resting with the Lieutenant Governor.

In the last Assembly polls held in 2014, the BJP and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) formed a coalition government, with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as the Chief Minister.

After Sayeed’s death in January 2016, his daughter Mehbooba Mufti succeeded him following a brief period of Governor’s Rule.

In June 2018, the BJP walked out of the PDP-led coalition government, leading to the dissolution of the Assembly by then-Governor Satya Pal Malik in November of that year. Since then, Jammu and Kashmir has not had an Assembly.

Kharge Jibes Sitharaman, Says Mataji To Bolne Me Expert Hai While Targeting Govt Over Budget

July 24, 2024, 6:30 pm

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday jibed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sayung that ‘mai bol deta hun, mataji to bolne me expert hai’ and then also accused the BJP-led government on Wednesday of prioritizing only two states, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, in the Union Budget for 2024-25 while disregarding the rest of the nation.

The Congress chief also dubbed the budget as a “kursi-bachao” document while spearheading the criticism by the grand old party and other INDIA bloc parties against the alleged bias.

“No state got anything in the budget of Modi government. The states where people have rejected BJP, those states got nothing from this budget. Everyone’s plate is empty, and in the plate of two states there are Pakora and Jalebi. This budget has been brought only to save his chair,” Kharge said in Rajya Sabha while targeting the government.

As Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar urged Kharge to allow finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to respond, Kharge remarked, “Mai bol deta hun. Mataji bolne mein to expert hain, mujhe maloom hai. (Let me finish. Mataji is expert in speaking, I am aware of that.)”

Kharge then also said that there can be no development without balance between states.

As finance minister Nirmala Sitharama was given the floor to respond, Kharge led the opposition bloc out of the House in protest.

Sitharaman pointed out that she had not named many states in either the interim budget presented in February or the full budget tabled on Tuesday. She highlighted that this does not imply that government schemes are not benefiting those states and cited the example of Maharashtra, which was not mentioned in either budget but still received approval for the Rs 76,000-crore Vadhavan port project in Dahanu last month.

The finance minister challenged the Congress party to review their own budget speeches and determine if they had named every state in the country. She called the opposition’s allegation “outrageous”.

Kharge mentioned that states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Delhi were completely neglected.

He condemned the budget, asserting that the entire INDIA alliance, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, would protest against it.

The Congress leader also stressed that political loyalties change over time and condemned the government’s discriminatory attitude.

Betrayal Of J&K continues Unabated, Govt wants To Delay Restoration Of Full Statehood, Says Kharge

July 13, 2024, 4:24 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday criticized the Modi government at the Centre, stating that its betrayal of Jammu and Kashmir continues unabated. He condemned the insertion of new sections granting more power to the Lieutenant Governor (LG), which he argued aims to delay the restoration of full statehood to the erstwhile state.

Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, suggested that even if elections are held as mandated by the Supreme Court by September 30th, 2024, the elected government would be subject to the LG’s discretionary control.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge labeled this move as another instance of “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” under the Modi government.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticized the government’s decision, interpreting the notification as a sign that full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is unlikely in the near future. He highlighted a consensus among political parties that J&K should promptly regain full statehood rather than remain a Union Territory (UT).

Ramesh shared a copy of the government’s notification, emphasizing that the amended rules under Section 55 of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 expand the LG’s powers. He underscored the government’s commitment to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30 this year, as previously assured to the Supreme Court.

Kharge Slams PM Modi, Says Opposition Walked Out Because He Was Lying

July 3, 2024, 3:55 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that the opposition INDIA bloc parties walked out of the Rajya Sabha during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech as he was “lying” and further added that it is his “habit” to “lie and mislead people”.

His remarks came soon after the Opposition walked out of the upper House of the Parliament while Modi was speaking about the Constitution during his reply to Motion of Thanks to President’s address.

“It’s his habit to lie, mislead people, and say things beyond truth. They (BJP) say that we (Congress) are against the Constitution, but the truth is that BJP-RSS, Jan Sangh and their political forefathers had strongly opposed the Constitution of India. They had burnt the effigies of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at that time. This was a shameful thing,” Kharge told the media.

He also pointed out that Ambedkar had given the credit for drafting the Constitution to Congress.

Kharge also said that “I just wanted to clarify who was for the Constitution and who was against it”.

“RSS wrote in their editorial in 1950 that the bad thing about the Constitution is that there is nothing about India’s history. They opposed the Constitution. They are against it since the beginning and they say that they are for it,” Kharge, who is Leader of Opposotion in Rajya Sabha said.

The opposition MPs of the INDIA bloc staged a walkout as Prime Minister was replying to the debate on the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha today.

The opposition MPs claimed that Kharge was not given an opportunity to speak. In protest, they engaged in sloganeering against the Prime Minister and left the House.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar strongly criticized the actions of the INDIA bloc MPs, accusing them of challenging and outraging the spirit of the Constitution, as well as disregarding their oath of office.

Dhankhar said, “The opposition members have challenged the Constitution, outraged the spirit of the Constitution, and disregarded the oath they took”.

Dhankhar also claimed that Kharge had insulted his oath of office by participating in the walkout, saying, “Khargeji insulted oath of the office through the walkout. They (opposition MPs) have made a mockery of the Constitution. I hope they introspect”.

He also added that Kharge was allotted sufficient time in the House to speak.

Kharge demands for a law for big satsangs following Hathras stampede incident which claimed 121 lives

July 3, 2024, 1:37 pm

New Delhi: Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday demanded that a law should be brought for big religious events to stop the Hathras stampede kind of incident, in which over 121 people have died on Tuesday.

Speaking in the Upper House, Kharge said, “I want do suggest that thr kind of unfortunate incidents are taking place due to blind faith and people gathered there. And there is no law to deal with it. Like for holding big satsang programme, what is access, how many people.will be there, which is the nearby hospital. So a law should be made as over 135 people have lost their lives.

I request you to have a law on it, and many fake babas are in jail, he pointed out.

To this Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he has taken note of his request.

Dhankhar also said that he will not allow any members objecting to request.of Kharge as he mentioned a very important issue.

“It is necessary that laws be made against ‘blind faith’ like in Karnataka and Maharashtra, so that fake people who rob people for money can be banned,” Kharge added.

A stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras resulted in over 100 fatalities on Tuesday, with many devotees suffocating and bodies piling up in a chaotic scene.

This marks one of the deadliest such incidents in recent years. The stampede occurred during a packed religious gathering, causing widespread panic and numerous casualties. The exact cause of the stampede is still being investigated.

On Wednesday Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also visited Hathras and met those injured and the families of the deceased from the stampede incident.

Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, KC Venugopal among 27 star Congress campaigners for LS polls

March 30, 2024, 1:21 pm

On Saturday, the Indian National Congress (INC) unveiled a roster of 27 star campaigners for Jammu and Kashmir, featuring notable figures such as party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. These leaders will spearhead the party’s campaigning efforts for the Lok Sabha elections, slated to occur in five phases in the region.

The list of star campaigners for the parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir was formally submitted by INC general secretary KC Venugopal to the Secretary of the Election Commission of India. The lineup includes prominent figures like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ambika Soni, KC Venugopal, Sachin Pilot, Bharatsingh Solanki, Vikar Rasool Wani, GA Mir, Tariq Hameed Karra, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revanth Reddy, and Harish Rawat.

Additionally, the list comprises Pramod Tewari, Pawan Khera, Ranjeet Ranjan, TS Singh Deo, Imran Pratapgarhi, Raj Babbar, Pirzada Mohd Sayeed, Manoj Yadav, Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla, Chowdhary Lal Singh, GN Monga, Shameema Raina, and Akash Bharat.

These leaders of the Indian National Congress will actively engage in campaigning activities as per Section 77(1) of the Representation of People Act 1951, particularly focusing on the first and second phases of the general elections to the Lok Sabha from Jammu and Kashmir in 2024.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar earlier indicated that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will follow shortly after the Lok Sabha polls. This announcement was made alongside the declaration of dates for the general election, four state polls, and 26 Assembly by-polls.

The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory are scheduled to take place in five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar), and May 20 (Baramulla), with the counting of votes set for June 4.

Kharge: India unites against terrorism post attack

December 23, 2023, 5:10 am

India stands united against the scourge of terrorism, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Friday while expressing his deep anguish at the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pir Panjal area the day before. Five soldiers were killed and two injured when heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles in an area that falls in Jammu region’s Poonch and Rajouri districts. The bodies of two of the slain soldiers were mutilated, officials said.

“We unequivocally condemn these heinous terror attacks that have been taking place in Rajouri and in the areas of Pir Panjal range,” Kharge said in a post on X.
The Army personnel had made a “supreme sacrifice”, he said and lauded their “indomitable courage and resolute bravery”.

“In this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. We pray for the complete and speedy recovery of the injured soldiers,” the Congress chief said.
“India is united against the scourge of terrorism,” the Congress president said.
The vehicles carrying the Army personnel to the site of a cordon-and-search operation came under attack at a blind curve between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz.

Former CM Bommai says statements on changing laws is ‘arrogance’

May 25, 2023, 4:32 pm

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai criticized the newly formed Congress government led by Siddaramaiah in the state, referring to it as a “reverse gear government.” He expressed his disapproval of statements suggesting that the new government intends to modify legislations implemented by the previous BJP government upon assuming power, labeling such remarks as “arrogant.”

While talking to the mediapersons in Hubbali, Bommai said, “Now that they are in power we know what they will do, if there is an injustice to the masses we will fight against it, fight legally and politically. To change everything for freedom when it comes to power is the word of arrogance.” “Before the election, we said that Congress is a reverse-gear government. Now it is known as the reverse. The work we have done on behalf of the people is also going backwards. The guarantee given by them will also be reversed. People also know the effect of this. He is doing revenge politics. People of the state are paying attention,” he added.

His statements came as a reaction to Minister Priyank Kharge’s comment. Kharge on Wednesday said the new Congress government would either revise or withdraw orders, legislation and policies which went against the interests of the state under the previous BJP government, including cow slaughter, school textbook revision and anti-conversion.

Kharge feels Congress set to unseat BJP in Karnataka

March 29, 2023, 4:10 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has been looking confident on Wednesday, saying that the party will win the upcoming Karnataka assembly polls to be held on 10 May.

He further added that after the election result, the party high command will decide the chief ministerial candidate following consultation with the victorious candidates.

Kharge went on to say that Congress is confident, and senior leaders of the party, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are set to campaign to strengthen the party’s position in the upcoming assembly polls in the state.

Rahul Gandhi disqualified only to suppress his voice: Kharge

March 26, 2023, 4:14 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a Lok Sabha MP on Sunday. He said that the Wayanad MP was disqualified for choking his voice.

Speaking to a prominent news agency, he said that “the Congress party is standing with him, and if needed, we are ready to go to jail as part of the Jail Bharo programme.” The BJP government has not been allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak. “Whatever we say in the Parliament even that is expunged from the records in Parliament” he added.

There is only one aim behind the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi: the government does not want to let him speak, because the BJP government wants to hide its scams and suppress the facts.

Rahul’s remark was not against any party or candidate; it was his election speech, and Rahul’s intention was not to hurt anyone, Kharge said.

His speech in 2019 was just his freedom of expression. “BJP leaders have given such a statement that if a dog dies in an accident, then there is no need to worry about it.” A party whose leader talks like this can never give respect to the Constitution. Currently, a conspiracy is going on to not allow the Opposition to speak freely. “Rahul Gandhi has been fighting against this conspiracy,” he said.

Congress has been observing a day-long Sayagraha amid the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a member of the Lok Sabha on Friday, a day after a Surat Court sentenced him to two years in jail over his ‘Modi’ surname remark during the 2019 Lok Sabha election rally in Karnataka

Mallikarjun Kharge condemns BJP for raising Rahul Gandhi’s remark

March 13, 2023, 4:12 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday slammed the government for raising the remarks made by Rahul Gandhi recently in London. Those who are crushing democracy are now discussing how to save it, he said.

Kharge went on to say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been functioning as a ‘director’.

A protest march was taken out by Kharge from the Parliament House complex to Vijay Chowk along with several Opposition party MPs. The issue came into force after the BJP launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on democracy on foreign soil, which defamed India’s democratic setup. The BJP has been demanding an apology from him.

Rahul was recently on a visit to London, where he alleged that the democracy of India is under ‘brutal attack’.

Speaking to media persons at Vijay Chowk, Kharge criticised the BJP, saying that they are trying to crush the democratic setup of India but that they talk to save democracy.

Kharge further added that they are sending ED, CBI to suppress the voice of Opposition parties. The Congress chief alleged with the proverb ‘ulta chor kotwal ko daante’ (pot calling the kettle black),”

Kharge unveiled several examples of PM Modi mocking India several times on his foreign trip and cited examples of his speeches in China, South Korea, Canada, and the UAE.

Kharge further added that all this is being done to divert people’s attention from the Adani-Hindenburg issue. We are demanding the JPC look into the Adani issue, he said.

He also claimed that discrimination has been taking place in the Rajya Sabha. As the Leader of the House, he was given the chance to speak for just 10 minutes.

Earlier, several Opposition party leaders met in the chamber of Kharge to make their strategy for the ongoing Budget Session.

Congress Foundation Day: Mallikarjun Kharge slams Modi govt over division, hatred

December 28, 2022, 1:31 pm

Malllikarjun Kharge, the head of the opposition Congress party, charged the government Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday with creating division, hatred, and continued unemployment in the nation. The concept of India, he claimed, was constantly under attack.

“…hatred is deepening every day across the country. People are burdened due to inflation and unemployment, but the government is unconcerned,” he said in his speech at a function to mark the Congress’s 138th foundation day.

He added Congress will have to unite youngsters, women, deprived classes, and intellectuals to combat hatred and unemployment and to ensure inclusiveness.

Kharge said the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra, Congress’s biggest public outreach exercise in decades, was the beginning of steps to unite people. “The yatra has given a new lease of life to tens of millions of Congress workers across the country.” He added the yatra has shown Congress’s ideology is widely and robustly supported.

He mentioned how India developed while the Congress was in power and stated that within a short period of time, it not only developed into a powerful democracy but also a powerhouse in terms of economic, nuclear, and geopolitical matters. The nation leads other countries in the fields of agriculture, education, medicine, information technology, and services.

Kharge credited Congress’s belief in democracy and inclusive ideology for the growth. In order to ensure that everyone has equal rights and opportunities, he continued, the party works with everyone and has complete faith in the Constitution.

In a tweet separately, Kharge said Congress has always worked for the well-being and progress of the people. “We firmly believe in equality of opportunity guaranteed in political, economic & social rights, enshrined in the Constitution of India,” said Kharge, who unfurled Congress’s flag to mark the foundation day at the party’s headquarters.

Former Congress chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and other top party leaders were present on the occasion.

In a tweet in Hindi on the foundation day, Rahul Gandhi said, “I am proud to be a part of an organisation which chose the path of truth, non-violence, and struggle and always worked in the public interest.”

Modi compared me to Surpanakha, says Renuka Chowdhury on Kharge’s Ravan dig

November 30, 2022, 12:29 pm

Renuka Chowdhury, a former Union minister and MP, claimed on Tuesday that PM Modi had once compared her to Surpanakha in Parliament amid the controversy over Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s “Ravan” jab at PM Modi. Then, where was the media? Renuka Chowdhury tweeted, which prompted a lot of people on social media to find the 2018 video.

Tuesday’s political uproar was caused by Mallikarjun Kharge, who compared Prime Minister Modi to Ravan and questioned whether he had 100 heads because he insisted on people looking at him at all times.

“PM Modi always talks about himself. ‘Don’t look at anyone, just look at Modi and vote’. How many times do we have to look at you? We have to see to your face in coporation election, MLA election and then MP election. Do you have 100 faces like Ravan? What is it?” Kharge said inviting a volley of criticism on his way.

Renuka Chowdhury recounted when PM Modi compared her to Ravan’s sister Surpanaka before Parliament, which led to the BJP and Congress sparring over the “Ravan” statement. Many social media users refuted her story and asserted that PM Modi never referred to her as Surpanakha; this was the inference she made. Congressman Jairam Ramesh claimed to have been present when Prime Minister Modi made his remarks about Renuka Chowdhury and that Modi was “grinning away” as he did so.

“Yes I was there that day and there was aughter in the BJP benched with Modi himself grinning away as he made that awful remark. The media did nothing to castigate him,” Jairam Ramesh tweeted in support of Renuka Chowdhury.

“I request you that please don’t say anything to Renuka ji. After the Ramayana serial, had the privilege of hearing this kind of laughter today,” PM Modi said.

Venkaiah Naidu reprimanded her for laughing aloud in response to PM Modi’s assertion regarding Aadhaar, which led to the exchange. Later, Union minister Kiren Rijiju posted a video that caused Surpanakha and Renuka Chowdhury to laugh in the House of Representatives.

Kharge hits out at PM Modi, calls him the ‘leader of lies’

November 28, 2022, 1:29 pm

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took a dig at PM Modi on Sunday and termed him as a “leader of lies”.
The head of the Congress charged that the BJP and its top officials were using evasions to win over the public. Kharge remarked, “They question us, especially Modiji and Shah (Amit shah), what the Congress has done in 70 years,” while speaking to an electoral rally in Dediapada in the Narmada district. Democracy wouldn’t exist in the nation if we hadn’t taken any action over the past 70 years.
“A person like you (PM Modi) claims to be poor. I am also poor, am one of the untouchables. People drank your tea, nobody would’ve had my tea. Then you say that you are poor and somebody abuses you. If you say it for sympathy then people have become smarter now. If you lie once or twice people will hear but how many times will you lie? He’s the leader of lies…”
Four public gatherings in the state are scheduled for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak at today. Today, he will deliver speeches at rallies in Rajkot, Anjar in Kutch, Gordhanpur in Jamnagar, Palitana in Bhavnagar, and Palitana in Jamnagar.
Gujarat’s assembly elections are set to take place on December 1 and December 5, with results being announced on December 8.
The BJP won 99 of the 182 seats up for election in Gujarat in 2017. For the past 27 years, the party has held the reins of power.
This election, the party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and CR Patil hopes to secure more than 140 seats.
The state has historically been a BJP stronghold, and the party has set its eyes on winning a seventh term in office. From 2001 until 2014, Modi served as Gujarat’s chief minister for the longest period of time.
The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has selected Isudan Gadhvi as its candidate for chief minister, will, however, present a formidable electoral challenge. The Congress also aspires to defeat the BJP by running its strongest campaign.

Sonia Gandhi and Cong President Kharge pay floral tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary

November 14, 2022, 11:48 am

On Monday, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and newly elected party president Mallikarjun Kharge paid floral tributes to India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, at the Shanti Van memorial in Delhi. “On the occasion of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and CPP (Congress Parliamentary Party) Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi visited Shantivan and paid tribute to the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The nation remembers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji for his contributions to India’s development “The gathering tweeted and shared photos.

Tributes from across the political spectrum poured in as leaders took to Twitter to recall the former Prime Minister’s contributions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “On his birth anniversary, tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji. We also recall his contribution to our nation.”

In a separate tweet, the Congress also celebrated Nehru’s ‘endearing legacy as a social democrat’. “First PM of India, Pt. Nehru was a social democrat who coveted a welfare state. He was a humanist-secularist who sought national development on all fronts including agriculture & science. Today on his birth anniversary, we celebrate his endearing legacy.”

The party’s state units paid tribute to a political leader known affectionately as ‘chacha Nehru’ by children. “Tomorrow’s society will be shaped by the youth. On the occasion of Pandit Nehru’s birth anniversary, we pledge to address inequalities and provide a bright future for our children.”

Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda cited Nehru’s vision as an inspiration. “Tributes to Independent India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his Jayanti,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

Cong prez poll : Rahul, leaders to vote at Bharat Jodo Yatra campsite in Karnataka

October 8, 2022, 4:48 pm

At a Bharat Jodo Yatra campground in Bellary, Karnataka, on October 17, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi will cast his ballot among 40 other party officials.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra will take a day off so that party members who are participating can cast their votes in the election.

All delegates will cast their ballots at a polling booth that has been established at the camp site in Bellary, according to AICC General Secretary for Communications Jairam Ramesh.

The PCC delegates of Karnataka will cast their vote in Bengaluru on October 17, he said.

On October 18, the yatra would go to Andhra Pradesh for three days and cover a distance of 95 kilometres there. Then, it will travel back to Raichur in Karnataka.

Thereafter, the yatra will move to Telangana, Ramesh said.

On October 19, the vote-counting process will begin, and the results will be announced that same day.

The two contenders for the top Congress job are senior Congressmen Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor.

Congress prez poll: ‘There is no G-23, there never was,’ says Shashi Tharoor

October 3, 2022, 3:09 pm

Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor who is contesting in the party president elections has been engaged in the hectic campaign. On Monday, he spoke about the G-23 group, which had written a letter to Sonia Gandhi about two years ago about the crucial need for reconstructing needed within the party. Another senior Congress leader, Mallikarjun Kharge is also in the race to be the party president. Many of the letter writers are now backing up Kharge.

“First of all, there is no G-23 group. There never was,” Tharoor said. “As far as I can tell you, a couple of seniors wrote the letter. They invited a large number of people to support them. It so happened that the covid lockdown was on, and only 23 people were available to sign. There could have been 100 or more,” he added.

His comments come amid swipes from the rival leaders as Congress gears up to hold its elections for the crucial post on October 17. Over the weekend, the BJP’s Amit Malviya tweeted that the leaders of the rebel group had abandoned “one of their own”.

Kharge added that there was no G-23 group on Sunday. He added that he had told Tharoor that a consensus candidate would be preferable, but that Tharoor insisted on a vote for the “sake of democracy.”

Tharoor claimed to have more than 60 proposers for the Congress presidential nomination after Kharge was accompanied to the nomination process on Friday by many of his prominent party colleagues, including Anand Sharma and Manish Tewari of the G-23.