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Gehlot backs Rahul on caste census, says must for social security schemes

February 14, 2025, 12:30 am

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has voiced his support for former Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s demand for a caste census. Gehlot emphasized the importance of such a census for the effective implementation of social security schemes in India. He pointed out that in many developed and developing countries, needy families receive fixed financial assistance through social security programs. Despite India being the fifth-largest economy in the world, Gehlot highlighted the lack of a permanent social security scheme in the country.

Gehlot reiterated Rahul Gandhi’s call for conducting social, economic, and caste-based censuses to ensure that welfare programs reach the right sections of society.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister emphasized the need for the central government to collect accurate data and collaborate with states to create a formula that would help provide assistance to needy families. He stated that if a nationwide social security scheme were implemented, even the wealthy sections of society would stop feeling that the government is wasting tax money on the poor.

Gehlot referred to Article 39 of the Constitution, which outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy. This article states that all citizens, regardless of gender, have the right to adequate means of livelihood, and that the distribution of material resources should benefit everyone.
Gehlot further highlighted that every citizen in the country pays taxes, either directly (income tax) or indirectly. The government’s responsibility is to distribute the tax revenue to meet the needs of various sections of society. He also pointed out that with the introduction of the Food Security Scheme during the UPA government, deaths due to hunger have significantly reduced. Additionally, free insurance schemes like Chiranjeevi Yojana and free treatment services have contributed to a decline in deaths caused by lack of healthcare. Gehlot’s comments underline the importance of improving social security systems to support all sections of society.

Modi, Kejriwal against reservations, says Rahul

January 29, 2025, 10:00 pm

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as anti-reservation and dared Kejriwal to announce that he will conduct caste census and remove the fifty percent ceiling on reservations. Addressing a public meeting in support of the party candidates in Bawana here, Rahul Gandhi alleged that both Modi and Kejriwal were against reservations.

Challenging Kejriwal to announce that he will remove the fifty percent ceiling on the reservations, Rahul Gandhi said, he knows, he (Kejriwal) will never do it as he is against reservations, against the Dalits and against the minorities. Alleging that Kejriwal speaks lies the same way Modi does, he pointed out how he (Kejriwal) had promised to bring in clean politics and still he and his people indulged in the biggest corruption scam in Delhi.

The Congress leader pointed out that Kejriwal had promised five years ago that he would take a bath in river Yamuna and drink its water. Rahul Gandhi challenged him to drink the Yamuna water, and said he knows the AAP leader will never do that as it is completely polluted. He also alleged that Kejriwal never stood by the minorities and said, when the BJP people resorted to violence against the minorities in Delhi, Kejriwal was nowhere seen.

The Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli said that it was only the Congress people including him who stood by them. “Wherever Modi and his people spread hatred and violence, you will find Rahul Gandhi standing up against them”, he assured the people. He also said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi does not fear of Modi. “But Modiji fears of Congress and Rahul Gandhi,” he said. Rahul Gandhi reiterated that India is not the country of hatred and fear but the country of love and harmony. He said, hatred and fear were being spread by Modi and the RSS who make one religion fight against the other, one caste against the other and one language against the other.

Referring to the pressing problems being faced by people, he said, there were no jobs in Delhi today in the regime of Modi and Kejriwal. He highlighted that, parents spend huge amounts of money to educate their children and what they get at the end is just a certificate, not a job. He referred to his meeting with a civil engineering graduate who was working as a coolie at Delhi railway station. But, he said, the government had controlled the narrative in such a way that the media never talks about such things which concern the common people. Instead, he added, the media diverts the attention.

Rahul Gandhi said, unlike the BJP and the AAP, he and the Congress party never made false promises. He referred to the promises made to people of Karnataka and Telangana, which have been fulfilled after the party formed government in the two states.

Kejriwal promised to do clean politics, but liquor scam happened, he stay in ‘Sheeshmahal’: Rahul

January 28, 2025, 9:05 pm

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday for the first time targeted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for staying in luxurious ‘Sheeshmahal’ and accused his party of getting indulged in excise policy scam case after promising of doing clean politics. Rahul Gandhi, whose several public meeting in the national capital was called off in last few days due to his ill health on Tuesday once again began his campaign in the national capital.

The former Congress chief earlier in the day began his campaign schedule by visiting Valmiki temple in New Delhi assembly seat along with party’s candidate Sandeep Dikshit. He offered prayers at the temple and then also spoke to several of the workers of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) in the New Delhi assembly seat. Rahul Gandhi after his meeting with the NDMC workers shared that how due to privatisation and contract job policy of the BJP and the AAP government at the centre and in Delhi respectively thousands of people are getting unemployed and many are not getting proper salaries.

Rahul Gandhi said that he amd his party are regularly raising this issues as privatisation and contract job are tools to snatch the rights of poor and marginalized and his party will control it. Later in the day, the Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli addressed two public meetings — one each in Patparganj and Okhla assembly seat. During his public meeting in Patparganj in East Delhi for party’s candidate Chaoudhary Anil Kimar targeted Kejriwal.

He said, “Kejriwal says anything that comes to his mind. When he came, he had a small car and had said that he will do a new kind of politics.” Lamenting at AAP leader, the Congress leader said that Kejriwal had said he will change Delhi but when poor people were in need, he wasn’t there, when riots (2020 northeast Delhi riots) happened he wasn’t there. “Kejriwal said he will do clean politics, but in Delhi, the biggest scam of excise policy case happened. And you all must have also seen the photo of his house. Kejriwal stays in a palace, ‘Sheesh Mahal’. So this is the truth,” the Gandhi scion said, adding that he does the politics of Sheesh mahal as he has forgotten to give in small car and bring the Lokpal Bill.

He further took a jibe at Kejriwal for giving himself the certificate of honesty. The Congress leader said: Kejriwal says for himself that he is honest. He gives certificate to himself and does jot ask the people. The one who is dishonest gives certificate of honesty to himself.” He then also targeted former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia for changing his assembly seat. He said: “Sisodia ji used to represent the Patparganj assembly seat, who was the architect of the excise policy scam. He left Patparganj and ran away from here, which is good thing.”

He also appealed the party workers to vote for Congress candidate Anil Kumar in the area who has a clean record. Rahul Gandhi also slammed Kejriwal for shivering from fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking a pot shot at Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi said, “Understand one thing, I don’t know if all parties are scared of Modi or not but I know this that Kejriwal shivers from his name.” Rahul Gandhi then also continued his attack on BJP and the RSS and accused the central government of favoring few industrialists. He also spoke that how the country’s Constitution is in danger and the grand old party is fighting to protect it.

He then addressed another public meeting in Okhla for party’s candidate Ariba Asif Khan and appealed the people to vote for her. Voting for 70 member assembly seat is scheduled in the national capital on February 5 and counting of votes will take place on February 8. Congress which was reduced to zero seats in 2015 and 2020 assembly polls is looking to regain its lost ground in the national capital in the high octane triangular contest against the ruling AAP and the BJP.

Rahul writes to Nadda, Atishi, asks central govt to use upcoming Budget to review to increase investment in public healthcare

January 20, 2025, 9:44 pm

Days after visiting the night shelters near All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) highlightingntheir hardships, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Monday wrote a letter to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi over the issue. He urged Nadda that government will use the upcoming Budget to substantially increase its investment in public healthcare and also demanded that the new AIIMS facilities across the country should be operationalised at the earliest.

In his letter to Nadda, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “I write to bring your attention to the distressing situation outside AIIMS, Delhi. During my recent visit, I was saddened to see hundreds of patients and their family members huddled on the footpath and in the subway in the bitter winter cold, with only thin blankets to protect them, without drinking water or sanitation facilities.” He said that many of these patients travel from across the country, spend their life savings, and wait for months on end for medical care at India’s premier medical institution.

“I am sure you will agree that no one should face such hardship, especially while already battling serious medical conditions,” the Congress leader said. He said that while AIIMS Delhi delivers excellent and affordable care, the condition of patients and their families shows that health-care is still out of reach for crores of Indians. “As public representatives, we must all work together to address these issues,” he said. Rahul Gandhi said, “I urge you to take immediate and timely steps to address the situation at AIIMS Delhi. The Government of India should work with the AIIMS leadership, the Government of Delhi and charitable organizations to provide heating, bedding, water and shelter to patients, and expand permanent facilities for accommodation.”

He also asserted that in addition, reducing the long wait times at each step of treatment, and providing patients information about wait times, would help reduce patients’ uncertainty. Crucially, the larger systemic issue is that AIIMS Delhi is overburdened because crores of people do not have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare where they live. “I urge you, as Health Minister, to recognize and address this systemic issue. As a first step, the new AIIMS facilities across the country should be operationalised at the earliest. In addition, the public healthcare infrastructure should be strengthened at all levels, from primary to tertiary, in partnership with state governments,” he said.

He also said that central healthcare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat should be reviewed to reduce patient out-of-pocket expenses as much as possible, by expanding eligibility, hospitals enrolled, and conditions covered. “The sharp rise in the costs of private healthcare also deserves detailed scrutiny,” he demanded. “I hope the Government will use the upcoming Budget to review its overall approach, and substantially increase its investment in public healthcare,” the Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli said.

In his letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, he urged the city government to take immediate and timely steps this winter to provide heating, bedding, water and shelter to the patients seeking medical care from AIIMS Delhi. “More permanent solutions to accommodate patients by building and expanding permanent facilities should also be explored, in partnership with AIIMS and the Government of India, as well as charitable organizations,” he said. During his surprise visit outside AIIMS in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi interacted with the patients and their attendants. Many patients and people highlighted the issues faced by them during the chilling winter season.

Rahul stokes controversy while attacking RSS’s Bhagwat, says ‘We are fighting BJP, RSS, and the Indian state itself’

January 15, 2025, 10:34 pm

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday stirred controversy after he said that the grand old was not only fighting the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS, but the “Indian state” as well.

The comments made after the inauguration of party’s new headquarters at 9A Kotla Marg. Rahul Gandhi said that the party is fighting a civilisation war with these people who are attacking the ideology that we beleive in. He further said that only this organisation (Congress) people in this roomand millions of workers of this organisation have the courage and capability to stop them.

Rahul Gandhi said: “Do not think we are fighting a fair fight. Their is no fairness in this. If you believe that you are fighting a political organisation the BJP and the political organisation called the RSS then you have not understood what is going on. The BJP and the RSS have captured the every single institution of the country. We are fighting the BJP, RSS and Indian state itself.” He said in the last Congress Working Committee (CWC) he had highlighted that there is something in Maharashtra elections.

“I had said very categorically that I am comfortable with how the election commission is holding election,” he said. However, the Congress leader’s comments drew sharp reactions from the BJP. Earlier, he alao attacked RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his comments on the Constitution and independence and dubbed it as a treason. He said, “I think it is quite symbolic that yesterday, the RSS chief said that India never achieved Independence in 1947. Taking a jibe at the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief, the Congress leader said that he (Bhagwat) said “true independence” was achieved when the Ram Mandir was built.

Hitting out at Bhagwat for his comments, the Congress leader said, “The Constitution was attacked by Bhagwat yesterday when he said that it was not a symbol of our independence.” The Congress Lok Sabha MP from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh said, “Mohan Bhagwat had the courage to tell the country what he thinks about the Independence movement and Constitution. “In fact, what he said yesterday is treason as he stated that our Constitution is invalid,” he said. Rahul Gandhi further said that in any other country he (Bhagwat) would be tried for his comments.

“To say India did not get independence in 1947 is an insult to every Indian and we need to stop listening to this,” the Gandhi scion added.

After Rahul attacks AAP over caste census, pollution issues, Kejriwal and Sandeep lock horns

January 14, 2025, 9:39 pm

A war of words erupted between former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Congress candidate from New Delhi assembly seat Sandeep Dikshit over the remarks of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi at a public meeting in the national capital just ahead of crucial assembly polls. Rahul Gandhi while addressing his first public meeting in northeast Delhi’s Seelampur assembly area hit back at Kejriwal.

The Gandhi scion targeting Kejriwal said that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kejriwal used similar propaganda tactics of making false promises without meaning to fulfill them. Reiterating his commitment to caste census and removing the 50 percent ceiling on reservations, the senior Congress leader challenged both Modi and Kejriwal to say it publicly that they were in favour of caste census and removing the fifty per cent ceiling on reservations.

Reminding the people of the great and glorious era of Congress under Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, he pointed out how Delhi had lost the track of development after that. He pointed out the acute and extreme levels of pollution, poor condition of roads and prevalence of corruption in Delhi. He reminded Kejriwal of the promises he had made before becoming the Chief Minister. He said, whether it was inflation or corruption, Kejriwal had failed on all fronts.

Alleging that India was controlled by just a few billionaires like Adani and Ambani, he asked the people whether they ever heard Kejriwal speaking against them. Gandhi asserted that the Congress was committed to protecting the Constitution and ensuring the equality and safety of all Indians. He also assured people that whenever and wherever they will need him, they will always find him standing by them. He said he carried out the 4000 km Bharat Jodo Yatra to convey the message of unity and harmony.

He promised that once the Congress forms government in Delhi, it will carry out the caste census and remove the 50 percent ceiling on reservations. He said, Congress will provide equitable representation and participation to every section of the society like the Backwards, the Dalits, the Adivasis and the minorities and not just a select few. He said, Congress does not want India to be under the control of just a few billionaires. Following Rahul Gandhi’s comment, Kejriwal took to X and said, “Today Rahul Gandhi came to Delhi. He hurled abuses at me. But I will not comment on his statements. His fight is to save Congress, my fight is to save the country.”

Sandeep Dikshit, who is son of three time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit hit back at Kejriwal and reminded him of how he targeted his mother and made false allegations of corruption. Sandeep Dikshit, while replying to Kejriwal post said, “Are you trying to save the country Kejriwal?” Firing salvos at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Sandeep Dikshit, who is contesting against Kejriwal said, when he was shamelessly spreading 1000 lies about Sheila Ji, aas he saving the country, when he was threatening to send Sonia Gandhi to jail, was he saving the country?

Posing more questions, the Congress leader said, “When you were fooling the country in the name of Lokpal along with Anna (Hazare), were you saving the country? When you were having a amazing time in your luxurious palace worth Rs 34 crore, were you saving the country? When you were building school rooms worth Rs 7 lakh for Rs 24 lakh, were you saving the country? When you were spending thousands of crores on advertisements, were you saving the country?”

He didn’t stop here, as he fired more salvos to the former Chief Minister and said that when you were swindling Rs 2,000 crore from liquor policy case, were you saving the country, when people were waiting for oxygen and beds during Covid pandemic, were you saving the country, when you were blaming the farmers for burning stubble, were you saving the country?

He also targeted the AAP leader and said, “When you were making false promises to clean Yamuna, were you saving the country? When you were taking credit for everything done by the Congress and Sheila ji, were you saving the country? When you were cheating the public with false affidavits, were you saving the country? When they were making BJP win by cutting Congress votes in every state, we’re you saving the country?”

“The list is so big that people get tired reading it…,” he said, adding, “You don’t need to save the country, the country needs to be saved from you.” The high octane Delhi polls for 70 member assembly is scheduled on February 5 and counting of votes will take place on February 8. The Congress, which ruled the national capital between 1998 to 2013 for three consecutive term is looking g to gain its lost ground in the national capital. Kejriwal had defeated Sheila Dikshit from New Delhi assembly seat in 2013 and Sandeep Dikshit is looking to avenge the defeat of her mother from the same seat, where the contest this time is triangular as BJP has fielded Pravesh Singh Verma, two time former MP and son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma.

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.

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.

Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Depart for Kerala’s Wayanad to File Nomination Papers

October 22, 2024, 6:33 pm

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra traveled from Delhi to Kerala’s Wayanad on Tuesday to file her nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-elections. Priyanka is the party’s candidate for the Wayanad constituency, and she will officially submit her nomination papers on Wednesday, accompanied by key party figures including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and their mother, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Confidence in Priyanka’s Candidature

Expressing confidence in Priyanka’s ability to represent Wayanad effectively, Rahul Gandhi stated on X, “The people of Wayanad hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t imagine a better representative for them than my sister, Priyanka Gandhi. I’m confident she will be a passionate champion of Wayanad’s needs and a powerful voice in Parliament.” He also emphasized the importance of the collective efforts of the Congress and its allies in protecting the Constitution and democracy.

On Monday, Priyanka Gandhi met with Kharge in Delhi to strategize for the campaign leading up to the by-elections, which are scheduled for November 13. She will lead a roadshow from Kalpetta New Bus Stand on Wednesday morning before filing her nomination later in the day.

This by-election marks Priyanka Gandhi’s electoral debut after five years of active political involvement. If she secures victory, she will become the third member of the Gandhi family to serve in Parliament, following in the footsteps of her brother Rahul Gandhi and their mother Sonia Gandhi. She faces competition from Navya Haridas of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sathyan Mokeri from the Left Democratic Front (LDF), with Haridas being a two-time Kozhikode Corporation councillor.

As part of her campaign efforts, Congress has appointed Saral Patel as the media coordinator for Wayanad in preparation for the by-election.

Rahul Demands Probe Into Fake Encounters, Accuses BJP Of Using STF As A Gang

September 7, 2024, 10:01 pm

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday slammed the BJP government’s in the state over the alleged fake encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur saying the law and the Constitution are being floater by those who have the responsibility to enforce them and a professional police force like STF is being used as a gang by the BJP governments in the states.

He also demanded that all the suspicious encounters in Uttar Pradesh should be investigated without any impartiality

In a post in X, formerly Twitter, Rahul Gandhi said, “In the BJP ruled states, the ‘law and constitution’ are being flouted by those who have the responsibility to enforce them.”

The Congress Mzp from Rae Bareli said, the encounter of Mangesh Yadav in Sultanpur has once again proved that BJP does not believe in the ‘rule of law’.

“The tears of Mangesh’s family are asking a question to the whole country – who will live and who will not, will this be decided by the court or the police?” Rahul Gandhi asked.

Slamming the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, he said, “A professional force like the STF is being run like a ‘criminal gang’ under the BJP government, on which the silence of the central government is their clear consent to this ‘Thoko Niti’.”

“Dozens of encounters of UP STF are under question. Has any action been taken against any of those officers till date? After all, who is protecting them and why?” Rahul Gandhi asked.

Taking a jibe at the BJP, he said that “touching the Constitution in front of cameras is just a pretense when your own governments are openly tearing it to pieces”.

“All the suspicious encounters in Uttar Pradesh should be investigated impartially and justice should be done. Blood stains on the uniform must be cleaned,” he demanded.

His remarks came after the encounter of Mangesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur by the STF came under scanner.

The killing of Mangesh Yadav by the Special Task Force of Uttar Pradesh police on September 5 has triggered a political storm in the state. Opposition parties have called it a “fake encounter”.

Earlier Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused the police of having the impunity to kill Mangesh Yadav merely because of his caste background while sparing the lives of other accused persons in the dacoity case belonging to other communities, including dominant castes.

In the early hours of September 5, the UP STF shot dead Mangesh Yadav in an alleged “encounter” and termed him as one of the main accused in the Sultanpur jewellery shop dacoity case.

Rahul donates a month’s salary for Wayanad relief and rehabilitation

September 5, 2024, 3:39 am

Congress leader and newly appointed Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that he donated his entire month salary for the relief and rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide affected families.
The Congress leader shared the receipt of the donation of Rs 2.3 lakh for people of Wayanad.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Rahul Gandhi, who earlier represented Wayanad from 2019 to 2024 and said, “Our brothers and sisters in Wayanad have endured a devastating tragedy, and they need our support to recover from the unimaginable losses they have faced.”

“I have donated my entire month’s salary to aid in the relief and rehabilitation efforts for those affected. I sincerely urge all fellow Indians to contribute whatever they can—every little bit makes a difference,” he said.

He further said that Wayanad is a beautiful part of our country, and “together, we can help rebuild the lives of its people who have lost so much”.
He also shared the link of donstion and said, “You can safely contribute to the Kerala Congress fund through the Stand With Wayanad – INC app.”

Earlier Rahul Gandhi, along with his sister and party’s general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had visited Wayanad for two days on Augist 1 and 2.
The Wayanad was hit after the landslide stuck the district on July 30 night. More than 350 people had died while over more than 400 homes were completely destroyed in the massive landslide.

Congress has announced the candidature of Priyanka Gandhi from the seat after Rahul Gandhi chose to retain the Rae Bareli seat in the Lok Sabha.
Earlier Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also urged the people of the country to donate for Wayanad.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Wayanad following the disaster in the southern state.

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.

Surat Court grants bail to Rahul Gandhi, next hearing on 13 April

April 3, 2023, 3:44 pm

The Surat Sessions Court today granted bail to Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case over his remark on the Modi surname during his Lok Sabha campaign in Karnataka in April 2019. The case will be heard next on 13 April.

Earlier, a war of words erupted between the BJP and Congress as a huge number of party workers and family members accompanied Rahul Gandhi during his appeal against a court order that convicted him regarding his remark on the Modi surname.

The BJP alleged that the party’s stance is crystal clear: “One family is bigger than the country.” The Opposition hit back strongly, saying it was the ‘fight against corruption’.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We will fight against injustice.” It was not a show of strength. He is our leader. Everyone goes to stand by a leader.This is a party, and we are fighting for the country. We will get there.

Stalemate continues in both Houses; Parliament adjourned

March 23, 2023, 5:22 pm

Minutes after proceedings started, both Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Thursday till 2 pm as the war of words continued in Parliament over the issue of Rahul Gandhi’s statements in the UK and the Adani-Hindenburg matter.

Budget Session got underway on 13 March and today is the eighth day of the second leg of the Budget Session.

Both Houses observed a moment of silence in honour of Shaheed Diwas, on this day revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged by the British.

Minutes after proceedings started in Houses on Thursday, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 pm.

Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he held three meetings (of floor leaders) on Thursday as part of consultations to break the logjam between the BJP and the Opposition parties. But both sides have taken a rigid stand.

The meeting began at 10 am today in Dhankar’s chamber to deliberate on securing the orderly functioning of the Rajya Sabha.

Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Pralhad Joshi, Arjun Ram Meghwal, V Muraleedharan, and others were present in the meeting.

The Lok Sabha passed the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill 2023, On 21 March, and the Appropriation Bill (no. 2) 2023. The Rajya Sabha, however, adjourned without undertaking any legislative matters.

Both Houses have been experiencing adjournments, with the Opposition sticking to the Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani Group issue while the Treasury benches raising their voices for an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in the UK.

Gujarat Court sentences Rahul Gandhi to 2 years in jail in defamation case

March 23, 2023, 2:55 pm

Senior Congress MP Rahul Gandhi cites a quote from Mahatma Gandhi after a Surat court marked him guilty on Thursday in a 2019 defamation case regarding his statements against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Wayanad MP was sentenced to two years in jail, but later it was suspended for 30 days to let him appeal the court’s judgement. Rahul Gandhi was present in court during the verdict.

After that, he said “My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God, and non-violence is the means to get it,” Gandhi wrote on Twitter.

The defamation case against Rahul Gandhi was filed by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi for his words, “How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?”

This statement of Rahul Gandhi came during a rally at Karnataka’s Kolar before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Opposition leaders reacted sharply over the court’s decision, including Rahul’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge went on to say that they wouldl counter the judgement according to law. Currently, Rahul has been granted bail. They knew from the beginning because they kept changing judges. He further added “We believe in law and the judiciary and are ready to fight as per the law,” Kharge told a leading news agency.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also came out in support of Rahul Gandhi and said that it was a conspiracy to stifle the voice of Opposition parties and leaders. Conspiracy has been taking place to file a case against non-BJP parties. He further said that he has differences with Rahul, but making him an escape goat in a defamation case is not correct.

Sam Pitroda: People need to understand truth amid Rahul’s statement in UK

March 21, 2023, 6:37 pm

Sam Pitroda, Chairperson of the Overseas Indian National Congress, spoke extensively with “The Daily Guardian” about what Rahul Gandhi said in his recent interview in the UK.

Q: The BJP has repeatedly criticised Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made in the UK and demanded an apology before allowing him to speak in Parliament.

A: Sam Pitroda categorically stated that people must know and understand the truth. The first thing he said was, “Democracy in India is a worldwide good. It has an effect much beyond its boundaries. In my opinion, global democracy suffers a very serious, possibly deadly blow if Indian democracy deteriorates. Second statement: “There is a legitimate cause for serious concern regarding the state of Indian democracy, and thirdly, “he clearly mentioned that India is capable of dealing with its problem.” All the remarks of Rahul Gandhi were regarding the government, not the country, which were twisted afterwards.

Members of parliament are just slamming Rahul Gandhi for what he said about the government, forgetting that it’s Rahul Gandhi’s job to question the government as a Member of Parliament.

Q: Several Union ministers, including the defence minister Rajnath Singh, have demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his statement in the United Kingdom. What is your opinion about it?

A: He said, “All these people have made up their minds to attack Rahul Gandhi collectively, but first they should know that what has been said is for the government and not against the country.” He went on to say that today the world is experiencing the time of zoom, the internet, mobile phones, and social media, and whatever you say, it spreads like wildfire immediately, so it does not matter if you say anything in London or Pune.

He further added that this is the best way to divert the attention of the people. The crucial thing is the challenge the country has been facing right now. The issue of jobs and inflation has rocked the nation; besides this, the rise of violence against women is really heartbreaking. The matter of Adani’s business and its connection with the Prime Minister is a matter of great concern. All these issues are currently floating and should be discussed on a priority basis rather than in a general way that was suggested by Rahul Gandhi in a foreign country.

Q: As per the narrative, BJP leaders are accusing Rahul Gandhi of allegedly misusing power in his recent visit to the UK, where he interacted with journalists, academics, researchers, and civil society activists and said, “Our democracy is in danger, and other countries should interfere in it.”

A: Sam Pitroda said it is absolutely wrong; there is not an iota of truth in this statement.

Q: BJP and other members are adamant that the session will not resume until Rahul Gandhi apologizes. What is your view of it?

A: Sam Pitroda forcefully said there is no place for apology in this matter. The BJP and the Central government are misrepresenting Rahul’s remarks to gain political mileage as well as diverting people’s attention from the ongoing Adani crisis, which rocked the Parliament for days.

He further added that the media in India is biased and that the government has full control over the media. BJP leaders don’t like to face Rahul Gandhi, because he is the national leader of the Congress party, which is set to challenge the government. However, they are busy lying and twisting Rahul’s statements to dent his leadership quality and try to portray him as Pappu, which is baseless.

Rahul criticises the PM’s ‘Mann ki Baat,’ claiming that his party listens to people 8 hours a day

November 24, 2022, 12:49 pm

On Wednesday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ‘Mann ki Baat,’ claiming that his party listened to the people’s voices for eight hours a day and spoke for 15 minutes. The remark, made during a public meeting in Madhya Pradesh’s Burhanpur as part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, was a reference to the prime minister’s radio programme, in which he addresses the nation for up to 30 minutes each month.

“We interact with people in between the yatra. We hear people’s ‘Man ki Baat’ for about eight hours and speak for about 15 minutes. Not like PM’s ‘Man Ki Baat’… we listen to what is on the mind of farmers, youth, women, labourers and small-scale traders…” Gandhi said.

The Congress leader, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, said he would walk 370 kilometres in Madhya Pradesh and refuted the ruling BJP’s claim that covering the yatra’s stated 3,300 kilometres is impossible. Gandhi stated that he had already visited Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.

The yatra is set to conclude in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

“I am very happy today we are taking our first step in Madhya Pradesh. We will have a lot of talks, will hug you a lot and will understand the problems of the farmers and people. The problem is slightly different in every state and in every district,” Rahul Gandhi said.

He also referred to the fall of the Congress’ government in the state, and said, “… they (the BJP) bought 20-25 of our corrupt MLAs.” Congress leader Kamal Nath resigned as chief minister in March 2020 after 22 MLAs jumped to the BJP and brought down his government.

Rahul Gandhi was joined on the first day of the yatra in the state by his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as well as her husband Robert Vadra and son.

Former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot also marched with the Gandhis; the optics of Pilot marching with the Gandhis are significant given the Rajasthan unit’s ongoing discontent over the feud between Pilot and chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

Rajasthan, one of the few states controlled by the Congress, will hold elections next year.

Meanwhile, Modi slammed the yatra and the Congress on Monday, calling the former a power grab. The prime minister, who is in his home state of Gujarat to campaign for the BJP ahead of the election next month, also listed alleged insults directed at him by the Congress.

He challenged the Congress to a “confrontation” with the goal of developing Gujarat. The BJP, which has ruled Gujarat for nearly three decades, is widely expected to win.