Former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said his party's leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha would strengthen the Congress party, helping its prospects in next year's general election.
Describing the political landscape as an undeclared emergency, Chidambaram in an exclusive emailed interview said the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has made the Congress its prime target wishing its elimination in order to more easily manage the regional parties.
However, he asserted that Congress would not be eliminated and regional parties would rise and fight the BJP.
Excerpts:
Q: In the backdrop of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha after a court judgement in a defamation case, how do you read the country's political landscape?
A: The country is already in an emergency-like situation. It is an undeclared emergency. One of the complaints during the emergency was that press freedom was snuffed out. Is it any different today?

Press Trust of India

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Lodging their protest against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha, Congress leaders on Sunday held a 'Sankalp Satyagraha' here.
The Congress leaders and workers gathered at the Ridge and protested against the move.
The party would launch a statewide protest against the alleged attempt of the BJP government to "kill democracy" and "muzzle" the voice of the people from Monday, said Congress leaders.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had on Friday maintained that a conspiracy had been hatched to defame Rahul Gandhi, who has been raising the issues of public concern.
Gandhi undertook a march from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, and is the only leader who is raising the true voice of the people and keeping democracy alive, he had stated.
Opposition is very important for a healthy democracy but the BJP has "throttled" democracy by not allowing the Congress leaders to speak inside Parliament as well as outside, Sukhu added.

After stirring a price war in the soft drink segment with the relaunch of Campa, billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance has entered the personal and home care segment of FMCG, offering products at 30 to 35 per cent lesser price.
Experts say "the jury is out" and a competitive offering from Reliance would attract the customers to try its products and evaluate performance, quality and perception in comparison to the same from the established brands.
Products of RCPL, the FMCG arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), are available only in selected markets but the company is building a dealer network on a pan-India basis, and the availability of its products will be scaled up across modern and general trade channels.
"They are creating a distinct and dedicated distribution network comprising traditional dealer/stockists as well as modern trade b2b channels," said an industry source.
It articulates ambitions to be a relevant player in the USD 110-billi

Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly says India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant "must take his time to heal properly" from his injuries, before launching his bid for a comeback to competitive cricket.
Pant was involved in a road accident in the early hours of December 30 as he was driving from New Delhi to Roorkee. He is currently recovering after undergoing treatment for his injuries.
Former India captain Ganguly said that the Delhi Capitals franchise, of which Pant has been the skipper in last few seasons, will definitely miss the wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming Indian Premier League. Ganguly is serving as DC's director of cricket.
"I am sure that the national team is missing him as well. He's young and he has got a lot of time left in his career. He's a special player and he must take his time to heal properly. We wish him all the best and I'll meet him as well," Ganguly said in a release issued by the IPL franchise.
Ganguly has been keenly observing all the players

Several Congress functionaries were detained in Gujarat on Sunday during the party's 'Sankalp Satyagrah' agitation against the disqualification of their leader Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha MP following his conviction in a defamation case by a Surat court.
Gandhi was sentenced to two years in jail on Thursday in a criminal defamation case over his Modi surname and thieves remark, and his disqualification notice was issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat a day later.
Police detained state Congress chief Jagdish Tahor, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Amit Chavda and senior leader Bharatsinh Solanki along with party workers when they arrived at Lal Darwaza here to protest.
The protesters were taken to the police stadium where they continued to shout slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
"We have the power of Truth and resolution of Satyagraha. To expose the loot of BJP, with a firm determination to protect democracy, each and every worker of Gujara

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Sunday held a day-long Sankalp Satyagraha' against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha, with party leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir accusing the BJP government at the Centre of being undemocratic.
Scores of party activists led by former JKPCC president Ghulam Ahmad Mir held the Sankalp Satyagraha' at the party's headquarter at M A Road here.
Speaking to reporters, Mir said not only Congress party, but all non-BJP secular parties have come together, and are wailing over the death of democracy in the country.
The BJP government has not left any sign of the Constitution in the country, all the steps it takes are illegal and undemocratic, he charged.
Mir said after February 7 when Gandhi lifted the veil over Prime Minister Narendra Modi-(Gautam) Adani relation, the BJP government allegedly rushed to process of conviction and the subsequent disqualification.
Gandhi raised questions over the relationship between the two, and how

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to people to opt for organ donation, and said his government is working on a uniform policy that will make the process easy and encourage people to adopt the life-saving exercise.
Those who donate their organs after death are "godlike" to recipients, he said in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast, adding that people's preference for it can save and make many lives.
"It is a matter of satisfaction that the awareness about organ donation is rising in the country," Modi said, noting that the condition of being a state domicile for receiving organs has been removed to allow the needy to register themselves anywhere in the country.
A decision to remove the age criteria of being less than 65 years for donating organs has also been taken, he added.
From less than 5,000 cases of organ donations in 2013, the number has grown to over 15,000 in 2022, he said.
Organ donation from one deceased person can help eight to nine persons, he ...

Describing the Janata Dal (Secular) a "natural ally", the Bharat Rashtra Samithi has decided to throw its weight fully behind the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led party in the coming Assembly elections in Karnataka, BRS sources said on Sunday.
Telangana's governing party was earlier weighing its option of fielding its candidates in some districts bordering Telangana in Kalyana-Karnataka  (earlier known as Hyderabad-Karnataka) as part of its strategy to expand nationally but that plan is no longer on the table now.
"JD(S) is our natural ally and we will go with the party. We want to ensure that the JD(S) is successful in the elections", a senior leader of BRS, headed by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. also known as KCR, told PTI.
Sources said KCR would definitely campaign for JD(S) candidates, particularly in segments where "Telugu-speaking people are densely populated", as a BRS leader put it.
Assembly elections are due in Karnataka by May.
JD(S) leader and .

Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda on Sunday said his party would win more than 200 out of 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, where elections are set to be held at the end of the year.
He has arrived in the state capital to lay the foundation stone of a BJP office.
"The warm welcome accorded to me by the spirited BJP cadre shows we are going to more than 200 Assembly seats in MP," he said.
The 2018 elections in Madhya Pradesh threw up a hung Assembly, with the Congress emerging as the largest party with 114 seats in the 230-member House, while the BJP won on 109 seats.
However, the BJP got 41.02 per cent votes against the Congress' 40.89 per cent.
The Congress formed a government under Kamal Nath, which fell in March 2020 when MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia revolted, paving the way for the return of Shivraj Singh Chouhan as chief minister.

The theme of this year's World Water Day - marked annually on 22 March - is "Nature for Water", which "explores nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges we face in the 21st century" according to the United Nations Environment Programme.The challenges are tough as the UN notes that currently 2.1 billion people "lack access to safely managed drinking water services," while an estimated 1.8 billion "use an unimproved source of drinking water with no protection against contamination from human faeces." Business Standard takes a look at the water challenges faced in India.

World Water Day: Photos that depict the water challenges in India

The theme of this year's World Water Day - marked annually on 22 March - is "Nature for Water", which "explores nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges we face in the 21st century" according to the United Nations Environment Programme.The challenges are tough as the UN notes that currently 2.1 billion people "lack access to safely managed drinking water services," while an estimated 1.8 billion "use an unimproved source of drinking water with no protection against contamination from human faeces." On World Water Day, Business Standard takes a look at the water challenges faced in India.

World Water Day 2018: Photos that depict the water challenges in India

Here’s what the airlines don’t want you to figure out: All it takes is a little points savvy to experience luxurious seats for pennies on the dollar. And thanks to powerful credit cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum, loyal flying may not be necessary. Here are the hacks that will get you into the five best cabins in the skies today.

Want to fly best first-class seats on top airlines at dirt-cheap rates? Try this

Here's what the airlines don't want you to figure out: All it takes is a little points savvy to experience luxurious seats for pennies on the dollar. And thanks to powerful credit cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum, loyal flying may not be necessary. Here are the hacks that will get you into the five best cabins in the skies today.

Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi has created history by becoming the first Indian woman fighter pilot to fly solo.

Meet Avani Chaturvedi: India's first-ever Indian woman to fly MiG-21 solo

Auto Expo 2018: Concept cars steal the show, two-wheelers not far behind

With national polls looming next year -- and possibly as early as late 2018 -- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has rolled out a budget designed to help distressed farmers and rural areas while boosting growth, jobs and private investment.

Union Budget 2018: Here's a list of all the gainers and losers

69th Republic Day celebration at Rajpath on Friday at New Delhi

R-Day celebrations: India showcases military might, cultural diversity

Police deployment has been doubled around cinemas across India after the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmaavat' on Thursday.

Padmaavat row: High security around movie theatres amid violent protests

On February 1, all eyes will be on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley when he rises to present the Union Budget 2018-19 to the nation. Jaitley has his task cut out for the dwindling Indian economy which has decelerated due to note ban and GST,

Budget 2018: Meet the key men who will decide your taxes this year

The future is on display at the Detroit Auto Show - or at least the very-near future. Executives in natty suits (and the occasional sweater) are busy unwrapping a bevy of vehicles that will soon be in dealerships. Here are some of those exciting and eye-catching machines

Top eye-catching machines at the Detroit Auto Show

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Republic Day celebration in 2018 would be "remembered through the ages" because the government for the first time in India's history would host leaders of 10 Asean countries as chief guests on January 26.

These ASEAN leaders will attend India's 69th Republic Day celebrations

Puri (Odisha), March 22(ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 visited Puri’s iconic Jagannath Temple. While addressing the media persons, Mamata Banerjee said “I have offered prayers for Indians, people of Bengal and Odisha. I am very grateful that the flag that was there on the top of the temple is given to me.”

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits at Jagannath Temple in Puri

Puri (Odisha), March 22(ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 visited Puri's iconic Jagannath Temple. While addressing the media persons, Mamata Banerjee said "I have offered prayers for Indians, people of Bengal and Odisha. I am very grateful that the flag that was there on the top of the temple is given to me."

Chandigarh, March 22 (ANI): Amid the high-profile crackdown on the ‘fugitive’ pro-Khalistani radical leader Amritpal Singh by Punjab Police, political fumes in the Punjab Assembly is showing no signs of dousing. Congress on March 22 questioned that Punjab police are arresting his associates, but why are they failing to arrest Amritpal Singh. Speaking on this matter, Punjab Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa said that this behaviour of Congress shows their character. “The character of congress came before people, why they are leaving the house and not being able to face it. It is a request to Shiromani Akali Dal to not do any politics for the peace of Punjab. People of Punjab will never tolerate this,” Punjab Minister said.

Punjab Minister launches bittering attack on Congress over leaving Parliament session

Chandigarh, March 22 (ANI): Amid the high-profile crackdown on the 'fugitive' pro-Khalistani radical leader Amritpal Singh by Punjab Police, political fumes in the Punjab Assembly is showing no signs of dousing. Congress on March 22 questioned that Punjab police are arresting his associates, but why are they failing to arrest Amritpal Singh. Speaking on this matter, Punjab Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa said that this behaviour of Congress shows their character. "The character of congress came before people, why they are leaving the house and not being able to face it. It is a request to Shiromani Akali Dal to not do any politics for the peace of Punjab. People of Punjab will never tolerate this," Punjab Minister said.

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen won the quarter-finals of Women’s World Boxing Championship against Chuthamat Rakshit of Thailand. While addressing the media persons on March 22, she expressed her happiness over winning the bout and confirming a medal for India.“It was a very close match but I won the match. I am very happy to confirm a medal for my country. Tomorrow I will have a semi-final match,” said Nikhat Zareen.

Anti-India protests by Khalistanis outside the Indian HC in London; Metropolitan police on guard

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen won the quarter-finals of Women's World Boxing Championship against Chuthamat Rakshit of Thailand. While addressing the media persons on March 22, she expressed her happiness over winning the bout and confirming a medal for India."It was a very close match but I won the match. I am very happy to confirm a medal for my country. Tomorrow I will have a semi-final match," said Nikhat Zareen.

Puri (Odisha) March 22 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 reviewed ‘Bhakta Niwas’ building construction area for West Bengal devotees in Puri. CM Mamata Banerjee is on a three-day visit to Odisha. “Tourists from Bengal come to Odisha. West Bengal devotees in huge numbers visit Odisha and sometimes, they don’t find places to stay and they wander to places. I am grateful that Naveen Ji announced me the State guest. This time we are staying in the Rural development building. I, myself tried to find a room in a hotel but was unable to get it. So, more hotels need to be made in Puri to stay. This is a must thing,” CM Mamata said.

CM Mamata reviews ‘Bhakta Niwas’ building construction area in Odisha

Puri (Odisha) March 22 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 22 reviewed 'Bhakta Niwas' building construction area for West Bengal devotees in Puri. CM Mamata Banerjee is on a three-day visit to Odisha. "Tourists from Bengal come to Odisha. West Bengal devotees in huge numbers visit Odisha and sometimes, they don't find places to stay and they wander to places. I am grateful that Naveen Ji announced me the State guest. This time we are staying in the Rural development building. I, myself tried to find a room in a hotel but was unable to get it. So, more hotels need to be made in Puri to stay. This is a must thing," CM Mamata said.

CM Mamata reviews 'Bhakta Niwas' building construction area in Odisha

New Delhi, Mar 22 (ANI): In view of the recent surge in COVID cases in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a high-level meeting today to review the Covid-related situation and public health preparedness. India recorded 1,134 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, with the active caseload currently at 7,026, stated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Earlier on Tuesday, the national capital recorded one Covid death and 83 fresh cases amid the rising Covid-19 cases in neighbouring Maharashtra. On March 19, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also issued revised guidelines for Covid-19 in the wake of the surge of cases.

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to review COVID-related situation

New Delhi, March 22 (ANI): On March 22, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal promised that the Aam Aadmi Party government will clean the Yamuna river and that he will take a dip in it ahead of the next Assembly elections. Addressing the media persons, Kejriwal said that the government has prepared a six-point action plan to clean the Yamuna river. "A 6-point action plan has been formed to clean Yamuna...Before the next election in 2025, I will take a dip with you in Yamuna. The three landfills (in Delhi) will be cleared by December 2024,” he said.

“Will clean Yamuna before 2025 election, will take dip…” Kejriwal’s promise for 2025 Delhi polls

New Delhi, March 22 (ANI): On March 22, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal promised that the Aam Aadmi Party government will clean the Yamuna river and that he will take a dip in it ahead of the next Assembly elections. Addressing the media persons, Kejriwal said that the government has prepared a six-point action plan to clean the Yamuna river. "A 6-point action plan has been formed to clean Yamuna...Before the next election in 2025, I will take a dip with you in Yamuna. The three landfills (in Delhi) will be cleared by December 2024," he said.

"Will clean Yamuna before 2025 election, will take dip…" Kejriwal's promise for 2025 Delhi polls

Jaipur (Rajasthan), 22 March (ANI):  Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the Rajasthan International Expo at Boranada in Jodhpur. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honoured 20 exporters who have bagged Rajasthan Export Award-2021 for remarkable work in the field of exports. During the expo, the Chief Minister said that due to the excellent industrial policies and programs of the state government, export and investment have increased in Rajasthan. The export of 50 thousand crore rupees done in the year 2022-23 is the result of the efficient management of the state government.Along with this, the Chief Minister said that the MSME policy has been implemented by the government in the state. Due to this, more than 16 thousand industrial units have been established in the state so far. Under the MSME Establishment and Facilitation Act, no government permission is required for 5 years to start an industry in the state. This provision made by the government has increased the number of s

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurates Rajasthan International Expo

Rajasthan has best environment for investment and export: CM Gehlot

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): TMC Leader Dola Sen on March 22, reacted to Kailash Vijayvargiya’s remark on post-partition India. She said Kailash Vijayvargiya does not know the true meaning of India. She also said that there was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. While speaking to ANI, Dola Sen said “There was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. Whoever went to jail, wrote letters apologising and came out. He (Kailash Vijayvargiya) does not know the true meaning of India.”

Dola Sen condemns Kailash Vijayvargiya’s remark, says there was no BJP during freedom movement

New Delhi, March 22(ANI): TMC Leader Dola Sen on March 22, reacted to Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark on post-partition India. She said Kailash Vijayvargiya does not know the true meaning of India. She also said that there was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. While speaking to ANI, Dola Sen said "There was no predecessor of the BJP in the freedom movement. Whoever went to jail, wrote letters apologising and came out. He (Kailash Vijayvargiya) does not know the true meaning of India."

Dola Sen condemns Kailash Vijayvargiya's remark, says there was no BJP during freedom movement

New Delhi, March 22 (ANI): Indian Boxer Nitu Ghanghas assured India a medal after reaching semifinals in Women's World Boxing Championship 2023. Confident pugilist said that she wants to win the gold medal. "My performance today bodes well for the coming matches as well. I played watching, and I took an aggressive approach in the end. I want to win the gold medal," she said.

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