Page 283 - Congress

MHA directed Central forces to arrive late in Bengal: Adhir Chowdhury

West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Sunday alleged the Union Home Ministry had directed the Central forces to delay their coming to the state to help ruling Trinamool Congress loot votes during the panchayat poll. He also alleged that the BJP in New Delhi and the TMC had reached an understanding and "in exchange for this favour" TMC chief Mamata Banerjee would "play spoilsport" in the fight of a united opposition against the saffron party in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "The Central forces were late in coming to Bengal under the instructions of the Union Home Minister and the BJP in New Delhi. They have an understanding with the TMC in Bengal and that is the reason the central forces were late in coming. They gave TMC the opportunity to loot votes, that is because, in the future, Didi (Mamata Banerjee) will be a 'gaddar' (traitor ) to break the proposed opposition front," Chowdhury said. Chowdhury was speaking to reporters after paying a visit to

Mechanics need to be empowered to strengthen automobile industry: Rahul

The mechanics in India need to be empowered in order to strengthen the country's automobile industry, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Sunday as he shared a video of his recent interaction with motorcycle mechanics at Delhi's Karol Bagh. Calling it the "next pit stop" of the "Bharat Jodo Yatra", Gandhi shared on social media glimpses of his candid conversations with the mechanics at Karol Bagh on June 27, in which he is seen learning the nuances of servicing a bike and answering their queries. In the video, Gandhi is heard saying that he has a KTM390 motorcycle, which is just parked unused as his security people do not allow him to go for a ride on it. Gandhi also answered queries from the mechanics, with one of them asking when would he get married, to which the former Congress chief replied, "Let us see." At the bikers' market, Gandhi interacted and serviced a motorcycle with Umed Shah, Vicky Sen and Manoj Paswan. "To strengthen the automobile industry of India, there is a

Situation allowed to fester: Sachin Pilot slams Centre on Manipur violence

Slamming the BJP-led Centre over its handling of violence-hit Manipur, Congress leader Sachin Pilot has alleged that such a situation was "allowed to fester" in the state and asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not holding a "genuine" all-party meeting on it. He also hit out at Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, saying that he had lost the moral and political right to govern the state. "A small state like Manipur which deserved to be handled with care, with empathy and compassion, there is no accountability, so many people have lost their lives. The government has lost the moral authority to govern, and no one is responsible, nobody in the state, nobody in the ruling party, nobody in Delhi is answering questions," Pilot said. "Mr. Rahul Gandhi went to Manipur to meet people. It was an effort, not a political effort to get brownie points for anything, but to make sure people feel that despite religious divisions and societal divisions, there are people who want to go and he

CPI(M) excluding Cong from seminar on UCC aimed at creating conflict: IUML

Key Congress ally in Kerala, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Sunday rejected the ruling CPI(M)'s overtures to take part in its seminars on the hotly debated Uniform Civil Code (UCC), claiming that the Left party was trying to create "conflict" and "division" by not inviting the grand old party. The IUML said it was implied from the CPI(M)'s invite that it had "no good intentions" and there was no need for a seminar which divides people -- a response that comes as a blow to the Left party which was optimistic of seeing the League take part in its first seminar to be held on July 15 in Kozhikode district of the state. Throwing its weight behind the Congress, the League said without the grand old party's leadership and support, it would not be possible for anyone to fight against the UCC at the national level as it was an issue concerning everyone in India and not just the Muslims. The IUML announced its decision after a meeting of the party leadership at Panakkad here followi

Rahul Gandhi's sudden desire to get real laughable, says Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's sudden desire and desperation to get real is laughable. Sarma was referring to Gandhi's impromptu stop on Saturday at Madina village in Haryana's Sonipat district, where he interacted with people and spent time with farmers working in agricultural lands. He also claimed that there was heckling of farmers as the former Congress president posed with them for photographs. Gandhi took part in paddy sowing, drove a tractor and ate food brought by women labourers working in the fields, said party leaders in Haryana. Sharing a brief video of Gandhi with farmers, Sarma wrote on Twitter: "The sudden desire of the Prince, and his desperation, to get real is laughable! But in your zeal to get captured by your photo & video team, for God's sake, do not demean the dignity of our Annadatas. "The heckling of farmers to pose as a 'farmer' is deplorable Mr Gandhi. Get Real without the Reels," said Sarma, a ...

MP police register case against Digvijaya Singh over controversial post

The Indore police have registered a case against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh for allegedly sharing a controversial post on former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief MS Golwalkar on social media, an official said on Sunday. Following a complaint filed by local lawyer and RSS worker Rajesh Joshi, the FIR was registered on Saturday night against Singh under Indian Penal Code sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence), 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation), 500 (defamation) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), said the official from Tukoganj police station. In his complaint, Joshi alleged that Singh had shared a controversial poster on Facebook bearing the name and picture of "Guruji" (as Golwalkar was popularly name) to incite people by creating conflict among Dalits, backward classes, Muslims and Hindus, as per the FIR. The complaint claimed Singh's Facebook post on Golwalkar ...

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Delhi Congress slams AAP as monsoon rain brings national capital to halt

The Delhi Congress said the AAP's promises to control waterlogging in the national capital had "fallen flat" as heavy monsoon rain inundated roads and flooded drains on Saturday, creating mayhem in residential and commercial areas of the city. Delhi Congress President Anil Chaudhary hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi governmnent and Municipal Corporation of Delhi, saying, The promises made by Delhi PWD Minister Atishi and MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi of making all the preparations to address water logging and traffic jams fall flat. Heavy rains brought the city to a total standstill. Chaudhary claimed that the citizens are troubled due to the monsoon showers despite the AAP promising to address all civic problems prior to the MCD elections. The AAP had promised to address all the civic problems of Delhiites and yet they are troubled due to the monsoon rains. Broken roads brought vehicular traffic to a total halt, stranding people for hours, Chaudhary added. Delhi on Saturday ...

Congress means 'loot ki dukaan' and 'jhooth ka bazaar', says PM Modi

Lashing out at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dubbed the party as a 'loot ki dukaan' and 'jhooth ka bazaar", and said it is clear that its government in Rajasthan is on its way out. The prime minister alleged the Ashok Gehlot government has carved a new identity for itself when it comes to corruption, crime and politics of appeasement. Addressing an election rally here, Modi said Rajasthan should have been at the top in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, but today it is among the laggard states. "In terms of crime against women, Rajasthan tops the list in rape cases. The situation is such that here the protectors are becoming the predators. The whole government here seems to be busy in saving rape and murder accused," Modi alleged. Coming down heavily on the Congress, he said if it remains in power, it makes the country hollow and when it goes out of power, it defames the country by abusing it. "Their leaders go abroad and abuse India," he ...

Freedom does not mean license for free-style noise: Naqvi on Rahul Gandhi

Former Union minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Saturday that "freedom of voice" does not mean a "license for free-style noise", as he took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Addressing a programme to mark the birth anniversary of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Naqvi said that misusing freedom of speech has become a conspiracy against democratic and constitutional values of the country. BJP and Congress leaders have been involved in a slugfest following the Gujarat High Court's dismissal of Gandhi's plea to suspend his conviction in a defamation case over his 'Modi surname' jibe. Naqvi said some people harp on about fundamental rights but they conveniently and deliberately forget fundamental duties. Both rights and duties are our moral and national responsibility, he said, according to a statement. Opposition parties are in collusion to compete with the "confidence, courage and charisma" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his commitment to perfor

Restoration of political process, statehood key to normalcy in J-K: Cong

The political process has to be restored in Jammu and Kashmir, veteran Congress leader Karan Singh said as he batted for early assembly elections in the Union Territory as well as reinstating its statehood. He also acknowledged that the law and order situation is "better" in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there has been a cessation of shutdown calls and "Hurriyat fatwas". But it cannot be claimed that there is "100 per cent complete control", Singh told PTI in an interview. The Congress leader said that "at some point in time, the political process has to be restored". "Statehood has to be restored. Only then (when statehood and political process is restored), we can say, that total normalcy has set in (Jammu and Kashmir)," Singh said. He highlighted that panchayat elections have already taken place, and now it is imperative to hold assembly elections as soon as possible. "It is assembly elections that are to be held now. They should be held as soon as possible. It is for the government

Cong leader seeks urgent hearing of HC to declare rural polls null and void

Congress leader Kaustav Bagchi said he made a representation to the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court seeking an urgent hearing of a prayer seeking that Saturday's panchayat elections in West Bengal be declared null and void on account of violence and killings. Six people were killed till noon since the panchayat polls started at 7 am and another three died in alleged poll-related violence since midnight in the state. Seeking constitution of a special bench for an urgent hearing on Saturday, Bagchi, who is also a lawyer, said he has made a representation to the Chief Justice. He prayed that the rural polls in the state be declared null and void. "I have prayed that the court take suo motu cognisance of the violence and killings and violation of the high court's earlier orders to ensure free and fair polls," he said.

Rahul Gandhi should apologise to Wayanad voters: MoS Muraleedharan

Muraleedharan said irresponsible statements cost Gandhi his Parliament seat and Wayanad voters needed a voice in the Lok Sabha

Rahul Gandhi makes impromptu visit to Sonipat, interacts with villagers

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday made an impromptu visit to Haryana's Sonipat district and interacted with people and spent time with farmers working agricultural lands. He also took part in paddy sowing, a senior party leader from the state said. Gandhi reached Sonipat district's Madina village early on Saturday. "It was an impromptu visit ... He interacted with the villagers and the farmers working in the fields. Rahulji also took part in paddy sowing and drove a tractor," Jagbeer Singh Malik, the Congress' MLA from Gohana in Sonipat, told PTI over phone. Malik, who was present at the spot, said Gandhi was probably on his way to Himachal Pradesh from Delhi. In pictures tweeted from the Congress' official handle, Gandhi was seen in his familiar white t-shirt and trousers. He was also stepping onto the fields with the villagers. On Friday, Gujarat High Court dismissed Gandhi's plea seeking a stay on his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his "Modi surname" ...

Congress to hold 'Maun Satyagraha' on July 12 in support of Rahul Gandhi

The Gujarat High Court in May reserved its order on Rahul's plea seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case

Congress workers march in support of Rahul Gandhi after Gujarat HC verdict

Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh on Friday called "unfortunate" the dismissal of Rahul Gandhi's plea seeking a stay on his conviction in a defamation case by the Gujarat High Court, and said the fight for justice will continue on all platforms. The Congress party is standing unitedly behind Rahul Gandhi and no conspiracy of the BJP against him will succeed. Truth cannot be defeated and every party worker from Himachal is with Rahul Gandhi in this fight," she said in a statement issued here. Observing that "purity in politics" is the need of the hour, the Gujarat High Court on Friday dismissed Gandhi's plea seeking a stay on his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his "Modi surname" remark. In a setback to the 53-year-old Congress leader, Justice Hemant Prachchhak also noted that representatives of people should be "men of clear antecedent" and that a stay on conviction is not a rule, but an exception resorted to only in rare cases. There was no reasonable ...

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Will move SC, nothing will stop Rahul Gandhi's mission, says Congress

The Congress on Friday said it would approach the Supreme Court over the Gujarat High Court order dismissing party leader Rahul Gandhi's plea for a stay on his conviction in the case over his "Modi surname" remark, and said nothing will deter Gandhi or the party from their mission to unite the nation. AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal was addressing a party programme organised in Kozhikode district, seeking to restore peace in the strife-torn northeastern state of Manipur, when he spoke about Gandhi's defamation case and the Congress's response to the court verdict. He said there was "no surprise" in the verdict against Gandhi from the Gujarat court, and added, "There is one more option before us...the Supreme Court. Let's see. The Congress party will seek that option too". His statement came soon after the Gujarat High Court dismissed Gandhi's plea and upheld the order of the lower court, describing it as "just, proper and legal". "How can we believe that justice

Rahul Gandhi's chronic habit to abuse, defame others: Ravi Shankar Prasad

The BJP on Friday welcomed the Gujarat High Court's decision rejecting Rahul Gandhi's plea to stay his conviction in a defamation case and said it is the Congress leader's "chronic habit" to abuse and defame others. Addressing a press conference here, BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad noted that the Congress leader refused to apologise for his 'Modi surname' jibe and displayed "irresponsible arrogance". If he behaves like this and defames people and institutions, the law with catch up with him, he said. The law has caught up with him, he added. Prasad noted that there are seven-eight defamation cases against the former Congress president. It has become a chronic habit of Gandhi to abuse and defame eminent people and organisations, the BJP leader said, noting that he has also been accused of insulting a great patriot such as Veer Savarkar and the Hindutva organisation RSS. It is his arrogance that he believes he is above the law as he is from the Gandhi fami

Corruption biggest ideology of Cong, Chhattisgarh has become its ATM: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, alleging that corruption was its biggest ideology, and said the grand old party cannot breathe without it. Modi said if the Congress is a guarantee for corruption, he is a guarantee for action against graft. Addressing a rally at the Science College ground in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, he said the state has become an ATM of the Congress. The scam-ridden Congress government in Chhattisgarh has become a model of misrule and people have decided to root out it in the upcoming Assembly elections, he said. This was Modi's first visit to the Congress-ruled state, where Assembly elections are due this year-end, after being elected as the prime minister for the second term in 2019. "...The next 25 years will be crucial for the development of Chhattisgarh, but a big 'panja' (referring to Congress party symbol) is standing like a tall wall against it. Congress's panja had decided to snatch your rights and it