Page 322 - Congress

Brazenly intimidatory statement: Cong slams Shah's remarks on K'taka polls

The Congress on Wednesday termed Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks that Karnataka will be afflicted with riots if the grand old party comes to power as a "brazenly intimidatory statement", and accused him of "issuing threats" during the election campaign. Addressing a public meeting on Tuesday in Karnataka's Belagavi district, Shah said the development of the state will be on the "reverse gear" if the Congress forms the government. "If the Congress comes to power, dynastic politics will be at an all-time high and Karnataka will be afflicted with riots," the home minister had said. Hitting back at Shah, Congress general secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said, "This is a brazenly intimidatory statement. The Union Home Minister having allegiance to an organisation banned by India's very first Home Minister is now issuing threats during an election campaign when staring at certain defeat." The Congress had slammed Shah on Tuesday as well over his reported remarks that th

Operation Sheesh Mahal: Why do BJP and Congress want Delhi CM to resign?

BJP and Congress leaders on Tuesday, asked Arvind Kejriwal to resign from his post of Delhi CM after allegations of the massive amount of money spent on his official residence surfaced

Cong targets Kejriwal over Rs 45 cr spent on beautification of CM residence

As reports of spending of Rs 45 crore on "beautification" of Delhi chief minister's official residence here surfaced, Congress leader Ajay Maken on Tuesday raised questions on Kejriwal's right to remain in his position as a public servant. Maken said Kejriwal allegedly spent Rs 45 crore of public funds on his luxurious bungalow, including extravagant items like Dior polish, Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets. However, before his election, the AAP leader distributed printed copies of a sworn affidavit in his New Delhi Legislative Assembly constituency, dated June 7, 2013, in which he made seven promises. Listing out the first promise made by Kejriwal, Maken said he claimed not to use a car with a red light, or request additional security beyond what is necessary for a common citizen and refuse a large bungalow and instead live in an ordinary house like a common man. "Despite naming his party 'Aam Aadmi Party' (common man's party) and making these pledges, Mr ..

Shah's remarks on Karnataka polls insult to 6.5 crore Kannadigas: Congress

The Congress slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday over his reported remarks that the upcoming Karnataka polls are not just to elect MLAs but to entrust the future of the state in the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and claimed that the comments were an "insult" to 6.5 crore Kannadigas. In a tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Home Minister says elections in Karnataka are to hand over future of state to PM Modi. Last I checked, election on May 10 is to elect MLAs and have a CM FOR the state." "HM's confession shows their desperation. So much for cooperative federalism. This is an insult to 6.5 cr Kannadigas," the former Union minister said. Tagging a video on Twitter of Shah's remarks reportedly made during a poll rally in the southern state, the Congress said the home minister must apologise and alleged that he not only insulted Karnataka's identity, but also the democratic values of India. "It is shocking to know that the Home Minister of Indi

Defamation case lodged against Siddaramaiah for statement on Lingayats

A defamation case was lodged on Tuesday against Karnataka's Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah over his alleged statement on corruption practised by Lingayat Chief Ministers in the state.

Rahul moves Gujarat HC against Surat court's verdict in 'Modi surname' case

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has moved the Gujarat High Court challenging the Surat Sessions court verdict that rejected his plea seeking a stay on his conviction in the 2019 criminal defamation case

Priyanka holds roadshow in Karnataka, urges people to vote for Congress

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday held a massive roadshow in Krishnarajanagara here waving at a large enthusiastic crowd along the route, seeking people's support ahead of the May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka. Standing atop a specially-designed vehicle, she was greeted by the crowd gathered on the sides of the roads and on nearby buildings. Large number of party workers holding Congress flags were seen marching along with the vehicle, as it passed through the streets, amid drum beats and slogans like 'Congress Congress' and 'Priyanka Gandhi ki jai'. Vadra was accompanied by AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and other local party leaders. She even clicked a selfie from the vehicle for an "admirer" standing on the road, and shook hands with a couple of them. Addressing the people at the end of the roadshow, she urged them to change the government in Karnataka which is "looting" them. "For the sake of your future, vote for Congress and bringi

On one side is BJP's double-engine govt, on other Cong's reverse govt: Shah

Taking a jibe at the Congress party, Union Minister Amit Shah, said that while Bharatiya Janata Party's government is a double-engine government, Congress is a reverse-gear government

Karnataka polls is not about Modi: Cong leader Priyanka hits out at PM

Taking a strong exception to Narendra Modi's comments that the opposition party wants to "dig his grave", Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday said there won't be anyone in this country who doesn't want the Prime Minister's good health and that he has a long life. Calling such statements "strange" and questioning as to whether it is an election issue as it is being used during the campaigning, she called on the people of the state to ensure this election is not about Modi or any other leader, irrespective of their party. "I have seen that BJP leaders come here and speak strange things. I heard the Prime Minister was saying that opposition leaders want to dig his grave, what kind of talk is this? There won't be anyone in this country who doesn't want our Prime Minister's good health and that he has a long life," Vadra said. Addressing a public meeting here, as part of the party's campaigning for the May 10 Assembly polls, she said, "But, I want to ask you ...

Priyanka Gandhi attacks BJP govt on corruption in poll-bound Karnataka

Accusing the BJP government in Karnataka of rampant corruption, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged on Tuesday Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been "looted" from the state. She also expressed confidence about Congress coming to power after May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka and taking the state on the path of development. "What is most sad is the 40 per cent government commission that was there in the state looted you. They looted you without any shame," Vadra said while targeting the ruling BJP in the state. Seeking to highlight various alleged scams, contractors' committing suicide, and contractors association even writing a letter to the Prime Minister alleging scam, she said at a public meeting, "but there were no action, as many of those involved were associated with the BJP. " "You might have read about Rs 8 crore seized from the son of an MLA. Instead of investigating, the MLA carried out a parade. " "It is said Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been looted from Karnataka,"

MP CM brings rights to priests to sell temple land, Cong calls it poll move

The political mercury in Madhya Pradesh has shot up after Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made an announcement of giving temple priests the right to sell temple land in the state

Rural India faced discrimination under Cong: PM Modi on Panchayati Raj day

PM Modi also launched the 'Joint Steps towards Development' campaign with the aim of increasing people's participation in ensuring full benefits of government schemes

Atiq murder shameful, doubt if people will get answers on incident: Sibal

The killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh while in the custody of the police was shameful and it was doubtful if people would ever get answers on the incident, former Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said here on Sunday. Atiq and Ashraf were killed in Prayagraj late night on April 15 by three men posing as journalists when police personnel were taking them to a hospital for a health check-up. They had been arrested for the February 24 murder of Umesh Pal, the key witness in the 2005 murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal. "What was the emergency that both of them had to be taken handcuffed for a medical check up so late at night, that too on foot? How did the media know about the hospital visit? If the three accused did not know each other, how come they reached there at the same time? There are questions that are being raised," Sibal said. Talking to media at the Indore Press Club, Sibal said, "It is doubtful the ..

Congress fully prepared, even if elections are held today, says Hooda

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday said the Congress is fully prepared for the assembly elections, even if the polls are held today, and exuded confidence of registering a resounding win. The state is scheduled to go to polls towards the end of next year. "Congress is fully prepared and we will register a resounding win...People of Haryana are eagerly waiting for the elections and have made up their mind to vote out the BJP-JJP alliance and form the Congress government," Hooda said. Speaking on the ongoing protest of the country's top wrestlers in Delhi, the Congress leader said an impartial inquiry into the matter is necessary. It is an unfortunate situation if the sportspersons, who have brought glory to the entire country all over the world, have to protest like this," he said. Country's top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, returned to protest site Jantar Mantar on Sunday and demanded that the government makes public the findings

BJP speak about Basavanna, but don't follow his teachings: Rahul Gandhi

Invoking 12th century social reformer Basavanna on his birth anniversary, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ruling BJP leaders only spoke about the Lingayat philosopher in their speeches but didn't follow his teachings. Calling the BJP government in Karnataka the "most corrupt in the country", he declared that Congress would win 150 seats in Karnataka out of the total 224 in the May 10 Assembly polls, while the "40 per cent BJP government" would get only 40 seats. He was referring to complaints from contractors that the BJP government in the state sought had allegedly sought 40 per cent commission from them for government contracts. "Basavanna had said don't fear, speak out truth. If we see today, there is BJP and RSS' ideology which is creating an atmosphere of hatred and violence in the country. Prime Minister and BJP leaders speak about Basavanna, but don't follow his teachings," Gandhi said. Addressing a public meeting here, he said

Massive crowds join Rahul Gandhi on his road show in Karnataka's Vijayapura

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday held a massive road show here, ahead of the May 10 Karnataka Assembly polls, waving at a large, enthusiastic crowd that had lined up on both sides of the route. Standing on top of a specially designed vehicle, Gandhi constantly waved at the people gathered in the streets and on nearby buildings, many of whom were seen chanting 'Rahul, Rahul' slogans and shouting loud cheers. He began the road show after garlanding the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. People holding Congress flags moved along as the vehicle carrying Gandhi and other Congress leaders passed through the streets from Shivaji Circle and Kanakadasa Circle, amid the sound of drum beats. Karnataka Congress campaign committee chief M B Patil and several other party leaders and workers accompanied Gandhi on the road show. Gandhi, earlier today began his two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka from Kudala Sangama, where he offered obeisance to 12th-century poet and social reformer .

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Congress to select candidates by consulting local leaders in MP: Kamal Nath

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath on Saturday said the party will give tickets for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state after holding discussions with local leaders and workers. "Pressure and recommendation" will not work for securing party nominations, he said, speaking to reporters at Seoni Malwa in Narmadapuram district. Elections are due in the state this year. Taking a swipe at the BJP government in the state, he said government employees, Anganwadi workers, doctors, health workers, guest teachers and others are on strike. All sections of society are worried about their future and true Congress leaders can not go against the wishes of the people, Nath said, adding, There is no possibility of betrayal by leaders like earlier. The previous Congress government led by Nath, which came to power in December 2018 after 15 years of Bharatiya Janata Party rule, collapsed in March 2020 after 22 MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia rebelled. Nath also said that Chief ...

Scindia not a traitor, but a self-righteous leader: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

He added that Nath's ego was such that he would drop him (Scindia) in another party by car. How could Scindia tolerate it? After all, how much he would get humiliated

Karnataka polls: BJP candidate Ratna Mamani's nomination papers accepted

The nomination papers of BJP's Saundatii Yellamma constituency candidate Ratna Anand Mamani for the May 10 Karnataka Assembly election was accepted on Saturday after a thorough scrutiny by the election officials owing to objections raised by the opponents including Congress. Ratna, who is wife of former deputy speaker of the Karnataka Assembly late Anand Mamani, said the objection by the Congress candidate was rejected after closely scrutinising the application. "I have got a favourable judgment to contest the Assembly election. I request the people of my constituency to bless me in the coming days," Ratna told reporters. The BJP candidate said that she was not frightened after the objection, saying that she never committed anything wrong. "When the opponents cannot win, they resort to these low level conspiracies," Ratna alleged. Accusing her opponents, she said those who created trouble for her should come face-to-face to fight in the election. Ratna's lawyer said there could ha