Page 6 - Congress

Intent of govt's Bills 'mischievous', must be rejected completely: Congress

The Congress on Thursday said the true intent of the bills being brought by the government in the garb of implementing women's quota law is mischievous and they have to be rejected completely in their present shape and form. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the three bills are being taken up in Lok Sabha and the packaging and marketing is women's reservation but the fundamentals have to do with delimitation. "Many concerns have been raised from across the country regarding the delimitation proposals that privilege a few populous states where the BJP is strong now. The relative strength of a number of states in the Lok Sabha will actually decline," Ramesh said on X. The way delimitation has actually been done in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir shows how "diabolically the Modi-Shah duo work" he said. "The true intent of these Bills is mischievous, their content devious, and their damage enormous. They have to be rejected completely in their present .

Odisha Janata Congress launched as new regional alternative to BJP

Former Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim launches Odisha Janata Congress, positioning it as a youth-focused regional alternative amid criticism of BJP, BJD, and Congress

Will fight to defend Babasaheb's ideals 'until last breath': Rahul Gandhi

Certain forces are systematically engaged in undermining the legacy of BR Ambedkar and the Constitution, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday as he vowed to fight and defend the ideals of Babasaheb "until my very last breath". The Congress paid homage to Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge saying the Constitution faces a "conspiratorial attack" today and "we must rise to defend every principle he enshrined". "On the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr B. R. Ambedkar, we bow with deep reverence to the visionary who gave India its moral and Constitutional soul," Kharge said on X. Babasaheb was not just the architect of the Constitution of India, but a relentless warrior for liberty, equality, fraternity and justice, values that define the very idea of India, he said. "Today, when the Constitution faces a conspiratorial attack, his words and warnings echo with renewed urgency. This is a moment that calls for courage and conviction," the Congres

Congress slams Modi govt for not sharing Constitution amendment bills

The Congress on Tuesday lashed out at the government for not having shared with MPs the Constitution amendment bill or bills that would be brought in the special sitting of Parliament this week, saying this makes a "complete mockery of democracy" and reveals the "bulldozer mentality" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the "special session" of Parliament will begin on April 16, when the election campaign in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be at its peak. The Modi government has rejected the Opposition's perfectly reasonable and legitimate requests to convene an all-Party meeting after the elections are completed, fifteen days from today, he said in X. "Till this morning, the Modi government has NOT shared with MPs the Constitution Amendment Bill(s) they are supposed to be debating and voting upon," Ramesh said. "This makes a complete mockery of democracy and reveals the bulldozer mentality of the PM - who once clai

Assam elections 2026: BJP vs Congress showdown | Key names, seats to watch

Assam heads to the polls on April 9 with over 2.49 crore voters set to decide the fate of 722 candidates across 126 seats.

Congress demands PM Modi's apology over delay in women's reservation

The Congress on Friday alleged that the Modi government's "U-turn" on the implementation of the women's reservation law is aimed at covering up his "monumental failures" in governance and "severe setbacks" to foreign policy. The opposition party claimed that the PM owes an "apology" to the women of India as he did not accept the Congress' demand of implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, from the 2024 polls itself. "Actually he owes an apology to the women of India. When the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 was passed by Parliament in 2023 unanimously, the Indian National Congress had demanded its implementation from 2024 itself," Ramesh said on X. But this was not acceptable to the PM who made the reservation dependent on the delimitation and census exercises that he had failed to conduct and then dithered on for many years, the Congress leader said. Ramesh claimed that 30 months later, facing defeat in the assembly elections, in spite of the Election Commission ..

Congress not to contest Baramati bypoll for Ajit Pawar: Chennithala

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday said his party will not contest the bypoll to the Baramati assembly seat, from where Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is seeking an election following the death of her husband Ajit Pawar. Talking to PTI, the AICC general secretary in-charge of Maharashtra said he has asked the Congress' state unit to withdraw its candidate from the poll fray. Today is the last day of withdrawal of nomination. "The Baramati bypoll was necessitated due to the tragic death of Ajit Pawar. As a mark of respect for him, Congress will not contest the by-election," he said. Congress's Akash More had filed his nomination for the April 23 bypoll. Top leaders from the ruling Mahayuti as well as opposition NCP (SP) had been appealing the Congress to withdraw its candidate for an unopposed election in Baramati. Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) leaders, including party chief Sharad Pawar, MP Supriya Sule and MLA Rohit Pawar, again urged the grand old party n

Congress will dismantle 'discriminatory system' if it comes to power: Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said when his party comes to power, it will dismantle the "discriminatory system" under which Central Armed Police Forces personnel are denied opportunities for leadership, and ensure that they are granted their rights and privileges. On the Valour Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Gandhi said the Congress and he hold CAPF personnel in the highest esteem and firmly believe that advancement within their own Force, access to top leadership roles, and due respect are their rightful entitlements. "On CRPF Valour Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and pay my respectful homage to the courageous and brave soldiers of our Force," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X. "Your courage and sacrifice safeguard our nation every single day.Stationed at our borders, you keep the country secure; you confront the threats of terrorism and Naxalism; and you ensure that the greatest festival of democracy -- our elections remains peaceful and .

Former Union minister Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury dies at 89 in Kolkata

Former Union minister Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury died in Kolkata due to age-related ailments, his family said. Choudhury, popularly known as Dalu, was 89. He is survived by wife and a son, Congress's Malda Dakshin MP Isha Khan Choudhury. His death marks the end of an era in the politics of Malda district, where he remained a key figure for decades. Choudhury, a veteran Congressman, had been suffering from multiple age-related complications. He died at a private hospital in Kolkata late on Wednesday, his family said. The last rites will be performed in Malda on Thursday. Born on January 12, 1938, into the prominent Khan Choudhury family of Malda, Dalu Choudhury entered politics under the guidance of his elder brother, the venerable ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury, also a former Union minister. After his brother's demise, he emerged as the principal political figure in the family and played a crucial role in maintaining the Congress's hold over the district. He served as an MLA of the Kali

Bengal: Congress replaces 7 candidates for second phase of Assembly polls

The party has nominated Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from Baharampur, Pradip Prasad from Bhabanipur, while Mausam Noor, who recently joined the Congress, will contest from Malatipur

'Exposed': Congress takes dig at PM over Pak role in US-Iran ceasefire

Taking a swipe at the government, the Congress on Wednesday said the role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire between the US and Iran is a "severe setback" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "highly personalised diplomacy" and "the self-styled Vishwaguru stands thoroughly exposed". The opposition party also said Prime Minister Modi's "cowardice is demonstrated by his silence not only on Israel's belligerence, but on the completely unacceptable and disgraceful language being used by his good friend in the White House". Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the entire world will cautiously welcome the two-week ceasefire in the West Asia conflict between the US and Israel on the one side and Iran on the other. "The conflict had begun on February 28th with the targeted assassinations of the topmost echelons of the regime in Iran. These had started just two days after Prime Minister Modi had completed his much-trumpeted visit to Israel, a ..

Ex-Union minister, veteran Congress leader Mohsina Kidwai passes away at 94

Veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Mohsina Kidwai passed away on Wednesday, her family said. She was 94. Kidwai passed away at Noida's Metro Hospital early in the morning. She was suffering from age-related ailments, her son-in-law Razi Ur Rehman Kidwai said. She will be cremated at the graveyard in Nizamuddin around 5 pm, he said. Kidwai is a former Union minister who held important portfolios in the Rajiv Gandhi government. She has been a member of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha at various points in time. Kidwai has also served as a member of the Congress Working Committee and the party's Central Election Committee in the past.

Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Make or break for Left and Congress

For the CPI(M), a victory is essential to preserve its last bastion in the country. The CPI(M) has remained relevant in Kerala even as it was voted out of power in West Bengal and Tripura

From Congress bastion to BJP stronghold: How Assam's politics has evolved

Assam is set to vote on April 9 in a closely watched election, with the BJP aiming to retain power and the Congress hoping to regain ground in a state shaped by identity politics and alliances

BJP slams Congress chief Kharge over 'illiterate' remark, seeks apology

The BJP on Tuesday demanded an apology from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his alleged remarks on the people of Gujarat and some other states, saying that the comment was "shameless, demeaning and utterly despicable." Addressing a press conference here, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to clarify whether they agreed with Kharge's statement. At an election rally in Kerala's Idukki district on Sunday, Kharge had said the people of the state were "educated and clever" and cannot be misled, unlike those who were "illiterate" in Gujarat and some other places. "Do they agree with this statement? If Rahul Gandhi has any sense, he should distance himself from this remark, condemn it, and demand an apology," Prasad said. The former Union minister further said Kharge "does not deserve to remain Congress president" for making such comments, and questioned if he had "abandoned

Rahul accuses Centre of excluding Bahujan entrepreneurs from big contracts

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the Modi government of perpetuating a system of exclusion through its policies and asked why 'Bahujan' entrepreneurs are being excluded from the country's largest public contracts. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said he asked the government in Parliament that out of the Rs 16,500 crore worth of public works contracts awarded last year, how many were secured by businesses owned by Dalits, Adivasis, and Backward Classes. "Their response was deeply concerning - the government does not maintain any data regarding this matter," he said in a post in Hindi on Facebook. "The policy mandates that, under the public procurement process, 25% of purchases must be made from MSMEs, of which 4% is earmarked for Dalit and Adivasi entrepreneurs. However, when it comes to the largest and most lucrative contracts --public works -- the government claims that this is not 'mandatory'," Gandhi said. "This is not merely an administrative oversight.

Cong keeps singing to Pak's tunes, compromising nation's security: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that while his government has carried out Operation Sindoor on terror camps in Pakistan, the Congress keeps on "singing to the tune of" the neighbouring country. On the development front, he alleged that the Congress had always taken a myopic view on the matter, while the BJP works towards ensuring long-term development of the nation. "The party always took short-term measures so that they could indulge in corruption. But the BJP looks far ahead while taking decisions for all-around development of all sections of society," Modi said. Addressing an election rally here in Assam's Barpeta district, the prime minister said the Congress has "always sung to Pakistan's tune". "This Pakistan connection compromises with the nation's security, and we can never allow that," he said. He also accused the Congress of neglecting the army by refusing to implement 'One Rank, One Pension'. But the BJP ensured that those who protect the nation get justice,

CPI(M) in 'deal' with BJP for April 9 polls in Kerala: Priyanka Gandhi

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday alleged that the CPI(M)-led front has struck a "deal" with the BJP for April 9 Assembly polls in Kerala. She also accused the ruling LDF of "compromising" on ideology, accountability, and responsibility in order to remain in power for 10 years. The Wayanad MP was addressing a corner meeting in Peravoor in this northern district as part of the campaign for the Assembly polls. The LDF chose to make a deal with the BJP, who "harasses" the minorities, especially the Christian community and their nuns, she claimed. Despite the massive theft in Sabarimala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose not to utter a single word against it, Vadra alleged, and pointed it out as evidence for the deal. When anyone raises a voice against the PM, they are faced with CBI, ED or income tax cases. There is no such single case against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, she claimed. She further charged that a sense of arrogance had crept into the LDF ...

Cong made allegations against my wife using false info from Pak: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed the Congress has concocted the charge that his wife has multiple passports and owns properties in Dubai, using false information from a Pakistani social media group. He also alleged that Pakistan was trying to influence the outcome of the Assam elections. At a press conference here, a day after Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi sought to know whether his wife or family owns property in Dubai, has companies in the USA, or has placed their assets in shell companies, Sarma said these charges have been made to influence the poll results, which is "punishable under the law". The BJP leader also alleged that the documents the Congress used to make the allegations against his wife were sourced from a social media group "Pakistanis in Ajman", and her photo was morphed on a lost passport of a person from that country. "I am concerned that they took the help of Pakistan. This is not a simple fraud case but a crime against

Cong slams Sena UBT for accusing it of using regional allies as 'crutches'

The Congress on Monday hit out at the Shiv Sena (UBT) over the latter's accusation that the grand old party was using regional outfits as "crutches", and not treating them as "equal stakeholders" in the Opposition alliance. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticised the editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana', alleging that the newspaper's executive editor, MP Sanjay Raut, appears confused on several occasions between his roles as a politician and journalist. In a strongly-worded post on X, he noted that while a journalist's duty is to point out shortcomings objectively, a political spokesperson often targets opponents, and confusing the two roles leads to ignoring one's own accountability. He claimed that Raut feels whatever he says is the "ultimate truth" and stressed that he doesn't feel that in an alliance like the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), all constituent parties have their own views, which must be discussed before making announcements. "Taking unilater