News Analysis India

Tag: President

  • Congress leader Rahul Gandhi writes to Prez Droupadi Murmu on Agnipath scheme, urges her to intervene

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu against the Agnipath scheme, alleging there is “discrimination” in the nature and extent of benefits given to the families of slain soldiers. Urging the president to intervene, Gandhi said an “exception is warranted in this case” as she is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India and the issue affects national security. In his two-page letter to the President of India, Gandhi said he is writing to her with an appeal to provide ‘nyya’ (justice) to Agniveers, who lay down their lives in service to the nation. “There can be no clearer illustration of the fundamental flaw in the Agnipath scheme – the creation of a ‘lesser’ cadre of soldiers who are expected to work on similar tasks with lower pay, benefits and prospects,” he said while sharing his letter to President Murmu on the scheme. “The discrimination in the nature and extent of benefits accorded to the families of our slain Agniveers, compared to regular soldiers warrants your urgent attention,” Gandhi said in his letter. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States “This anyaay – injustice – is why the Congress Party and our INDIA allies have strongly opposed the Agnipath scheme, and have promised to repeal it if we form the government,” the former Congress chief said. In the letter, Gandhi said, “I request you to intervene. I recognise that a President does not generally interfere in matters of policy, which are the domain of the elected government. “However, I believe an exception is warranted in this case, given both the seriousness of this issue, and your unique position. You are the Supreme Commander of India’s Armed Forces. You have taken an oath to devote yourself to the well-being of the people of India.” “Is this discrimination against our Agniveer martyrs not a risk to our national security? Is it not a grave injustice to our youth who bravely risk their lives to serve?” Gandhi asked in his letter.

    “These pressing questions can only be answered in the affirmative.

    “Therefore, I appeal to you to use your distinguished office to do nyaay – justice to Agniveer soldiers who lay down their lives, by ensuring that they receive the same benefits as any soldier who makes the highest sacrifice for our motherland,” he said.

  • PM Modi to reply on ‘Motion of Thanks’ in Lok Sabha today; BJP MPs asked to remain present in House

    New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Lok Sabha on Monday. President Droupadi Murmu had addressed the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on January 31, the first day of the Budget Session.Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a three-line whip to all its MPs in Lok Sabha to be present in the Lower House on the fourth day of the ongoing Budget Session. Apart from this, as per the List of Business in the House for the day, Lok Sabha MPs Ravneet Singh and RamshiromVerma will lay on the table the minutes of the twelfth sitting of the Committee on Absence of Members from the sittings of the House held on December 14, 2023.

    MPs PP Chaudhary and NK Premachandran will present the 28th report of the Committee on External Affairs (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on the subject ‘Countering Global Terrorism at Regional and International Levels’.

    BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar will make a statement regarding the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 49th Report of the Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development on ‘Functioning of Directorate General of Training’ pertaining to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present a statement (Hindi and English versions) of estimated receipts and expenditure of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2024-25.In Rajya Sabha, while the discussion over the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address is to resume, MPs Ashok Kumar Mittal and Prakash Javadekar will lay on the table, a copy (in English and Hindi) of the Twenty Eighth Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on ‘Countering Global Terrorism at Regional and International Levels’ in the House today.

    Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav will introduce the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)

    Amendment Bill, 2024 Bill in the Rajya Sabha today to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

    The last session before Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year will be spread over eight sittings spread over a period of 10 days and may conclude on February 9.

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  • After Trinamool, AAP to boycott inauguration of new Parliament building

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday announced that it will boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28 as not inviting President Droupadi Murmu is an insult to her.

    In a tweet, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh said: “Not inviting her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu for inauguration of Parliament House is a gross insult to her. This is also an insult to Dalit, tribal and derived class of the society. AAP will boycott the inauguration orogramme in protest of (Prime Minister) Modi not inviting the President”.

    Earlier in the day, the Trinamool Congress announced a boycott of the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

    In a tweet, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien said: “Parliament is not just a new building; it is an establishment with old traditions, values, precedents and rules – it is the foundation of Indian democracy. PM Modi doesn’t get that. For him, Sunday’s inauguration of the new building is all about I, me, myself. So count us out”.

    The Trinamool has already raised objections about the choice of date of the inauguration of the new Parliament building. According to the leadership, the occasion of inauguration of the new building should be on the occasion of the Independence Day on August 15, instead of May 28 which is the occasion of the birth anniversary of RSS patriarch VD Savarkar.

    According to the Trinamool leadership, the Union government has also kept the opposition in the dark over the fate of the old Parliament building.

    Even Congress is likely to boycott the inauguration of the new building. Party sources said that a decision is likely to be taken on Wednesday or Thursday.

    On Tuesday, Congress General secretary communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh also responded to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and said, “SUV – Self-Usurped Vishwaguru – has already annexe-d the Parliament for self-aggrandisement. But surely, there is a fundamental difference between inaugurating an Annexe where officials work and a library which is hardly used on the one hand, and inaugurating not just the Temple of Democracy but its sanctorum itself.”

    He was responding to Puri’s remarks that in August 1975, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi inaugurated the Parliament Annexe, and later in 1987 Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated the Parliament Library.

    A row has erupted on the inauguration of new Parliament building after former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi demanded that President Murmu should inaugurate the new Parliament House instead of PM Modi.

    A war of words has erupted between Congress and the BJP over the inauguration of the New Parliament House by PM Modi on May 28.

    NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday announced that it will boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28 as not inviting President Droupadi Murmu is an insult to her.

    In a tweet, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh said: “Not inviting her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu for inauguration of Parliament House is a gross insult to her. This is also an insult to Dalit, tribal and derived class of the society. AAP will boycott the inauguration orogramme in protest of (Prime Minister) Modi not inviting the President”.

    Earlier in the day, the Trinamool Congress announced a boycott of the inauguration of the new Parliament building.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In a tweet, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien said: “Parliament is not just a new building; it is an establishment with old traditions, values, precedents and rules – it is the foundation of Indian democracy. PM Modi doesn’t get that. For him, Sunday’s inauguration of the new building is all about I, me, myself. So count us out”.

    The Trinamool has already raised objections about the choice of date of the inauguration of the new Parliament building. According to the leadership, the occasion of inauguration of the new building should be on the occasion of the Independence Day on August 15, instead of May 28 which is the occasion of the birth anniversary of RSS patriarch VD Savarkar.

    According to the Trinamool leadership, the Union government has also kept the opposition in the dark over the fate of the old Parliament building.

    Even Congress is likely to boycott the inauguration of the new building. Party sources said that a decision is likely to be taken on Wednesday or Thursday.

    On Tuesday, Congress General secretary communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh also responded to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and said, “SUV – Self-Usurped Vishwaguru – has already annexe-d the Parliament for self-aggrandisement. But surely, there is a fundamental difference between inaugurating an Annexe where officials work and a library which is hardly used on the one hand, and inaugurating not just the Temple of Democracy but its sanctorum itself.”

    He was responding to Puri’s remarks that in August 1975, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi inaugurated the Parliament Annexe, and later in 1987 Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated the Parliament Library.

    A row has erupted on the inauguration of new Parliament building after former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi demanded that President Murmu should inaugurate the new Parliament House instead of PM Modi.

    A war of words has erupted between Congress and the BJP over the inauguration of the New Parliament House by PM Modi on May 28.

  • President Murmu speaks glowingly of Andhra Pradesh’s role in nation’s development 

    By PTI

    AMARAVATI: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday hailed the contribution of people from Andhra Pradesh towards the country’s development, and advised students to tread a fine balance between following traditions and embracing the modern world.

    Murmu addressed a gathering after being welcomed at a civic reception hosted here on her first visit to the state upon becoming President.

    “In line with the National Education Policy-2020, our students should earn an eminent place in the modern world while continuing our traditions.

    Eminent scientist Dr Yallapragada Subba Rao did this a century ago,” she noted.

    The President recalled the life of Dr Subba Rao who went to the Harvard Medical School in 1922 to pursue pharmacy and biochemistry.

    “He made great contributions in this field. His research led to the discovery of many life-saving medicines. He was also interested in Ayurveda,” the President said.

    She pointed out that Andhra Pradesh had a leading role in the development of modern science and technology in independent India.

    “People of Andhra Pradesh have enhanced the country’s reputation in science and technology, especially information technology.

    The Telugu diaspora has an influencing role across the world, with majority of them being technology professionals,” she said.

    The President hoped the people of AP would continue their extraordinary contribution in the nation’s development and wished them a golden future.

    Murmu pointed out that AP was one of the states that had a sensitive outlook towards women.

    She recalled freedom fighter Durgabai Deshmukh of the state who worked for the uplift of women and the role of Sarojini Naidu, “daughter-in-law of AP”, in the Salt Satyagraha.

    “When I became Governor of Jharkhand, I always bore in mind the ideals set by Sarojini Naidu to continue to work in public service,” she added.

    The President quoted former president and distinguished scholar Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to commend the Telugu people’s “progressive and liberal” outlook towards women and their empowerment.

    She also noted that the people of AP “must be feeling proud” celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ as the national flag was designed by the son of the soil, Pingali Venkaiah.

    The President made a mention of the Buddhist tradition of AP, the classical dance form Kuchipudi, and writer Molla whose Ramayana became famous by her name.

    She also referred to the Sriharikota High Altitude Range of ISRO which stood as a symbol of the scientific advancement of the state.

    “I am fortunate to be visiting the land of Balaji (Sri Venkateswara Swamy). I will pray to him for the welfare of the people of the country,” Murmu said.

    The President, as part of her two-day trip, will visit the holy hill shrine of Sri Venkateswara Swamy on Tirumala Hills on Monday.

    Earlier, Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy and Chief Secretary K S Jawahar Reddy accorded a warm reception to the President on her arrival in the Vijayawada airport at Gannavaram.

    Harichandan and Jagan Mohan Reddy felicitated the President at the civic reception hosted by the state government.

    The Governor presented the President a wood-carved statue of ‘Telugu Talli’ while the Chief Minister presented a portrait of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.

    Union Minister Kishan Reddy, High Court Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and other dignitaries attended the event.

    After the civic reception, the Governor hosted a banquet in the President’s honour at Raj Bhavan.

    AMARAVATI: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday hailed the contribution of people from Andhra Pradesh towards the country’s development, and advised students to tread a fine balance between following traditions and embracing the modern world.

    Murmu addressed a gathering after being welcomed at a civic reception hosted here on her first visit to the state upon becoming President.

    “In line with the National Education Policy-2020, our students should earn an eminent place in the modern world while continuing our traditions.

    Eminent scientist Dr Yallapragada Subba Rao did this a century ago,” she noted.

    The President recalled the life of Dr Subba Rao who went to the Harvard Medical School in 1922 to pursue pharmacy and biochemistry.

    “He made great contributions in this field. His research led to the discovery of many life-saving medicines. He was also interested in Ayurveda,” the President said.

    She pointed out that Andhra Pradesh had a leading role in the development of modern science and technology in independent India.

    “People of Andhra Pradesh have enhanced the country’s reputation in science and technology, especially information technology.

    The Telugu diaspora has an influencing role across the world, with majority of them being technology professionals,” she said.

    The President hoped the people of AP would continue their extraordinary contribution in the nation’s development and wished them a golden future.

    Murmu pointed out that AP was one of the states that had a sensitive outlook towards women.

    She recalled freedom fighter Durgabai Deshmukh of the state who worked for the uplift of women and the role of Sarojini Naidu, “daughter-in-law of AP”, in the Salt Satyagraha.

    “When I became Governor of Jharkhand, I always bore in mind the ideals set by Sarojini Naidu to continue to work in public service,” she added.

    The President quoted former president and distinguished scholar Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to commend the Telugu people’s “progressive and liberal” outlook towards women and their empowerment.

    She also noted that the people of AP “must be feeling proud” celebrating the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ as the national flag was designed by the son of the soil, Pingali Venkaiah.

    The President made a mention of the Buddhist tradition of AP, the classical dance form Kuchipudi, and writer Molla whose Ramayana became famous by her name.

    She also referred to the Sriharikota High Altitude Range of ISRO which stood as a symbol of the scientific advancement of the state.

    “I am fortunate to be visiting the land of Balaji (Sri Venkateswara Swamy). I will pray to him for the welfare of the people of the country,” Murmu said.

    The President, as part of her two-day trip, will visit the holy hill shrine of Sri Venkateswara Swamy on Tirumala Hills on Monday.

    Earlier, Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy and Chief Secretary K S Jawahar Reddy accorded a warm reception to the President on her arrival in the Vijayawada airport at Gannavaram.

    Harichandan and Jagan Mohan Reddy felicitated the President at the civic reception hosted by the state government.

    The Governor presented the President a wood-carved statue of ‘Telugu Talli’ while the Chief Minister presented a portrait of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.

    Union Minister Kishan Reddy, High Court Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and other dignitaries attended the event.

    After the civic reception, the Governor hosted a banquet in the President’s honour at Raj Bhavan.

  • Bengal minister faces criticism for making controversial remarks on President, later apologises

    By PTI

    NANDIGRAM: West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri on Saturday drew widespread criticism for making controversial remarks on President Droupadi Murmu. After the video clip of his comments went viral, Giri apologised for making such a remark.

    In a 17-second video clip, the authenticity of which PTI could not verify independently, Giri was heard commenting on the “looks of the President”.

    “They (BJP) said that I am not good-looking. We don’t judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?” Giri, the minister of state for Correctional Homes, was heard saying at a rally in a village in Nandigram late on Friday evening.

    Later while talking to reporters this morning, Giri apologised for making such a remark.

    “I didn’t mean to disrespect the Honourable President. I was replying to what BJP leaders said while verbally attacking me. I apologise for making such a remark. I have immense respect for the President of our country,” he said.

    However, the BJP lashed out at the Trinamool Congress and said Giri’s remark reflected the “anti-tribal” mindset of the TMC.

    “President Droupadi Murmu hails from the tribal community. Akhil Giri made objectionable comments against the country’s President. These comments reflect the anti-tribal mindset of the TMC party,” BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said.

    Amit Malviya In-charge of BJP’s National Information & Technology Dept, Co-incharge West Bengal said in a tweet, “Akhil Giri, minister in Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet, insults the President, says, We don’t care about looks. But how does your President look? Mamata Banerjee has always been anti-Tribals, didn’t support President Murmu for office and now this. Shameful level of discourse”.

    The TMC said it doesn’t support such a comment but won’t take responsibility for remarks made by leaders in an individual capacity.

    “We don’t want to comment on stray remarks by individuals. The party neither supports such remarks nor takes responsibility for such comments. We have immense respect for the President of the country,” TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told PTI.

    NANDIGRAM: West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri on Saturday drew widespread criticism for making controversial remarks on President Droupadi Murmu. After the video clip of his comments went viral, Giri apologised for making such a remark.

    In a 17-second video clip, the authenticity of which PTI could not verify independently, Giri was heard commenting on the “looks of the President”.

    “They (BJP) said that I am not good-looking. We don’t judge anyone by their appearance. We respect the office of the President (of India). But how does our President look?” Giri, the minister of state for Correctional Homes, was heard saying at a rally in a village in Nandigram late on Friday evening.

    Later while talking to reporters this morning, Giri apologised for making such a remark.

    “I didn’t mean to disrespect the Honourable President. I was replying to what BJP leaders said while verbally attacking me. I apologise for making such a remark. I have immense respect for the President of our country,” he said.

    However, the BJP lashed out at the Trinamool Congress and said Giri’s remark reflected the “anti-tribal” mindset of the TMC.

    “President Droupadi Murmu hails from the tribal community. Akhil Giri made objectionable comments against the country’s President. These comments reflect the anti-tribal mindset of the TMC party,” BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said.

    Amit Malviya In-charge of BJP’s National Information & Technology Dept, Co-incharge West Bengal said in a tweet, “Akhil Giri, minister in Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet, insults the President, says, We don’t care about looks. But how does your President look? Mamata Banerjee has always been anti-Tribals, didn’t support President Murmu for office and now this. Shameful level of discourse”.

    The TMC said it doesn’t support such a comment but won’t take responsibility for remarks made by leaders in an individual capacity.

    “We don’t want to comment on stray remarks by individuals. The party neither supports such remarks nor takes responsibility for such comments. We have immense respect for the President of the country,” TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told PTI.

  • G-23 leaders meet in Delhi as Congress prez poll race heats up

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: As the Congress president’s election race heats up, some G-23 leaders, including Prithviraj Chavan, Bhupinder Hooda and Manish Tewari, met at the residence of Anand Sharma and are learnt to have discussed the current situation.

    Sources said that Tewari was keen to file his nomination papers for the election but there was no confirmation on the same.

    Shashi Tharoor, who was part of the G-23, will be filing his nomination papers for the top party post on Friday.

    Tewari later told reporters that no one has filed the nominations yet and things will be clear only after tomorrow. He said they sat for deliberations and discussed the situation.

    Chavan also said that it was good that internal polls were being held in a democratic manner and stated that they had earlier thanked Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for the free and fair elections.

    “Let us see who files the nominations and we will support the best candidate in the fray,” he said after the meeting.

    The G-23 grouping had written to Sonia Gandhi seeking organisational overhaul and internal polls at all levels.

    NEW DELHI: As the Congress president’s election race heats up, some G-23 leaders, including Prithviraj Chavan, Bhupinder Hooda and Manish Tewari, met at the residence of Anand Sharma and are learnt to have discussed the current situation.

    Sources said that Tewari was keen to file his nomination papers for the election but there was no confirmation on the same.

    Shashi Tharoor, who was part of the G-23, will be filing his nomination papers for the top party post on Friday.

    Tewari later told reporters that no one has filed the nominations yet and things will be clear only after tomorrow. He said they sat for deliberations and discussed the situation.

    Chavan also said that it was good that internal polls were being held in a democratic manner and stated that they had earlier thanked Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for the free and fair elections.

    “Let us see who files the nominations and we will support the best candidate in the fray,” he said after the meeting.

    The G-23 grouping had written to Sonia Gandhi seeking organisational overhaul and internal polls at all levels.

  • Samuel Goldwyn Films’ Prez supports India’s selection of ‘The Last Film Show’ for Oscars

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Peter Goldwyn, the president of the US distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films, has called India’s selection of its competitor for this year’s best international film race at the Oscars, ‘The Last Film Show’, which will release in North America as “a really strong contender”.

    Directed by Pan Nalin, the Gujarati-language film is the story of a nine-year-old boy pursuing his dreams in cinema, according to a report by ‘Variety.’ It debuted at the Tribeca Festival in 2021 and has since played fests in Palms Springs, Seattle and Mill Valley.

    “We believe that ‘The Last Film Show’ speaks to the heart and soul of cinema, which will be appealing not only to moviegoers in the United States but also Academy members,” said SGF president Peter Goldwyn, quoted by ‘Variety.’

    “We believe that the film is a really strong contender this year, and we’re excited to bring it to American audiences. We are also eager to bring our expertise with Academy Awards campaigns to the release of this title,” he added.

    According to ‘Variety,’ ‘The Last Film Show’ will have its commercial release in Gujarat, India on October 14, giving it the necessary qualifying theatrical run in its home territory.

    The film had received backlash in its home country by the members of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) over its origins and year of making, and from media over snubbing of S.S. Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘RRR.’

    LOS ANGELES: Peter Goldwyn, the president of the US distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films, has called India’s selection of its competitor for this year’s best international film race at the Oscars, ‘The Last Film Show’, which will release in North America as “a really strong contender”.

    Directed by Pan Nalin, the Gujarati-language film is the story of a nine-year-old boy pursuing his dreams in cinema, according to a report by ‘Variety.’ It debuted at the Tribeca Festival in 2021 and has since played fests in Palms Springs, Seattle and Mill Valley.

    “We believe that ‘The Last Film Show’ speaks to the heart and soul of cinema, which will be appealing not only to moviegoers in the United States but also Academy members,” said SGF president Peter Goldwyn, quoted by ‘Variety.’

    “We believe that the film is a really strong contender this year, and we’re excited to bring it to American audiences. We are also eager to bring our expertise with Academy Awards campaigns to the release of this title,” he added.

    According to ‘Variety,’ ‘The Last Film Show’ will have its commercial release in Gujarat, India on October 14, giving it the necessary qualifying theatrical run in its home territory.

    The film had received backlash in its home country by the members of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) over its origins and year of making, and from media over snubbing of S.S. Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘RRR.’

  • Ahead of Delhi visit, Rajasthan CM Gehlot summons meeting of Congress MLAs

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called a meeting of Congress MLAs on Tuesday night, a sudden move ahead of his Delhi visit amid speculation that he may contest for the post of party president.

    The Congress Legislature Party meeting was scheduled to begin at the CM’s residence at 10 pm, after dinner being hosted there for Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, ruling party sources said.

    Some party leaders say the meeting is merely meant to discuss the ongoing assembly session. Gehlot will leave for Delhi on Wednesday.

    He may then proceed to Kochi to participate in the party’s Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi.

    ALSO READ | It will be Gehlot versus Tharoor for Congress top post

    The process of filing nominations for the organisational elections in the Congress begins on September 24 and will end on September 30, and Gehlot is increasingly being seen as a top contender for the post of the party’s national president.

    The Rajasthan CM, however, has so far denied that he is a candidate and said he will try to convince Rahul Gandhi to contest.

    The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee has taken the lead in passing a resolution backing Gandhi for the post, triggering similar expressions of support from the party units in several other states.

    Shashi Tharoor looks set to contest the election for the party’s top post. Tharoor met party president Sonia Gandhi on Monday and expressed his intention to contest the polls.

    The Congress president is learnt to have conveyed to Tharoor that she would stay “neutral” in the elections.

    Gehlot is considered a candidate favoured by the party’s top leadership, according to some sources.

    The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17.

    The results will be out on October 19.

    JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called a meeting of Congress MLAs on Tuesday night, a sudden move ahead of his Delhi visit amid speculation that he may contest for the post of party president.

    The Congress Legislature Party meeting was scheduled to begin at the CM’s residence at 10 pm, after dinner being hosted there for Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, ruling party sources said.

    Some party leaders say the meeting is merely meant to discuss the ongoing assembly session. Gehlot will leave for Delhi on Wednesday.

    He may then proceed to Kochi to participate in the party’s Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi.

    ALSO READ | It will be Gehlot versus Tharoor for Congress top post

    The process of filing nominations for the organisational elections in the Congress begins on September 24 and will end on September 30, and Gehlot is increasingly being seen as a top contender for the post of the party’s national president.

    The Rajasthan CM, however, has so far denied that he is a candidate and said he will try to convince Rahul Gandhi to contest.

    The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee has taken the lead in passing a resolution backing Gandhi for the post, triggering similar expressions of support from the party units in several other states.

    Shashi Tharoor looks set to contest the election for the party’s top post. Tharoor met party president Sonia Gandhi on Monday and expressed his intention to contest the polls.

    The Congress president is learnt to have conveyed to Tharoor that she would stay “neutral” in the elections.

    Gehlot is considered a candidate favoured by the party’s top leadership, according to some sources.

    The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17.

    The results will be out on October 19.

  • Gujarat Congress wants Rahul Gandhi to become party’s national president 

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Congress on Sunday demanded that Rahul Gandhi be made the party’s national president.

    The demand was made at the party’s state executive committee meeting held here, with all its members supporting the proposal with a round of applause. 

    All the members of the grand old party’s state executive committee met here and expressed their feelings that Rahul Gandhi be made the president of the Indian National Congress.

    “They wanted this point to be presented before the national leadership,” chief spokesperson Manish Doshi said.

    “It was demanded that respected Rahul Gandhi, who is the future of India and the voice of the youth, be made the president of the Indian National Congress. All the present delegates of the state executive approved it with thunderous applause,” the party said in a statement after the meeting. 

    The state unit also resolved to win 125 out of Gujarat’s 182 seats in the upcoming Assembly election under the leadership of state president Jagdish Thakor.

    Earlier in the day, the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) also passed a resolution demanding that Rahul Gandhi be made the party’s national president, Congress leaders said.

    The resolution was passed in a meeting of 310 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates (who will vote in party’s presidential election) from Chhattisgarh chaired by Hussain Dalwai, state Congress communication wing head Sushil Anand Shukla said.

    AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Congress on Sunday demanded that Rahul Gandhi be made the party’s national president.

    The demand was made at the party’s state executive committee meeting held here, with all its members supporting the proposal with a round of applause. 

    All the members of the grand old party’s state executive committee met here and expressed their feelings that Rahul Gandhi be made the president of the Indian National Congress.

    “They wanted this point to be presented before the national leadership,” chief spokesperson Manish Doshi said.

    “It was demanded that respected Rahul Gandhi, who is the future of India and the voice of the youth, be made the president of the Indian National Congress. All the present delegates of the state executive approved it with thunderous applause,” the party said in a statement after the meeting. 

    The state unit also resolved to win 125 out of Gujarat’s 182 seats in the upcoming Assembly election under the leadership of state president Jagdish Thakor.

    Earlier in the day, the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) also passed a resolution demanding that Rahul Gandhi be made the party’s national president, Congress leaders said.

    The resolution was passed in a meeting of 310 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates (who will vote in party’s presidential election) from Chhattisgarh chaired by Hussain Dalwai, state Congress communication wing head Sushil Anand Shukla said.

  • Chorus grows louder in Congress for Rahul as president

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Congress leaders from across the country have started exerting pressure for the return of Rahul Gandhi as party president. The party’s state units in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Odisha and Gujarat have passed resolutions that Gandhi be brought back as party president. Other state units are likely to take cue and adopt similar resolutions.

    Rahul Gandhi had resigned from the post after the party’s loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and has since rejected calls to take back the party’s reins and indicated that he may not change his mind.

    With the process for Congress president’s election scheduled to set into motion on September 22, all state units have been asked by the party’s central leadership to pass a resolution authorising the incoming president to appoint state unit chiefs and AICC members. While passing this resolution, the PCCs have started simultaneously passing another resolution calling for the return of Rahul Gandhi as party president.

    The resolution seeking Rahul’s return was moved in Chhattisgarh by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and seconded by PCC chief Mohan Markam, state Assembly Speaker Charan Das Mahant, and ministers TS Singh Deo, Shivkumar Dahariya and Premsai Singh Tekam.

    ALSO READ | Rajasthan Congress passes resolution to make Rahul Gandhi the party’s national president

    Baghel said “If similar resolutions are passed in other states, then Rahul ji should rethink his decision of returning as Congress president.” He said the party’s presidential election is nearing and “keeping in view the sentiments of party workers, I think Rahul ji will agree (to become party chief).”

    As the demand for his return as Congress president gained momentum, Rahul Gandhi once again said “whether I become president of Congress or not will become clear when the elections for the president post take place. But, I have clearly decided what I will do and there is no confusion in my mind.”

    At a press conference in Kanyakumari during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he had said “wait till that time (when elections take place) and when that time comes, you will see, and if I don’t stand, you can ask me then ‘why didn’t you stand’ and I will answer the question for you.”

    Rahul’s remarks were seen as an indication that he might stick to his earlier stance of not taking up the party chief’s post.

    ALSO READ | ‘Will work under Rahul Gandhi’: Gehlot on Congress leadership crisis ahead of ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’

    Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh too have favoured a consensus for the post of the AICC chief

    The notification for the Congress president’s election will be out on September 22 and the process for filing nominations will be held from September 24 to 30.

    The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17. The results will be out on October 19.

    NEW DELHI: Congress leaders from across the country have started exerting pressure for the return of Rahul Gandhi as party president. The party’s state units in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Odisha and Gujarat have passed resolutions that Gandhi be brought back as party president. Other state units are likely to take cue and adopt similar resolutions.

    Rahul Gandhi had resigned from the post after the party’s loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and has since rejected calls to take back the party’s reins and indicated that he may not change his mind.

    With the process for Congress president’s election scheduled to set into motion on September 22, all state units have been asked by the party’s central leadership to pass a resolution authorising the incoming president to appoint state unit chiefs and AICC members. While passing this resolution, the PCCs have started simultaneously passing another resolution calling for the return of Rahul Gandhi as party president.

    The resolution seeking Rahul’s return was moved in Chhattisgarh by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and seconded by PCC chief Mohan Markam, state Assembly Speaker Charan Das Mahant, and ministers TS Singh Deo, Shivkumar Dahariya and Premsai Singh Tekam.

    ALSO READ | Rajasthan Congress passes resolution to make Rahul Gandhi the party’s national president

    Baghel said “If similar resolutions are passed in other states, then Rahul ji should rethink his decision of returning as Congress president.” He said the party’s presidential election is nearing and “keeping in view the sentiments of party workers, I think Rahul ji will agree (to become party chief).”

    As the demand for his return as Congress president gained momentum, Rahul Gandhi once again said “whether I become president of Congress or not will become clear when the elections for the president post take place. But, I have clearly decided what I will do and there is no confusion in my mind.”

    At a press conference in Kanyakumari during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he had said “wait till that time (when elections take place) and when that time comes, you will see, and if I don’t stand, you can ask me then ‘why didn’t you stand’ and I will answer the question for you.”

    Rahul’s remarks were seen as an indication that he might stick to his earlier stance of not taking up the party chief’s post.

    ALSO READ | ‘Will work under Rahul Gandhi’: Gehlot on Congress leadership crisis ahead of ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’

    Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh too have favoured a consensus for the post of the AICC chief

    The notification for the Congress president’s election will be out on September 22 and the process for filing nominations will be held from September 24 to 30.

    The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17. The results will be out on October 19.