Sonia Gandhi: Media should also look at corruption in states ruled by opposition parties

Sonia Gandhi: Media should also look at corruption in states ruled by opposition parties
New Delhi: Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said on Saturday that the issue related to Adarsh society scam will be resolved soon. Her statement came just a day after Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi disagreed with Maharashtra government rejecting the Adarsh scam report. "Adarsh issue has been discussed within the party and will be resolved. Corruption and inflation remain the key issues for us," said Sonia Gandhi.

"Media should also look at corruption in some other states ruled by opposition parties," urged the Congress President. "We have big challenges, but we are determined to be together and to fight and to win," she added.

The Adarsh Housing Society was granted prime land in Mumbai in 2002 for apartments intended for war widows and veterans. However, politicians, bureaucrats and defence officers colluded to grab flats at cheap prices. The inquiry report indicts four former Congress chief ministers in the state, including current Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.

Rahul Gandhi had said on Friday that the Congress is "dead serious about fighting corruption". He also said, in what he described as his "personal opinion that the Maharashtra government should reconsider their decision to reject the Adarsh report.



This is what Mrs. Sonia Gandhi told media: “We have big challenges before us; but we are all determined to be together and to fight and win. Yesterday’s meeting (of Congress Chief Ministers) was on Lokpal and inflation. The discussion in the meeting was centred at how the Chief ministers could take action to take to fight corruption and inflation.. Adarsh issue also was discussed in the meeting… Adarsh issue has been discussed within the party and will be resolved. Corruption and inflation remain the key issues for us. I would like to ask media to look at other states led by other parties, on their action on corruption, particularly against some ministers. Look at us by all means, and point out our mistakes; but do look at others also”.

Sonia Gandhi also wished all a happy New Year.

Sonia Gandhi: Media should also look at corruption in states ruled by opposition parties

New Delhi: Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said on Saturday that the issue related to Adarsh society scam will be resolved soon. Her statement came just a day after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi disagreed with Maharashtra government rejecting the Adarsh scam report. "Adarsh issue has been discussed within the party and will be resolved. Corruption and inflation remain the key issues for us," said Sonia Gandhi.

Full Text of speech of the press conference of Sh, Rahul Gandhi at Delhi after the CM’s meeting

Rahul Gandhi at New Delhi,27th Dec 2013
 We meet today on two main issues which are corruption and Lokpal, and there was also price rise. We are very concerned about the rising of price of vegetables and fruits. Congress chief ministers decided that till February, the accountability and stipulations in the national level Lokpal will be taken to state level. All our states have agreed that they will bring this Lokayukt on national level till February.
Price rise of fruits and vegetables is a main issue of inflation, we have taken some remedial steps as Mr. Maken had mentioned regarding this and Lokpal Bill is one step. These were the discussions took place in the meeting. As I said earlier Lokpal bill is only one step.
If we need to fight corruption then we need a framework not just at the national level but also state level and may be state level is more important. Congress party is working towards this direction.
On Adarsh: If you are asking me I don’t agree with the decision (of the Maharashtra govt); they should reconsider that decision.
As I have said before if we are serious about this and the Congress party is dead serious about this then this is not about one bill, this is about a framework, a system. Now what is interesting to me there is only one party which is talking about the system, there is only party that is talking about the framework everyone else is talking. But nobody is showing the path to fight corruption. If you want to fight corruption, create a mechanism. What is that mechanism, there are number of bills pending in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha; let us get together and pass those bills.
On fighting corruption: Now I have already said we are committed to that, let us have session of the house, let us all get together, and create a framework to fight corruption. But when I say let create a framework to fighting corruption there is silence on the other side, complete silence. I don’t hear ‘yes’ we should pass these bill. I don’t hear that. I don’t see other opposition states having Lokayukt there, I don’t see them. If you are serious, let us stop talking and let’s start acting and as far as my party is concerned my party is dead serious.
As far as Maharashtra issue is concerned I told you my view there is no question of protecting anyone.
We brought the Lokpal bill and we want to bring other bills too. If they are truly against corruption, come help us to set up a framework. I would like to say on Adarsh society that I advice that it should be reconsidered.
The issue here is about building a framework against corruption. If you are serious about this and if the country serious about this and if the country actually serious about this then let’s talk.
See what happens if the opposition gets together with us and pass anti-corruption laws.
I hear again and again talk about corruption, but I don’t see systematic action. We brought in Parliament house again and again. Big speeches won’t help the cause. We brought the RTI, we brought in the Lokpal and the amount of benefit the country will get from this framework it won’t be possible through talks and it is fashionable to talk but if you want change, enact the laws.
Thank you!

Rahul Gandhi wants Maharashtra Govt to reconsider Adarsh decision

Rahul Gandhi wants Maharashtra Govt to reconsider Adarsh decision
Congress Vice President Sh. Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with state ministers to discuss the formation of Lokayukt and the framework to combat the corruption in the Nation.

“Let's stop talking, let's start working. We want to take the stipulations in the national level Lokpal to the state level Lokpal as well.” Rahul Gandhi said in a press conference after the meeting.

“We meet today on two main issues which are corruption and Lokpal, and there was also price rise. We are very concerned about the rising of price of vegetables and fruits. Congress chief ministers decided that till February, the accountability and stipulations in the national level Lokpal will be taken to state level.” Rahul Gandhi added.

The Congress Vice President also stated that there are number of bills are pending in the Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. He is constantly emphasizing on the matter to combat the corruption and also talked about the ‘mechanism’. “If you want to fight corruption, create a mechanism. What is that mechanism, there are number of bills pending in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha; let us get together and pass those bills.” Rahul Gandhi added.
“I hear again and again talk about corruption, but I don’t see systematic action. We brought in Parliament house again and again. Big speeches won’t help the cause,”he strongly added.

He also lashed out opposition and parties who are not supporting the Lokpal bill and other bills in the Parliament. “We brought the RTI, we brought in the Lokpal and the amount of benefit the country will get from this framework it won’t be possible through talks and it is fashionable to talk but if you want change, enact the laws.”

On Maharashtra govt’s stand to reject the report on Adarsh scam Rahul Gandhi categorically said, “I don't agree with the decision of the Maharashtra cabinet; it should be reconsidered. There is no question of protecting anyone”.



“If we need to fight corruption then we need a framework not just at the national level but also state level. Congress party is working towards this now” aid the Congress leader and underlined the policy of his own party, ”There is only one party which is talking about the system... everyone else is talking”.

About tackling the issues of corruption, Rahul Gandhi commented, “I have already said we are committed to that, let us have session of the house, let us all get together, and create a framework to fight corruption. But when I say let create a framework to fighting corruption there is silence on the other side, complete silence. I don’t hear ‘yes’ we should pass these bill. I don’t hear that. I don’t see other opposition states having Lokayukt there, I don’t see them. If you are serious, let us stop talking and let’s start acting and as far as my party is concerned my party is dead serious”.

Rahul Gandhi: Let's stop talking and do the needful to stop the corruption

Congress Vice President Sh. Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with state ministers to discuss the formation of Lokayukt and the framework to combat the corruption in the Nation. "Let's stop talking, let's start working. We want to take the stipulations in the national level Lokpal to the state level Lokpal as well." Rahul Gandhi added while conducting the press conference. "Government must reconsider I don't agree with this, they should reconsider", Rahul Gandhi said on Maharashtra government rejecting Adarsh society scam report. Party Vice President said that he and the other ministers discussed corruption, Lokpal and price rise during the meeting with the chief ministers of the state. "I only see parties talking of corruption, but no systematic action." Rahul Gandhi ended the press conference with this.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with minorities on Congress manifesto

New Delhi: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi interacted with members of minority communities in New Delhi on Monday as part of Congress strategy to hold consultations with various people for preparing party’s election manifesto.

The meeting was aimed at to gather the views and demands of minorities at the grassroots level for inclusion in the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls. Monday's deliberations were the second as part of the manifesto consultation process, which is being spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi.

Recalling the fears of a young boy he had met during his recent visit to a relief camp in Shamli near Muzaffarnagar, Rahul Gandhi said, "No person of any community or caste should ever be scared in India. This is a secular country" and added, “The boy had told him that he was afraid to return to his village following the riots”. The Congress President also spoke about the need to instil a sense of security among all sections of society.

Rahul Gandhi stated that the key issue is leadership. "Until we open up processes, until we encourage leadership, problems will not be solved. The problem at all levels is of developing leadership," he asserted.

He stressed the need to fight the politics that thrives on creating fear and said the Congress believed in "Shanti ke saath kranti" (peace and transformation). Rahul Gandhi said that the consultations were the first step towards opening up processes to develop policy and provide political representation. He said the main way to empower the marginalized sections of society was to improve their access to quality education. The Congress Vice President added that true governance was that which provided dignity and respect to the people and ensured that their voices were heard.

The meet also saw some plain speaking by the participants who told Rahul Gandhi that issues concerning the minority community should be decided by talking to representatives on the ground and not just to some Muslim leaders at the top. Responding to the demand for reservation, the Congress leader told them that while such a move could be a solution, it alone would not be enough to raise the economic and social status of the minority community.

At the meet, representatives of the Jain community demanded minority status for themselves and Christian members raised the issue of Kandhmal riots. Later, at a press conference, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said issues of security, peace, education and job opportunities dominated the meeting. On the issue of reservation for Dalit Christians and 4.5 per cent quota for backward minorities in OBC categories, the meeting saw pleas urging that courts be requested to expedite decisions in such matters.

Other party leaders present at the meeting included Union Ministers Salman Khurshid, K Rahman Khan, Oscar Fernandes and Jairam Ramesh.

Rahul Gandhi meets delegates of minority communities on manifesto

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi held a meeting to do direct interactions with the communities to incorporate their views and suggestions in party's manifesto for the next Lok Sabha polls. Rahul Gandhi held consultations with representatives from various minority communities, including Muslims, as part of its exercise to include demands and aspirations of sections of people in its 2014 election manifesto. "It is narrow elite, which constitutes the political establishment and each party is run by a narrower group," he had said, promising to open the system.

Rahul Gandhi visits Muzaffarnagar, says Relief camps in very bad state, Akhilesh must act

Rahul Gandhi visits Muzaffarnagar, says Relief camps in very bad state, Akhilesh must act
Muzaffarnagar: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi made an unannounced visit to the relief camps at Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. He criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for not doing enough to improve conditions at relief camps for persons affected by recent communal riots as he visited five such shelters in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli.

Rahul Gandhi, after visiting affected people from both communities, urged the UP government to intervene and improve living conditions in relief camps. “The conditions are very bad. Children are dying here. There is a need for the state government to help them,” said the Congress Member of Parliament from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, adding, “UP has a young chief minister (Akhilesh Yadav). He should focus on improving conditions in camps and work to ensure that victims return to their homes.”

"Wherever I went, people spoke about brotherhood and said communal forces were responsible for the clashes here. The situation in the relief camps is very bad and the UP government must intervene immediately," said Rahul Gandhi. "UP has a young chief minister. I want to tell him to focus on the camps and mediate between the two communities," quipped the Congress leader.

“I came here in the morning to see the situation myself. I met people across all communities who are affected by the riots.. Two things should be done: camp conditions need to be worked on and mediation has to take place.. Wherever I went, people told me that communal forces have done this. They said there is no enmity between us, there is brotherhood here.. I appeal to the youth leaders to focus on this matter and improve conditions in the camps.. We have no animosity with the Samajwadi Party government, but Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav should focus a bit more on the Muzaffarnagar relief camps,” said Rahul Gandhi while talking to the media after the visit.

Beginning his visit early in the morning, Rahul Gandhi first went to the Malakpur camp in Shamli district, where at least 35 children are reported to have died due to the extreme cold in recent weeks. Chowdhary Gulshad, who escorted Rahul through the camp, said, "We were sitting and drinking tea when Rahul Gandhi suddenly arrived unannounced. He asked us about the situation in the camp and we were very frank." Gulshad said he described the poor sanitary conditions, lack of blankets and support from the UP government and the need for a permanent settlement for the 4,000-odd refugees in the area. "He (Rahul Gandhi) listened to us and even spoke to the children. We told him the central government could intervene in allotment of land for a permanent solution. He smiled and promised to do something for us. This is the first time a senior politician has visited us," said Gulshad.



Rahul Gandhi also visited the Khurgaon, Sumeti and Barnavi camps in Shamli. "He spent about 15 minutes here and shared a cup of tea with us. He asked if we would return to our villages — Lakh, Lisarh or Bhavdi — which witnessed some of the worst violence between September 7 and September 10. Everybody said we would go anywhere but back to our villages," said Aladin Pradhan from Barnavi.

Rahul Gandhi, along with Union Minister of State for Home R P N Singh and AICC general secretary Madhusudan Mistry, visited a Jat family in Kakda village. "He spoke to the family about the incident and asked if things could return to normal," said a senior district official. Rahul Gandhi also met smaller gatherings at chaupals. "They were also saying there is no communal divide between the two communities and this was engineered for politics. While some politicians will be gaining from this, you and your agriculture will suffer," said Rahul Gandhi.

India Inc lauds Rahul Gandhi's comments on reforms and growth

India Inc lauds views of Rahul Gandhi on reforms and growth
New Delhi: India Inc has welcomed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's views on the urgency to focus on growth and transparency and said that he has touched the real issues being faced by the industry and it would encourage investor sentiment.

"His talk is comprehensive and touches real issues, which industry has been trying to grapple with in recent times. Rahul Gandhi's talk is reflective of the fact that he has his ears to the ground...even as the economy has slowed down and investor confidence is not at its peak," Kris Gopalakrishnan, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President said in a statement. “At a time, when questions have been raised about India's commitment to reforms and growth, Rahul Gandhi's comments are music to the ears of investors, who would draw confidence from his speech” he added.

Showing a new, proactive face of the party as Rahul Gandhi had promised after the recent assembly election reverses, he also appeared forthright in addressing issues and some of his comments evoked applause. The Congress Vice President said that the Congress party needs to accept the message of people in the wake of its poll debacle with humility without "excuse making". He also injected topical humour in his speech as he referred to election results, he said he now knows "how it feels when you have to go to your AGMs with bad news".

Interacting with business leaders and responding to their concerns on Saturday at 86th AGM of FICCI, Rahul Gandhi talked about the problems of inflation, delay in clearances, accountability and transparency while underlining the need for pushing the growth to alleviate poverty and making the country the largest economy by the time it turns 100-years old.

Bharti Enterprises vice chairman and MD Rajan Bharti Mittal termed Rahul Gandhi's interaction with the industry as very positive and said, "It was heartening to hear his comments on the urgency to focus on growth and transparency, the issues that are key to bringing back the economy to its earlier growth rate."

Godrej Industries chairman Adi Godrej said the stress on resolving regulation and administrative procedures in Mr Gandhi's speech would greatly encourage investor sentiments and boost investments. "As he mentioned, decision-making requires to be transparent, timely and fair, while the initiatives on corruption have to be followed up with action," he said.

It was for the first time that a political leader of Rahul Gandhi's stature mentioned the need for a modern and flexible labour market of international standards, Sundaram-Clayton managing director Venu Srinivasan said and added, "Industry would welcome a dialogue on how to create fulfilling and rewarding jobs for our young people, as stated by Mr Gandhi".  Old labour laws have forced businesses to use contract labour, Rahul Gandhi had said in his speech on Saturday. "As you know, they are often underpaid and unprotected. India needs a modern and flexible labour market where labour has a fair share and is protected by international labour standards," the Congress leader had said.

The industry would now look forward to quick actions from the government, Hero MotoCorp joint managing director Sunil Kant Munjal said on Rahul Gandhi’s address at FICCI. "Rahul Gandhi has clearly identified the immediate problems regarding project delays and highlighted the issues that must be addressed, such as land acquisition, regulatory and administrative hurdles, and environmental clearances," he said further.



T.V. Mohandas Pai, chairman Aarin capital, said that Rahul Gandhi had been articulate and his speech had content and clarity. "It was a very, very good. It was a different Rahul Gandhi. (His) best speech I have heard," he added. Pai, who had earlier been associated with Infosys, said Rahul Gandhi had addressed the issues concerning his party upfront and had talked of the need of introspection in the wake of debacle that Congress suffered in the four Hindi heartland states. "The elections have shown anger of middle class. He (Gandhi) said that the government was listening to people," Pai said.

Jyotsna Suri, CMD of Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said that Rahul Gandhi had addressed the perception among some people that he was anti-industry. "It was one of his better speeches... It was an encouraging speech," she said.

Rahul Gandhi: Govt. should focus more on relief camps

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited Muzaffarnagar district to empathize and console the riot victims. He said Children are dying, need to improve situation in relief camps as the condition of the relief camps is very poor. "Akhilesh Yadav is a young CM, he needs to focus on these relief camps." He added while addressing the media. He also added people want to live in peace and communal forces are behind these riots.

Rahul Gandhi's interaction at valedictory session of 86th AGM, FICCI

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the valedictory session of 86th AGM of FCCI on Saturday, termed corruption as the biggest issue that was bleeding people and lauded the UPA Government's achievement of passing the land mark Lokpal Bill to fight it. He also answered some questions from the audience.

Rahul Gandhi speaks at valedictory session of 86th AGM, FCCI

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the valedictory session of 86th AGM of FCCI on Saturday, termed corruption as the biggest issue that was bleeding people and lauded the UPA Government's achievement of passing the land mark Lokpal Bill to fight it. "India cannot afford to hold back business because of slow decision-making" said the Congress vice-president and continued, "Many projects are stuck because of good reasons but some are held back because of no good reason at all."

Rahul Gandhi at FICCI AGM: The biggest issue today is corruption. It is bleeding the nation dry

Rahul Gandhi: Peace cannot be constructed on hate and societies cannot be built on injustice
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the valedictory session of 86th AGM of FCCI on Saturday, termed corruption as the biggest issue that was bleeding people and lauded the UPA Government’s achievement of passing the land mark Lokpal Bill to fight it.



"The biggest issue today is corruption. It is bleeding the nation dry. Amendment to Prevention of Corruption Act and Grievance Redressal Bill will be massive steps against graft,” said Rahul Gandhi. “The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has faced a lot of criticism; but it has done more to combat corruption than any other government", he added. “We must fight corruption with all our strength and determination”, asserted the Congress leader.
“India cannot afford to hold back business because of slow decision-making” said the Congress vice-president and continued, “Many projects are stuck because of good reasons but some are held back because of no good reason at all.”

Striking a chord with India Inc, Rahul Gandhi said, “You're the stakeholders of the Congress party and our bond with you goes back a long time”.
Referring to the setback his party received in the recently held assembly polls, he said, “The recently held elections have made a point, we need to have the foresight and humility to listen to the people without any excuses”.

Rahul Gandhi also stressed that India needed growth to fight poverty. “We need to generate 100 million jobs in the next 10 years … Our aim is that when India celebrates its 100th birthday, it should be the largest economy in the world” said the Congress leader and underlined “Beating inflation is our top priority.”
He also touched the lighter vein in the audience as he made a passing reference to the recent controversy over an ordinance on convicted lawmakers. “I learnt a lesson that it is not polite to ask for an ordinance to be torn up and thrown away,” he said as the conference hall burst into laughter.
“The Congress mission is anchored in the idea that humanity needs to be united in love, compassion and harmony,” said Rahul Gandhi. “Our vision for India is whose economy is the largest to the world, second to nobody” he added. “Peace can’t be constructed on hate and societies can't be built on injustice. Congress understands that,” he said explaining his vision on Indian polity. “We are on a threshold of a second green revolution. High inflation on the back of high food price is a rising concern” further said the Congress leader.

“Poverty can’t be fought without growth, there is no confusion in my mind about it”, quipped Rahul Gandhi and added, “India has to become the global leader in manufacture; that should be our mission”. “We believe that economic prosperity must include everyone. But poverty cannot be fought without growth.. Self Help groups have shattered the mindset of money lenders” commented the Congress Member of Parliament.
On education, Rahul Gandhi said, “We need to rid ourselves of the idea that academia and industry are separate silos.. Our education system does not do justice to the youngsters” and urged the India
Inc, “We need you to invest more on education and R&D”.

Rahul Gandhi: More anti-corruption bills are in pipeline

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that there were more anti-corruption bills in the pipeline. Speaking to the media after the passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011, in the Lok Sabha, which provides for formation of an anti-graft ombudsman, Rahul Gandhi said more legal teeth was needed to curb corruption. "We need more bills and we have the framework. The Congress has bills in the pipeline that need to be passed," Gandhi said. "We've had big success with the Lokpal bill, we had the RTI (Right to Information) earlier," he added. The Lokpal bill was passed by the Lok Sabha Wednesday and by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Sonia Gandhi to Congressmen: We should not lose heart. There is another battle ahead of us

Sonia Gandhi to Congressmen: We should not lose heart. There is another battle ahead of us
New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said that lack of discipline and unity were among the reasons for the party's disappointing performance in the recently held Assembly polls and asked partymen to be ready for the battle ahead in 2014 general elections.

"It is obvious that we have not been able to convince the people of our policies, programmes and achievements. We have not, it seems, been able to fulfil their aspirations," said Sonia Gandhi while addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting in New Delhi. She admitted lack of a sense of discipline and unity among the reasons for the party's defeat in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Rajasthan.

"We should not lose heart. There is another battle ahead of us, in May 2014 for which we must ready ourselves. The Congress party has won and lost many elections. In victory or defeat, we must remember that it is our solemn duty to serve people to the best of our ability," said Sonia Gandhi and added, “The Congress party has won and lost many elections. In victory or defeat, we must remember that it is our solemn duty to serve the people to the best of our ability. Adversity always tests us and it is at such times that it is most important to reaffirm our unswerving allegiance to the principles of democracy, secularism, liberalism and inclusiveness. These are the abiding values of our Party”.

The Congress President also hit out at the Opposition and asked partymen to strongly speak against their ideology. "Our opponents advocate policies of divisiveness and sectarian interests. They mock our secular ethos. Their ideology is illiberal and will prevent the continuing modernisation and emancipation of our country and our people. We must not be afraid to speak for our ideals. We must not be afraid to speak against those, who offer only a narrow and destructive alternative," Sonia Gandhi said.

While congratulating Congress victory in Mizoram, the party President said, “They have not brought cheer to us. The sole exception was Mizoram. Thanks to the leadership of Shri Lal Thanhawla, the Congress scored a resounding victory. It was a vote against militancy and separatism. It was a vote for harmony and integration. On your behalf and on my own, I congratulate him and his colleagues for this achievement”.
Underlining that that Congress remains a unique political party in many ways, Sonia Gandhi said, "Let us go from here mindful of the challenges ahead but also mindful of the fact that no odds are insurmountable for a party such as ours, for a party with our legacy, with our history and with our track record of achievement."

“Friends, in its long and distinguished history of 128 years, our mighty organization has always risen to the occasion. The Congress remains a unique political party in many ways. The Congress way remains the only way in a country like ours defined by diversities. We have our task cut out for ourselves over the next few months,” commented the Congress President while concluding her address.

Rahul Gandhi addresses Lok Sabha, urges all parties to pass Lokpal Bill

Rahul Gandhi wants to extend Parl. Session to pass the pending anti-corruption Bills too
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while taking part in the debate on Lokpal Bill urged all political parties to support the Bill and ensure its smooth passage. He also asked why the ongoing Parliament's Winter Session could not be extended to ensure that the pending anti-corruption bills also could be passed.

“Prevention of Corruption Bill, 2013 Amendment, The right to Citizens to time bound delivery of goods and services and redressal of grievance Bill, 2011, Public procurement Bill 2012, Bill to address foreign bribery as required under Article 16, Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill 2010,  The whistle blowers protection Bill, 2011; these are those Bills which we can pass. If necessary Madam Speaker, can we not extend the session of Parliament to complete the passage of these bills and provide this country with a frame work to fight corruption” urged the Congress Member of Parliament from Amethi.

“The Lokpal bill was first introduced by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968. We have the chance to make history by enacting the Lokpal Bill. I appeal to all parties to come together and pass the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill unanimously” said Rahul Gandhi beginning his brief address and added, “The Right to Information Act, 2009 was UPA’s first and most important assault on corruption in this country. The establishment of Lokpal is necessary to strengthen the fight against corruption and to ensure accountability of public officials to the people”.



“But the Lokpal Bill alone is not adequate to fight corruption. We need a comprehensive anti-corruption code in this country. The UPA Government has developed a powerful anti-corruption frame work consisting of eight new Central laws. Even after the passage of the Lokpal Bill, four of these bills are pending in Lok Sabha and two in the Rajya Sabha”, further said the Congress Vice President.

“I believe it is our responsibility to complete our unfinished work in our fight against corruption. I believe it is the responsibility of the 15th Lok Sabha to consider and enact all six pending anti-corruption bills before its term expires,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds from the Congress members.

The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. Veteran social activist Anna Hazare who is on an indefinite fast demanding a strong Lokpal Bill had thanked Rahul Gandhi for his commitment towards passage of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament.

Full text of Sh. Rahul Gandhi’s address in Lok Sabha on Lokpal Bill

Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha wants extension of the session to pass the pending anti-graft bills too

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while taking part in the debate on Lokpal Bill asked why the ongoing Parliament's Winter Session could not be extended to ensure that the pending anti-corruption bills also could be passed. “Prevention of Corruption Bill, 2013 Amendment, The right to Citizens to time bound delivery of goods and services and redressal of grievance Bill, 2011, Public procurement Bill 2012, Bill to address foreign bribery as required under Article 16, Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill 2010, The whistle blowers protection Bill, 2011; these are those Bills which we can pass. If necessary Madam Speaker, can we not extend the session of Parliament to complete the passage of these bills and provide this country with a frame work to fight corruption” urged the Congress Member of Parliament from Amethi.

Lokpal: Anna thanks Rahul Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi thanks Anna for his encouragement

Lokpal: Anna thanks Rahul Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi thanks Anna for his encouragement
New Delhi: With the Lokpal Bill slated to come up in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi replied back to Anna Hazare's letter and thanked him for his encouragement in the passage of Lokpal Bill.

In his letter he said that the government is trying its best to give country a strong Lokpal Bill. Here is the full content of the letter to Anna Hazare by Rahul Gandhi.

“Thank you for your letter dated 15 Dec, 2013. It gave me encouragement in the passage of Lokpal bill.

We are committed to provide the people with a strong and efficient Lokpal bill. I take this opportunity to appreciate your role in it and also we are very grateful for your support in this regard”.

Rahul Gandhi has taken charge of his government's efforts to pass the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill, which will be taken up in the Rajya Sabha today with support across the political spectrum barring the government's ally, Samajwadi Party. Gandhian activist Anna Hazare, who is on a fast in his village in Maharashtra to demand a Lokpal law, has given his blessing to the government's efforts with a letter to Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday morning called two ministers - Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath and minister in charge of the Prime Minister's office V Narayanasamy - to discuss strategy to push the Bill in Parliament. The Congress Vice President on Saturday appealed publicly to all parties, including allies, to support the Bill. He denied that his party's initiative was linked to its humiliating defeat in the Delhi elections. Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party or AAP made a stunning debut with its promise to fight corruption, decimating the Congress after three terms.

Anna Hazare has written to Rahul Gandhi thanking him for his support to the Bill. He has disagreed vehemently with Arvind Kejriwal, his one-time protege, who has said the Lokpal Bill lacks teeth. In an equally warm reply, Rahul Gandhi wrote to Anna that his party was trying to give the country a strong Lokpal and acknowledged the 76-year-old Gandhian's role in the proposed law.

Sonia Gandhi at the launch of first ever all-women-bank - the Bharatiya Mahila Bank

Prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the nation's first all-women bank -- the Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB)- in Mumbai on Tuesday in the presence of Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi said that this was an appropriate tribute to the memory of Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary. The Congress President also distributed the bank-kits to the first five account holders of the new bank.

Sonia Gandhi launches Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana

Nagpur: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi underlined that Congress-led UPA Government is committed for the welfare of common man. She was addressing a function after launching Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana (RGJAY) - a health insurance scheme for poor families in Maharashtra.Sonia Gandhi said that the Congress-led UPA government was committed to provide better healthcare facilities to aam aadmi, particularly the poor, rural women and children. The Congress-led Government in Maharashtra was doing a yeoman service for people, who will greatly benefit from the health plan, said the Congress President. Sonia Gandhi praised the state government for extending the project, which was launched on a pilot basis last year in eight districts, to the remaining 27 districts.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi Pay tribute to Sis Ram Ola

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi paid floral tribute to senior Congress Leader and Union minister Sis Ram Ola who breathed his last on Sunday.

Rahul Gandhi: Lokpal bill is important for India; all parties must set aside differences to pass it

New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, while addressing the media persons, emphasized that his party is committed to pass the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament. He also urged the parties -- both allies and the opposition- to support the legislature in Parliament. "We would like opposition and other parties to ensure the Bill is passed. This is a matter of national importance. We would like all parties to put aside their concerns and do this job," Rahul Gandhi said at the press conference, flanked by union ministers P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal.

Rahul Gandhi urges all parties to set aside differences and support Lokpal Bill

Rahul Gandhi: Congress is committed for Lokpal Bill, requests all parties support to pass it
New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, while addressing the media persons, emphasized that his party is committed to pass the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament. He also urged the parties – both allies and the opposition- to support the legislature in Parliament.

"We would like opposition and other parties to ensure the Bill is passed. This is a matter of national importance. We would like all parties to put aside their concerns and do this job," Rahul Gandhi said at the press conference, flanked by union ministers P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal.

The Congress leader denied that his party was in a hurry to pass the Bill to redeem itself after its defeat in state polls. "This is not a question of defeat or victory. It is a big step towards tackling corruption, it should be taken and the bill must be passed," said Rahul Gandhi.

“This is a bill of national importance and there is broad consensus. Congress is ready to support it,” he added. If we can get support of all parties, we can pass Lokpal bill.. . This Bill will help India in a big way. We are at the finishing stage. Congress is committed to pass it. We request all others to support it”, urged the Congress Vice President.

Expressing concern over the continuing logjam in the Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said “Congress has been struggling to pass the Lokpal Bill. But Parliament has been disrupted”. “Lokpal Bill is not a solution to all issues, but it is a big step. We must pass Lokpal bill” he said replying to a question.
“We have been working a frame work to curb graft. The most important step was RTI. And now, Lokpal Bill is also one among them. It also can be a powerful tool to tackle corruption”, said Rahul Gandhi. “RTI was the most important step to curb graft. We are committed to provide an anti-corruption legislature. Lokpal is an addition”, he reiterated.

While responding to the queries, the Congress leader asserted, “Our duty is to provide measures to tackle corruption. We gave you RTI and now Lokpal is also ready,” and cointinued, “We are 99% through on Lokpal Bill. What we need is 1% movement or push from political parties so that we can deliver on Lokpal Bill”.“Lokpal bill is important for the country. We must set aside all differences and other concerns and must work together to get it passed. All parties must come together to support this legislature. That is all what we wanted to say in this press conference. Thank you,” said Rahul Gandhi while ending the press meet.

Rahul Gandhi: Whatever we write on our manifesto, we will accomplish that

Rahul Gandhi: Whatever we write on our manifesto, we will accomplish that
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with SC/ST representatives to discuss Congress Manifesto. He launched the consultations – Your Voice, Our Pledge – with the 235 representatives from NGOs and groups working for upholding the rights of the deprived sections comprising dalits, tribals and OBCs, and assured to bring a change in the manner politics is played behind closed doors.

“We started this process to open to these close doors gradually. There are two closed rooms in Indian politics, one is policies and other one is ticket. We want to open these two rooms in this 21st century. This is the reason I have come here and discussing this with you. It’s not a mere paper but it’s a commitment for us when our party forms a government. Whatever we write on our manifesto, we will accomplish that,” said Rahul Gandhi.

“The Congress has to completely transform itself and it has to give voice to our biggest supporters. It cannot continue to operate the way it does. It means developing, and promoting leadership among these communities and making them run, there is no other way around. Everything else is history. You are seeing right now the first step of that process. In the Youth Congress we have been doing this for years. We understand how it is does very well. We have all the system to do it. We are going to implement and you are going to see the difference,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“Everybody talks big things. The basic problem is in this country that 500 people run this country. And until we move from 500 people running this country to million people running this country, real change in this country is not going to come. This is something that I understand deeply. And if there is anything I want to achieve in my political career is to a place where 500 people run this country or certainly the Congress party to place where thousands and thousands youngsters like you tribal, dalit, OBC, upper, Hindu, Muslim run this country.



Until we move to a place where you running the country you are not going to get what you want, that what we want to do. We have to go forward by including people not only in manifesto but also in ticket distribution.” Rahul Gandhi added.

The Congress party also said the private sector should have reservation in jobs to effectively implement the plan for affirmative action. Congress plans to release its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections by the end of next month by incorporating suggestions it receives during similar consultations it plans to hold across the country. The consultations were only the beginning, Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi at Congress manifesto meeting

Congress Vice President Sh. Rahul Gandhi holds a meeting with SC/ST representatives to discuss Congress Manifesto. "We started this process to open to these close doors gradually. There are two closed rooms in Indian politics, one is policies and other one is ticket. We want to open these two rooms in 21st century. This is the reason I have come here and discussing this with you. It's not a mere paper but it's a commitment for us when our party forms a government. Whatever we write on our manifesto, we will accomplish that." Rahul Gandhi. "The Congress has to completely transform itself and it has to give voice to our biggest supporters. It cannot continue to operate the way it does. It means developing, and promoting leadership among these communities and making them run, there is no other way around. Everything else is history. You are seeing right now the first step of that process. In the youth Congress we have been doing this for years. We understand how it is does very well. We have all the system to do it. We are going to implement and you are going to see the difference." Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi on SC verdict on Gay rights: I agrees more with the Delhi High Court

SC verdict on gay rights: Rahul Gandhi says he agrees more with the Delhi High Cour
 New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, while commenting about the recent Supreme Court verdict that termed gay sex as illegal, said on Thursday that he agrees more with the Delhi High Court's earlier verdict on it.

Addressing the media persons, the Congress Vice President said, "My personal view is that these are matters of personal freedom and I think I would agree more with High Court (than with the SC verdict criminalising same-sex relations). I think these matters should be left to the individuals”.

“These are personal choices. This country is known for its freedom, freedom of expression. So let that be," added Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress leader’s reaction comes as the SC on Wednesday put the ball in Parliament's court to consider the "desirability and propriety" of deleting or amending the penal provision making sexual intercourse between people of same sex as a criminal offence attracting punishment up to life imprisonment.

Earlier, Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi also had expressed her disappointment over the Supreme Court’s verdict and urged the Parliament to amend Section 377 of the Constitution. Sonia Gandhi hoped that the Parliament would take adequate measures to guarantee of life and liberty to all the citizens of the country.

“I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has reversed a previous Delhi High Court ruling on the issue of gay rights. The HC had wisely removed an archaic, repressive and unjust law that infringed on basic human rights enshrine din our Constitution”, said the Congress President. “I hope the Parliament will address this issue and uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India, including those affected by this judgement”, she added.



Setting aside the Delhi High Court verdict of 2009, the apex court bench of Justice GS Singhvi and Justice SJ Mukhopadhayay said: "We hold that Section 377 IPC does not suffer from the vice of unconstitutionality and the declaration made by the division bench of the high court is legally unsustainable." Pronouncing the judgment, Justice Singhvi said: "We would like to make it clear that this court has merely pronounced on the correctness of the view taken by the Delhi High Court on the constitutionality of Section 377 IPC and found that the said section does not suffer from any constitutional infirmity." "Notwithstanding this verdict", the court said "the competent legislature shall be free to consider the desirability and propriety of deleting Section 377 IPC from the statute book or amend the same as per the suggestion made by the attorney general."

Section 377 of the IPC that deals with unnatural offences says: "Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to fine."

Rahul Gandhi on Section 377: I agree more with High Court

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said about the recent Supreme Court on Section 377 and gay sex rights said "I think I would agree more with the High Court, these matters should be left to individuals, their choices". "This country is known for its freedom of expression, these are individual choices", he added. "It is a matter of personal freedom, it should be upheld" further said Rahul Gandhi.

Section 377: Sonia Gandhi says she is disappointed with SC verdict on homosexuality

Section 377: Sonia Gandhi says she is disappointed with SC verdict on homosexuality
New Delhi: Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday expressed her disappointment over the Supreme Court’s verdict that consensual sex between adults of the same sex is an offence and has asked the Parliament to amend Section 377 of the Constitution. Sonia Gandhi hoped that the Parliament would take adequate measures to guarantee of life and liberty to all the citizens of the country.

“I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has reversed a previous Delhi High Court ruling on the issue of gay rights. The HC had wisely removed an archaic, repressive and unjust law that infringed on basic human rights enshrine din our Constitution”, said the Congress President.

“I hope the Parliament will address this issue and uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India, including those affected by this judgement”, she added.

Sonia Gandhi’s reaction comes as the Supreme Court on Wednesday had urged the Parliament to consider the desirability and propriety of deleting or amending the penal provision making sexual intercourse between people of same sex as a criminal offence attracting punishment up to life imprisonment.

Section 377 of the IPC that deals with unnatural offences says: "Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to fine." The bench said Parliament is authorised to delete or amend section 377 of IPC but till the time this penal provision is there, the court cannot legalise this kind of sexual relationship.

Here is Sonia Gandhi's full statement:

“I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has reversed a previous Delhi High Court ruling on the issue of gay rights. The HC had wisely removed an archaic, repressive and unjust law that infringed on basic human rights enshrine din our Constitution. This Constitution has given us a great legacy, a legacy of liberalism of openness that enjoins us to combat prejudice and discrimination of any kind. We are proud that our culture has always been an inclusive and tolerant one. The SC also suggested another course. I hope the Parliament will address this issue and uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India, including those affected by this judgement.”

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi interact with media after assembly poll results

Sonia Gandhi: Assembly poll results call for deep introspection, will rectify mistakesNew Delhi: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that her party accepts the verdict of the people with all humility and also commented it would retrospect and rectify its mistakes.

While talking to the media on the outcome of the assembly poll results, Sonia Gandhi said, “We are disappointed with the results, but we accept the verdict of the people. We accept it with humility and would like to congratulate our opponents. But, we are still hopeful of Chhattisgarh. The results calls for deep introspection and we will look into the reason for this defeat. We will look if our people are equipped or not, for running in the elections.” “Obviously, the people are unhappy, otherwise they would not have voted against the Congress. But, there were many issues like price rise and inflation which are affecting the people,” added the Congress Presdient.

On Delhi assembly poll results, Sonia Gandhi said, “I believe a great deal of work was done in Delhi, but still the results tell us something else. So, we will try and rectify our mistakes” and also said, “People should not worry about it. At the opportune time, we will declare our prime ministerial candidate.”
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who also was there with Sonia Gandhi, said: “The people have given us a message through these results, and we have carefully listened to their message. The Congress Party has the ability to transform itself, and, stand up to the expectations of the people”.
He also said that political parties are not giving adequate voice to the common man and vowed to aggressively work towards changing the situation in Congress. "I think the AAP involved a lot of people who the traditional political parties did not involve. We are going to learn from that and do a better job than anybody in the country and involve people in ways you cannot even imgine now," Rahul Gandhi said and added, “We would like to congratulate our opponents who have won. We work for the people and it is our duty to listen to them.”



“Sheila Dikshit has worked hard for Delhi and, I believe, she gave good governance to the people. But, I think, we have to move forward than just talking about good governance. We need to move to a paradigm where we should give a serious space to the common man in our system,” said the Congress Vice President.
“I think the major parties have been thinking about politics in a traditional way. But we have to start politics of empowering people. I have been saying this inside the Congress party but now I will do this aggressively in the Congress,” he added. Speaking on the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) impressive debut in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi commented, “I think AAP has involved a lot people, and I am sure, we can learn very much from them.”

When asked about Modi factor, Rahul Gandhi said, "Modi is leader of the BJP. The Congress has a vision of this country and perspective of this country. The BJP has another perspective. Our job is to push our perspective and that is what we are going to do. "Their job is to push their perspective. My focus is that how can we transform this country, use the power of the youth of the country. What the BJP is doing, that is their concern," the Congress Vice President said.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi interact with media after assembly poll results

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Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi along with Rahul Gandhi talk to media after the assembly poll results came out on Sunday. We will do an introspection what went wrong and will take necessary corrective measures, said Sonia Gandhi. We will put in my efforts to transform the organization so that it regain the confidence of the people, he said.

Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, Amethi (UP): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited his Parliamentary constituency Amethi on Tuesday and inaugurated two trains and lay foundation of a new railway line in Salon area. The Congress MP from Amethi laid the foundation of Uchahar-Salon-Amethi rail line and inaugurated Lucknow-Pratapgarh and Lucknow-Sultanpur trains at a function at Salon.

“I visit every place in India, such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram but visiting UP is something special and precious for me”, said Rahul Gandhi striking an emotional chord with the people of his constituency. “.it was a dream of his father Rajiv Gandhi that a railway line be laid here and this is being fulfilled today”, he added.

Highlighting the right-based approach of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, Rahul Gandhi continued, “We run the government in Delhi and I reiterate it several times that only by laying railway lines alone will not eradicate poverty. For this we have brought several historic schemes; first MNREGA and now food security scheme. This is a revolutionary step, which would change the face of the country. We are giving 35 KG of food to every poor family across the country at Rs 1 per kg. For thousands of years people used to sleep hungry. Now this will not happen. Earlier there was slogan “Aadhi roti Khayenge” and now we have changed this to “Poori roti khayenge”.

“After becoming the Congress Vice President, I am forced to travel across the country and I am not able to visit Amethi much frequently. But I try to be here as much as possible and I keep visiting you. However, I get strength from this relationship (with Amethi). But one thing I can assure you that I will do whatever possible for Amethi, from the core of my heart” said the Congress leader and the crowd acknowledged it with loud applauds.

I visit every place in India, such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram but visiting UP is something special and precious for me. It was a dream of his father Rajiv Gandhi that a railway line be laid here and this was being fulfilled today, that’s a delightful feeling for us.

I had promised to finish the Railway lines in Salon soon and I pressurized the railway minister for that and it is a reality now. Potato and mint farmers will be benefited most by this. The women of here who travel to Lucknow by so called magic cabs by paying 3 to 4 thousands, can now travel in just 30 40 rupees by this railway line. It‘s just not about the railway lines only but we want to connect Amethi with other big cities Delhi, Mumbai; we want to connect Amethi with the world.

We have completed the projects of National Highway, railway lines and the most important among the recent projects launched here is the mega Food Park. By connecting food park, in future potato growers would be able to send their chips to rest of the country from Fursatganj.
I reiterate it several times that only by laying railway lines alone will not eradicate poverty. For this we have brought several historic schemes; first MNREGA and now food security scheme. This is a revolutionary step, which would change the face of the country. We are giving 35 KG of food to every poor family across the country at Rs 1 per kg. For thousands of years people used to sleep hungry. Now this will not happen. Earlier there was slogan “Aadhi roti Khayenge” and now we have changed this to “Poori roti khayenge”.

We have initiated several development projects such as education for youth or its IIIT, Fursatganj Academy, NIFT and driving institutes. We have worked for education, welfare of youth, infrastructure, railway lines and National Highways. Now seven national highways have come up in this region.
After becoming the Congress Vice President, I am forced to travel across the country and I am not able to visit Amethi much frequently. But I try to be here as much as possible and I keep visiting you. However, I get strength from this relationship (with Amethi). But one thing I can assure you that I will do whatever possible for Amethi, from the core of my heart.

Priyanka Gandhi helps road accident victim in Raebareli

Priyanka Gandhi helps road accident victim in Raebareli

Rae Bareli: Priyanka Vadra, the daughter of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who reached Raebareli, Sonia Gandhi’s Parliamentary constituency, asked her securitymen to take an injured person lying on the road to hospital.

The man had sustained injury in a road accident near Maharajganj in Raebareli, and as the vehicle of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra passed the spot, she stopped her vehicle, and directed her securitymen to transport the injured man immediately to hospital. The injured man was lying on the road for 15 minutes, unattended. "Isey lekar jao yaar, Koi isey lekar jaao...Jaldi le kar jao", shouted Priyanka Gandhi at her security guards.



The man was driving a motorbike when he was hit by a runaway Tata Magic vehicle.

Sonia Gandhi: Mandela was a leader who belonged to all humanity

Sonia Gandhi: Mandela was a leader who belonged to all humanity
“Like, Mahatma (Gandhi), Mandela was a leader who belonged to all humanity, a towering beacon for all who cherish freedom, democracy and social justice” said Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President and UPA Chairperson while expressing her deep-felt condolences on the sad demise of anti-apartheid icon and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

“With the passing away of Nelson Mandela, the world is deprived of a luminous presence and a radiant spirit. Through the long years of his struggle for South Africa’s freedom—freedom from oppression, racial prejudice, inequality and poverty— Nelson Mandela redefined the meaning of courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Over the 10,000 days he spent in a brutal prison, sacrificing 27 years of his life for the freedom of his people, his courage never wavered, nor did his conviction that his cause was just and true.

He emerged from his long incarceration with not a trace of bitterness or vengeance in his heart, only a renewed determination to erase the lethal legacy of apartheid, break down the barriers of hatred and distrust between whites and blacks, and unite South Africa’s people in a climate of reconciliation and harmony. Nelson Mandela always led from the front but, like a true leader, he had the gift of taking others along with him. His own courage was almost superhuman, yet he had the gift of inspiring others to acts of extraordinary heroism as well.



Like a true democrat, he voluntarily renounced political power and office after serving for five years as President of South Africa, even though his country pleaded with him to stay as their President for Life. In his retirement from public life, Madiba continued to be a figure of inspiration, support and hope for oppressed and marginalized people all over the world. His spirit remained indomitable and undimmed till the end. So did his moral authority, shining bright like a guiding star in a troubled world.”

“Mandela was a beloved figure in India and we felt deeply honoured that after his release from prison, India was one of the first countries he visited in 1990. He was awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna’ the highest honour that India can bestow, because we loved him and revered him. Because like Mahatma (Gandhi) who had inspired him, he was a leader who belonged to all humanity, a towering beacon for all who cherish freedom, democracy and social justice.
Today I join the millions of Indians in mourning his loss. We feel bereft as those we have lost a beloved father. We will be forever grateful that such a one as he walked this earth of ours. On behalf of my party and on my own behalf, I express my deep-felt condolences to Madeba’s family and to the people of South Africa”.

Sonia Gandhi visits Raebareli, gifts several development schemes

Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli launches several development schemesCongress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited Raebareli, her parliament constituency on Monday and gifted a number of development schemes to the people of her Lok Sabha constituency. The Congress Member of Parliament launched several road projects, new bank branches, FM radio station, a railway line and also inaugurated a reverse osmosis (RO) plant in the constituency.
Sonia Gandhi, who landed at the Fursatganj airport on Monday morning, laid foundation of over 50 roads under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna in Raebareli, connecting various villages of the district. The Congress President also inaugurated a water treatment plant that will cater to 110 villages in the region, and dedicated an FM radio station at Akashwani premises on Amawan Road. FM Rainbow, available at a frequency of 102.8 mhz, will cater to the information and entertainment needs of the people.

After inaugurating the FM station, Sonia Gandhi congratulated the people for the historic achievement to have such a radio station. “I am very happy to inform that All India Radio will now start broadcasting of its most popular Rainbow FM programmes from Raebareli too. This will not only give an opportunity for the youth, women, children and senior citizens in Raebareli to share their thoughts and feelings but also provide them with a chance to express their potential and talent” said the UPA Chairperson in her message.



“This also will enhance the social, cultural and economic sectors in the region. I am also told that this station will be strengthened further to cater more distance. I take this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulations and all the very best on this historic achievement”, her message continued. The FM rainbow available at 102.8 mhz would provide information and entertainment to people of the constituency.
Later, Sonia Gandhi also inaugurated 13 branches of United Bank of India at Harchandpur block and laid foundation stone of the Raebareli-Maharajganj-Akbarganj railway line. The proposed rail link will bring Mahrajganj tehsil of Raebareli on the railway map. Besides, Raebareli will also be connected to Faizabad by the shortest railway route. This will be the first railway line between Raebareli and Akbarganj.
The Congress President also interacted with the people of her constituency at some places and enquired about their problems. Sonia Gandhi left for Delhi in the evening.

Few days back, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Sonia Gandhi also had visited Raebareli and played saviour for an accident victim asking her security personnel and local Congress leaders to take him to hospital. Priyanka Gandhi also had held a janta darbar and participated in a function to mark birth anniversary of her grandmother Indira Gandhi. She also had interacted with local Congress leaders in the constituency.

Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli, UP

Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli, inaugurates AIR Rainbow FM station

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurated AIR Rainbow FM station in Raebareli, her parliamentary constituency. The FM rainbow available at 102.8 mhz would provide information and entertainment to people of the constituency. After the inauguration of FM station at Puranpur village under Amawav block, she also gave a congratulatory message to the people.



“I am very happy to inform that All India Radio will now start broadcasting of its most popular Rainbow FM programmes from Raebareli too. This will not only give an opportunity for the youth, women, children and senior citizens in Raebareli to share their thoughts and feelings but also provide them with a chance to express their potential and talent. This also will enhance the social, cultural and economic sectors in the region. I am also told that this station will be strengthened further to cater more distance. I take this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulations and all the very best on this historic achievement”, said Sonia Gandhi in her message.

The Congress President inaugurated several roads in her parliamentary constituency Raebareli and also inaugurated a water treatment plant at Saraimugla. Sonia Gandhi, who reached Raebareli this morning, inaugurated and laid foundation of over 50 roads constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) connecting various villages of her constituency and also opened 13 branches of United Bank.
During the visit, she would lay the foundation of a new railway line -- Raebareli- Maharajganj-Akbarganj. This line would bring Mahrajganj tehsil of Raebareli on the railway map for the first time. Besides, Raebareli will be connected to Faizabad by the shortest railway rout