PM Modi should listen to India’s ‘Mann ki baat’, says Rahul Gandhi

PM Modi should listen to India’s ‘Mann ki baat’, said Rahul Gandhi after the protest march at Gandhi statue in Parliament. A day after Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan ordered the suspension of 25 party MPs in the Parliament, senior Congress leaders including party president Sonia Gandhi, vice president Rahul Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh protested in front of the Gandhi statue inside the Parliament premises alongwith other Congress MPs.

Rahul Gandhi: Only one man's voice counts for anything in this country

New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi took charge in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as he led his party's demand to discussion the Communal Violence Bill. Rahul Gandhi entered the well of the House in the Lok Sabha shouting slogans and demanding that the Bill be brought for discussion and passage. "We are asking for a discussion. There is a mentality in the government that discussion is not acceptable. There is a mood in parliament that only one man's voice counts for anything in this country," said the Congress MP from Amethi.

Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre, says voice of only one man counts in the country

New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi joined other Congress members of Parliament at the well in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday during a protest against incidents of communal violence all over the country.

This occurred after the speaker Sumitra Nahajan refused to allow any discussion on communal violence in the Parliament. The Congress's demand came after incidents of communal violence Saharanpur and Meerut. The Congress's demand also comes amidst the tension over the Meerut gangrape and conversion case. The Congress had sought an adjournment of the house proceedings to discuss communal violence in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.

"We are asking for a discussion. There is a mentality in the government that discussion is not acceptable. There is a mood in parliament that only one man's voice counts for anything in this country," said the Congress MP from Amethi.  When asked about his current protest in Parliament, he said, "I have raised my voice many times in Parliament."

Congress gave notice of an adjournment motion over rising incidents of communal violence in the country. The notice was given by Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, party MP M I Shahnawaz and party whip K C Venugopal, party sources said. Speaker rejected their demand and continued with the question hour, leaving Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders miffed. The leaders then stormed into the well of the House in protest.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi at Raiganj (West Bengal), 22nd April 2014

Sonia Gandhi in West Bengal: Only Congress can give a secular government

Raiganj (WB): “We need a government which will work for all and take everyone together, forward. We need a government which believes on secular values. Only Congress can provide such a govt” said Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President and UPA Chairperson, while addressing a party election rally at Raiganj in West Bengal.
“This is election time every political parties are busy in it. But there are some parties, especially the BJP, whose prime motive is to level baseless allegations against Congress. They are crossing every limit to mislead the people” said the Congress President and added, “In order to grab Prime Minister post they are creating a buzz throughout the country. It seems they don’t have any interest in social, political and economical issues. To give them authority to run the country is a question of worry”.
Taking on the present Trinamool Congress government in the state, Sonia Gandhi said, “UPA govt. at the Centre had sanctioned an AIMS hospital for this state but earlier Left Front and the present TMC govt. failed to provide the land for it till date”. “Every person works hard for his family and saves money for a better future. But Chit-fund companies with help of state govt. have looted more than 18 lakh families. You know very well about the worsening law and order conditions in the state” she continued.
“Only unemployed people can understand the value of jobs. We do understand this issue and therefore, enacted MNREGA scheme which guarantees minimum 100 days employment in rural areas and it also curbs migration. If West Bengal govt. implemented these schemes properly then your people could have secured a job here itself. But sadly, whether it’s Left or TMC, both have neglected such development schemes” lamented Sonia Gandhi.
About the future plans of the Congress the party President informed, “We need to do implement many such projects to transform the livelihood of the poor. We, in our Manifesto, have promised Right to health, Right to shelter for every poor. We also plan to design pension schemes for senior citizens and physically disabled people. We will be establishing 2000 dedicated women police stations throughout the country and we also will ensure that 25% of the police persons are women. We also intend to provide technical training to youth and give them employment. We also will support small industries too. We need your support to implement these schemes”.
Sonia Gandhi urged the people to support Congress and elect party candidates for development of the country and welfare of the people.
Full text of speech of Sonia Gandhi at Raiganj, West Bengal

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.

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.

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”.

I am happy, says Rahul Gandhi on the passage of Land Acquisition bill in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the landmark Land Acquisition Bill, which seeks to provide just and fair compensation to farmers while ensuring that no land can be acquired forcibly, with overwhelming majority. The bill is definitely is the brain-child of Congress Vice President and Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi.

"I am happy that Land Acquisition Bill has been passed", said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi after the passage of the path-breaking Bill. Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, though she is under rest after a hospital check-up,  also attended the proceedings for a brief period.
"The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2012" stipulates mandatory consent of at least 70 per cent for acquiring land for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects and 80 per cent for acquiring land for private companies.

The Bill, which will replace over a century-old law, proposes compensation that is up to four times the market value in rural areas and two times the market value in urban areas.

The Bill was passed with 216 votes in favour and 19 against. Left parties, AIADMK and BJD members staged a walkout. Trinamool Congress voted against the Bill while main Opposition BJP as also SP and BSP supported the legislation.
Following are the highlights of the Land Acquisition Bill passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday:

-Payment of compensations that is up to 4 times the market value in rural areas and 2 times the market value in urban areas.

- To address historical injustice the Bill applies retrospectively to cases where no land acquisition award has been made.

- No law can be acquired in Scheduled Areas without the consent of the Gram Sabhas.

- No one shall be dispossessed until and unless all payments are made and alternative sites for the resettlement and rehabilitation have been prepared.
- Compensation to those who are dependent on the land being acquired for their livelihood.

- In cases where PPP projects are involved or acquisition is taking place for private companies, the Bill requires the consent of no less than 70 per cent and 80 per cent respectively (in both cases) of those whose land is sought to be acquired.

- To safeguard food security and to prevent arbitrary acquisition, the Bill directs States to impose limits on the area under agricultural cultivation that can be acquired.

- In case land remains unutilised after acquisition, the new Bill empowers states to return the land either to the owner or to the State Land Bank.
- No income tax shall be levied and no stamp duty shall be charged on any amount that accrues to an individual as a result of the provisions of the new law.
- Where acquired land is sold to a third party for a higher price than 40 per cent of the appreciated land value (or profit) will be shared with the original owners.

- In every project those losing land and belonging to the SC or ST will be provided land equivalent to land acquired or two and a one-half acres, whichever is lower (this is higher than in the case of non-SC/ST affected families)
- Where the affected families belonging to the SC and the ST are relocated outside of the district then they shall be paid an additional 25 rehabilitation and resettlement benefits to which they are entitled in monetary terms along with a one-time entitlement of fifty thousand rupees.

381 amendments were moved to the Bill, of which 166 were official ones. Of the Opposition amendments, some were withdrawn and others defeated during voting.
The government accepted some opposition amendments, including two moved by Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj. These included that instead of acquisition, land could be leased to developers so that its ownership remains with farmers and provide them regular annual income.

Asserting that the new law will address "historical injustice", the Government said this law is being enacted under the Concurrent list and the states can bring their own law on the subject without derogating from the central law. The Bill will replace the archaic Act of 1894 which suffers from various shortcomings including silence on the issue of resettlement and rehabilitation of those displaced by the acquisition of land.