Sonia Gandhi in Maharashtra: BJP, Shiv Sena can do anything to grab power

Congress president Sonia Gandhi while addressing a Congress election rally at Maharashtra’s Kolhapur as part of her campaign for the upcoming assembly polls in the state, has alleged that the BJP has been spreading hatred in the society. She also made a scathing attack on the NCP and Shiv Sena saying that they have lust for power.

Sonia Gandhi: I will lead from the front to restore glory of Congress

Raebareli: Congress President Sonia Gandhi, in her first visit to her parliament constituency Raebareli after the recently held Lok Sabha polls, said that she would lead from the front to restore the party’s “Aan, Baan, Shaan (glory)”.

At an “aabhar samaroh” and dinner organised for workers, the Congress president said she was “saddened” by the party’s loss but had “mulled over the reasons for the past month”. “It was not that the Congress government did not work in the past 10 years but we failed to make our work to check inflation and corruption reach people. The Opposition kept telling lies and our talks left behind,” she said,

Praising workers for their hard work, she said they should not be disappointed with the loss of seats. “We should not be disappointed as we might have got less seats but 10.75 crore voters have voted for us. The vote share is important and seats are not everything.” The Congress president urged workers to “go house to house and win back the confidence of public” while underlining that the “road ahead is not easy”.

Targeting BJP, Sonia Gandhi said the time has now come for them to fulfill their promises. “As an opposition it is our responsibility to keep an eye on their promises as it is easier to make promises than fulfill them.” Party workers unanimously praised her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, demanding that she be given charge of the organisation at the national level to revive the party.

Sonia Gandhi expresses shock, Rahul Gandhi keeping tab on situation on Himachal mishap

New Delhi: As search continues in Himachal Pradesh for the missing engineering students, who drowned in the Beas River in Mandi district last evening, Congress said that his party vice-president Rahul Gandhi was keeping a tab on the situation.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi too expressed deep anguish and shock over the tragedy in Himachal Pradesh in which 24 students were washed away in river Beas.

"In this moment of grief, my heart goes out to the parents and my prayers are with the families," Gandhi said in a message. Gandhi has been in constant touch with the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh who has been monitoring relief, rescue and search operations.

She has expressed the hope that if the tragedy occurred due to negligence of any govt/private agency, the guilty should be brought to book at the earliest.

Maken, who is the AICC Communication Department in-charge, said Rahul Gandhi has also asked Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh during a telephonic conversation to ensure speedy relief and rescue. “RahulG keeping tab on situation in HP.  Spoke to CM Himachal to ensure speedy relief and rescue,” Maken wrote on his Twitter account.

Maken said that Rahul Gandhi does not want any guilty to be spared and urged the Chief Minister to ensure systems to avoid recurrence of any such accident. “RahulG said that guilty if any should not be spared. Asked CM to ensure systems to avoid recurrence,” Maken wrote. Meanwhile, the rescue workers recovered bodies of five students from Himachal Pradesh’s Beas River near Thalot on Manali-Kiratpur Highway, while the fate of 19 others, who were washed away on Sunday evening, is still not known, an official said. The toll in Sunday's accident has risen to five, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Rai said on Monday.

Rai said one of the bodies was recovered from Pandoh dam, whose floodgates were closed after the mishap. The dam is some 15 km downstream from the accident spot. The chances of survival of other students were bleak, officials added.

Sonia Gandhi speaking at a seminar "Renewing India's Commitment to Jawaharlal Nehru's Vision"

New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi said on Tuesday that any deviation from the Nehruvian vision would be disastrous for a country with such diversity and deprivation as India. She was speaking at a seminar on "Renewing India's Commitment to Jawaharlal Nehru's Vision", to mark the 50th death anniversary of the first Prime Minister. Sonia Gandhi argued that the policy of inclusive development, transparency and secularism that the UPA government had pursued in the past 10 years was only an updated version of Nehru's idea of India. "The four pillars of Nehruvianism: democratic institution-building, staunch secularism, socialist economics and a foreign policy of non-alignment — all of them were integral to a vision of Indianness that is fundamentally challenged by some in the prevailing political climate today, but which remain at the core of our party's beliefs," Sonia Gandhi told the seminar. Without taking any names, the Congress President said: "It is fashionable today to decry Nehruvian socialism as a corrupt and inefficient system that had condemned India to many years of modest growth levels."

Rahul Gandhi speaking at a seminar "Renewing India's Commitment to Jawaharlal Nehru's Vision"

New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is speaking at a seminar on "Renewing India's Commitment to Jawaharlal Nehru's Vision", to mark the 50th death anniversary of the first Prime Minister. Nation remembered Pt Nehru on Tuesday with President, Prime minister, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi paid floral tribute to the legendary leader.

Hold BJP to its promises, Rahul Gandhi tells Youth Congress leaders

NEW DELHI: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday told partymen that BJP had made a mountain of promises and the coming months would be the time to hold them to their manifesto.

The Congress vice-president told leaders of Youth Congress that protests would be the way of politics in the opposition after the defeat in Lok Sabha polls. Rahul Gandhi said Congress should be ready to seize on the failings of the BJP government, of which non-fulfilment of promises would be a big component.

As far as Congress-led UPA government's record was concerned, the BJP could not touch the immense progress done under Manmohan Singh's regime, he said. Rahul was addressing a closed-door review meet of Youth Congress.

Further, a strong demand for Rahul Gandhi to take the role of the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha was today made at a meeting of Indian Youth Congress (IYC). "Youth Congress leaders want Rahulji should be Leader of Opposition. Demand raised before leadership at Youth Congress meeting," IYC chief Rajeev Satav said in a tweet following the meeting.

Satav said that although Rahul Gandhi assured them that he would be with them through thick and thin, he did not reveal his mind over the demand for him to be Leader of Opposition. The IYC members also told Gandhi that they would back him the way they had backed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during her difficult days. The meeting saw Rahul Gandhi asking the youth Congress unit to be battle- ready even as he promised widespread changes in Congress. "Rahulji urges youth Congress leaders to be ready for struggle. He addressed Youth Congress at Constitution Club, New Delhi," Satav said in another tweet after the nearly three-hour-long meeting.

Rahul Gandhi also told the gathering that the party would see greater representation of the youth and discussed the reasons that led to Congress ending up with its worst-ever tally of 44 MPs in Lok Sabha. A number of Congress general secretaries have been pitching for Gandhi to become the Leader of Opposition saying that since the Lok Sabha polls had seen the Congress Vice President being pitted as the party's face against BJP's Narendra Modi, it was but natural for him to lead when the chips were down.

Rahul Gandhi at West Bengal says Mamata govt. doesn't work for poor

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a mammoth election rally at Medinipur in West Bengal on Thursday. Attacking the Trinamool Congress Government in the state, Rahul Gandhi said, "Violence against women is maximum in West Bengal, they are being exploited in here." He further added, "When we allied with TMC we thought, we wanted to work for poor and oust Left Front from here. But unfortunately nothing has changed. Mamta ji talks about helping poor and also delivers long speeches, but I see no changes here; the money sent by Central govt. does not reach to the people."

Sonia Gandhi at Kushinagar in UP: Narendra Modi insulted martyrdom of Rajiv Gandhi

"Mr. Narendra Modi, just to fulfil his political aspirations, even insulted martyrdom of our former Prime Minister Sh. Rajiv Gandhi" said Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President and UPA Chairperson while speaking at an elect ion meeting at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. "There have been several prime ministers in India including BJP's Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He, however, always respected the dignity of his chair. But now, Mr. Narendra Modi, just to fulfil his political aspirations, even insulted martyrdom of our former Prime Minister Sh. Rajiv Gandhi. The way, 23 years after Rajiv Gandhi's martyrdom, Narendra Modi has insulted him, if we don't call it petty, then what else should we call it? I just want to assert one fact; any person who dreams to become the Prime Minister of our country must know and understand its rich culture, ethos and kindness. Such low-level politics and thinking suit neither the BJP/ Modi nor the country," said the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi at Gopalganj, Bihar: Under Modi model, Adani is prospering, people are suffering

Gopalganj (Bihar): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while addressing a big election rally at Gopalganj in Bihar on Thursday said, "Under the much hyped Gujarat Model of BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, only one business man Adani is prospering and the poor people in Gujarat are suffering".

Rahul Gandhi at Mirzapur in UP takes on SP, BJP, BSP; attacks Modi model

Mirzapur: Congress Vice Presidcent Rahul Gandhi addressed a big election rally at Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur and attacked SP, BSP and BJP for the lack of development in the state. "The present state government does not talk about welfare of people or development of UP. You have a young CM but he also disappointed us. Earlier you had a government led by Ms Mayawati; it also did not do anything. I will not talk about BJP as it can never anything good for the people. I do not have expectation from BJP as it runs governments for only a handful of people" said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi visits Jaunpur, UP, says the policy of BJP is divisive

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh to address a public rally. While addressing to the masses he said it's a fight of two ideologies, one divides the people on basis of caste, community, religion and region on the other hand Congress believes in unity and takes everyone forward on the path of development and growth.

Rahul Gandhi at Allahabad (UP): BJP is filled with anger; its leaders abuse others

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge election rally at Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. "You have been listening to Congress leaders' speeches. We never abuse any one; never use wrong words; don't show anger. But just hear out our opposition leaders. Their hearts are filled with anger. They abuse, spread wrong facts, level baseless allegations. Development will be possible only if we work with love. We work for unity and brotherhood. That is what Gandhi Ji, Nehru Ji and Patel Ji had taught us. We treat everyone equally; respect all religions without any discrimination" said the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi visit fire-hit Jamo area in Amethi

Congresss Vice President Rahul Gandhi accompanied with sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Barolia village in Jamo area of Amethi, where fire incident had taken place 65 houses were gutted on May 19 and met victims and assured them of all help. They were in Amethi after the results of the Lok Sabha polls to thank voters for supporting Rahul Gandhi for the third consecutive terms. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked the district officials to get houses allotted to the villagers under the Indira Awas Yojana. "We will apply on their behalf for allotment of houses under the Indira Awas Yojana," she said. Both the leaders handed over a bag of relief material to the affected people.

Some are using the names of martyrs to acquire power says Sonia Gandhi at Kullu Himachal Pradesh

Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited Kullu, Himachal Pradesh to address an election rally. While talking to the masses she lashed out at opposition by saying to acquire power, they are making use of the name of our martyrs. She also said this election is a fight of two ideologies; Congress unites the people whereas BJP divides the people.

Rahul Gandhi along with Priyanka Gandhi visit Amethi after LS polls

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits Amethi after the result of Lok Sabha polls to thank the voters. Rahul Gandhi had won the Amethi seat with good margin.

Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand slams Modi model and BJP’s politics of anger

Rahul Gandhi at Kashipur: Modi runs government only for Adani
Kashipur: “Modi govt works for only Adani” said Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while speaking at a big election rally at Kashipur in Uttarakhand on Tuesday.
“What is happening under Gujarat model? About 45000 acres of land were given for at mere Rs 300 crore to a single industrialist – Adani- by Modi govt. We only get a toffee for Rs. 1, but Modi handed over lands at Rs. 1 per mtr to just one businessman. Adani, later, sold these lands at Rs. 800 per meter and earned huge profit. When Modi took over as CM, the turnover of Adani was just Rs 3000 cr but today it is Rs. 40000 crore. You get benefit only if your name is Adani, in Gujarat”.
“Modi govt gave contract worth Rs. 26000 cr to Adani. One in two children is malnourished in Gujarat. Anyone who earns more than Rs. 11 is rich there. 40 lac people do not get drinking water. They ignore dalits, SC/ ST. Modi govt works for only Adani” he added.
“Recently I heard someone was telling that ‘BJP leaders do not call Advani as Advani ji but refer Adani as Adani Ji’. After Modi came to the leadership, BJP sidelined Advani ji and Jaswant ji. One man decides everything there. Now Modi wants people to make him a watchman of this country. We saw what this chowkeedar did in Gujarat; gave away 45000 acres of land to one businessman and now Adani sponsoring the entire BJP and Modi campaign. We send huge funds under MNREGA etc and Modi hands over these to Adani” lamented the Congress leader.
“We need to empower people. We want to give them rights. We want to work with love. We can develop only if we realise the strength of our people” he asserted.
In a dig at RSS, the Congress Vice President said, “Golwalker had said we made a mistake by allowing women to vote. But Congress believes that our biggest achievement was to grant women the voting rights. Women are the pillars of development. They run their homes as well as the nation. But they do not get the respect they deserve. They need no power; what they need is our respects. The women live in fear and are scared to travel during night. We must address these issues”.
“We will open 2000 dedicated women police stations for the women and 35% of the police force will be women. We will pass bill to give 33% reservation for women. We will ensure women representation in Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and in the Congress party. Country can never develop without women. We can never become a super power without empowering our women” said Rahul Gandhi striking a chord with the women.
“We will not send police after the women and will not tap your phones like we witnessed in Gujarat. We will respect you” he said further in another jibe at snoop gate row in Gujarat.
Text of the speech by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at Kashipur, Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttarakhand

Rahul Gandhi in Bathinda, Punjab: UPA will be formed after the elections; slams Modi

Bhatinda: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched yet another scathing attack on BJP and its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi while speaking at an election rally at Bhatinda in Punjab, on Monday. "We are going to form a government at the Centre this time too" he said. Slamming Modi's double-stance on corruption, Rahul Gandhi lamented, "Modi roams around and talks big of corruption but he does not see the large scale graft in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Gujarat. He has joined hands with former Karnataka Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, who had gone to jail for corruption charges".

Rahul Gandhi at Dahod, Gujarat: Modi talks as if he is the God

Dahod: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched yet another scathing attack on BJP's prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. "Just listen to Congress leader's speeches. We never say 'I ' but 'we'. But Modi ji keeps on saying 'mein, mein, mein...'. "I will do it, I will do that, I developed Gujarat, I will develop India.." Tomorrow he also may say that he will transform the entire globe and entire universe. He talks as if he has entire knowledge; as if he is just like God" said Rahul Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi visits Medak, Andhra Pradesh lashes out at TRS

Congress President and UPA Chairperson visited Medak, Andhra Pradesh to address election rally. While speaking to masses she said Congress has fought for the formation of Telangana. UPA chairperson also lashed out at TRS by saying, "TRS and its President have never fulfilled its promise. I feel that they work only to attain self motives not for the welfare of Telangana and its people."

Rahul Gandhi at Amreli, Gujarat slams BJP as it works for handful of people

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited Amreli, Gujarat to address public rally. While speaking to the mammoth rally he slammed BJP and its PM candidate Narendra Modi. "They have sidelined senior leaders of BJP, first it was Advani ji, now Adaniji has taken its place. 45,000 acre of land is given to Mr. Adani ji mere 1 rupee per meter," said Rahul Gandhi.