Rahul Gandhi The youth icon

राहुल गांधी का बड़ा ऐलान, कांग्रेस ने खोल दिए द्वार... | AIPC | Professional Congress | Rahul Gandhi

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:46:00 +0530

Biography of Rahul Gandhi

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 12:26:00 +0530

Rahul Gandhi, born on June 19, 1970, is an Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). He is a member of the prominent Nehru-Gandhi family, which has been a significant force in Indian politics. Here is a brief biography of Rahul Gandhi:

Early Life: Rahul Gandhi was born in Delhi to Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, were both Prime Ministers of India. His father, Rajiv Gandhi, also served as Prime Minister before his assassination in 1991.

Education: Rahul Gandhi attended Rollins College in Florida, USA, where he completed his undergraduate studies. Later, he pursued an M.Phil. in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge, UK.
Entry into Politics: Rahul Gandhi entered active politics in 2004 and contested his first parliamentary election from the constituency of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He has represented Amethi several times in the Parliament.
Political Career: Over the years, Rahul Gandhi has held various positions within the Congress party. He served as the General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India. He was also appointed as the Vice President of the Indian National Congress in 2013.
Leadership Roles:
In December 2017, Rahul Gandhi became the President of the Indian National Congress, succeeding his mother, Sonia Gandhi. Under his leadership, the party contested the 2019 general elections.
Political Ideology: Rahul Gandhi has been associated with center-left political ideologies. He has often spoken about issues related to social justice, economic development, and the empowerment of marginalized sections of society.
Criticism and Controversies: Like any prominent political figure, Rahul Gandhi has faced criticism and has been involved in controversies. His leadership and decision-making have been subjects of debate within and outside the political spectrum.
Election Campaigns: Rahul Gandhi has been actively involved in election campaigns at both the state and national levels. He has addressed various issues, including rural development, job creation, and social welfare, during his campaigns.
Resignation and Comeback:
After the Congress party's disappointing performance in the 2019 general elections, Rahul Gandhi offered to resign from the post of party president, taking responsibility for the defeat. However, his resignation was not accepted, and he continued to play a key role in the party.

It's important to note that the political landscape is dynamic, and events may have unfolded since my last knowledge update in January 2022. Please refer to the latest sources for the most current information on Rahul Gandhi's political career.

Tamil Nadu model is better than Modi’s Gujarat model, Rahul Gandhi says

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 21:05:00 +0530

RAMANATHAPURAM: Lauding the Tamil Nadu model as better than the Gujarat model, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said he was happy that Congress was fighting the elections alone in Tamil Nadu and hoped the party would capture power in the state in 2016.

Addressing a public meeting to seek votes for the party candidate S Thirunavukkarasar at coastal Ramanathapuram district a day before election campaigning comes to an end in the state, Rahul hit out at BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for projecting Gujarat as an ideal state.

Rahul heaped praises on Tamil Nadu's development. "Tamil Nadu has shown what Tamil people are capable of. Modi talks about Gujarat model. Maybe, he should come here and take a look at TN model" Rahul said.

Rahul said that the country "does not need a government that makes Hindus fight Muslims." "You must ensure that a secular government comes to power at the Centre," he said.

"We don't need a government that spreads hatred among people, a government that makes Hindus fight Muslims. We don't need a government that imposes ideas from one state to another," he said.

Rahul, who generously invoked the name of Congress stalwart K Kamaraj throughout his speech, called upon the people to vote for the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections as Tamil parties are not going to form government at the Centre.

"We are going to give the people of Tamil Nadu the type of government they deserve," Rahul said to a huge applause from the cadres.

"I am proud to see party workers charged up and ready to fight the elections under Congress banner. Now we will not have to compromise," he said in an apparent reference to coalition compulsions the party faced in the past.

With almost all Congress heavyweights, including Union finance minister P Chidambaram and G K Vasan seated on the dais, Rahul declared that the party would fight not just the parliamentary elections alone but all future elections and capture power on its own in Tamil Nadu.

Lok Sabha polls: Campaign gets personal; Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi attack at each other

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 16:55:00 +0530

NEW DELHI | MUMBAI: Toffee, Tata and Ambedkar entered 2014's campaign lexicon on Monday as Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi intensified what's already become a virtual competition of personal attacks. Adding to this were similar attacks on rivals by other leaders of both parties.

Gandhi's targeting of Modi, which resulted in Tatas being named in political attacks for the first time this poll season, seemed more dramatic, as it persists in naming big companies.

But so far at least, pundits in finance, marketing and academia don't see such a strategy change delivering major benefits for Congress.

Gandhi, continuing his attack on Modi and India Inc, named Tatas in addition to Adani and termed Modi's policies as a 'toffee model'. "You get a toffee at Rs 1, but Modi gave away 44,000 acre at Rs 1 (per) sq m," Gandhi said. "This is not Gujarat model, this is toffee model." On Tatas, Gandhi said, "Tata can get a loan for 20 years at 1% while farmers have to bear 12% interest". "There's a partnership between Modi and Adani," he said, repeating his accusations. Both Tatas and Adani Group declined comment when ET sought their responses.

Modi's attack on Gandhi did not pull punches either. Keeping in mind Monday was Ambedkar Jayanti, Modi said Rahul Gandhi has "insulted Ambedkar".

Congress belittled Constitution: Modi

"It is unfortunate that these days Congress party's shehzaade (Gandhi) enjoys humiliating Baba Saheb Ambedkar by repeatedly saying that Congress has given this right or Congress has given that right. All the rights and laws have been given to us by Ambedkar," Modi said.

BJP's PM candidate went on to say Gandhi's statements on rights belittle the Constitution, of which Ambedkar was the principal architect.

"If someone claims that he has given any right or law for the country, then he is insulting Ambedkar. Those who do not know the Constitution are taking credit for these things due to political reasons," he said.

Notable among other direct personal attacks were BJP's Arun Jaitley saying "the Gandhis are under siege" and that Rahul Gandhi has a "non-inspirational personality". Jaitley was responding to a media report that said Congress leadership had turned down Priyanka Gandhi's wish to contest from Varanasi.

Priyanka denied the report and told the media the decision not to enter electoral fray was "personal".

Congress' Jairam Ramesh targeted Modi for the latter's remarks made on Sunday that Ramesh had "insulted" India on "foreign shores". Modi cannot speak truth "even by mistake", Ramesh responded, while arguing Modi had misquoted him.

While the shift in campaign rhetoric to personal attacks seems almost universal — smaller parties have also joined the club — Gandhi's persistence with naming companies while attacking Modi has stood out.

Gandhi's new line of attack, which bears more than a passing resemblance to Arvind Kejriwal's rhetoric on what he calls a business-politics nexus, has left most marketmen unimpressed. "The market is not bothered about what Rahul Gandhi says as no one expects Congress to form the government," said Deven Choksey, managing director, KR Choksey Shares & Securities. "But, industrialists and businessmen will stop respecting leaders if they don't stop badmouthing them," he added.

"What Congress says at this juncture does not really matter to markets. If it were the party tipped to form the next government, then long-term investors would have taken note of such mudslinging," said the CIO of a foreign bank-owned mutual fund. He spoke on the condition he not be identified. Social scientists too were sceptical of Gandhi's new theme. It could be explained by a "fight for survival", sociologist and Shiv Nadar University professor Dipankar Gupta said.

Brand expert and commentator Santosh Desai said Gandhi's naming of alleged corporate beneficiaries can be explained by "Congress looking to attack Modi on something other than 2002 riots". "Corruption charges don't stick," Desai said, "so Congress is trying to portray Modi as favouring a few rich."

Gupta said, "One should also ask the question what are the links of Rahul Gandhi with corporations. What about Robert Vadra?" He also said naming companies is a "welcome development". "Why should they be exempt from scrutiny?"

Sudha Pai, political scientist and JNU professor, said, "The fight is becoming your corporation versus my corporation." "It's not as if Congress is antibusiness," she said, however, and added, "I don't think this will carry on post elections."

Rahul Gandhi launches ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan’

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 13:36:00 +0530

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi threw his weight behind keeping politicians out of sports bodies in the country and said sports persons themselves should be at the helm of affairs.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi interacts with sports personalities after the launch of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA) and National Youth Policy, 2014 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI)

Opposition parties don’t respect women: Rahul Gandhi

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:02:00 +0530

TUMKUR: AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi made a strong pitch for women's empowerment at his rally on Sunday, and said it's the only way for the country to become a superpower.

Addressing a women's rally at Tumkur, 70km from Bangalore, Rahul said the country today was half a superpower because women had not been given equal status. "India will not become a superpower if women aren't given opportunities. We need equal representation for women at all levels to make them empowered," he told a mammoth gathering. Rahul, who is also co-chairman of the Congress campaign committee for the LS polls, was here on a two-day tour.

Chanting the women empowerment mantra, he was critical of his own party. "Men outnumber women at this rally. This is the situation the Congress is facing today. Men are preferred over women while giving tickets for assembly and Lok Sabha elections. This has to change and I want more women to attend rallies and participate in the election process," he said.

The AICC vice-president said his idea of change includes giving women an equal chance in politics -- in panchayats, assemblies, Parliament -- and more visibility. "We want to use your strength in the progress of this country. We want to open doors for women, doors of schools, hospitals and Parliament; without you, there's no progress," was his message to women.

Stating that women shouldn't be browbeaten if they have to feel secure, Rahul gave an analogy from his childhood. "As a 12 year old, I was small-built. A 16-year-old heavily built boy in school would bully me. After some years, I also grew big and it was the bully's turn to run away. I felt secure as there was no more trouble. Women should also feel secure in the country and be able to walk on the streets at any time of the day and night, and take buses too. I want them represented in every sector. I want them to feel safe, enjoy freedom and be fearless," he said.

Rahul attacks BJP's ideology

In an apparent attack on the BJP and RSS, Rahul said: "Opposition parties do not respect women. Even their ideology has no place for women. You know what their leader says and does. I don't have to elaborate."

Listing out various welfare programmes of the UPA, like MG-NREGA and the Food Security Bill, he said the Congress had introduced the law to give 50% reservation for women in panchayats.

Lauding Karnataka's success in the formation of women's Self Help Groups, Rahul said the Uttar Pradesh government had also implemented it.

Rahul Gandhi as "marathon man"

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:58:00 +0530

NEW DELHI: Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh Thursday described Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi as "marathon man" of politics as he sought to pin down BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on the 2002 riots and his government's social development record.

Charges and retorts came thick and fast as Ramesh and Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Amit Shah, debating at "Panchayat Aaj Tak", accused each others' parties of trying to polarise the coming Lok Sabha polls.

The duo also exchanged barbs on the "clean chit" given to Modi by an Ahmedabad court with Ramesh suggesting that verdict had to be seen in the light of the court's location.

Shah accused Congress of trying for polarisation, and charged it with seeking to make the Gujarat riots an issue though Modi had been given a clean chit.

Attacking Shah's stand, Ramesh contended that the special investigation team that probed some cases of 2002 riots had made adverse remarks about Modi's role though it had admitted that there was no prosecutable evidence.

Ramesh, who said the 2014 election was between ideologies and not two personalities, said: "Rahul Gandhi is a young leader. He is a marathon man of politics. I do not think politics is a sprint."

He said the Congress vice president was the party's face for the polls but said he had not been named prime ministerial candidate.

Ramesh said that BJP wanted to fight the 2014 election of "Gujarat shining" sllogan as it had done in 2004 on "India Shining" slogan but the state had a lot to show in social indicators.

Gujarat was not the only development model and several states had their own models which had worked well, he said.

Shah admitted that Gujarat was behind some other states in human development indices but said that steps were being taken to improve the situation.

The BJP leader, who is seen as close to Modi, made efforts to turn the debate towards the United Progressive Alliance government's development record but it remained centred around riots and the stance of two parties towards minorities.

The BJP leader said Ramesh was trying to avoid discussion on alleged corruption and price rise during UPA's rule.

Rahul Gandhi to tour, address rally in Narendra Modi's Gujarat today

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Sun, 9 Feb 2014 20:03:00 +0530

Bardoli: Rahul Gandhi lands on Narendra Modi's turf today to participate in a "Vikas Khoj Yatra" or march in search of development, a direct challenge to the Gujarat Chief Minister's claim of development and growth in his state, which he pitches as a model for the nation.

Mr Gandhi will join the yatra, organised by the Congress' youth wing, at Bardoli, a tribal dominated area in south Gujarat and is expected to walk for about four kilometres before making a speech.

Bardoli is famous for Sardar Vallabhai Patel's civil disobedience campaign against the British. The Congress and Mr Modi recently engaged in a ferocious battle over Sardar Patel's legacy, after the former seemed to belatedly realise that the BJP has placed honouring the freedom fighter, a Congressman, high on its agenda.

Mr Modi is building a statue in the middle of the Narmada river that he vows will be the world's largest. His party recently launched a programme aimed at collecting iron implements from every village in the country for the statue. Sardar Patel is known as the "Iron man of India."

Mr Modi is the BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the national elections due by May. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has not been named as the official candidate for the top post by his party, but senior leaders are clear that he will be PM should it retain power at the Centre this year.

Both leaders have in recent election speeches aggressively attacked each other.

Around the time Mr Gandhi lands in Gujarat this morning, Mr Modi will have traveled across the country to Imphal in Manipur, where he will address an election rally.

South Gujarat has for many years been seen as a Congress stronghold. The Bardoli Lok Sabha seat has been held by central minister Tushar Chaudhary for the last three terms.

The Congress had won 11 of Gujarat's 26 Lok Sabha seats in 2009.

In the Assembly elections in December 2012, Narendra Modi posted a spectacular victory, virtually wiping out the Congress in the state. Of the 35 Assembly seats in south Gujarat, the Congress could manage to win only 6. Mr Modi's BJP won 28.

It is wrong to make personal attacks on opposition, Rahul Gandhi to party spokespersons

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Fri, 7 Feb 2014 14:01:00 +0530

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi on Thursday disapproved of personal attacks on opposition leaders, indicating that the Congress leadership was not happy with Mani Shankar Aiyar's recent "chaiwala" jibe at BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

"It is wrong to make personal attacks on opposition," the Congress vice-president told a meeting of party spokespersons called to elicit suggestions on how best to get the message of Congress across to people in the coming Lok Sabha elections. He, however, did not name Aiyar.

Rahul made the remark after party MP Bhalchandra Mungekar said that remarks like denigrating the "chaiwala" (tea seller) will not do the party any good.

"Do not denigrate chaiwala. Such comments are unnecessary and they may derail the debate," Mungekar, who is one of the TV panelists of the party, said.

Rahul's remark is significant given the fact that BJP is exploiting Aiyar's jibe at Modi to the hilt to reach out to voters. It has announced the launch of a campaign that will allow people to engage with Modi over a cup of tea.

At the January 17 AICC meeting here, Aiyar had said that Modi could not become Prime Minister but could certainly serve tea at the meeting. Party general secretary Ajay Maken had disapproved of the remark soon after.

Rahul said that in the face of a constant negative campaign, Congress spokespersons are doing a tremendous job. He also sought suggestions from them on the campaign theme.

The meeting saw party leaders underlining the need to effectively expose the opposition by pointing out deficiencies in their claims backed with data.

Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has been made one of the senior spokespersons, underlined the need to focus on the regional media instead of the national media to reach out to people.

Maken, who is in charge of the AICC media department, detailed the steps taken to ensure an effective strategy to get the party's message across.

The controversy over Janardhan Dwivedi's remarks on reservation also figured at the meeting with one leader saying when such out of turn comments are made they are corrected and sometimes even the Congress president has to issue a statement.

Rahul Gandhi holds meeting with Shinde, Northeast MPs

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Thu, 6 Feb 2014 19:25:00 +0530

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday held meeting with Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and MPs from Northeast to discuss steps to prevent atrocities against people from that region.

Rahul called the meeting on the backdrop of Nido Tania's death. The student from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly killed after a brawl with some shopkeepers at Lajpat Nagar.

Tania, son of Arunachal Pradesh Congress legislator Nido Pavitra, died Jan 30 after being attacked following a row over his appearance.

A court here on Tuesday sent three people, arrested in connection with the death of Tania to judicial custody till February 18.

The Congress vice president on Monday had gone to Jantar Mantar to address the candle light protest carried out by the Northeastern community against the death of the Arunachal Pradesh student.

While addressing the protesters, the Gandhi scion said that there is only one India wherein all deserve equal respect. He further said that Nido deserves justice as he is an Indian irrespective of where he belongs to.

Rahul in his brief address said,"....You can expect a very strict action and detailed study done by a committee on the issues of north-easterners of this country. We are trying to move forward on that."

Rahul Gandhi consults women Panchayat chiefs for Congress manifesto

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Sat, 1 Feb 2014 15:39:00 +0530

As a part of the exercise to include demands and aspirations of sections of people, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday met women representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

The women pradhans provided inputs for Congress's 2014 Lok Sabha elections manifesto.

Gandhi had in January, held consultations with representatives from various minority communities, including Muslims to incorporate their views and suggestions for the party manifesto.

Rahul Gandhi consults women Panchayat chiefs for Congress manifesto

The women pradhans provided inputs for Congress's 2014 Lok Sabha elections manifesto.

The exercise comes in line with Gandhi's call for "opening the doors and windows of politics" for common man in formulating policies and programmes of the government as the party sought to reach out to the people directly in the manifesto-making exercise by launching a website to seek direct feedback from the public.

As a prelude, Gandhi had held a meeting with representatives of Dalits, tribal and OBCs on December 13 to discuss the social, political and economic challenges before the communities and formulate programmes to address them.

The consultation process called "Your Voice Our Pledge" has been started witha view to help shape the pan-India agenda of the manifesto.

Rahul Gandhi interview: Why the Youth Congress is cheering

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 19:27:00 +0530

Going by the number of times Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke of ‘opening up the system’ and bringing in ‘youngsters’ in his first one-on-one TV interview on Monday night, it seems as if an imminent crackdown awaits the party ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

The interview comes less than a fortnight after the AICC meet at which Gandhi was given the formidable task of leading the party’s election campaign for the upcoming general election. Youth Congress leaders have faith in Rahul: PTI “The Congress party is an extremely powerful system and all the Congress party needs to do is bring in younger fresher faces in the election which is what we are going to do and we are going to win the election,” said the Congress vice-president during the 80-minute long interview to Times Now.

Not exactly heartening news for many sitting Congress MPs, who have been essentially put on notice by Gandhi and told to make way of ‘younger fresher faces’. However, for the youth Congress cadre, which Gandhi has spent the better half of his decade-long political career re-structuring, his ascension comes attached with a lot of hope and expectation of being given a chance to contest assembly and parliamentary elections.

Responding to Gandhi’s first big TV interview and what his repeated emphasis on bringing the youngsters meant in practical terms, Rajeev Satav, president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) said, “It means India is a young country and it should be represented by youth leaders. In that context, in the coming elections we (youth Congress cadre) will get the maximum representation. And the way he (Gandhi) is focusing on youth and women, there will be a systematic plan to develop the next leadership.”

Elaborating on the growing representation of youth within the party and in the elections, Satav said, “In the last four years, almost 70-80 boys from Youth Congress have become MLAs. This would not have been possible if Rahulji was not there. In Rajasthan, for instance, the maximum votes were secured by the youth Congress president.

He got a lead of 18,000 votes. In every state youth representation will be there. In Parliament too we are hoping that there will be good youth representation.” Satav says Gandhi’s influence has meant that more youth have been represented on screening committees and given roles of influence within the party. Asked what qualities Gandhi will be looking for in selecting youth candidates to fight elections, Satav says, “Those with grass-root level connect will be given power and recognition.

Just hanging around 24 Akbar Road (Congress party headquarters), 12 Tughlak Lane (Rahul Gandhi’s residence) or 10 Janpath (Sonia Gandhi's residence) will not do the trick anymore. We are focusing on candidates who are working on the ground. He wants to empower the common worker of the party,” says the IYC president.

That Gandhi remains focused on the long-term mission of empowering the youth, says Satav, was the most important takeaway of the interview for him as youth congress president.

To what extent Gandhi’s ‘honesty of purpose and commitment to change the system’ (to quote party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s description of how Gandhi came through during the interview) will succeed in changing the system that is the Congress party will be evident from how many new faces the party will field in the next election.

Rahul Gandhi predicts India poll win in first TV interview

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 20:55:00 +0530

Rahul Gandhi has given his first major TV interview, predicting he would lead his ruling Congress Party to victory in this year's Indian general election.

The Gandhi family has dominated Indian politics but Rahul vowed to open up the system, saying he was "absolutely against the concept of dynasty".

He told Times Now TV he did not fear rival Narendra Modi, attacking him over his role in anti-Muslim riots in 2002.

Polls show Congress doing badly, amid a slow economy and corruption scandals.

Although Congress has named Mr Gandhi, 43, to lead its general election campaign, it has stopped short of saying he will be its candidate for prime minister.

Correspondents say the move appeared aimed at protecting one of the party's main assets, in case the party loses the vote, which is due by May.

'Scared of nothing'

But in the interview, Mr Gandhi said Congress was simply following the constitution.

"Members of parliament are to be elected by the population and members of parliament are to elect the prime minister. All I am doing is respecting that process," Mr Gandhi said.

When asked about his chances of victory, he said: "I will win the election."

Narendra Modi, 19 Jan

Narendra Modi's BJP is ahead in the opinion polls

Mr Gandhi added: "If we don't win, I am the VP of the party; of course I will take responsibility for it."

The main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) named Mr Modi - Gujarat's chief minister - its candidate for PM last September.

The latest opinion polls suggest the BJP is extending its lead, with Congress projected to lose half its seats.

The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says Rahul Gandhi has been in the political limelight for 10 years but had never agreed to be interviewed until now, although this TV showpiece was long and, at times, rambling.

Mr Gandhi attacked Mr Modi over the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2002.

Continue reading the main story

“

Start Quote

What he appeared not to be sure of was how he - and his party - should deal with leaders touched by the taint of corruption or even those who were allegedly involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that happened under the watch of his father, then-PM Rajiv Gandhi”

The rioting, sparked by the death of Hindu pilgrims in a train fire, was among India's worst outbreaks of unrest, killing more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims.

Mr Gandhi said: "The Gujarat riots took place, people died. Mr Narendra Modi was in charge of Gujarat at that point... the government in Gujarat was actually abetting and pushing the riots further."

Mr Modi has been cleared of any personal wrongdoing. He has always denied his government encouraged the attacks.

When asked if he was scared of Mr Modi, Mr Gandhi cited his own family history.

"In my life I have seen my grandmother die, I have seen my father die, I have seen my grandmother go to jail and I have actually been through a tremendous amount of pain as a child when these things happen... There is absolutely nothing I am scared of."

However, Mr Gandhi stressed that he opposed dynasties in politics, saying his goal was to empower women and younger people, and open up the political system.

He said: "I didn't choose to be born in this family... I am absolutely against the concept of dynasty. But you are not going to wish away dynasty in a closed system, you have to open the system."

Mr Gandhi defended Congress's achievements on economic growth, political openness, the rural "right to work" programme and improving social welfare payments.

He said: "I don't like unfairness. It just makes my blood boil. I don't like it. And in whatever I did, if I saw unfairness, I would stand up against it. That's the heart of my politics."

Rahul Gandhi’s first TV interview: Will defeat BJP, not afraid of Modi, says Congress VP

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:03:00 +0530

For the first time, Congress Vice president and poll campaign chief Rahul Gandhi opens up to an elaborate sit down interview with TIMES NOW Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami. For the first time after his political debut in 2004, Rahul Gandhi takes direct questions on wide range of subjects on Frankly Speaking with Arnab. In the biggest political interview of 2014 Arnab asks all the questions that India wanted answers from the Gandhi scion. Is he scared of a political face off against Modi? What is his view of the 1984 Sikh riots? Was he a reluctant politician? And what are his views on multiple scams that UPA 2 was affected by.

The following are the transcripts of the 1 hour 20 minute long interview with Rahul Gandhi by TIMES NOW Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami. For the excerpts of the interview follow us on @timesnow on twitter with #RahulSpeaksToArnab

Rahul, Thank you very much. It's great to have you on Frankly Speaking show today. It's been 10 years as an MP for you, you fought your first election in 2004 & this is your first TV interview.

It's not my first interview, but it's my first formal interview of this type.

Why has it taken so long?

I have done a little media interaction, prior to this. I have done press conferences & spoken to the media. But mainly bulk of my focus has been on internal party work and that's where I have been concentrating, that is where most of my energy was going.

Or is that you have been reluctant to communicate more on one to one basis?

Not at all, I have had many many press conferences that you have seen. I don't have that issue.

It's not that you wanted to avoid touching on difficult or tough issues.

I like difficult to tough issues, I like dealing with them.

Now that this is your first detailed & long interview in 10 years, we have a lot of ground to cover. I have one request to you right at the start of the interview, let's be as specific as possible on the subjects we deal with today. Do I have your Agreement on that?

Yes, we will be specific but if I would like to sort of explain things in a broader fashion, I think that will okay with you.

If I want to draw you back into specifics?

You can draw me back as much as you want

Rahul Gandhi the first point is this; you have just avoided this whole question about whether you are open to PM's post. It seems to me Rahul that you are avoiding a difficult contest.

See, if you look at the speech I gave at AICC a few days back. The issue is basically how the Prime Minister in this country is chosen. The way the Prime Minister is chosen in this country is through the MPs. Our system chooses MPs & MPs elect Prime Minister. I said pretty clearly in my speech in AICC, that if the Congress party so chooses & Congress party wants me to do anything for them, I am happy to do that. It's respect for the process. In fact announcing your PM prior to an election, announcing your PM without asking the members of Parliament, is not actually written in the constitution.

You did that in 2009?

No, we didn't

Of course you did?

What we did in 2009 was that we had an incumbent Prime Minister. Prime Minister won the election, he then went to Parliament. The members of Parliament decided that, that Prime Minister will continue, and there was actually a process where he was asked.

But you named your Prime Ministerial candidate?

We had an incumbent Prime Minister and there was no question of our changing him.

See Rahul we can go up and down on this question. The fact of the matter is this, who else will they choose, and who else will Congress MPs choose if not Rahul Gandhi?

That is up to them right, but what one has to do and this is central to what I keep saying is that democracy is about respect of processes. Democracy is about non-arbitrary decisions. Democracy is about spreading decisions; it is not about destroying processes. There is a process in the constitution and that process says, and it is clearly written in the constitution, and it says members of parliament are to be elected by the population and members of parliament are to elect the Prime Minister. All I am doing is respecting that process.

Are you avoiding a direct face-off with Narendra Modi? Is there a fear of loss Rahul because this election is not looking good for the Congress party from overall estimates? And the growing belief is that if Rahul Gandhi has not picked up the challenge officially that means that there is a fear of loss, he is avoiding a direct one on one battle with Narendra Modi, you must answer that?

To understand that question you have to understand a little bit about who Rahul Gandhi is and what Rahul Gandhi's circumstances have been and if you delve into that you will get an answer to the question of what Rahul Gandhi is scared off and what he is not scared off. The real question is what I am doing sitting here, you are a journalist, when you were small you must have said to yourself I want to do something, you decided to become a journalist at some point, why did you do that?

You are asking me the question.

Yes, I am asking you a question, it is a conversation

Because I like and enjoy being a journalist, it is a professional challenge for me. My question is you avoiding a direct face-off with Mr. Narendra Modi?

I am going to answer the question but I just want to ask you, when you were young and thought of being a journalist what drove you?

Once I decided to become a journalist, I can't be half a journalist. Once you have decided to get into politics and you are leading your party effectively, you can't be leading your party by half, so I'll throw the question, with respect, back to you, Narendra Modi is challenging you on a daily basis?

You are not answering my question, but I will answer the question and that will give you some insight into how Rahul Gandhi thinks. For that I will have to expand a little bit about my growing up, how I grew up and the circumstances in which I grew up. What I saw when I was a child ,was my father, who was a pilot, and because of circumstances was thrown into the political system and all I saw when was small after my grandmother died was my father in constant-constant combat with the system in India and then I saw him die actually.

In my life I have seen my grandmother die, I have seen my father die, I have seen my grandmother go to jail and I have actually been through a tremendous amount of pain as a child when these things happen to you, what I had to scared off I lost, there is absolutely nothing I am scared off. I have an aim, I have a clear aim in my mind and the aim is that I do not like what I see in Indian politics, it is something that is inside my heart. It is like in our mythology when they talk about Arjun, he only sees one thing, he does not see anything else, you asked me about Mr. Modi you ask me about anything and the thing that I see is that the system in this country needs to change, I don't see anything else and I am blind to everything else. I am blind because I saw people I love destroyed by the system. I am blind because the system everyday is unfair to our people, I ask you today, you come from Assam and I am sure that you also in your work feel the unfairness of the system.

The system everyday-everyday hurts people and I have felt the pain that the system can cause. I felt the pain with my father, I saw him every single day of his life, so the question of whether I am afraid of losing an election or whether I am afraid of Mr. Modi is not actually the point. I am here basically for one thing, I see tremendous energy in this country, I see more energy in this country than any other country, I see billions of youngsters and I see this energy is trapped...

Can I draw you back to my question. I will go into those areas and I respect what you are telling me about your personal journey, It's not Rahul, as if I lack empathy for what you are saying, in fact I am pretty sure many people do but my question to you is Narendra Modi calls you a Shehzada, now let's be very specific Rahul. Narendra Modi calls you a Shehzada, a) what is your view of Narendra Modi b) are you afraid of losing to Narendra Modi, Rahul please answer my question as specifically as you can?

What Rahul Gandhi wants to do, is Rahul Gandhi and millions of youngsters in this country want to change the way the system in this country works. What Rahul Gandhi wants to do is empower the women in this country, wants to unleash the power of these women, I mean we talk about being a superpower...

You are avoiding the question.

No I am not avoiding the question

My question to you is, what is the Congress Vice President's view of the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate.

I think we will defeat the BJP in the next elections

And what is your view of BJP's prime ministerial candidate?

The BJP has prime ministerial candidate, the BJP believes in concentration of power in the hands of one person, I fundamentally disagree with that, I believe in democracy, I believe in opening up the system. I believe in the RTI, I believe in giving power to our people. We have fundamentally different philosophies

What is your view, would like to expound your views, your PM accuses Narendra Modi in his press conference of presiding over "the mass massacre of innocent citizens on the streets of Ahmedabad." Mr. Rahul Gandhi my question to you is this, do you agree with your PM when he says that?

Well, I mean what the Prime Minister is saying is a fact, Gujarat happened, people died but the real issue as far I am concerned...

How do you accuse Mr. Narendra Modi of it?

Gujarat happened, people died. The real issue at hand here is...

How is Mr. Modi responsible?

He was CM when Gujarat happened

The fact remains that Narendra Modi has been given a clean chit, in the Gulbarg massacre case by the SIT and the court Mr. Gandhi. My question to you is "can the Congress party sustain it's attack on Mr. Narendra Modi on this issue when he has been given the clean chit by the courts in the Gujarat riots.

The congress party and the BJP have two completely different philosophies, our attack on the BJP is based on the idea that this country needs to move forward democratically, it needs push democracy deeper into the country, it needs to push democracy into the villagers, it needs to give women democratic powers, it needs to give youngsters democratic powers. It is about opening the doors of the congress party, about empowering the youth

How is Narendra Modi responsible for the riots when the courts have given him a clean chit, politically your party's tact to criticise Narendra Modi and draw him into the Gujarat riots?

Our political party is fighting an ideological battle Against the BJP and let me draw out the two pillars- our party believes that women should be empowered, democracy should go to every house, that RTI, and the MNREGA paradigm should be further expanded. The BJP believes power should be extremely concentrated in this country, few people should run this country and the large mass of this country should have no voice.

Specifically speaking how is Narendra Modi, your party criticised him for the 2002 Gujarat riots, and how can you do that when he has been given a clean chit in the Gulbarg massacre by the SIT of the court. It was challenged in the court, the court upheld the SIT finding and therefore legally speaking Mr. Gandhi you cannot draw Narendra Modi into the Gujarat riots, implicate him personally. Do you believe that strategy of your party is fundamentally wrong?

The strategy of the party is very simple. Everything we have done over that last 5-10years, in fact if you look all the way back to the freedom movement, every single thing we have ever done is empower people. We empowered people in the freedom movement, we empowered farmers in the Green revolution, and we empowered the citizens of India when we did the telecom revolution. We have empowered millions and millions of people through frankly the most powerful legislation that has ever taken place in this country called the RTI- Right to information. Things that used to be closed, things that were in closed doors which nobody knew about

I will come to that but you haven't answered my question. Gujarat riots is the question, your party has consistently wanted to put Mr. Narendra Modi on the back foot on the Gujarat riots, he says "the court has given me clean chit" and I am asking you today, is your party's argument about putting him on the back foot on Gujarat is flawed given the ways the courts have looked at it.

The PM has stated his position on the Gujarat riots. The Gujarat riots took place, people died, Mr. Narendra Modi was in charge of Gujarat at that point. I am bringing you to a real ideological battle that is taking place here. The real ideological battle that is taking place here and the one we are going to win and that has always been one in this country is the battle of empowering people in this country. Of course there is your point of the Gujarat riots and it is very important that people who have taken part in this kind of thing are brought to book. But the real issue at hand here is empowering the women of this country, giving them true power.

We talk about India being a superpower we can only be half a superpower if our women are not empowered. What I want to do is going forward is basically focus on three things. Focus on empowering our people, truly empowering our people, giving them democratic rights within the political party. I want youngsters who come in and really, really push democracy in the party. I want to empower them and I want to make India, together with everybody, taking everybody together I want to put India on the manufacturing map, I want to make this the centre of manufacturing in the world. I want to make this place at least as much as a manufacturing power as China.

You say that Narendra Modi was CM during the Gujarat riots and the BJP was in power. The BJP was as much in power in Gujarat during the riots as much as Akhilesh is in power in UP or for that matter the Congress party was in power when the 1984 Anti Sikh riots happened, now let me quote, you spoke in one of your speeches of the anger of your Grandmothers death, I think it was campaign trail in Rajasthan. You spoke about knowing the people who killed her and you spoke about anger and managing your own anger and quelling your own anger and drawing it into strength elsewhere.

Now that speech of yours became a subject of controversy with Narendra Modi posing a series a questions to you on 1984 and he said the following and I want to quote him and your categorical and specific response "he's crying for the assassination of his Grandmother but has he shed tears of those killed in the 1984 riots, I want to ask the Shehzada and you remember Mr. Gandhi he's constantly deriding you by calling you a Shehzada, whether your party kills Sikhs in anger when your Grandmother died, so following from this I have 2 questions, my first question; do you acknowledge the role of congressmen in the 1984 riots, B) will you apologise for the riots as your party demands an apology from Modi for the Gujarat riots?

Two things, in 1977 when my Grandmother lost the election we went and lived ....and the people who came with my Grandmother, those people who stood by my Grandmother were Sikhs. Pretty much everyone had deserted my Grandmother but the Sikhs were standing with my Grandmother. I think the Sikhs are probably one of the industrious people in this country. I admire them; we have a PM who is a Sikh. I don't have the same world view as my opposition. What those two people did to my Grandmother, was two individuals, I don't turn around and take my anger which existed then, frankly, it doesn't exist now and brush it onto an entire community, that's just not me.

I am sure you don't, my question is do you acknowledge the role of Congress men in the 1984 riots because

I am coming to your question

I am sure you don't, my question is do you acknowledge the role of Congress men in the 1984 riots because there must be justice. Mr. Gandhi there has to be finality, the Gujarat riot cases have moved forward and many people have got justice, if I just compare that to the 1984 riots, you can look at the status and case history of what happened to Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Jagdish Tytler, HKL Bhagat, Dharam Das Shastri and the one story that you hear there is these cases are endless, they go on for the longest period of time. I am asking you again, Mr. Gandhi before you seek an apology from Modi would you apologise for the 1984 riots, would that be something that you consider?

I do not take my anger which existed on 2 individuals who did something evil and wrong and overlay it on millions of people. I think that's criminal. Did the Sikh riots take place in Delhi? Absolutely. Were they completely wrong? Absolutely.

General Elections 2014: Rahul Gandhi to attend Cong general secretaries meet

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:50:00 +0530

New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will be meeting the party general secretaries and finalising the strategy for the General Elections on Saturday.

The Gandhi scion is also expected to finalise the nominations of Rajya Sabha members today in the meeting to be held in Delhi.

The party general secretaries have been asked to take feedback from the concerned party members before attending the meeting.

Ex-Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit is likely to be nominated for the upcoming elections from either Haryana or Himachal Pradesh.

The last date for filing nomination for the poll is January 28, scrutiny will be held the next day. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 31 and the poll will be held on February 7.

Will consider Prime Minister's post if MPs want: Rahul Gandhi

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 13:19:00 +0530

Rahul Gandhi, who was declared the Congress party's chief campaigner for this year's looming electoral battle, today indicated his willingness to take up the country's top job if his name was approved by the elected representatives after the Lok Sabha polls.

"In the Congress, elected MPs select the Prime Minister. If our party comes to power after the election and the MPs elect me, then I will definitely consider it," Mr Gandhi was quoted as saying by the news agency, Press Trust of India.

The Congress vice-president, who is presently on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency Amethi, was responding to a specific query whether he would be willing to shoulder the Prime Minister's responsibility.

"To select a Prime Minister is the right of the MPs and it should stay with them. Selecting a nominee before polls is not a democratic culture, but part of a personality cult," Mr Gandhi said, and cited the example of Dr Manmohan Singh's election process to buttress his argument. "He was selected by the elected representatives as, in Congress, there is no system of naming the prime ministerial candidate before polls," he added.

The Congress vice-president said at the same time that there were several leaders in his party's ranks who could occupy the Prime Minister's post. These include P Chidambaram, Salman Khurshid, and Digvijaya Singh, besides his mother Sonia and him

Mrs Gandhi had, at meeting of her party's working committee on January 16, cited long-held party tradition to reject demands from members to declare her son's name as Mr Narendra Modi's challenger in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP poked fun at the decision, arguing that it was tantamount to admitting defeat even before the election process could begin.

We work quietly, don't blow our trumpet: Rahul Gandhi's dig at Kumar Vishwas

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:59:00 +0530

Amethi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today made light of Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas' statement challenging him to retain his Amethi Lok Sabha seat, saying that he had a 'love affair' with the people of the constituency.

"Mera to Amethi se prem ka rishta hai. Bahut log aate jaate rehte hain" (many people have come and gone, but I have a love affair with Amethi), Mr Gandhi told NDTV today. Accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, the Congress vice-president arrived on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency yesterday.

Hours after their arrival, the AAP leader, who has been camping in the area to muster support for his election bid, likened Mr Gandhi's visits to Amethi to 'a political picnic,' and criticized him for doing precious little for the constituency's uplift.

Mr Gandhi said he had not been advertising the work done by him in his parliamentary constituency as he had been advised by his father not to 'trumpet' his achievements. "I am thinking of paying the maximum attention to the expansion of highways network in the area so as to to be able to facilitate the setting up of industries. The road transport and highways minister will undertake a trip to the district to assess the condition of roads," the Congress leader said.

He also pointed out that over 12 lakh women had been provided work under the Self-Help Group scheme.

He alleged that Akhilesh Yadav's government in Uttar Pradesh had been putting obstacles in his efforts. "They are now threatening our plans on power supply and road-construction in the constituency," Mr Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi says quota for women is top priority

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 12:52:00 +0530

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi met 250 women from various fields in Bhopal at Minto Hall on Monday to seek inputs for the party’s Lok Sabha election manifesto. In the two-hour interaction, Mr. Gandhi made it clear that reservation for women is the foremost priority.

In an indirect jibe on the BJP’s PM candidate Narendra Modi, Mr. Rahul said, “We talk a lot about becoming a superpower in the world but till the women of our country do not feel comfortable and secured, our country cannot become a superpower. And to tell you the truth, we don't want such a superpower status, where women are not empowered.”

Several leaders, including Sampat Pal of Bundelkhand’s Gulabi Gang, TV star Kunickaa Lall, Assistant Solicitor-General of India Fouzia Mirza, legal activist Flavia Agnes, Indore’s visually impaired activist Fatima Jamali in addition to Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury, Krishna Tirath, Mamta Sharma and Shoba Oza attended.

Transgender activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi praised Mr. Gandhi for opposing Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises gay sex. “It’s the first time a party has shown such courage to call us for views on the manifesto. Our main concerns are the rights to education, shelter and employment. India needs a law to prevent discrimination against sexual minorities,” she said.

Ms. Agnes said that in addition to financial aid, rape victims need support persons to guide them through the legal process. She added that domestic violence cases need to be tracked to include those who have gone to hospital and shelter homes. Only then will we know how many women face domestic violence.

All India Mahila Congress president Shobha Oza said, "It is symbolic that we are conducting this session in Madhya Pradesh, which ranks the highest in terms of atrocities against women. There should be zero tolerance towards atrocities against women."

Mr. Gandhi said, “All you must have felt that you're being pulled back at some point of time. We must remove that feeling in India... I have learnt a lot from my grandmother and mother, but I have also learnt a lot from women in my constituency Amethi. One thing I have learnt is if you empower women, they can do anything.”

“There is a big battle ahead; we must fight for women’s empowerment. One important battle we have to win is the women’s reservation Bill in Parliament. We're not going to let go of it,” he added.

Later he met delegates of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, candidates of the 230 Assembly seats and the 467 block Congress committees of the State.

Ready to campaign for Rahul Gandhi whenever he wants me to: Salman

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:34:00 +0530

New Delhi: In the recent past, actor Salman Khan has been quite vocal about political developments in the country. After speaking about Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and after flying kites with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat, the actor has now praised Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

In converation with Prabhu Chawla in IBN7's 'Teekhi Baat', Salman said that every state in the country is equal and has equal importance. He also complimented the politicians and said that they were doing a good job in the country.

He said that he liked Rahul as a politician and would be willing to campaign for him whenever his help would be required. "Modi does not need me in GUjarat. He is very popular," Salman said.

Defending Modi, Salman said that he had seen the CM's popularity and support in the state and thus there was no need to campaign for him. "I like Rahul Gandhi. If he calls me I will definitely go to campaign for him," he said.

Rahul Gandhi holds consultations with state leader

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 18:37:00 +0530

New Delhi: After being formally assigned to lead the campaign in the Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday held consultations with state leaders on the strategy ahead.

Gandhi met AICC delegates from each state separately seeking to know about the issues that will play in the next Lok Sabha polls in their state and the strength of the organisation there.

The party is all set to begin the process of its ticket distribution exercise by holding meetings of newly-set screening committess to meet its plan for early declaration of candidates.

A number of meetings of the party's committee on alliance, manifesto and campaign strategy have already been held and some quick decisions on all these are expected soon.

Gandhi's consultations with the chiefs of Pradesh Congress Committees and District Congress Committees are also intended at incorporating the views and suggestions from the states on issues on which Congress will go to Lok Sabha polls in respective states.

Gandhi met leaders of each state for 15 to 30 minutes. The consultations will also continue tomorrow.

Addressing the AICC meeting yesterday, which saw the party passing over the baton of leadership to him for next general elections, Rahul Gandhi had sought to enthuse the demoralised Congress cadre for the Lok Sabha polls and attacked Narendra Modi over his 'Congress-free India' pitch and "divisive" politics.

He had also given indications of changing the style of functioning in the party, which he had promised after the drubbing in Assembly polls, by ensuring larger participation of people, including women in decision-making like candidate selection.

Gandhi had also said tickets will not be given to party hoppers but to those who have "Congress in their blood" and candidates for 15 Lok Sabha seats will be chosen on the basis of feedback from local units, an experiment which will be expanded if it works.

Rahul Gandhi will not be Congress’ PM candidate

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 12:54:00 +0530

Despite a majority of leaders at the Congress Working Committee meet pushing for Rahul Gandhi to be made the party's prime ministerial candidate, the party demurred from the decision and instead decided to appoint him the poll campaign chief. "We had one major resolution that has to be passed tomorrow and all the issues in it were discusses...

The Congress President and Vice President placed their views on the resolution," Congress spokesperson Janardan Dwivedi told reporters, refusing to disclose all its contents. "Many of the members in the CWC wanted that he (Rahul) should be made the Prime ministerial candidate but after some debate Congress president Sonia Gandhi intervened," he said. "She said that there was no such tradition in the Congress. If someone declares their PM candidate it doesn't mean that we have to do the same," Dwivedi said. Rahul Gandhi reportedly shot down the proposal to make him the PM candidate.

PTI He said that Sonia had endorsed making Rahul Gandhi the head of the party's campaign in the upcoming elections. "The resolution in today's meeting says: 'This meeting of the AICC declares that the campaign of the elections will be headed by Rahul Gandhi'," he said. Rahul Gandhi said that he would do everything to strengthen the party and that he would do anything that the party sought of him, Dwivedi said. "Rahulji said the decision on other matters will be taken at the appropriate time," he said.

CNN-IBN quoted sources as saying that Rahul had himself said that he didn't want to be the party's prime ministerial candidate and was backed by the top brass of the party on his decision, including by Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress leader is to be appointed the party's poll committee chief at the AICC meet tomorrow, thus making him the face of the party's campaign, but not pitting him in a direct race against the BJP's Narendra Modi.

In a recent interview, Rahul had said that he was willing to accept any responsibility for the party which had been interpreted by some as saying he was set to be the party's prime ministerial candidate. However, as Firstpost's R Jagannathan had noted, it made little sense for the Congress to make him the prime ministerial candidate ahead of an election in which the party is facing massive anti-incumbency: There is nothing Rahul gains beyond emphasising his prime ministerial ambitions when he is not going to get the chance this time.

In fact, no title or announcement is going to enhance his status as Congress' pre-eminent power after Sonia Gandhi for he is already the de facto nominee for PM. So the best we can expect when the party meets on 17 January is a clearer statement of his position as the party's lead campaigner in the Lok Sabha polls, and the one who will henceforth take the final call on party level changes and selection of candidates.

Rahul Gandhi is Congress candidate for Prime Minister: Oscar Fernandes

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:08:00 +0530

Ahead of the crucial AICC session on Friday, Union minister Oscar Fernandes said Rahul Gandhi is Congress candidate for Prime Minister even as suspense remains on whether the party will formally anoint him as PM nominee for the Lok Sabha polls.

"Whether he (Rahul) accepts or not, he is our prime ministerial candidate. He will certainly accept (the responsibility), this is my opinion," the road transport minister told reporters.

"Wait till tomorrow," Fernandes said when asked whether the announcement of Rahul Gandhi's candidature for the top post will be made tomorrow.

He also said that there is no difference of opinion among senior party leaders on it. "No, no differences... we all are very happy."

To a specific question as to how his name can be formally announced as the party's PM candidate amid different opinions in Congress on it, Fernades, who has held key positions in party organization for long, insisted, "It has to be done."

The remarks of the senior party leader are significant as they come on a day when Congress working committee is meeting to take a final view on the issue ahead of the AICC meeting tomorrow.

In last few days, there have been contradictory signals from the party with some leaders indicating that he should be named the PM candidate before the polls while few others advocating a word of caution on it.

Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also hoped that such an announcement could be made at the AICC meeting.

Rahul Gandhi meets Manmohan Singh

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 18:16:00 +0530

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday, as the party gears up for Lok Sabha polls in a few months. Details of the agenda were not disclosed.

“Rahul Gandhi met the Prime Minister at his residence. It was a one-on-one meeting,” a source said.

The meeting comes a week after Mr. Manmohan announced at a press conference that he would step down after the Lok Sabha elections and also commended Mr. Rahul on his credentials to lead the nation.

Rahul Gandhi set to counter BJP by campaigning in North Bengal

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Thu, 9 Jan 2014 18:45:00 +0530

Congress will counter BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's February 8 rally here with ones with the party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi in its strongholds in north Bengal.

"We don't want to compete with Narendra Modi's rally. If we are given an option then we will hold rallies with Rahulji in those areas of Bengal where we can reap electoral benefits," a senior state Congress leader told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Asked why the Congress did not prefer a rally by Rahul Gandhi at the same spot as Modi, the leader said, "How will it help us electorally?

"Media persons will write about the rallies for a few days then everyone will forget. If we hold a rally in rural Bengal especially in Congress strongholds it would give us more benefit."

According to the party sources, state leaders were already in touch with the Congress high command to bring Rahul Gandhi for a few rallies in Bengal.

Rahul Gandhi may take Congress baton at January 17 party session

noreply@blogger.com (Girish Kumar Sharma) — Wed, 8 Jan 2014 16:28:00 +0530

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi as Congress's PM candidate is an idea whose time may have come.

Just days after PM Manmohan Singh ruled himself out as the leader of a possible Congress-led coalition, chances of Rahul being named as replacement have dramatically brightened, raising the possibility that he may take the baton at the AICC session, set for January 17 in Delhi.

The leadership has hedged its stand on whether Congress will be going into the Lok Sabha elections with a declared PM candidate, but well-placed sources acknowledge that momentum has been inexorably built up for the party to spell out its choice for the top job. "There is a greater recognition among us that times have changed and the party cannot go to elections without a face," said a source.

A final decision is expected to be taken in a meeting ahead of the January 17 session.

TOI had written about the rising possibility of Rahul's projection in its editions on December 27 and again on January 4.

Two factors seem to have brought about the change in party's stand on the leadership issue. While Rahul himself is no longer reluctant to take up the mantle, the party also realizes that despite Arvind Kejriwal's entry in the arena, the 2014 contest will be framed as a Rahul versus Narendra Modi battle irrespective of whether the Congress names its spearhead. The leadership is wary that getting into the ring without a stated choice may create the perception of lack of confidence.

Rahul as PM pick can help party: Congress

Although the party feels that Rahul, ideally, should have been projected in better political climes, they say there can be little downside to his being put up for prime ministerhsip even now, considering that he is in any case facing criticism for failures. Ambiguity over his position in the hierarchy has not buffered him.

The leadership agrees that results of the assembly elections were a pointer to the uphill task that faces the party this year. However, it believes that the Modi-led BJP can still be denied the big trophy by scoring small tactical victories and stitching alliances.

Party tacticians feel that Rahul's projection can help the rearguard battle it may have to wage to stop Modi.

The GenNext leaders in Congress who owe loyalty to Rahul argue that the party should announce the decision on January 17.

A Union minister argued that little would be lost by naming Rahul as PM candidate because he anyway has to lead the party in the future, whatever the result in 2014. A repeat of diarchy or dual power centres like the present scheme where Sonia Gandhi heads the party while a Prime Minister leads the government is not considered feasible. Many believe Gandhi helming the "secular alliance" would change the mood in the coming months.

Even in case of a debacle, leaders believe Rahul would have a perfect grounding as an opposition leader which would project him nationally as the 'shadow PM'. His leadership in difficult times would be the glue to keep the party together given that Sonia Gandhi's health may hamper her active involvement.

Plans for moving "private member resolutions", as reported by TOI earlier, at the AICC session on January 17 are no secret now. Backing away from such overwhelming demand may not make for good optics, likely to be seized upon by the opposition to say that Congress has conceded the battle in advance.