As political activities intensify ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee has released its manifesto for Surat city. The manifesto, prepared through direct suggestions from the public via the 'Congress at Your Door' and 'Janmanch' campaigns, reflects the needs and expectations of every section of Surat.

Party leadership states that this manifesto is not just a political document but a vision document based on the problems and hopes of the city's residents. Congress workers had gathered feedback from people on issues such as education, health, traffic, and basic amenities over the past few months, which formed the basis for this manifesto. The primary focus of the manifesto is on employment and women's empowerment.

Congress has promised to provide over 10,000 permanent jobs in the municipal corporation and to eliminate the outsourcing system. It has also announced a 50% tax exemption on properties registered in women's names, special concessions on vehicles, and the provision of crèches in every ward. The manifesto includes free health check-ups for the elderly, diabetes and blood pressure medications, multi-specialty hospitals in every zone, and 24-hour health center facilities.

For the youth, there is an emphasis on digital libraries, study centers, and new employment opportunities. On environmental issues, Congress has promised a separate budget for the purification of the Tapi River and to increase the green cover in the city by 10% annually. Additionally, plans for 24-hour clean drinking water, improved drainage systems, and permanent solutions to flooding issues have been presented.

Regarding traffic and infrastructure, the manifesto mentions pothole-free roads, new flyovers, multi-level parking, and strengthening public transport through electric buses. Under social welfare, Congress has promised to create a 'Festival Park', establish a modern animal hospital, and develop safe vending zones for street vendors. Steps will also be taken to make Surat a 'Cyber Free City'.

Party leaders assert that this manifesto has been prepared with public participation and centers on social justice. Congress claims that if given the opportunity, they will bring significant changes to Surat's development and civic amenities.

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New Delhi, April 1 — The Congress party stated on Wednesday that increasing the total number of Lok Sabha seats by 50 percent at the regional level, in the context of implementing women's reservation, would not be justifiable, as it would disadvantage smaller states in the south, west, and northeast. There was no official response to the opposition party's claims.

Party General Secretary Jairam Ramesh mentioned that southern states would gain 66 seats while northern states would benefit by 200 seats. He noted that the Chief Minister of Telangana has already issued a warning, and other Chief Ministers may follow suit once the proposal is officially made public.

Ramesh claimed on 'X' that the Modi government is proposing a bill to increase the size of the Lok Sabha by 50 percent, with a similar proposal for a 50 percent increase in the number of seats allocated to each state. He argued that it is misleading to claim that a 50 percent increase in total seats is justifiable.

The Congress leader stated that while the ratio cannot change at present, there are deep implications that cannot be ignored. Ramesh asserted that any increase in the current numerical strength of various states in the Lok Sabha would harm southern states. He provided examples, stating that currently, Uttar Pradesh has 80 seats and Tamil Nadu has 39 seats. With the proposed bill, the number of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh would rise to 120, while Tamil Nadu could have a maximum of 59 seats. Similarly, Kerala's Lok Sabha seats would increase from 20 to 30, while Bihar's would rise from 40 to 60.

Overall, southern states would gain 66 seats while northern states would gain 200 seats. Ramesh claimed that Prime Minister Modi is preparing a unilateral law that would harm smaller states in the south, northeast, and west.

Bengaluru, November 23. Amidst persistent speculations regarding a change of Chief Minister in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated on Sunday that the party High Command would take a decision on the matter and that he had nothing to say at the moment.

The statement from the Congress chief came a day after he held a meeting lasting over an hour with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking to reporters at his residence, Kharge mentioned that he had nothing to say regarding the developments and suggested that the media was wasting its time waiting there. He emphasized that whatever needs to happen will be executed by the High Command and there is no need for further worry on the subject.

The Congress government in Karnataka completed two and a half years of its five-year tenure on November 20. Consequently, a power struggle has intensified within the ruling party amidst rumors of a leadership change. As per agency report, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, following his meeting with Kharge on Saturday night, stated that he would abide by the decision of the High Command and asserted that everyone else should do the same.

This was Siddaramaiah's second meeting with Kharge in less than a week, though he dismissed the ongoing discussions about leadership change as mere speculation. Prior to the Chief Minister's meeting with the AICC chief, some legislators supporting Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had traveled to Delhi to meet Kharge on November 20. However, Shivakumar stated that he was unaware that the MLAs had gone to meet the party president. On Sunday, ministers H C Mahadevappa and K Venkatesh, considered close to the Chief Minister, also met Kharge at his residence.

Party sources indicate that while Siddaramaiah is pushing for a reshuffle of his cabinet, Shivakumar wants the party to first decide on the leadership change. Sources suggest that if the High Command approves a cabinet reshuffle, it would signal that the current Chief Minister will complete the full five-year term, thereby weakening Shivakumar's prospects of becoming Chief Minister. Following the announcement of assembly election results in May 2023, there was stiff competition for the post between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. The party eventually persuaded Shivakumar to accept the role of Deputy Chief Minister. At that time, reports had emerged regarding a compromise based on a rotational formula where Shivakumar would take over after two and a half years, although the party never officially confirmed such an arrangement.

Ahmedabad, April 18 — The Congress party announced on Friday that it will contest the upcoming by-elections for two assembly seats in Gujarat independently, opting not to form an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The decision comes after AAP named its candidate for the Visavadar seat without consulting the Congress.

As per agency report, Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil stated the decision was made during a meeting of the party’s political affairs committee. He asserted that although both parties are part of the INDIA alliance at the national level, the Congress will fight these by-elections on its own in the state.

Gohil criticized AAP’s unilateral announcement of Gopal Italia as its candidate for the Visavadar seat, calling it a violation of coalition norms. While the Election Commission is yet to announce the official dates for the by-elections, AAP had already declared its candidate last month.

He emphasized that state units of national alliances are empowered to make their own electoral decisions based on local dynamics. Referring to past experiences, Gohil claimed that Congress had suffered in the Haryana assembly elections because AAP had refused to cooperate on seat-sharing, leading to a split in votes.

He also pointed out that during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress had made significant concessions by leaving Bharuch and Bhavnagar seats for AAP. Despite this, Gohil insisted, AAP’s decision to go solo in Visavadar was disappointing.

Reaffirming Congress's position as the principal opposition party in Gujarat, Gohil stated that the party would contest both Visavadar and Kadi seats in the upcoming by-elections. He expressed confidence that Gujarat voters have historically rejected third-party alternatives and maintained that Congress remains committed to representing their interests.

The Visavadar seat in Junagadh district has been vacant since December 2023 after former AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani resigned and joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Meanwhile, the Kadi seat in Mehsana district, reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, became vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karshan Solanki on February 4.

New Delhi, April 16 – The Congress party has announced that it will complete the appointment of district and city unit presidents in Gujarat by May 31 as part of its 'Sangathan Srijan' campaign, aimed at strengthening grassroots-level organization. The party also plans to implement Kerala's fundraising model, where local units raise donations through door-to-door campaigns, as per agency report.

The 'Sangathan Srijan' initiative, launched by former party president Rahul Gandhi from Modasa in Gujarat, marks the beginning of a broader organizational revamp. With state assembly elections likely in Gujarat at the end of next year, the Congress is focusing on revitalizing its local structures.

According to sources, the selection of new district presidents across Gujarat’s 41 districts, including eight city units, will follow an eight-stage process. The goal is to empower District Congress Committees (DCCs) and build stronger organizational links at the grassroots.

Each district's selection process will be overseen by a five-member team comprising one representative from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and four from the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee. These teams will spend two weeks in their assigned districts, interacting with local leaders and workers, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and shortlisting names for final approval.

Recommendations will be prepared with a focus on ensuring representation from women, Dalits, tribals, OBCs, and minorities. The final panel of names will be sent to the AICC in-charge and eventually to the party president for confirmation.

Additionally, the Congress is exploring the adoption of Kerala’s grassroots fundraising model in Gujarat. In Kerala, district units of the party regularly collect funds by directly reaching out to supporters through door-to-door campaigns, which helps in sustaining party activities locally.

Through this dual approach of strengthening leadership at the district level and mobilizing local financial support, the Congress aims to reinvigorate its presence in Gujarat ahead of the crucial elections.

Ahmedabad, April 9 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge issued a strong message to party leaders on Wednesday, stating that those who do not contribute to the party’s work should consider stepping aside, and those unwilling to take responsibility should retire.

Addressing a party convention in Ahmedabad, Kharge emphasized the importance of impartiality in the appointment of district presidents. He asserted that these presidents will play a key role in the upcoming election processes, particularly in the selection of candidates, and their appointments must strictly follow party guidelines.

According to Kharge, district presidents will hold a pivotal role in organizational development and will be tasked with forming booth, mandal, block, and district committees within a year of their appointment. These committees, he said, must consist of capable individuals and should be formed without any bias.

Kharge also mentioned that the party leadership had already held three meetings with district presidents from across the country, during which both he and Rahul Gandhi engaged in detailed discussions with them. He reiterated that moving forward, district presidents will be directly involved in the candidate selection process.

As per agency report, Kharge underlined that the party needs dedicated leaders, making it clear that complacency will no longer be tolerated. He urged those not contributing to party responsibilities to either take a break or retire, reinforcing the message that accountability and performance are now non-negotiable within the Congress ranks.

New Delhi, March 15 – The Congress party on Saturday criticized the government over the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, highlighting inconsistencies in tax rates on various products. Referring to a recent controversy involving a well-known donut chain, Congress argued that the country now needs a revised version of GST, which it termed as ‘GST 2.0.’

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh cited a news report stating that Singapore-based donut chain Mad Over Donuts has been issued a tax notice of ₹100 crore for allegedly misclassifying its business and paying a lower 5 percent GST instead of the required 18 percent applicable on bakery products. The notice has sparked a legal battle that has now reached the Bombay High Court.

Donuts, typically made from flour and decorated with chocolate, icing, powdered sugar, or fruit, are a popular snack worldwide. The tax dispute revolves around whether they should be classified under restaurant services, attracting 5 percent GST, or bakery products, which are taxed at 18 percent.

As per agency report, Ramesh took to social media platform X, stating, "After popcorn, now donuts are feeling the impact of GST. Mad Over Donuts is facing a ₹100 crore tax notice for alleged misclassification of its business. While the company paid 5 percent GST by classifying its product as a restaurant service, authorities claim that bakery items fall under the 18 percent tax bracket."

He further criticized the government’s approach, calling the situation a reflection of the challenges businesses face under the current GST system. Taking a jibe at the ease of doing business in India, he remarked that such tax disputes make a strong case for introducing GST 2.0.

The Congress party has been vocal about its demand for reforms in the GST structure, arguing that frequent classification disputes and varying tax slabs create hurdles for businesses. With this latest controversy reaching the courts, the debate over GST reforms is expected to gain further momentum in the political landscape.

Ahmedabad, February 14 – Faizal Patel, son of late Congress leader Ahmed Patel, announced that he has stopped working for the Congress party, stating that despite his best efforts to follow in his father’s footsteps, he faced obstacles at every step.

Ahmed Patel, a former Rajya Sabha MP, political secretary to Sonia Gandhi, and Congress treasurer, was regarded as a skilled strategist within the party. He passed away in November 2020.

Faizal Patel had expressed interest in contesting from Gujarat’s Bharuch constituency in the last Lok Sabha elections, but the Congress did not nominate him as a candidate.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Patel wrote, "With deep sorrow and pain, I have decided to stop working for the Congress. It has been a tough journey for several years. My late father dedicated his entire life to the nation, the party, and the Gandhi family."

He added, "I tried to follow in his footsteps, but I was blocked at every step. However, I will continue working for humanity in every possible way. The Congress party will always be my family. I want to thank all Congress leaders, party workers, and well-wishers who have supported me."

Faizal’s statement reflects his long-standing disappointment with the party's treatment of him post his father’s demise. In 2020, he had expressed his desire to contest from Bharuch to continue his father’s political legacy, but the party did not allow it.

New Delhi, February 9 – The Congress Party faced a major blow in the Delhi Assembly elections as 67 of its 70 candidates lost their deposits, marking a significant electoral debacle for the party. With results announced on Saturday following the February 5 polling, the Congress failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive time in the national capital.

A staggering 80% of all candidates, including independents, lost their deposits in this election. Out of 699 contestants, 555 failed to secure the minimum required votes to retain their deposits. However, all candidates from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its allies JD(U) and LJP (Ram Vilas) managed to save their deposits.

Once a dominant force in Delhi, the Congress Party ruled the capital for 15 consecutive years until 2013 but has been unable to regain its footing since. Among its 70 candidates, only three—Abhishek Dutt (Kasturba Nagar), Rohit Chaudhary (Nangloi Jat), and Devendra Yadav (Badli)—managed to secure enough votes to retain their deposits.

Meanwhile, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), which fielded two candidates, saw Shifa-Ur-Rehman Khan (Okhla) as the sole contestant to retain his deposit.

Understanding the Deposit Rule

Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, candidates from the general category must deposit ₹10,000 with the Election Commission, while SC/ST candidates deposit ₹5,000. If a candidate fails to secure at least one-sixth (16.67%) of the total valid votes polled, the deposit is forfeited.

BJP Sweeps Delhi After 26 Years

In a historic shift, the BJP is set to return to power in Delhi after 26 years, securing 48 of the 70 seats, while AAP won only 22. The election outcome marks a decisive mandate against Arvind Kejriwal’s government, significantly altering Delhi's political landscape.

New Delhi - In a significant political move, Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party, marking their entry into politics. The induction ceremony, held at the Congress headquarters on Friday, was attended by party's General Secretary KC Venugopal who formally welcomed the athletes into the fold.

Vinesh Phogat, who resigned from her position with the railways prior to joining the party, expressed her gratitude towards Congress for its support during her challenging times. Bajrang Punia echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the party's role during critical moments of their careers and public protests.

During the ceremony, Venugopal highlighted the wrestlers' significant contributions to sports and their potential to inspire political engagement among the youth. “We are proud to welcome Vinesh and Bajrang into the Congress family. Their dedication to sports and public welfare is commendable, and we believe they will bring the same fervor to their political careers,” stated Venugopal.

Addressing the media post-induction, Phogat and Punia vowed to continue their fight for justice and public welfare, not just on the mats but also in the political arena. Vinesh expressed her commitment to supporting women and underrepresented communities, "I feel immensely proud today. We will continue our fight and win. I have always stood by my sisters, and Congress stands with you too.”

Bajrang Punia recounted his active participation in various social causes, including the farmers' protests, opposition to the Agnipath scheme, and supporting female wrestlers during their protests. “Politics will be a new platform for us to serve society,” he stated.

The entry of these prominent sports figures into Congress is seen as a strategic move by the party to strengthen its appeal among young voters and sports enthusiasts. With elections around the corner, the party anticipates that the inclusion of Phogat and Punia will significantly boost its campaign and connect with the masses.

New Delhi, 12 July (HS): The Congress on Friday criticised the government's decision to declare June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' in commemoration of the Emergency declared in 1975.

The opposition party called it a "headline-grabbing exercise in hypocrisy" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced that from now on, every year on November 8, when demonetization was announced in 2016, the people of India will observe "Aajivika Hatya Diwas" or "Livelihood Killing Day". Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also shared a video of PM Modi's speech from November 8, 2016, when he announced demonetization.

The Congress criticized Modi for subjecting the Constitution of India and its principles to assault and for rejecting it in the past. They also noted that a gazette notification issued by the Union Home Ministry on Friday acknowledges that an Emergency was declared in 1975.

The Congress has deemed this notification as a symbol of Modi's "hypocrisy" and has declared June 25 as "Modi Mukti Diwas" or "Modi Liberation Day" to mark their victory against him in the future.