Vijayanagar, Karnataka, May 20 – Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a public rally in Karnataka’s Vijayanagar district, stated that the Congress government in the state has successfully fulfilled all five key guarantees promised during the assembly elections. The rally, titled 'Samarpan Sankalp Rally,' marked the completion of two years of the Congress-led government in Karnataka.

As per agency report, Gandhi took the opportunity to contrast the Congress's governance approach with that of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that while the BJP wants wealth and resources to benefit a select group of wealthy individuals, the Congress believes in channeling benefits to the poor.

Reflecting on the promises made during the 2023 state elections, Gandhi recalled how the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dismissed Congress’s guarantees as unrealistic. However, he asserted that the Congress government has proven them wrong by implementing each promise effectively.

He highlighted the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme under which one crore women in Karnataka receive ₹2,000 directly into their bank accounts each month. He described this as a significant step towards women’s financial empowerment.

Gandhi also spoke about the ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme, which provides up to 200 units of free electricity per month to millions of households. He stated that this has helped ease the burden of electricity bills on low-income families across the state.

The third fulfilled guarantee, according to Gandhi, is the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme that ensures 10 kilograms of free food grains are provided to around four crore people. This initiative, he claimed, has been instrumental in addressing food security for underprivileged families.

In addition, Gandhi mentioned the 'Shakti' scheme, which offers free bus travel for women across Karnataka. The government has facilitated nearly 500 crore free bus trips under this initiative, significantly improving women’s mobility and access to services.

The fifth guarantee, he said, is the 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme, under which the state provides ₹3,000 per month to three lakh unemployed youth, supporting them as they seek job opportunities.

Gandhi concluded by noting that the Congress government has also distributed over one lakh land titles to eligible beneficiaries, which he described as an additional, sixth guarantee fulfilled in service of the state’s citizens.

Darbhanga, Bihar, May 15 – Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday reaffirmed his party’s commitment to securing reservation for marginalized communities in private educational institutions, stating that the struggle will continue until the objective is achieved.

During his visit to Bihar’s Darbhanga district, Gandhi interacted with students at the Ambedkar Hostel as part of the Congress's ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ (Education Justice Dialogue) campaign. Addressing the gathering, he asserted that the Congress strongly supports the extension of reservation policies to private institutions and would continue to pressure the government to take action in this regard.

As per agency report, Gandhi criticized the current central government, alleging that it is discriminatory towards Dalits, backward classes, minorities, and tribal communities. He also demanded a nationwide caste-based census and suggested that the central government should follow the 'Telangana model' to implement it effectively.

Despite reportedly being denied formal permission to interact with students at the Ambedkar Hostel, Gandhi managed to enter the premises and engage with the students. He claimed that the Bihar police attempted to stop him but failed, adding that he draws strength from the support of the nation’s youth.

Reiterating his party's stance, Gandhi emphasized that social justice and equal access to education remain central to the Congress agenda. He indicated that the party would not rest until equitable educational opportunities, including reservation in private institutions, are secured for historically disadvantaged groups.

New Delhi, April 30 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed support for the central government's decision to include caste-based data in the upcoming national census, but insisted that the government must specify a clear timeline and methodology for the exercise.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Gandhi welcomed the move but questioned the delay in its implementation. He pointed out that it had been 11 years since the last national census, and emphasized the need for urgency and transparency. As per agency report, the government announced that the upcoming census will include caste enumeration in a "transparent manner."

The announcement was made following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, where Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that while the census falls under the central government’s jurisdiction, some states have already conducted caste surveys under their own authority.

Gandhi reiterated his earlier statement made in Parliament, asserting that a caste census was essential to ensure social justice and representation. He also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past remark suggesting there were "only four castes" in the country, questioning the government’s sudden shift in stance.

Highlighting the importance of a clear roadmap, Gandhi urged the government to announce a specific date by which the caste-based enumeration will be completed. He also called for clarity on the procedures that will be followed during the data collection process.

He cited Telangana’s caste survey as a potential model for how such an enumeration could be effectively conducted.

New Delhi, April 25 – The Supreme Court of India on Friday expressed displeasure over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remark on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, calling it irresponsible. The court, however, stayed criminal proceedings against Gandhi that had been initiated following the comment made during a political rally in Maharashtra in 2022.

The bench, comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan, made critical observations while hearing Gandhi’s plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that had declined to quash a lower court’s summons. The court noted that mocking freedom fighters was inappropriate and should be avoided, emphasizing the historical importance of figures like Savarkar.

As per agency report, the bench questioned Gandhi’s understanding of India’s freedom movement, reminding his counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, that even Mahatma Gandhi used phrases like “your obedient servant” while addressing the British Viceroy. The judges suggested that such expressions, contextual to the time, did not warrant labeling national leaders as submissive to colonial rule.

The court also highlighted that Rahul Gandhi’s grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had once praised Savarkar in an official letter. The judges reiterated that public figures, particularly political leaders, should exercise greater caution while making statements about India’s independence struggle.

In a stern warning, the bench noted that any repetition of such remarks could invite suo motu action. It stated that no further derogatory comments should be made against freedom fighters, as such conduct dishonors the sacrifices made for the country’s independence.

Following submissions from Singhvi, the court stayed the criminal proceedings initiated against Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. The case was based on a complaint filed by lawyer Nripendra Pandey, who alleged that Gandhi’s statement promoted enmity between groups and disturbed public harmony. The comment in question was made on November 17, 2022, during Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in Akola district.

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant while staying the effect of the Allahabad High Court’s refusal to quash the lower court’s summons. Although Singhvi urged the bench to refrain from making observations on Gandhi’s intentions, the court emphasized the need for sensitivity while discussing national icons.

The Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench had earlier ruled on April 4 that Gandhi could approach the sessions court with a revision petition, thereby rendering intervention at the High Court level unnecessary. Gandhi had challenged the subordinate court’s order summoning him in the case, arguing that the legal provisions invoked against him were misapplied.

The complainant had accused Gandhi of deliberately insulting Savarkar during the rally and claimed that the remark was part of a deliberate attempt to defame the freedom fighter.

New Delhi, April 15: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and several others in connection with the National Herald money laundering case involving alleged financial irregularities amounting to ₹988 crore. As per agency report, the chargesheet was submitted before Special Judge Vishal Gogne on April 9, and the court has scheduled the next hearing for April 25 to examine key aspects of the case.

The chargesheet also names Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey as accused, along with entities such as Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and Sunil Bhandari. The ED's Special Public Prosecutor N.K. Matta submitted the charges under sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which pertain to money laundering and associated penalties.

The special court, designated for hearing cases involving MPs and MLAs, noted that the predicate offence—being separately investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)—is linked to the same set of allegations. The ED informed the court that it intends to move an application to the District Judge for transferring the CBI-related case to Judge Gogne's court to consolidate the trial.

The ED has argued that the same court must hear both the predicate offence and the money laundering charges arising from it. The court echoed this view and observed that since Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are members of Parliament, a unified judicial process is essential.

Judge Gogne directed the court staff to ensure that all documents are properly paginated and instructed the ED to submit a readable soft copy of the case file by the next hearing. The case file related to the predicate offence will also be called for review.

The ED recently stated that it has issued notices to take possession of immovable properties worth ₹661 crore allegedly linked to money laundering in the National Herald case. The properties are reportedly tied to Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald, which is owned by Young Indian Pvt. Ltd.

According to the ED, the investigation began in 2021 following a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in Delhi's Patiala House Court. The complaint accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, along with other prominent Congress leaders and associates, of criminal conspiracy and financial misappropriation involving assets worth over ₹2,000 crore.

The agency alleges that Young Indian, in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each hold 38 percent of shares, acquired control of AJL's assets for just ₹50 lakh. These assets, according to the ED, include properties across several cities and are valued far beyond the acquisition cost.

The ED also claims that Young Indian and AJL were used to generate proceeds of crime through fake donations worth ₹18 crore, fictitious advance rentals of ₹38 crore, and bogus advertisements amounting to ₹29 crore.

Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have previously been questioned for several hours by the ED in connection with this case. The agency asserts that despite various legal challenges to the investigation, both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court have upheld the proceedings, allowing the probe to continue.

The case has reignited political controversy, with implications for the Congress leadership ahead of national elections. The court will further evaluate the matter on April 25, when the ED is expected to present the full case diary and supporting documentation.

New Delhi, April 3 – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns in the Lok Sabha on Thursday regarding the imposition of a 26 percent retaliatory tariff on India by US President Donald Trump. Speaking during Zero Hour, Gandhi questioned the government's response to the development, claiming it could severely impact the Indian economy.

As per agency report, Gandhi called upon the government to clarify its course of action following the announcement from the White House. President Trump had declared the imposition of a “concessional retaliatory tariff” of 26 percent on Indian goods, stating that India charges 52 percent on American imports and hence the US would impose half of that in return.

In addition to the tariff issue, Gandhi also raised the matter of alleged Chinese encroachment on Indian territory. He claimed that China is occupying approximately 4,000 square kilometers of Indian land. Expressing his concern over what he described as a contradictory stance by the government, he criticized a recent event where India’s Foreign Secretary was seen cutting a cake with the Chinese ambassador, suggesting it was inappropriate in light of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.

Gandhi asserted that normal relations with China can only be restored once the pre-incursion status at the border is re-established and the occupied land is returned. He demanded that the government inform Parliament about the steps being taken to retrieve Indian territory and respond effectively to both the tariff and border issues.

The Congress leader’s remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny over foreign policy and trade decisions, with both economic and geopolitical tensions influencing national discourse.

As Gujarat prepares for a political spectacle, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are set to visit the state for separate two-day tours. Their simultaneous presence is expected to intensify the political landscape, with both leaders engaging in key events aimed at strengthening their respective parties ahead of upcoming elections.

Prime Minister Modi will be in Gujarat on March 7 and 8, attending various programs in Surat and Navsari districts. His visit will focus on government welfare initiatives, including meetings with beneficiaries and participation in women empowerment events. As per agency reports, Modi is expected to use this platform to rally support for his party ahead of the upcoming elections. On March 7, he will address a massive public gathering at Neelgiri Ground in Surat’s Limbayat area, where he will distribute special kits to elderly beneficiaries under government schemes. Later, he will stay overnight at the Surat Circuit House before heading to Navsari the next day. On March 8, which coincides with International Women’s Day, Modi will participate in a special event dedicated to women empowerment, followed by another large public meeting before returning to Delhi. His latest visit comes just days after his private tour to Gujarat on March 1, during which he visited districts in the Saurashtra region, attended multiple programs, and paid his respects at the Somnath Temple.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will also be in Gujarat on March 7 and 8. His visit is focused on election strategy discussions, as he will meet party officials, senior leaders, and grassroots workers in Ahmedabad. The visit is aimed at bolstering preparations for the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections. Rahul is expected to emphasize party restructuring and mobilizing workers at the grassroots level. Additionally, he will address Congress members across the state to boost morale and outline a new strategy for the party. Notably, the Congress party’s national convention is scheduled for April 8-9 in Ahmedabad, making this visit strategically significant. His meetings may lead to tactical shifts in Congress’s election approach.

With both Modi and Rahul in Gujarat at the same time, the political atmosphere in the state is set to heat up. Party leaders and workers from both sides are expected to display their enthusiasm and mobilize support in full force. The simultaneous visits underscore the growing electoral momentum, as both BJP and Congress gear up to sharpen their strategies ahead of the upcoming elections.

On Wednesday, celebrated Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sparking discussions about their potential entry into politics. The Congress party shared images of this significant meeting on social media platform X, highlighting its potential implications for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

From Sports to Politics?

Both wrestlers are currently seen as prospective candidates for the Congress in the state elections. The party is expected to announce its first list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly soon, which might include the names of these prominent athletes. This political engagement follows their recent activism against BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. 

Vinesh Phogat, who also participated in the recent Paris Olympics, faced disappointment as she was disqualified for not maintaining the required weight class in the finals.

The transition of these athletes from sports to potentially significant political roles underscores a growing trend of sports personalities engaging directly in governance and public service, leveraging their popularity and leadership skills beyond the athletic arena.

New Delhi, August 01 (HS): Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra arrived in Kerala on Thursday and visited various relief camps set up in landslide-affected areas of Wayanad district.

Rahul Gandhi won the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in the 2019 and 2024 general elections. However, he left the Wayanad constituency after winning the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh in 2024, from where Priyanka is expected to contest the by-election.

Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra landed at Kannur airport at 9.30 am and then reached Wayanad by road. Congress general secretary and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal is also accompanying them.

According to their itinerary shared by the party, Rahul and Vadra will visit the Choormala landslide site as well as a community health centre, Dr. Moopen Medical College and two relief camps in Meppadi.

The landslides triggered by torrential rains hit Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha settlements. 173 people, including women and children, were killed in the landslides that hit Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha settlements in the wee hours of Tuesday.

New Delhi, July 24 (HS): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met farmer leaders on Wednesday. Farmers are agitating for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP). Along with this, he met the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha in Parliament regarding some other demands.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told the farmer leaders that the Modi government has ignored the demands of the farmers in its budget. The Congress party will not remain silent on this issue. The party will raise the voice of the farmers from the road to Parliament. We will get justice for the food providers. During this, former Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Charan Singh Channi was also present.

Rahul Gandhi also addressed the media at the Makar Dwar of Parliament along with the farmer leaders. He said that the party had mentioned the legal guarantee on MSP in its manifesto. This legal guarantee can be given. In this regard, he will talk to other leaders of the INDI alliance and prepare a further strategy.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that the Congress leader listened to us. He has assured us of legal guarantee on MSP.

Sultanpur, 26 June (HS): An MP-MLA court here on Wednesday summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to appear before it on July 2 in a defamation case brought against him for allegedly making derogatory statements against union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to complaint lawyer Santosh Kumar Pandey, one Ram Pratap sought that he be declared a party in the lawsuit. In response to the petition, Pandey stated that Pratap is neither a victim nor has any involvement in the case.

Gandhi's lawyer, Kashi Prasad Shukla, who was present in court, also contested the petitioner's argument. However, the court disregarded Gandhi's request and ordered his personal attendance on the next hearing date.

Gandhi was sued for defamation in 2018 after allegedly making offensive statements against Shah. BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed a defamation complaint against Gandhi. Gandhi interrupted his "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra" at Amethi on February 20 of this year and appeared in court, where he was granted bail.