Rahul to participate in Gudalur school event on Jan 13
Chennai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of St Thomas English High School in Gudalur in the Nilgiris on Jan 13. Sources said he has no political agenda scheduled besides a reception hosted by Congress functionaries at the helipad. Rahul last visited Gudalur during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Sept 2022, where he addressed a gathering of supporters, praising the beauty of the scenic town in the Western Ghats. He stayed at a private school overnight before leaving for Karnataka. “Rahul will arrive in a chopper from Mysuru at 3.30 pm. He will attend the event at the school and leave at 4.30 pm. As far as we know, the leader has no political events or meetings,” said a Congress functionary. Rev Dr Mathews Mar Makarios Episcopa, Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, is expected to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the school. Rahul Gandhi’s visit comes amidst political tension in DMK-Congress alliance with some Congress functionaries and elected representatives publicly seeking share in power and criticising BJP over the censorship controversy linked to Vijay’s latest film “Jana Nayagan”. According to sources, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are likely to meet the TNCC president, former presidents and the elected representatives from Tamil Nadu in Delhi on Jan 18 to discuss poll preparedness. “The meeting was originally scheduled on Jan 14. The proposed meeting is in line with the tradition of meeting representatives of poll-bound states in Delhi,” said a senior leader. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Objectionable remarks against Mayawati: Badaun court sends notice to Rahul Gandhi and Udit Raj
The Badaun court has issued notices to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Dr. Udit Raj in a case concerning alleged objectionable remarks against BSP supremo Mayawati. Sunil Mishra, Badaun: A complaint has been filed in the Badaun court regarding alleged objectionable remarks made on social media against BSP supremo Mayawati. The application filed in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Badaun describes the posts made on Twitter (X) as defamatory, inflammatory, and likely to affect law and order. The case involves Jai Singh Sagar, son of late Nanakram, a resident of Nekpur locality in the Civil Lines police station area, who filed the application. The petition alleges that on February 17, 2025, Congress party leader Dr. Udit Raj posted objectionable remarks and videos about BSP chief Mayawati from his Twitter (X) account. It is alleged that these posts used words like corruption, looting, incompetence, and other objectionable terms against Mayawati. The application also states that these posts not only attempted to tarnish Mayawati’s image but also aimed to spread hatred against her on social media and incite her supporters. According to the petitioner, such remarks have hurt the sentiments of Mayawati’s supporters and followers. There is a possibility of tension arising in society. The petition also mentions that applications were previously submitted to the Civil Lines police station and the SSP Badaun regarding the matter, and complaints were also sent via registered post, email, and Twitter (X), but since no action was taken, they had to approach the court. Now, the Badaun special court has sent notices to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Udit Raj, asking them to present their side of the case. Special Judge Poonam Singhal has asked both leaders to present their arguments on January 29. Udit Raj had made objectionable remarks against BSP chief Mayawati. Edited by: Vishal Chaubey About the Author Vishal Chaubey is a journalist at Navbharat Times Online. He covers news on politics, crime, governance, and other issues in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Vishal studied journalism at Lucknow University and has 3 years of experience in the field of journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News
Corrupt BJP’s Double Engine Governments Have Ruined People’s Lives, Rahul Gandhi Lashes Out at BJP
Rahul Gandhi said that the corrupt BJP’s double-engine governments across the country have ruined the lives of the people. Corruption, misuse of power, and the poison of arrogance have spread from top to bottom in BJP’s politics. New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday targeted the Modi government and the BJP on various issues. Rahul Gandhi said that the corrupt BJP’s double-engine governments across the country have ruined the lives of the people. Corruption, misuse of power, and the poison of arrogance have spread from top to bottom in BJP’s politics. Which BJP VIP is being protected by the protection of power? The Congress MP said in an X post, “In their system, the lives of the poor, helpless, laborers, and the middle class are just statistics, and a system of extortion is running in the name of “development”. Rahul Gandhi said, “The brutal murder of Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand has shaken the entire country. But the question remains the same today. Which BJP VIP is being protected by the protection of power? When will the law be equal for all?” Criminals were protected in the arrogance of power: Rahul Rahul Gandhi said, “In the Unnao incident in Uttar Pradesh, the entire country has seen how criminals were protected in the arrogance of power and how much the victim had to pay for justice.” Whether it is deaths due to drinking poisonous water in Indore or complaints of “black water” and contaminated supply from Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi – there is fear of diseases everywhere. Whether it is the Aravalli range of Rajasthan or natural resources – wherever the greed and selfishness of billionaires have reached, the rules have been trampled upon. Mountains are being cut down, forests are being destroyed – and in return, the public is getting: dust, pollution, and disaster. The direct impact of corruption Deaths of children due to cough syrup, rats killing newborns in government hospitals, collapsing roofs of government schools – this is not “negligence,” but the direct impact of corruption. Bridges collapse, roads cave in, families are wiped out in train accidents, and the BJP government does the same thing every time: photo-ops, tweets, and the formality of compensation. Rahul Gandhi said, “Modi ji’s double-engine government is running – but only for billionaires. For the common Indian, this double-engine government of corruption is not a pace of development, but a pace of destruction – crushing someone’s life every single day.” Curated by: Varun Shailesh About the Author Varun Shailesh is an Assistant News Editor at Navbharat Times Online. He has over 15 years of experience in current affairs, politics, social issues, and features. He started his career with the news agency IANS in 2009. He worked on the central desk of Hindustan (Hindustan Times Group) for more than 5 years. Courtesy: Hindi News
Will take fight against G RAM G Bill to villages: CM
Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday announced a statewide political mobilisation against the Centre’s new rural job guarantee scheme — G RAM G Bill — declaring that the Congress would take the fight from the assembly to the village level through public meetings and gram sabhas. The CM said he would address nine public meetings across the nine erstwhile districts, urging party leaders to campaign aggressively against the Bill and pass resolutions in every village. He added Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would participate in one of the meetings. Addressing the TPCC extended meeting, Revanth said the campaign would follow a comprehensive action plan finalised by the AICC in response to what he referred to as the ‘Ji Ram Ji’ law. He recalled that the state assembly had unanimously passed a resolution opposing the legislation and announced that similar resolutions would be adopted in all 12,702 villages between Jan 20 and 30. He stressed this was not merely the responsibility of village sarpanches but of every MLA. The CM asked TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud and AICC Telangana affairs in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan to appoint ministers as party in-charges for 15 parliamentary segments, excluding Hyderabad and Secunderabad. He said national, state and district-level leaders would participate in the programme, with each leader assigned responsibility for one mandal. Revanth said he too would personally take charge of one mandal. “We will invite Sonia (if her health permits) or Rahul or Priyanka in Mulugu district, represented in cabinet by panchayat raj minister Seethakka,” he said. Large public meetings, each expected to draw one lakh people, will be held in the nine districts outside Hyderabad starting Feb 3, beginning in the undivided Mahabubnagar district. The meetings will oppose what the CM described as the Modi govt’s attempt to weaken the rights of the poor and agricultural labourers. Each meeting will be overseen by a different minister. Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy will coordinate the programme, while Mahesh Goud, deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and Natarajan will monitor the campaign. Revanth accused the Modi govt of trying to undermine the employment guarantee scheme, calling it a globally recognised programme that brought transformative change. He alleged the BJP, having failed to secure 400 seats to amend the Constitution, was now attempting to curtail people’s rights through other means, including the special intensive revision. ‘PM should apologise’ He said the right to vote was the only weapon of the poor and alleged that its dilution would affect access to Aadhaar, ration cards and welfare schemes, amounting to a return to bonded labour. He said the Congress would not relent until the PM apologised to the nation and restored the employment guarantee scheme, particularly in the Telugu states. Calling for a clean sweep in the upcoming municipal elections, Revanth urged party cadres to ensure Congress control of local bodies. “We will be in power for the next eight years in the state, and only if we have a hold on local bodies can we develop these local bodies,” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi and Udit Raj’s troubles increase, they will have to appear before the court, also know about the case related to Mayawati
Poonam Singhal, Additional District Judge and Special Judge POCSO Act First, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, has issued notices against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Udit Raj. Badaun: Additional District Judge and Special Judge POCSO Act First, Poonam Singhal, in Badaun, has issued notices against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Udit Raj. Both Rahul Gandhi and Udit Raj have been ordered to appear in court on January 29, either in person or through their lawyer. The court issued this order while hearing a criminal revision petition filed by advocate Jai Singh Sagar in the case of objectionable remarks made by Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj against the BSP supremo. According to advocate Jai Singh Sagar, on February 16, 2025, Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj made objectionable statements against BSP supremo Mayawati and even talked about killing her. In this regard, an application was filed in the MP-MLA court the next day, February 17, to file a case. The MP-MLA court dismissed it, stating that the incident took place in Delhi. After this, advocate Jai Singh Sagar filed a criminal revision petition in the District Judge’s court on August 25, 2025. The case was then transferred to the Additional District Judge and Special Judge POCSO Act court. Since then, the hearing in this case has been ongoing. In this case, Additional District Judge and POCSO Act First, Poonam Singhal, has issued notices to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, son of late Rajiv Gandhi, resident of 10, Delhi district, and Udit Raj, son of late Kallan, 192 North Avenue, near RML Hospital. In the notice, January 29 has been fixed as the date for both leaders to present their side, and they have been ordered to present their case either in person or through their lawyer. Curated by: Abhishek Shukla About the Author Abhishek Shukla is a Senior Journalist at Navbharat Times. He works here as a Senior Digital Content Creator. I have 9 years of experience in journalism. I have been working at Navbharat Times for the past 6 years. Here, I specialize in covering current affairs, politics, crime, administration, utilities, social issues, fact-checking, breaking news, and research-based stories. Courtesy: Hindi News
Modi bowed under Trump’s pressure; Rahul Gandhi, invoking Indira Gandhi’s name, said, “Understand the difference, Sir.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has accused PM Modi of surrendering to the US. He said that Modi bowed to Trump’s dictates, while then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi did not yield to American threats during the 1971 war. New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of succumbing to pressure. He also compared Modi’s leadership to that of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi’s statement comes a day after US President Donald Trump’s statement in which he claimed that PM Modi had sought an appointment with him. Trump also mentioned high tariffs imposed by India. Trump says that the Indian government is now paying very high tariffs. The US President also claimed that India has significantly reduced its purchase of Russian oil. BJP-RSS people run away under a little pressure: Rahul Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi shared a video message on X, captioned – Understand the difference, Sir. Rahul Gandhi said, “I know these BJP-RSS people very well now. Put a little pressure on them, give them a little push, and they run away in fear.” Rahul claims Modi surrendered at Trump’s behest Rahul Gandhi said, “As soon as Trump gave a signal from there, he picked up the phone and said, ‘Modi ji, what are you doing?’ Narendra surrendered and saying ‘Yes sir’, Narendra Modi followed Trump’s instructions.” Referring to the 1971 war, he said Indira did not bow before America Comparing it to the 1971 war, Rahul Gandhi said that India once stood strong despite American pressure. Referring to the US Seventh Fleet, he said, “You might remember the time when there was no phone call – the Seventh Fleet came. In the 1971 war, the Seventh Fleet came, weapons came, an aircraft carrier came.” Indira Gandhi said, “I will do what I have to do. That’s the difference between the BJP and the Congress.” Trump’s claim that Rahul Gandhi used to target Modi In fact, Trump has imposed a total of 50% tariff on Indian exports, which includes a 25% tax due to buying oil from Russia. Trump said, “I have a very good relationship with him (Modi). He is not very happy with me because now he has to pay a lot more tariffs. He has significantly reduced buying oil from Russia.” These tariffs, imposed in August, have led to several rounds of trade talks and at least four conversations between the two leaders, but no bilateral trade agreement has been reached yet. Trump also said that India has cited delays in the delivery of Apache helicopters, and claimed that New Delhi has been waiting for these aircraft for five years. Curated by: Varun Shailesh About the Author Varun Shailesh is an Assistant News Editor at Navbharat Times Online. He has over 15 years of experience in current affairs, politics, social issues, and features. He started his career with the news agency IANS in 2009. He worked at the central desk of Hindustan (Hindustan Times Group) for more than 5 years. Courtesy: Hindi News
Congress Tamil Nadu election alliance: Power sharing demands & DMK relations
Amidst speculation over Congress considering other options for the upcoming assembly election in Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar, AICC member in charge of party affairs in the state, rules out Congress moving close to TVK, but pushes for sharing of power. “DMK has been our most trusted ally for a long time. We should be treated as equals,” he tells TOI. Excerpts: When will DMK and Congress poll committees begin discussions? You should ask DMK. On Dec 3, our five-member team met DMK president M K Stalin, suggesting that alliance matters be settled by Dec 15 so that we can campaign aggressively on the ground. BJP is our challenge. We are running after DMK. The ball is in their court. Did AICC member Praveen Chakravarty’s meetings with TVK president Vijay have the approval of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership? I don’t know why Rahul Gandhi’s or Mallikarjun Kharge’s names should be dragged into state-level issues. Maybe (Chakravarty) went there to sign a film with Vijay or to promote a movie or an advertisement because he is in that business too. God knows whether it was some business they discussed or if they were going to have idli or dosa. Why can’t two people meet and not discuss politics? I don’t think DMK has any issues with it. Are some sections in Congress pushing for an alliance with TVK? We have a democratic process and listen to every voice that comes from the ground as well as leaders. I hear a lot of voices from the grassroots wanting an alliance with TVK. Some sections say we should go with DMK. They are our oldest allies. I cannot hear only what I like; I should listen to all. Are you posturing to pressure DMK to agree to your demand for power-sharing? We don’t need to do that. Every political party has its policies and programmes, a manifesto and a vision. We have served this state. Everyone remembers Kamaraj’s rule. Naturally every political party strives for power. The cadres too expect it. Congress cadres have been working for 58 years without power. Now at least we are giving them some hope. Is there a tentative proposal for 38 seats and three cabinet berths? Some have proposed that we must have one seat in every district. That’s how the 38 was arrived at. Some say 41 seats, because that’s the number we got last time. We will soon let you know the exact number. Will Congress leave the alliance if DMK does not agree to sharing power? The DMK has been our most trusted ally for a long time. This alliance cannot be broken like that. We will discuss it with mutual respect. What we are asking is respect and dignity. We should be treated as equals. And it will happen. All should open their minds and accept changes. Will Rahul speak to Stalin ‘Anna’? Why are you involving my leaders in one state’s talks? When the committee is constituted, it is empowered to talk, negotiate and resolve issues. Did Rahul speak to Vijay in the wake of Karur stampede? Rahul called Vijay after the stampede. Rahul is a kind-hearted person. He spoke to the CM too then. Who are your main rivals in the election? Our main rival, our national rival, is the RSS-sponsored BJP. It is also the enemy of Tamil Nadu and the country. AIADMK is not our national enemy. But when an election comes, we have to fight everyone. What about TVK? We will have to fight TVK too. It’s a political battle. We will have to see first whether TVK is going to contest as TVK. Why do you say that? Nobody is sure whether TVK will contest as TVK. The Karur stampede is going to be a key election issue. Who would you blame for it? The investigation is on. We will not make this a political issue. Congress MP Jyothimani said infighting in Congress was distressing. Jyothimani is a bit emotional about the party, she is a dedicated worker. There are some issues in her district, not at the state-level. A former district president allegedly used some foul language against her. PCC has sent him a show-cause notice. TNCC member Surya Prakashan resigned from his post accusing TNCC chief of turning the party into a “slave camp of DMK”. That is a wrong accusation. He (Selvaperunthagai) was instrumental in forming village committees of the party. He has a good equation with the chief minister. It is not that he listens only to DMK. He listens to the AICC leadership. How do you see infighting in Congress? There is Infighting in your journalism groups. Infighting is in every group, every political party … see AIADMK, see BJP – their state president was removed. Infighting is part of a democratic process, and our party has strong democratic rules. Sometimes it is constructive, sometimes it isn’t. Issues must be discussed within the party. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Fark samjho sirji’: Rahul Gandhi takes dig at PM Modi over Trump tariffs; invokes Indira Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “surrendering” under “pressure” and contrasted his leadership with that of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Gandhi’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump, speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, claimed that PM Modi had sought an audience with him. “Prime Minister Modi came to see me, ‘Sir, may I see you please’. Yes,” Trump said. Trump also referred to India facing steep tariffs, saying New Delhi was “paying a lot of tariffs now” and had “reduced” the purchase of Russian oil “substantially”. Gandhi shared a video message on X with the caption “Fark samjho sirji”. “I know these BJP–RSS people very well now. Put a little pressure on them, give them a little push and they run away in fear,” Gandhi said. “As soon as Trump signalled from there, they picked up the phone and said, ‘What are you doing Modi ji?’ Narendra surrendered and with ‘yes sir’, Narendra Modi ji followed Trump’s signal.” Drawing a comparison with the 1971 war, Gandhi said India had once stood firm despite US pressure. “You might remember a time when the phone call didn’t come — the Seventh Fleet had come. In the 1971 war, the Seventh Fleet came, weapons came, an aircraft carrier came. Indira Gandhi ji said, ‘I will do what I have to do.’ This is the difference,” he said, referring to the United States Seventh Fleet. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) Trump has imposed tariffs totalling 50% on Indian exports, including a 25% levy linked to India’s procurement of Russian oil. “I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not that happy with me because they’re paying a lot of tariffs now because they’re not doing the oil — but they are, they’ve now reduced it very substantially,” Trump said. The tariffs, imposed in August, have triggered multiple rounds of trade talks and at least four conversations between the two leaders, but have yet to yield a bilateral trade deal. Separately, Trump also said in his remarks that India had flagged delays in the delivery of Apache helicopters, claiming New Delhi has been waiting for the aircraft for five years. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Law of Jungle’: Shashi Tharoor, Shaina NC & more speak on Venezuela crisis; what they said after US strike
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday weighed-in on the US strikes on Venezuela, a day before, calling it “law of the jungle”. The US carried out multiple airstrikes on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering explosions across Caracas and paving the way for the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The dramatic escalation was confirmed hours later by US President Donald Trump. Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency as panic swept the capital following the attacks, which left at least 40 people dead. Talking about the situation, the chair of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, replied to a post by Indian author Kapil Komireddi, saying “International law and the UN Charter have for some years now been honoured in the breach. The Law of the Jungle prevails today. “Might is Right” is the new creed.” — ShashiTharoor (@ShashiTharoor) Congress general secretary in charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh also gave a statement on behalf of Congress saying, “The INC expresses very grave concern on US actions relating to Venezuela in the past 24 hours. Settled principles of international law cannot be violated unilaterally.” — Jairam_Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) Meanwhile, Congress leader and Member of Rajya Sabha Abhishek Manu Singhvi called it “19th-cen imperialism”. “Regime change by cruise missile, democracy delivered by warship, & sovereignty rewritten under self-styled Doctrine? Not leadership, this is 19th-cen imperialism in 21st-cen jargon. If international law matters only to weak, UN should shut shop. world deserves rules, not lunatic rulers,” he said on X. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said that US set an example that India should follow. “”Today we heard that US President Donald Trump’s forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and took him from his country to America. If US President Donald Trump can abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his own country, then you (Prime Minister Modi) can also go to Pakistan and bring back the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist attacks to India,” he said. In response to Owaisi, BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana said, talking to ANI, “The entire country has praised the Indian armed forces. The way terrorists were eliminated and neutralised under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, only Prime Minister Modi’s government could have done this. Were we supposed to bring them here and feed them?” Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also hit back at the AIMIM leader saying, “”Asaduddin Owaisi, don’t you worry. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy. We have demonstrated unparalleled strength through Operation Sindoor, we have launched missiles, we have eradicated terrorism from Pakistan… we have even secured the extradition of Tahawwur Rana… Unlike you, we do not engage in appeasement politics… You continue with your politics of appeasement, and we will continue doing our work.” Shaina NC also spoke about the escalating situation in Venezuela itself. “India has always maintained cordial relations with Venezuela, with strong diplomatic engagements over the years. This is a matter of grave concern, as ties with Latin America and South America have been carefully nurtured,” she said, while talking to PTI. Further referring to the MEA statement on the crisis she added, “The Ministry of External Affairs has advised that the safety of Indian nationals living there should be prioritised. No country can go around bullying the world; the situation must be viewed holistically. The global community today is worried about such actions, surgical strikes, and, above all, the safety of citizens, which must be seen from a collective global perspective.” The ministry of external affairs, in its official statement, reiterated India’s support for the safety of people in Venezuela. “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” it said. “We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region. The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance,” it added. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
BJP mocks Rahul after Priyanka gets key role in Assam elections: Will Congress move set stage for new power dynamics?
NEW DELHI: The Congress move to appoint Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the candidate screening committee for the upcoming Assam elections has added to the murmurs of leadership debate within the grand old party, with the BJP-led NDA claiming internal conflict between the Gandhi siblings. Soon after Priyanka’s elevation, which was announced on Sunday, the BJP claimed that the Congress was divided between camps of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. The Congress, as expected, strongly rejected these claims and slammed the BJP for spreading “manufactured propaganda.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “The Rahul vs Priyanka camp has been going on for a very long time in the Congress party. All the pressure was exerted by the Rahul camp. ‘Remove Rahul, bring Priyanka’ is happening in Congress. Now even their allies don’t trust Rahul Gandhi. Their own leaders don’t want him; instead, they want Priyanka Gandhi.” The Janata Dal (United) also reacted to Priyanka’s appointment, claiming that Rahul Gandhi’s frequent foreign trips had shifted responsibilities to her. “It is expected that legislative assembly elections will be held in five states. The Congress’s internal matters are handled by a screening committee. Who will handle this work when Rahul Gandhi is abroad? The responsibility has fallen on Priyanka Gandhi. However, this is their internal matter,” JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said. Congress dismisses ‘Rahul vs Priyanka’ The Congress has formally dismissed the NDA’s claims, insisting there is no Rahul vs Priyanka camp within the party. On Sunday, the party defended its decision to appoint AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the Assam screening committee, strongly criticising the BJP for attempting to “propagate” a false leadership contest narrative. The Congress asserted that this was not the first time Priyanka had been entrusted with such responsibilities, recalling that she had earlier served as an ex-officio member of the screening committee during the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Congress MP Tariq Anwar told IANS, “Earlier, she was the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh when assembly elections were held there. So we cannot say this is the first time. This is the second time she has been given charge of a state related to elections. She will use her political experience and capability in Assam. There is a strong possibility of a Congress comeback in Assam.” “Priyanka Gandhi has been serving as general secretary for the past five years. She has been given organisational responsibilities from time to time and has worked across the country. Therefore, the notion propagated by the BJP is incorrect,” he added. Congress leader Udit Raj also defended Priyanka’s appointment, citing her “wide influence and experience”. Speaking to IANS, Raj said, “She is our leader and has been made chairperson of the Assam screening committee. Her influence is quite wide. She will oversee elections and make selections. She already has experience, and that experience will increase further.” The great Rahul paradox Rahul Gandhi’s position within the Congress is currently stronger than it has been at any point since his resignation as party president in 2019. After years of refusing formal office while leading high-visibility foot marches such as the Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–23) and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in early 2024, the Lok Sabha election results that year altered the equation. The Congress’s improved performance, winning 99 Lok Sabha seats and securing the Leader of the Opposition post, did something the party had struggled to achieve for a decade: it gave Rahul constitutional weight. That momentum, however, was not sustained. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA staged a strong comeback, winning assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi and Bihar. Rahul Gandhi led campaigns raising the ‘vote chori’ charge and spearheaded the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, hoping to replicate the gains of his earlier mass movements. The narrative failed to resonate electorally, and the Congress emerged as the weakest link in the Bihar opposition, winning only six of the state’s 243 assembly seats. Priyanka steps forward At the same time, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has unmistakably moved out of the occasional-campaigner role. Once deployed sparingly for high-voltage rallies, she is now a constant presence, both in Parliament and on the streets. During the Winter Session of Parliament, the first-time MP from Wayanad assumed a leading role for the party. With a smile, she was seen patiently attacking the Modi government during the Vande Mataram debate. The Wayanad MP also was at the forefront when the opposition parties staged a walkout from Lok Sabha to protest against the VB-G RAM G Bill. She led the march within the Parliament premises while holding a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi. Despite Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Parliament, the Congress drew significant attention for its aggressive protests and Priyanka emerged as a prominent face of the party both inside and outside the House. At the end of the session, she also attended the customary tea meeting hosted by Speaker Om Birla and was seen chatting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from across parties. Whispers within the chambers Though there has been no formal resolution, several reports have quoted “voices within the Congress” urging a larger organisational role for Priyanka, including suggestions that she could serve as party president or national face. After Rahul’s resignation as Congress chief, former MP Abhijit Mukherjee, son of former President Pranab Mukherjee, openly appealed for Priyanka to take over, saying she should heed the “clarion call of lakhs of Congress workers”. Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Anil Shastri has also said Priyanka Gandhi would be the best person to lead the party. Over time, and following successive assembly election losses, these whispers have grown louder. In December, former Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim wrote to Sonia Gandhi questioning the current leadership and explicitly seeking a “greater central role” for Priyanka. MP Imran Masood has also pushed for her elevation, arguing, “Make her the Prime Minister and see how she responds, just like Indira Gandhi did,” signalling that she should be the party’s main face