Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi -- two efficient, energetic leaders of Congress

As Congress President, Sonia Gandhi proved herself as an able, progressive leader with a modern vision. Sonia Gandhi, who is also a Member of Parliament from Raebareli, always gave priority to ensure the welfare and upliftment of the poor in our country. Her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also follows the same ideology.

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi -- two efficient, energetic leaders of Congress

As Congress President, Sonia Gandhi proved herself as an able, progressive leader with a modern vision. Sonia Gandhi, who is also a Member of Parliament from Raebareli, always gave priority to ensure the welfare and upliftment of the poor in our country. Her son and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also follows the same ideology.

For Sonia Gandhi Development means welfare and upliftment for the poor

As Congress President, Sonia Gandhi proved herself as an able, progressive leader with a modern vision. Sonia Gandhi, who is also a Member of Parliament from Raebareli, always gave priority to ensure the welfare and upliftment of the poor in our country. As MP she has done a lot of development works for Raebareli.

Sonia Gandhi -- committed for the welfare of aam aadmi

Welfare and upliftment of poor has always been the mission of Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President and UPA Chairperson. It was Sonia Gandhi, who is the guiding force behind many welfare schemes of Congress-led UPA Government at the centre like MNREGA, Food Security Bill etc.

Rahul hits urges Gujarat Congress leaders to strengthen fight against Modi's brand of politics

New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi lashed out at senior BJP leader and  Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi saying Modi brand of politics could impact the unity of the country. The Congress leader added during a meeting with Gujarat Congress leaders, that the party should strengthen its fight against Modi.

Rahul Gandhi asked Gujarat Congress leaders to focus on issues to build pressure on the Modi-led state government. In an interactive session with AICC general secretary in-charge of the state Gurudas Kamath, PCC chief Arjun Modhwadia and CLP leader Shankarsinh Vaghela, the young Congress Vice President reviewed the organisational work done by the Congress party in last three months.

"You raise issues, which build pressure on the government. Issues like why the Assembly session in Gujarat was called only for one day. Raise issues of public welfare," Rahul Gandhi told the leaders in the meeting. The Congress leader also urged the Congress leaders from the state to propagate the success of public welfare programmes done by the Centre. He discussed with the leaders the agitational programmes by the party to be launched in the next three months at the district and block level.

The Congress’ strategy would be to target the BJP government there on 'flaws in policy' more than the personality. Kamath, who was made the in-charge of Gujarat briefed Rahul Gandhi about his visits to the state. The main focus is to strengthen the party.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi -- two energetic leaders

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi recently visited Amethi, his parliament constituency, alongwith his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. They held consultations with the Congress workers in the region in a bid to further strengthen the party.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi at Amethi to strengthen Congress

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi recently visited Amethi, his parliament constituency, alongwith his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. They held consultations with the Congress workers in the region in a bid to further strengthen the party.

Rahul Gandhi in Amethi attends CRPF function

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attended a function to lay foundation stone for the CRPF recruitment centre at his Parliament constituency Amethi. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde also was present.

Rahul Gandhi urges Congress leaders to take Food security scheme to the masses

New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi termed Food Security Bill a historic legislation and urged the Congress leaders to publicise its import to masses.

In his opening remarks at a meeting of Pradesh Congress Committee presidents and Congress Legislative Party leaders in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said it was for the first time in the history of the country that any government had passed a legislation on the people's right to food.

The Congress leader asked them to disseminate information among the masses about the Bill's significance. As concerns were raised over anomalies in the PDS system, Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence that since the bill gives legal entitlements to people, it will build pressure on the existing institutions and bottom-up changes will happen. "We must first understand the whole thing and then party cadres should help people understand it. Government of India is bringing this bill which will revolutionize the life of people at those strata where people have struggled," added Rahul Gandhi.

Food Minister KV Thomas, in his address said that  a misconception existed among people that Public Distribution System would cease to exist after the Bill was implemented and asked them to dispel the notion. The Bill would plug the leakages existing in the PDS, he said.

Party spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam said Congress had promised the right to food legislation before 2009 elections and it was imperative that "we fulfil the promise before we go to people in next elections"

Rahul Gandhi attends CRPF function at Amethi

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attended a function to lay foundation stone for the CRPF recruitment centre at his Parliament constituency Amethi. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde also was present.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi attend Arun Nehru’s cremation

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi attended Arun Nehru’s cremation at New delhi’s Lodhi road crematorium. Priyanka’s son lit the pyre.

Rahul Gandhi praises CRPF Jawans for their services for the country

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi recently, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar. While lauding the tremendous services being done by the CRPF, Rahul Gandhi said "Now there is peace in Punjab and no violence there as of now. CRPF has been playing an important role in the positive developments in Punjab -- the state which gives the entire food for our nation. CRPF Jawans gave their blood and sweat to bring democracy back in the state and to help the youth to build a bright future".

Rahul Gandhi in Amethi strikes emotional chord with CRPF Jawans

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi recently, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar. The young Congress Vice President also struck an emotional chord with the brave CRPF Jawans and requested the Centre to extend all possible help and support to their families. "Their biggest issue is their family, their comfort and well being. In fact, they face two challenges -- one to fight for the country and the other is to ensure the welfare of their families. I therefore request Shindeji, who is our Home Minister, to extend maximum support to CRPF Jawans for ensuring their families' welfare and comfort", said Rahul Gandhi and the audience, which comprised a good number of CRPF personnel greeted it with loud applauds.

Rahul Gandhi to meet Congress state chiefs on Food Security Bill

New Delhi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will meet all Congress state unit presidents on Saturday in New Delhi to discuss the Food Security Bill. Fourteen Congress-led states are expected to launch the Food Security scheme brought in by Congress-led UPA government at the centre from August 20, which is former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary.

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also had held consultations with chief ministers of all Congress-ruled states on July 13 in which she urged them to expeditiously implement the food security scheme in letter and spirit.

Earlier this month, the government brought in an ordinance that has to be now ratified within six weeks of its tabling in Parliament. The Food Security scheme aims to give cheap food to nearly 70 per cent of the population. The ambitious scheme, championed by Sonia Gandhi, will raise the annual food subsidy spending by 45 per cent. Under the scheme, rice will be available at Rs. 3 a kilogram, and wheat at Rs. 2 a kilogram. The monthly supply ranges from three to seven kilograms per person, depending on their level of income. 

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme and the Food Security Act are some of the major policies by the present Congress led UPA Governments like the farmers' loan waiver scheme and MNREGA announced during its previous term. 

Sonia Gandhi highlights the need for unity among democratic forces in Nepal

Congress President and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi has stressed the need for unity among Nepal's democratic forces. Sonia Gandhi conveyed visiting Nepali former prime minister and senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) Madhav Kumar Nepal that her party and UPA favoured consolidation of democratic rights in Nepal with the drafting of the constitution and an early end to the ongoing political transition there.

Madhav Nepal, who is on a five-day visit to India, met Sonia Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence in New Delhi Thursday. At a time when Nepal whose instability has a direct impact on India is bracing for the second constituent assembly elections to be held Nov 19, the Indian establishment has invited senior Nepali political leaders to gauge whether elections can take place. Nepal's 33 opposition parties, led by the CPN-Maoist, had Sunday urged the international community not to support the government's bid to hold the elections. The parties criticised the increasing foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Nepal.

Two former prime ministers of Nepal -- Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress and Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal -- have already visited New Delhi and met senior Indian leaders and officials.
Extending support to Nepal's political as well as electoral process, Sonia Gandhi also made clear that India had nothing to do with Nepal's internal affairs and it was up to the Nepali leadership to decide and act to carve their own fate and future.

Bhattarai quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying: "Those forces who have agreed to join the election process and to transform Nepal economically and are committed to drafting a new constitution should come together. The decision taken by the democratic forces, including those supporting elections and ending the transition, will be welcomed by India."

In his meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Nepal appraised her about the latest political situation and the political parties' decision to go for election. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and on the Nepali side, he highlighted the negative consequences of climate change and offered to work together at various policy levels to cope with the problem.

Nepal also stressed on regular bilateral political-level visits and interactions between the two nations to understand each other better, strengthen relations and deepen political and cultural ties, said Bhattarai.

Control anger, urges Rahul Gandhi at CRPF function in Amethi

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi recently, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar. Rahul Gandhi asserted that people should control their anger for development. "It is because of the anger some people become militants. But when we control it and connect ourselves with the democratic political system, the country will develop," he said.

Rahul Gandhi at CRPF Function in Amethi stresses for the need of inclusive growth

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi recently, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar. Addressing the event, the Congress vice president urged the people of Amethi to welcome the UP's first CRPF Recruit Training Centre. "Amethi is your home as well as mine. These CRPF Jawans are my guests as well as yours. So we must extend a warm welcome and affection to them and we should work in tandem with them for the benefit of our country" urged Rahul Gandhi. "Hindustan is a concept as well as a country. The people, the officers and the ministers frame this concept and the idea is to take everyone along in the process of development. So let us strengthen this concept" added the Congress Member of Parliament from Amethi.

Rahul Gandhi explains the benefits of Amethi's new CRPF recruitment centre

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi recently, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar. "First thing is that a number of people come to this CRPF centre and the region is being benefitted economically. Second -- people are able to get employment. About 70 per cent of the people here are from Uttar Pradesh and this is the first recruiting centre in the state" said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi at foundation-laying function for CRPF recruitment centre in Amethi

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi recently, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Minister of State for Home R P N Singh were also present on the occasion.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at CRPF event in Amethi

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar on Thursday. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Minister of State for Home R P N Singh were also present on the occasion. While lauding the tremendous services being done by the CRPF, Rahul Gandhi said "Now there is peace in Punjab and no violence there as of now. CRPF has been playing an important role in the positive developments in Punjab -- the state which gives the entire food for our nation. CRPF Jawans gave their blood and sweat to bring democracy back in the state and to help the youth to build a bright future".

Former Union minister Arun Nehru cremated, Priyanka Gandhi’s son lit the pyre

New Delhi: Arun Nehru, former union minister, was cremated at Lodhi Road crematorium in New Delhi on Friday. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s son Raihan, lit the pyre. Several personalities including Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress Vice President and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Robert Vadra and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah were present.

Arun Nehru, a cousin of Rajiv Gandhi during whose Prime Ministership in the 1980's he was a powerful political figure, died last night after protracted illness. He was 69.

Setting aside their differences which led to Nehru leaving the Congress party and joining V P Singh to form the Jan Morcha in 1987 after having served as Minister of State for internal security in Rajiv's cabinet, Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul and daughter Priyanka attended the funeral.

Other dignitaries present at the crematorium included Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, BJP leaders L K Advani and Arun Jaitley and Union Ministers Sachin Pilot, Anand Sharma and Farooq Abdullah. Arun Nehru is survived by his wife Subhadra and two daughters.

Lucknow-born Nehru was a three-time Lok Sabha member and had a successful career in the corporate world before joining politics in the early 1980s.

Rahul Gandhi at CRPF function in Amethi

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar on Thursday. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Minister of State for Home R P N Singh were also present on the occasion. While lauding the tremendous services being done by the CRPF, Rahul Gandhi said "Now there is peace in Punjab and no violence there as of now. CRPF has been playing an important role in the positive developments in Punjab -- the state which gives the entire food for our nation. CRPF Jawans gave their blood and sweat to bring democracy back in the state and to help the youth to build a bright future".

Rahul Gandhi addresses the function to lay the foundation stone for CRPF centre in Amethi

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Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar on Thursday. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Minister of State for Home R P N Singh were also present on the occasion.

Rahul Gandhi at CRPF function in Amethi urges people to control anger

Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to his parliament constituency Amethi, laid the foundation stone for a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp and recruitment centre at Trisundi in Bhadar on Thursday, the last day of his visit. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Minister of State for Home R P N Singh were also present on the occasion.

While lauding the tremendous services being done by the CRPF, Rahul Gandhi said “Now there is peace in Punjab and no violence there as of now. CRPF has been playing an important role in the positive developments in Punjab – the state which gives the entire food for our nation. CRPF Jawans gave their blood and sweat to bring democracy back in the state and to help the youth to build a bright future”. 

The young Congress Vice President also struck an emotional chord with the brave CRPF Jawans and requested the Centre to extend all possible help and support to their families. “Their biggest issue is their family, their comfort and well being. In fact, they face two challenges – one to fight for the country and the other is to ensure the welfare of their families.  I therefore request Shindeji, who is our Home Minister, to extend maximum support to CRPF Jawans for ensuring their families’ welfare and comfort”, said Rahul Gandhi and the audience, which comprised a good number of CRPF personnel greeted it with loud applauds.

Rahul Gandhi asserted that people should control their anger for development. “It is because of the anger some people become militants. But when we control it and connect ourselves with the democratic political system, the country will develop,” he said.

Addressing the event, the Congress vice president urged the people of Amethi to welcome the UP's first CRPF Recruit Training Centre. “Amethi is your home as well as mine. These CRPF Jawans are my guests as well as yours. So we must extend a warm welcome and affection to them and we should work in tandem with them for the benefit of our country” urged Rahul Gandhi.

“Hindustan is a concept as well as a country.  The people, the officers and the ministers frame this concept and the idea is to take everyone along in the process of development. So let us strengthen this concept” added the Congress Member of Parliament from Amethi.  

Rahul Gandhi had arrived in his parliamentary constituency Amethi on Tuesday along with his sister Priyanka Vadra on a three-day visit. Rahul Gandhi also had interacted with Congress workers and local leaders and discussed about strengthening the party in the constituency. While Priyanka Gandhi returned on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi stayed back to attend the CRPF event on Thursday.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra in Amethi on a three day visit

Amethi: Congress Vice president Rahul Gandhi accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at his parliamentary constituency Amethi on Tuesday for a three-day visit. Rahul Gandhi will interact with Congress workers and local leaders and give them tips on strengthening the party.

Both Rahul and Priyanka landed at the Indira Gandhi International Aviation Academy from where they went to the Sanjay Gandhi guest house in Munshiganj. They will then meet local party workers and assess the party's preparedness for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"There are not too many official engagements of the Congress vice president. He is very keen on one-on-one meetings with the local leadership and grassroot workers to understand their problems viz-a-viz the state's ruling Samajwadi Party (SP). He will also inform workers about various projects and schemes like food security of the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the centre," told a local leader.

Priyanka Gandhi had implemented an innovative method in Raebareli for the selection of block heads. In Amethi too, the selection process for the post of 17 block presidents of the party in Amethi has begun, with the distribution of application forms for interviews, in a pattern similar to the one used in Raebareli.

The interview process, the first round of which would be conducted by five teams, already started at block headquarters. The team of interviewers comprises party candidates who contested the last assembly election, AICC and PCC members and senior party leaders from the area. The teams will form a panel of five candidates from each block who would be interviewed by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.

Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi would participate in an event at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) station at Trisundi in Bhadar July 25. Union Minister for Home Affairs Sushil Kumar Shinde is also likely to attend the function. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka will return to New Delhi the same day.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visit Amethi with a mission to strengthen Congress

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sisterPriyanka Gandhi Vadra, reached Amethi for a visit to the constituency. Amethi is the Parliament constituency of Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders interacted with the Congress workers and discussed about strengthening the party ahead of coming Lok Sabha polls.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi on a three-day visit

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, alongwith his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, reached Amethi for a visit to the constituency. Amethi is the Parliament constituency of Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders will interact with the Congress workers and discuss about further strengthening the party ahead of coming general polls.

Rahul Gandhi,Priyanka Gandhi on a three-day visit to Amethi

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, alongwith his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, arrived at Amethi, the parliament constituency of Rahul Gandhi. They will be in the constituency for three-days. During the visit both the leaders will interact with the Congress workers and discuss about further strengthening the party ahead of coming general polls.

Priyanka Gandhi to concentrate on re-organising Congress units in Amethi

Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi will now focus on re-organising Congress units in Amethi, the parliament constituency of her brother and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi. Earlier she had done the same in Raebareli, the parliamentary constituency of her mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi had implemented an innovative method in Raebareli and tasted success. In Amethi too, the selection process for the post of 17 block presidents of the party in Amethi has begun, with the distribution of application forms for interviews,  in a pattern similar to the one used in Raebareli.

Those involved in the process said 575 applications have been received. The interview process, the first round of which would be conducted by five teams, would begin from July 21 at block headquarters. The team of interviewers comprises party candidates who contested the last assembly election, AICC and PCC members and senior party leaders from the area. These teams have been asked to complete the interview process in two days and submit their reports as soon as possible.

The teams will form a panel of five candidates from each block who would later be interviewed by Priyanka Gandhi. Out of 575 applications received so far, only one is a sitting office-bearer. All those who occupy any post have been told they would be promoted based on the work they have done.

The applicants have been asked to provide details like results of the last assembly and Lok Sabha elections from their respective booths, number of villages in their area, whether they held any posts in the cadre in the past, and their basic personal details among other things.

The members conducting the interview would mark their comments on each application, based on which a panel of names would be decided for the final interview by Priyanka Gandhi. Each block committee would comprise 20 members, apart from the president, who, too, would be selected from these applications.

Sonia Gandhi - main inspiration behind UPA's welfare policies

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have left a deep imprint on Indian history. As UPA Chairperson she has changed the lives of the poor in the country, positively. It was due to her initiative, consistent intervention and pro-poor ideology that Congress-led UPA Government at the centre implemented four major policies — the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information Act (RTI), the Right to Education Act (RTE) and, finally, the most important one, the Food Security Ordinance (FSO) and by these progressive polices Indian democracy has become seriously transformative.

Sonia Gandhi -- guiding force behind UPA's welfare policies

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have left a deep imprint on Indian history. As UPA Chairperson she has changed the lives of the poor in the country, positively. It was due to her initiative, consistent intervention and pro-poor ideology that Congress-led UPA Government at the centre implemented major welfare policies.

Sonia Gandhi -- Perfect mass leader always committed to serve the poor

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have left a deep imprint on Indian history. As UPA Chairperson she has changed the lives of the poor in the country, positively. It was due to her initiative, consistent intervention and pro-poor ideology that Congress-led UPA Government at the centre implemented major welfare policies.

Sonia Gandhi conveys her best wishes for a speedy recovery to Nelson Mandela

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday felicitated anti-apartheid and former South African premier hero Nelson Mandela on his 95th birthday. She said that Mandela would always remain an inspiration for all those who believe in the values of human rights. In her message, the UPA Chairperson also noted "we all have been concerned about your health in recent times.  “Our people join the people of South Africa and rest of the world in conveying our best wishes for your speedy recovery” said Sonia Gandhi in her message. “Your life has been a message of struggle and sacrifice,” she added.

Sonia Gandhi wished him good health, peace and happiness. "Your life has been a message of struggle and sacrifice. Your humility, spirit of forgiveness and compassion has touched all those, who have the privilege of knowing you," noted the Congress President.

Sonia Gandhi hailed the Mandela  as a "courageous fighter" and a "symbol of indomitable spirit". "Today when the world is confronted with a crisis of leadership with moral force, you stand out as a symbol of indomitable spirit. We pray and wish that the world continues to benefit from your wisdom and reassuring presence," said the Congress President.Sonia Gandhi also recalled the fond memories of her own meetings with Mandela and said that she would always cherish them.

 Mandela was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on June 8 for a recurring lung infection. Mandela has been hospitalised four times since December.
Mandela, who is revered for leading the fight against white minority rule in the African country and then preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years, turned 95. He served as the country's first black president from 1994 to 1999.

Rahul Gandhi to visit Amethi along with Priyanka Gandhi

Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are scheduled to visit Amethi, the parliamentary constituency of Rahul Gandhi on July 23.

Both the leaders will be there in the constituency for two days. Rahul Gandhi will hold a review meeting with party office-bearers and also visit villages in his constituency.

Rahul Gandhi has been visiting Amethi frequently. During his earlier visit the Congress vice president had interacted with party workers and district leaders in the region.

Rahul Gandhi, when visited last time, took a follow up on power supply in his constituency, and enquired about the difficulties being faced by the people in getting employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme and purchasing wheat. The Congress MP had held discussions on these issues during his each visit.

Sonia Gandhi’s progressive vision bringing in positive changes in the lives of the poor

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have left a deep imprint on Indian history. As UPA Chairperson she has changed the lives of the poor in the country, positively. It was due to her initiative, consistent intervention and pro-poor ideology that Congress-led UPA Government at the centre implemented four major polices — the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information Act (RTI), the Right to Education Act (RTE) and, finally, the most important one, the Food Security Ordinance (FSO) and by these progressive polices Indian democracy has become seriously transformative.

MGNREGA has helped the poor in the villages sustain themselves with an assured wage that goes straight into their bank accounts. This has had multiple effects on the villagers’ attitude and life style. For the first time in the history, villagers are getting wages without any humiliating engagement with landlords or the rural rich. Second, they now have established connectivity with the banking system, which was not a common thing for them. One can see the impact of this flag ship scheme on the health of the rural poor. They look better fed and better dressed than they did five years ago.

The Right to Information Act is another revolutionary step and has exposed various corruption cases across the country. For an average Indian politician, corruption is routine and systemic but for Sonia Gandhi it is very serious and she believed that graft is like a cancer and we should tackle it effectively. And her consistent efforts helped to make this important policy a reality.

Every child’s right to education was another urgent matter of importancde for Sonia Gandhi. With her initiative, Congress-led central government brought in  the Right to Education Act (RTE) which gave a fresh ray of hope among those who could never think of being able to afford decent education for their children.
Sonia Gandhi did her contribution in the field of education also. It was at her initiative, the Centre decided to establish 6,000 model schools with world-class facilities in every backward samithi/mandal. This programme, if effectively used by the states, is going to play a critical role in transforming education.

Most important of all is the Right to Food Ordinance. No one can forget the role played by the Congress President for making Food Security a reality. “No one in the country should live in hunger. That is why the Congress-led Central government is bring the Food Security Bill”, had said Sonia Gandhi on several occasions. For the average Indian politician, many poor in our country go to bed starving.  But it is unfortunate that several political parties — particularly the main Opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)— are shamelessly attacking Sonia Gandhi for formalising this law as an ordinance.

Whether Congress will retain power after 2014 polls or not, these admirable measures taken by the Centre, under the effective guidance of Sonia Gandhi, will ever be remembered by the poor people in our country and remain in the log book of Indian history. Generation after generation, they will remember that it was Sonia Gandhi who recognised their role in food production and gave them the right to food, apart from ensuring several other rights like jobs, education.

Rahul Gandhi to address works shop for Congress spokespersons

The Congress party has convened a meeting of its spokespersons of state units on 22 July, which will be addressed by party Vice President Rahul Gandhi and some ministers, to ensure better propagation of UPA’s growth story. During the two-day workshop, Rahul Gandhi is expected to impress upon the spokespersons to spread the good works done by the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre, including the most beneficial Food Security scheme.

Around 200 spokespersons from across the country will be present in the meeting which will take up issues like economy, food security initiative and also handling conventional and new media. The idea is to equip the leaders with facts and figures and material to propagate the UPA's welfare initiatives.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram will address a session during the two-day workshop on UPA's economic strides as compared to the NDA. Having decided to make the food security initiative one of its key poll planks, Food Minister K V Thomas, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and G Mohan Gopal, Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies, would speak about the programme.

While I&B Minister Manish Tewari will talk about electronic media, Congress MP Deepender Hooda, who heads a team on social media, will exchange notes on challenges posed by the new media and ways to address it. Party spokesperson and MP Sandeep Dikshit, member of the research wing, will talk about accessing the work done by the research department.

AICC general secretary and chief of the communications and publicity wing, Ajay Maken said that the meeting would seek to build linkages between the AICC and PCC offices in disseminating the party’s view point on various issues.

The workshop will be attended by around 200 persons including five national spokespersons, 36 electronic media panellists and 15 persons each from NSUI and Youth Congress. The media workshop is expected to give a fillip to the setting up of communications departments in the PCCs on the line of what has been done in the AICC. Besides the conventional print and electronic media, the focus will also be to increase the presence of Congress state units on social media.

The Congress party has already finalized plans to go for live streaming of AICC Press conferences to appraise its PCCs of the Congress stand on the issues and bring uniformity in the party’s response system.

Priyanka Gandhi -- an energetic leader with progressive vision

Priyanka Gandhi, the daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, is one of the most charismatic leaders in the party. Wherever she campaigned, especially in her mother Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli, she did receive a warm and affectionate welcome by the people there..

Rahul Gandhi to address PCC chiefs on Food Security scheme

New Delhi: After Congress President Sonia Gandhi's recent interaction with Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi will hold deliberations with PCC chiefs of all states on July 27 on the Congress-led UPA Government’s flagship scheme Food Security Bill.

Rahul Gandhi will address the PCC chiefs of states including those ruled by Congress as well as those where the Opposition parties are in power. The Congress MLAs from the opposition-ruled states will participate in the meeting in which Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and Food Minister KV Thomas will also be present.

The July 27 meeting on Food security scheme comes a fortnight after the Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who is also the UPA Chairperson, asked Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states to expeditiously implement the food security scheme in letter and spirit. In the meeting with 13 Congress Chief Ministers on Saturday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said bottlenecks, if any, in the implementation of the scheme will be removed. The aim of that meeting was to ensure that the pro-poor Food Security scheme is implemented in the best possible manner with Congress-ruled states becoming role models in implementation of the food security measure.

Ahead of the July 27 meeting, Rahul Gandhi will inaugurate a three-day workshop at the party headquarters, starting July 21, for a fresh batch of 150-odd party spokespersons from the States. The aim is to work towards a better relationship, better coordination between the party’s central unit and the States, and ensure synergy between what is being said in Delhi and in the State capitals. Apart from videoconferencing and deploying the latest technological tools to ensure unity of voices, on days the Congress has a briefing in Delhi at 4.15 p.m., the text of the spokesperson’s press conference would be in the hands of all State spokespersons by 6 p.m.

On July 27, when Rahul Gandhi addresses PCC chiefs of all States, whether ruled by the Congress or not, as well as the Congress Legislature Party leaders of non-Congress-ruled States, he will impress upon them the need to keep up the pressure on the Chief Ministers to implement the food security programme expeditiously, explain its significance to the people at large, and stress that the bulk of the subsidy comes from the Centre.

For instance, if the current central subsidy for rice is Rs 18 per kg, rice that costs Rs. 23 a kg is being given to the States at Rs 5. So a State that supplies it at Re 1 a kg, for instance, is providing only a subsidy of Rs. 4 per kg. Now, of course, the central subsidy will increase further.

While Congress-ruled Delhi has announced its decision to implement the scheme from August 20, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had said in the meeting that he was also ready to roll out the scheme from the same day.

Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi -- the energetic Congress leaders

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has been leading her party very effectively and under her guidance Congress-led UPA government at the centre implemented various welfare policies for the benefit of the poor in the country. Her daughter and Star Congress campaigner Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is also another energetic leader who strike chords with the people very easily.

Rahul Gandhi --progressive leader with modern vision like Rajiv Gandhi

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is a leader who follows the footsteps of his father -- late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi -- the creator of modern India. Like Rajiv Gandhi Rahul Gandhi also has a modern and progressive vision and believes that one should take all sections of the people in the process of development.

Rahul Gandhi asks UP Congressmen to strengthen party at grassroot level

While the Congress party has been preparing itself for the 2014 Lok Sabha poll battle, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged Congress workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroot level in Uttar Pradesh.

Rahul Gandhi held a review meeting to take stock of the party's poll preparations in the state. Congress poll managers apprehend that there is a well-thought out attempt by the BJP to polarise elections in the state, where the Ram Temple issue had once catapulted the BJP to limelight. Congress leaders feel that the party should get its act together to regain the lost glory in the state. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the last Lok Sabha elections had given hopes for revival of the organisation as it secured as many as 22 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats.

In his meetings with the AICC general secretary in-charges of states, chief ministers or CLP leader and PCC chiefs of states, Rahul Gandhi had earlier directed them to fill up a form listing the number of meetings, they hold at the block and district levels. The Congress Vice President reviewed the work done on the basis of that format today. Besides, Uttar Pradesh, he also reviewed the party preparations in the Congress-ruled Haryana. AICC general secretary in-charge of organisations Janardan Dwivedi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel participated in both meetings. AICC general secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh Madhusudan Mistri, PCC chief Nirmal Khatri, CLP leader Pradip Mathur besides AICC secretaries in-charge of the state attended the meeting on Uttar Pradesh.

Like Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi too a leader with a vision for modern India

The Congress workers across the country are in better spirits after appointing Rahul Gandhi as its Vice President. Rahul Gandhi is a leader who follows the footsteps of his father -- late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi -- the creator of modern India. Like Rajiv Gandhi Rahul Gandhi also has a modern and progressive vision and believes that one should take all sections of the people in the process of development.

Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi meets President

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday had a luncheon meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee. Mukherjee, who will be completing his first year in the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 25, has been holding interaction with the top brass of various political parties ever since he assumed the country's top office last year. Rahul Gandhi's lunch with the President on Monday happened days after the Congress Vice President attended a meeting of the party's Core Group, considered to be an interface between the party and the government, for the first time.

 Soon after becoming President, Mukherjee had invited Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her entire family including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Robert Vadra for dinner in July last year.  Besides, the President has been regularly interacting over lunch and dinner with top political leaders of all other parties as well.  Rahul Gandhi shared warm relations with Mukherjee and had gone to greet him at his residence immediately after his becoming President.
 Rahul Gandhi heads a special group set up by the party for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Priyanka Gandhi -- an energetic leader people always love

Priyanka Gandhi, the daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, is one of the most charismatic leaders in the party. Wherever she campaigned, especially in her mother Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli, she did receive a warm and affectionate welcome by the people there..

Food Security Bill - a wonderful gift from Sonia Gandhi for the common man

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had said on several occasions, We (Congress) want no one in our country sleeps in hunger" and now it has become a reality. The Union cabinet has given itsa nod for a Food Security ordinance. The people of Raebareli showered praises on Sonia Gandhi and Congress-led Central govt for bringing in such a land mark scheme for the benefit of the poor in the country.

Food Security scheme will help the poor; implement it fast; urges Sonia Gandhi to party CMs

NEW DELHI: UPA Chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi held a meeting with the Congress Chief Ministers and state party chiefs on Saturday to discuss about the fast implementation of the Food Security scheme. She asked Congress leaders to roll out the welfare scheme in letter and spirit which the party sees as a game changer in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Sonia Gandhi has been putting her consistent efforts to make the food security programme a reality. She told the Congress CMs that food scheme must be implemented as soon as possible as it helps the poor, women and children. Further it was a promise in the election manifesto of the Congress party during 2009 general polls.

The Congress President held discussions with Congress chief ministers on how to implement the food scheme seeking to provide cheap food-grains to 82 crore people, for which an ordinance was promulgated last week.  The meeting was held at a time when the party is preparing for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.  Congress is hopeful that people would give it another mandate as the Centre has implemented various land mark welfare schemes like MNREGA, direct benefits transfer and Food Security.

Delhi, where assembly polls are due by year-end, will be the first state to launch the scheme on August 20, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Besides Congress CMs, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, party vice president Rahul Gandhi, food minister K V Thomas, AICC general secretaries and Core Group members were present in the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that the scheme is implemented in the best possible manner with Congress-ruled states becoming role models in implementation of the food security measure.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme and the Food Security Act are being considered as major legislations by the Congress led UPA-II government at the centre as was the farmers' loan waiver scheme and MNREGA announced in UPA-I.  The loan waiver and MNREGA schemes were credited among other things for return of UPA to power in 2009.

Charismatic leaders -- Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has been leading her party very effectively and under her guidance Congress-led UPA government at the centre implemented various welfare policies for the benefit of the poor in the country. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and star Congress campaigner Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are also playing their parts well in propagating the good works done by the Centre.

Sonia Gandhi -- always committed for the welfare of common man

Welfare and upliftment of the poor- has been the motto of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. It was mainly because of her consistent efforts, the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre implemented several landmark polices like RTI, MNREGA and now the Food Security scheme. The Congress President had said on several occasions, "No one in our country should sleep in hunger" and now her dream has become a reality by the Food Security ordinance.

Rahul Gandhi - a true leader who fights for welfare of the poor

Congress Vice President and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi has surprised many people with his sudden and unscheduled visits to the villages. He always loved to go to the poor, mingle with them and know their issues. He always believes that the strength of the country is in the villages.

Priyanka Gandhi -- energetic, efficient and charismatic leader

Priyanka Gandhi, the daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, is one of the most charismatic leaders in the party. She had campaigned for her mother Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli in the recent Parliament elections and she has proved her ability to win the hearts of the common people.

Congress gets new hope under young Vice President Rahul Gandhi

The Congress workers across the country are in better spirits after appointing Rahul Gandhi as its Vice President. Rahul Gandhi has been arguing for democratisation in all institutions and specially the Congress Party. He did it in the NSUI and Youth Congress and he has been putting his efforts to make the party leadership a good blend of youth and experienced.

Rahul Gandhi attends Congress Core Committee meeting on Telangana

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attended the Congress Core Committee meeting for the first time on Friday as the top leadership held deliberations to take a concrete view on the Telangana issue.

This is the first time, Rahul Gandhi is attending a meeting of the Congress Core Group as party Vice President. Rahul Gandhi also heads a special group set up by the party for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress Vice President had been organising regular meetings of party leaders of states in AICC to prepare the state units for the polls. On Friday also he held consultations with leaders of poll-bound Rajasthan at the AICC headquarters.

The Congress core group is an interface between the party and the government and is chaired by party president Sonia Gandhi, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister P Chidamabaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and the Congress President's political secretary Ahmed Patel are its members.

The group usually meets every Friday at the Prime Minister's official residence and formulates opinion on key issues confronting the government.

Food Security: Sonia Gandhi to meet Congress CMS, PCC chiefs

New Delhi: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will convene a meeting of Congress Chief Ministers and other senior party leaders to discuss and finalise the strategy to implement the food security scheme, which is her dream project, to provide subsidised food to nearly two-thirds of the population.

Sonia Gandhi will hold the meeting on Saturday at her 10, Janpath residence to discuss quick implementation of the scheme intended to benefit millions. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will also be present at the meeting. The party machinery in different states has been asked to give adequate information to the masses regarding the food security programme and expose the anti-poor stance of the Opposition.

Congress party is giving top billing to the food security programme and hopes that schemes such as MGNREGA, RTI, RTE and farmers' loan waiver too, will definitely strengthen their chances for yet another electoral victory.
“Sonia Gandhi has decided to convene a meeting of all our party chief ministers and party functionaries to hold a brain-storming session on the implementation of the right to food that has been launched with the promulgation of the ordinance on the food bill,” said a Congress leader.

 The meeting, which will include top cabinet ministers, Congress chief ministers, AICC general secretaries and state Congress chiefs, will firm up a political strategy for the party's government and organisational wings at the Centre and in the states to jointly mobilise a nationwide campaign to highlight the scheme and mount pressure on the opposition to cooperate with the government to pass the food bill in the monsoon session of Parliament, expected in August. The conclave will be addressed by Sonia Gandhi and her son and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior Congress cabinet ministers at the Centre.

The Congress has 14 CMs. The party is also sharing power with National Conference in J&K and will soon join a JMMled government in Jharkhand. Apart from party leaders of Congress-ruled states, party leaders in opposition-ruled states will also be called to the conclave. The gathering will also firm up an action plan to take on the opposition, especially the BJP, which has come out strongly against the cabinet's decision to opt for the ordinance route on the food bill. The Congress leadership thinks the party should mobile a campaign that should not only spread the benefits of the food scheme, but also highlight the fact that it was one of the key promised in the Congress manifesto for the 2009 polls.

Charismatic leaders -- Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has been leading her party very effectively and under her guidance Congress-led UPA government at the centre implemented various welfare policies for the benefit of the poor in the country. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and star Congress campaigner Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are also playing their parts well in propagating the good works done by the Centre.

Sonia Gandhi -- always committed for the welfare of common man

Welfare and upliftment of the poor- has been the motto of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. It was mainly because of her consistent efforts, the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre implemented several landmark polices like RTI, MNREGA and now the Food Security scheme. The Congress President had said on several occasions, "No one in our country should sleep in hunger" and now her dream has become a reality by the Food Security ordinance.

Sonia Gandhi visits Bodh Gaya blasts site alongwith Shinde

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited the blasts site at Bodh Gaya alongwith Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Wednesday. Both Shinde and Sonia Gandhi reached the revered Mahabodhi Temple - the holy Buddhist shrine - which was targeted by a series of explosions on Sunday and enquired details about the blasts and the progress made so far by the agencies probing the case. Shinde, who is accompanied by top officials of his ministry, also met officials of investigating agencies during his visit. Shinde also had a brief interaction with the media in the presence of Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi went to the sites where 10 bombs exploded early Sunday alongwioth the Home Minister and other Congress leaders. The Bodh Gaya temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is where the Buddha, who was born in neighbouring Nepal, attained enlightenment about 2,500 years ago.

Whenever any tragedy occurs in the country, Sonia Gandhi used to be first person to reach the place and meet the victims and take stock of the situation. She had visited the state of Uttarakhand where lots of people were affected by the flash floods and so many lives lost. She also had visited a hospital in Kashmir during her visit to the state to meet the injured soldiers in the recent militant attack in Srinagar. 

In the wee hours on Sunday, a series of synchronised blasts took place in the different parts of the temple. Two monks were injured in the incident. Forensic experts and local investigators later found three unexploded bombs from the blasts sites, one even placed 20 feet high on a Buddha statue.

Rahul Gandhi - a true leader who fights for welfare of the poor

Congress Vice President and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi has surprised many people with his sudden and unscheduled visits to the villages. He always loved to go to the poor, mingle with them and know their issues. He always believes that the strength of the country is in the villages.

Priyanka Gandhi -- energetic, efficient and charismatic leader

Priyanka Gandhi, the daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, is one of the most charismatic leaders in the party. She had campaigned for her mother Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli in the recent Parliament elections and she has proved her ability to win the hearts of the common people.

Congress gets new hope under young Vice President Rahul Gandhi

The Congress workers across the country are in better spirits after appointing Rahul Gandhi as its Vice President. Rahul Gandhi has been arguing for democratisation in all institutions and specially the Congress Party. He did it in the NSUI and Youth Congress and he has been putting his efforts to make the party leadership a good blend of youth and experienced.

Sonia Gandhi at Banihal (J&K): UPA govt believes in inclusive growth

The Banihal-Quazigund railway section, providing all-weather surface link to Kashmir valley, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Jammu and Kashmir. "UPA Government at the centre believes in inclusive growth. We also take measures for welfare and upliftment of the people at far-flung areas who are deprived off basic facilities. This was the vision for 'Bharat Nirman' of late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, who had drafted a road-map for the modern India. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi followed his foot- steps. The UPA Government at centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also has been following this vision of development" said Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi at Banihal (J&K) lists out UPA Govt's rural welfare policies

The Banihal-Quazigund railway section, providing all-weather surface link to Kashmir valley, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Jammu and Kashmir. "During the past few years, the central government has extended support to the Jammu Kashmir government to build roads, highways, tunnels, bridges and railway lines. Efforts have also been made to ensure connectivity in the distant areas. The Mughal road connecting Kashmiri Ghati to Rajouri, the tunnel and the highway between Kashmir and Ladak are some of the examples. We also want proper roads in all the villages here so that there will not be any problem for commuting in all seasons and I am confident that the central government will ensure timely completion of all such rural road projects undertaken in the state" said Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi at Banihal (J&K): People of Kashmir are fed up with violence

The Banihal-Quazigund railway section, providing all-weather surface link to Kashmir valley, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Jammu and Kashmir. "The National Conference (NC)-Congress coalition government in the state has initiated several development processes to transform the state. The people also have started appreciating these efforts. The turn-out in the recently held Panchayat elections in the state undoubtedly prove that, the people of the state are fed up with the violence and they want to live in peace and harmony. The youth here want good education, better job opportunities and a bright career. Similarly, the Kashmiri women want to be self-reliant and they look for positive changes in their living standards. The UPA Government has therefore launched schemes like HIMAYAT and UMEED. Several other initiatives are also being implemented" said Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi at Banihal (J&K) assures full support for Kashmir's development

The Banihal-Quazigund railway section, providing all-weather surface link to Kashmir valley, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Jammu and Kashmir. " I believe that all local bodies should be given more autonomy and financial support and its elections should be held in time. I don't deny that there were some issues in the state regarding this but I am sure that with due consultations, discussions and meetings we can find solutions to every problem" said the Congress President. " The people of Kashmir have the potential and talent to surge ahead and to build a bright future. We need to continue our efforts for better development based on secularism and inclusiveness. We will stand by the people of Kashmir and will together work to ensure their good future" said Sonia Gandhi.

Food Security Bill - Gift from Sonia Gandhi to the poor in the country

"No one in our country should starve" that has been the dream of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and now Union Cabinet has given its nod for a Food Security ordinance. "This is a great step by the Centre and I congratulate Sonia Gandhi for such a good scheme. Poor will get nutritious food at cheaper rates" feels Komal, a local resident of Raebareli, the Parliament constituency of Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia Gandhi, Shinde during a press conference at Bodh Gaya

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinder talking to media after visiting the blasts-site at Mahabodhi temple, Bodh Gaya in Bihar alongwith Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Both Shinde and sonia Gandhi condemned the attack at the sacred place. Shinde informed that the NIA has taken over the probe into the serial explosions after Bihar Government's request for the same.

Bodh Gaya blasts: Sonia Gandhi, Sushil Kumar Shinde visit Mahabodhi temple complex

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited the blasts site at Bodh Gaya alongwith Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Wednesday. Both Shinde and Sonia Gandhi reached the revered Mahabodhi Temple - the holy Buddhist shrine - which was targeted by a series of explosions on Sunday and enquired details about the blasts and the progress made so far by the agencies probing the case. Shinde, who is accompanied by top officials of his ministry, will also meet officials of investigating agencies during his visit to Bodh Gaya.

Energetic leader Priyanka Gandhi – the favourite of the common people

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, has a special quality to easily mingle with the masses and win their hearts. Wherever she goes, she gets good gathering of aam aadmi and she talks to them in a very simple by touching language. Priyanka Gandhi has the charisma, energy and the capability as a great mass leader and undoubtedly she is a great leader of the future.

Sonia Gandhi terms Bodh Gaya blasts as cowardly act

New Delhi: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi condemned the serial blasts at Mahabodhi temple in Bihar and termed it as a cowardly act. The Congress President also expressed hope that the guilty will be brought to book at the earliest. Sonia Gandhi said the attack on the sanctum sanctorum of peace was unfortunate.

"Congress President Sonia Gandhi has condemned the attack at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya. Terming the incident as cowardly, she said that an attack on the sanctum sanctorum of peace was unfortunate to say the least. She expressed hope that the guilty will be brought to book at the earliest," the AICC release said.
Congress General Secretary and communication department in-charge Ajay Maken earlier said, "We condemn this horrific incident in Bodh Gaya. I urge the state government and other agencies to bring the guilty to justice as soon as possible. We also wish speedy recovery to all the injured."

Terror struck one of the holiest Buddhist shrines, the Mahabodhi Temple, and other places in Bihar's pilgrimage town of Bodh Gaya early today, with suspected Indian Mujahideen operatives simultaneously triggering nine low intensity bombs leaving two monks injured.

A five-member NIA team comprising a DIG and two SPs has reached there by a special plane from New Delhi and began their probe at the temple complex.

Cabinet nod for Sonia Gandhi’s dream project - Food Security

“We want no one in our country sleeps in hunger and that is why we want to bring in a Food Security Bill” said Sonia Gandhi on several occasions. She has been expressing her desire to make this land mark legislation a reality. This has been the dream of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi too. But the opposition has been trying to create hindrances in its passage and finally, the Centre had to take the ordinance route in this regard.

The consistent efforts of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have finally reaped benefits. She has been pushing the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre to put the food security bill on fast track as the Congress had promised a ‘right to food’ in its 2009 election manifesto. With Sonia Gandhi insisting that the Food Security Bill be implemented at the earliest, the UPA cabinet has now given its nod for a Food Security ordinance at Wednesday’s meeting of the Union Cabinet meeting. The Food Security programme when implemented will be the biggest in the world with the government spending estimated at Rs 125,000 crore annually on supply of about 62 million tonnes of rice, wheat and coarse cereals to 67% of the population.

The Cabinet had deferred its proposal to promulgate an ordinance on the Food Security Bill last month and instead decided to hold consultations with allies and Opposition parties for their support for the proposed legislation. Home Minister and Lok Sabha leader Sushil Kumar Shinde, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath and Food Minister K V Thomas were asked to conduct the consultations. There was also a proposal to convene a special session of Parliament for the passage of this bill. Sonia Gandhi wanted the bill to be passed as soon as possible so that its benefits can reach the people.

The ordinance cleared will provide 5kg of foodgrain per person per month to 67% of the country’s population at a subsidised price of Rs.1 to Rs.3 per kg. The poorest of poor households that fall under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana programme will continue to get 35kg of foodgrain per household per month. And states and union territories will continue to receive at least as much grain as they currently do from the centre.

Proper implementation of the Food Security Bill (FSB) will lower spending on foodgrains by below poverty line (BPL) households, and free up resources for spending on other goods and services, in particular health, education, and nutritious food.

Here are some of the highlights of this bill:

•  Up to three-quarters of people in the rural areas and up to half of the urban population would get five kilograms of grains per month at subsidized prices (3 rupees per kilo for rice, 2 rupees per kilo for wheat and 1 rupee per kilo for coarse grains).

•  The poorest households would continue to receive 35 kilograms of grains per month under the “Antyodaya Anna Yojana” at subsidized prices.

•  Pregnant women and lactating mothers would receive a maternity benefit of at least 6,000 rupees.

•  Children aged six months to 14 years would get take-home ration or hot cooked food.

•  The central government also would provide money to states and union territories if it runs low on grain.

•  The central government also would provide “assistance” towards the cost of intra-state transportation, handling of grains.

•  The oldest adult woman in each house would be considered the head of that household for issue of ration card.

Sonia Gandhi wants fast implementation of food security bill

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has expressed her commitment for an effective food security law on several occasions for the benefit of the poor. 'Congress led UPA government wants no one in our country sleeps in hunger and so wants to implement food security bill at the earliest ' had said Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi’s tough message to Congress leaders – ‘Zero tolerance to groupism'

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi warned Congress leaders against any act of groupism within the party and also told the leaders that coordination and cooperation is the key to success.

In his first formal interaction with newly-appointed party office-bearers Rahul Gandhi categorically asserted that accountability will follow responsibility.

At a time when series of assembly polls are going to take place apart from Lok Sabha elections by May next, the Congress Vice President said that the  Congress party set up should project a picture of a united family where the young give respect to elders and draw from their experience. Rahul Gandhi said the Congress leaders should prepare a roadmap for the states under their charge and the secretaries should visit the district and block levels as per the plan.

The Congress leader who has frequently talked about the system being closed to youngsters, asked the leaders to help open it up. Congress general secretaries, who had in earlier meetings with Gandhi, complained of not having been given adequate responsibilities, have been given the charge this time and they will have to do lot of touring of the states. Seeking to put the house in order, Gandhi said factionalism is detrimental to the party’s interests and should be shunned.

Rahul Gandhi also chose the occassion to flag the issue of inadequate representation to women in the AICC and other party wings. “Rahul Gandhi talked about how to ensure 50 percent representation to women in AICC…It’s not about reservation. It’s about their representation. When he observed that their (women) presence is not in the proportion it should be, he said the presence of women is less but it will definitely be 50 per cent in the coming two-three years,” party spokesperson Bhakta Charan Das told reporters after the meeting.

Jharkhand: Sonia Gandhi holds discussions with senior Congress leaders on govt formation

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday held discussions with senior party leaders regarding an alliance with JMM for the next Lok Sabha polls and formation of a coalition government in Jharkhand.

Defence Minister Antony, who chairs the sub-group on alliances for the next general elections, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary in-charge of Jharkhand B K Hariprasad, AICC General Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, Jharkhand Congress chief Sukhdeo Bhagat and CLP leader Rajendra Singh met Sonia Gandhi to apprise her of the progress of the talks with JMM so far.

Earlier, Bhagat, Singh and senior state Congress leader Sarfaraz Ahmed met RJD chief Lalu Prasad. Singh said he was 100 per cent sure that the RJD would back the new government in Jharkhand.

The Congress party has agreed to have a JMM Chief Minister in the state which in lieu has consented to give a lion's share of the 14 Lok Sabha seats to the Congress. Shibu Soren's son Hemant Soren, who is tipped to be the next chief minister, held a meeting with RJD chief Lalu Prasad last night to seek his support for the coalition government.

Hours before his meeting with Prasad, Soren had a long discussion with Antony, the Congress President's political secretary Ahmed Patel where further steps in connection with government formation were learnt to have been discussed.

President's Rule was imposed in Jharkhand on January 18 following the resignation of Chief Minister Arjun Munda. In the 82-member Assembly, BJP and JMM have 18 MLAs each. The Congress has a total of 13 members, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha(P) 11 and RJD 5. CPI-ML(L), Marxist Coordination Party, Jharkhand Party (Ekka), Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch and Jai Bharat Samta Party have one member each besides an independent.