A host of party heavyweights will be present when Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi files his nomination for the party chief's post at its headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, with over 90 sets of nomination papers likely to be filed to support his candidature.
Six chief ministers — Punjab's Amarinder Singh, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh's Virbhadra Singh, Puducherry's V Narayanasamy, Meghalaya's Mukul Sangma and Mizoram's Lal Thanhawla — are expected to be present when over 90 sets of nomination papers are likely to be filed by various leaders to extend support to Rahul Gandhi's candidature.
Congress state unit chiefs, senior leaders and Pradesh Congress Committee delegates will be present at the party's central office to express support to Rahul Gandhi ahead of his much-awaited elevation.
The Congress vice president is likely to reach the party headquarters around 10.30 am to file his nomination. He will sign sets of nomination papers to be filed before the Returning Officer.
File image of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. PTI
Mullappally Ramachandran, the Returning Officer for the organisational election, told IANS that 90 nomination forms were taken by different states though not one has been submitted so far.
The process of nominations started on Friday. The last date for filing nominations is 4 December.
Reacting to criticism over the election process, Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev told the media: "All I want to say is that it is happening under Election Commission supervision. When we talk about electoral democracy, I wish to say, we conduct (internal) elections while adhering to Election Commission rules. It is being done with full transparency. We have not violated any rules."
She said if someone was raising questions, what was the basis on which they were doing so. "I won't be able to comment about it. Only those who have raised the issue can explain."
On Sunday, many senior Congress leaders, its members of Parliament and PCC chiefs arrived at the party headquarters to sign the papers, including Sachin Pilot, Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Shukla, PC Chacko, Shobha Oza, Hamdulla Sayeed and others.
Apart from states and union territories, senior leaders on the Congress Working Committee (CWC), including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, AK Antony, Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad are likely to submit different sets of nomination papers.
The elevation of Rahul Gandhi, who is presently spearheading the Congress campaign ahead of the 9 and 14 December Gujarat Assembly polls, has been much talked about in party circles for around two years.
With Rahul Gandhi in all likelihood to be the only candidate in the fray, he could be declared the next Congress chief on 5 December after scrutiny of nominations.
He will succeed his mother Sonia Gandhi, the longest serving Congress chief who has helmed the party since 1998.
Rahul Gandhi became the Congress vice president in January 2013.
With inputs from IANS
Published Date: Dec 04, 2017 01:27 pm | Updated Date: Dec 04, 2017 01:47 pm
Highlights
'Pidhikaran' of Congress is complete, says BJP
The BJP on Monday played on the words "Pidi" and "peedi" while dismissing the process for generational change in the Congress leadership as "Pidhikaran", a reference to Rahul Gandhi's dog. Neither the old "peedi" nor the new "peedi" matter in the opposition party, BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said, using the Hindi word for generation to take a swipe at the process to elevate Rahul Gandhi from vice president to president of the Congress.
In no organisation is a member promoted for repeatedly failing to perform, he said after the Gandhi scion filed his nomination papers to succeed his mother Sonia Gandhi as Congress president. "Pidhikaran of the Congress is now complete. Neither the old generation (PEEDI), nor the new generation matters. Only Pidhi matters," Rao said.
Mani Shankar Aiyar's Aurangzeb comment was in response to Poonawalla's remark
Replying to a question about BJP's criticism following Maharashtra Congress leader Shehzad Poonawalla calling Rahul Gandhi's election as party chief rigged, Mani Shankar Aiyar said, "When Shah Jahan came in the place of Jahangir did any election happen? And when Aurangzeb came in place of Shah Jahan did any election happen? It was known to everyone that the throne of the king will automatically go to the heir." Aiyar's comments came as a retort to the "dynasty" jibes of the BJP on Rahul Gandhi's election.
"But in a democracy elections are held. I openly invite Poonawala to file the nomination and contest," Aiyar said, adding has anyone heard of Shehzad Poonawala.
Wish Rahul all the very best going ahead: Omar Abdullah
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah wished Rahul Gandhi and tweeted, "As Rahul Gandhi files his nomination to take over the Grand Old Party of India (Congress) I wish him all the very best going ahead. Expectations are high, challenges are numerous & I pray for his success."
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala shares photos from coronation
Congress has become a burden on this nation: Adiyanath
"Congress has become a burden on this nation, now would be good if after Rahul ji's elevation once and for all this burden is removed," says Chief Minister Adityanath.
Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies on his Aurangzeb remark
"Don't compare both, during Mughal rule it was understood that after Jehangir, Shahjahan will be the leader but here anyone is free to contest against Rahul Gandhi, its a totally democratic process," says Mani Shankar Aiyar.
WATCH: Congress' Mani Shankar Aiyar comparing Congress to the Mughal raj
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya on Monday tweeted out Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's quotes to a TV channel where the party veteran compared the Congress to Mughal era. "Was their an election process to chose Shah Jahan after Jehangir? Or was their a poll to elect Aurangzeb after Shah Jahan?"
The Congress leader's quote has already been picked up by Narendra Modi who is addressing several rallies in poll-bound Gujarat today.
Teach Congress a lesson on 9 December, says Modi
"On 9 December, you have to decide the destiny of Gujarat.. The vote is against those who hate Guajrati people, Gujarat state, its name itself. 9 December is the date when you can teach a lesson these people who are defaming Gujarat."
Click here for live updates on Narendra Modi's rally in Gujarat
'Earlier, Congress would go out of the way to show their secularism but now we are all seeing what they are doing'
"Earlier, Congress would go out of the way to show their secularism but now we are all seeing what they are doing in this election, where they are going. Unfortunately for them, Muslims know their real nature," says Narendra Modi.
...Congress accepts its a family party? We don't want this Aurangzeb rule: Modi
"Mani Shankar Aiyar said that 'did elections happen during Mughal rule? After Jehangir, Shahjahan came, was any election held? After Shahjahan it was understood Aurangzeb will be the leader'. So Congress accepts its a family party? We don't want this Aurangzeb rule," says Narendra Modi in Gujarat's Dharmapur.
I congratulate Congress on their Aurangzeb Raj: Narendra Modi in Gujarat
Prime Minister Modi is addressing a rally in Gujarat's Dharampur where he has raked up Mani Shankar Aiyar's reported statement on Rahul Gandhi's elevation. "Mani Shankar Aiyar says it’s like Aurangzeb taking over from Shah Jahan," says Modi.
"I congratulate the Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj'. For us, the well-being of the people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command."
"Congress party leaders themselves agree that it isn't a party, rather a clan. Congress can't either tolerate or accept leaders from Gujarat. They have always defamed Gujarat. They put (former Prime Minister) Morarji Desai in jail."
Take a look at all past Congress presidents since the party's inception
Modi has business commenting on Congress' internal matter: Siddaramaiah
"If anyone wants to participate in elections he or she is free to do so,its going on in democratic manner. Prime Minister has no business to comment on Congress's internal matter," Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Rahul Gandhi filing nomination for party president.
RECAP: Congress' election schedule
Shehzad Poonawalla says Congress appointing dummy candidate so that this sham looks like an election
"Mere sources mujhe bata rahe hain ki darbariyon mein baat chal rahi hai ki ek dummy candidate utara jaye taake ye election lage, lekin ab logon ki aankhon mein dhool nahi jhonk sakte (My sources have told me that the discussion among the "courtiers" is that they will appoint a dummy candidate so that this sham looks like an election. But they can't fool people for too long.)"
Comparison with Rajiv Gandhi
Rahul's personal charisma, and ability to strike a chord with the people, urged many to compare him to his father and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Just like Rajiv, Rahul's complete disregard for his security, as he mingled with cheering crowds, or when he rode pillion on a motorbike to reach agitating farmers in Bhatta Parsaul, were a reminder of his father's ways of politics.
Rahul Gandhi: The idealist
Rahul, unlike many other grassroots leaders who later shot to fame, never had to fight for recognition. He was representing the fourth generation of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and was perhaps destined to enter politics, the moment his mother accepted the role of Congress president, reluctantly in 1998.
When he made his electoral debut in 2004 Lok Sabha election, the family's traditional constituency Amethi — which had been represented by Sanjay, Rajiv, and Sonia Gandhi in the past — embraced him warmly. Within the party, his entry in politics was hailed as "Congress' Obama moment", NDTV reported at the time.
Manmohan Singh says Rahul Gandhi will carry on the great traditions of Congress
"Sonia Gandhi has been party president for 19 years. This (Rahul Gandhi's nomination) is yet another step in that direction. Rahul Gandhi will carry on the great traditions of the Congress party," said the former prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Rahul Gandhi files his nomination papers, likely to be elected unopposed
Rahul Gandhi reaches AICC headquarters
Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Ahmed Patel and Jithin Das, arrives at the Congress headquarters to file his nomination papers.
Congress leader Kamal Nath hits out at BJP over allegations of election rigging
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Kamal Nath said, "Do BJP presidents get elected? Did Nitin Gadkari get elected through a ballot process? Let them answer that first."
Time for Rahul Gandhi to take Congress party forward: Dr. Karan Singh
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Dr. Karan Singh said, "Soniaji took Congress to new heights. We won many elections under her leadership and now it is time for Rahul Gandhi to take the party forward."
Time for Rahul Gandhi to take Congress party forward: Dr. Karan Singh
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Dr. Karan Singh said, "Soniaji took Congress to new heights. We won many elections under her leadership and now it is time for Rahul Gandhi to take the party forward."
Rahul Gandhi reaches Manmohan Singh's house
Rahul Gandhi to file nomination at 10.30 am
A host of party heavyweights will be present when Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi files his nomination for the party chief's post at its headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, with over 90 sets of nomination papers likely to be filed to support his candidature.
The Congress vice president is likely to reach the party headquarters around 10.30 am to file his nomination. He will sign sets of nomination papers to be filed before the Returning Officer.
-IANS
13:47 (IST)
'Pidhikaran' of Congress is complete, says BJP
The BJP on Monday played on the words "Pidi" and "peedi" while dismissing the process for generational change in the Congress leadership as "Pidhikaran", a reference to Rahul Gandhi's dog. Neither the old "peedi" nor the new "peedi" matter in the opposition party, BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said, using the Hindi word for generation to take a swipe at the process to elevate Rahul Gandhi from vice president to president of the Congress.
In no organisation is a member promoted for repeatedly failing to perform, he said after the Gandhi scion filed his nomination papers to succeed his mother Sonia Gandhi as Congress president. "Pidhikaran of the Congress is now complete. Neither the old generation (PEEDI), nor the new generation matters. Only Pidhi matters," Rao said.
13:44 (IST)
Mani Shankar Aiyar's Aurangzeb comment was in response to Poonawalla's remark
Replying to a question about BJP's criticism following Maharashtra Congress leader Shehzad Poonawalla calling Rahul Gandhi's election as party chief rigged, Mani Shankar Aiyar said, "When Shah Jahan came in the place of Jahangir did any election happen? And when Aurangzeb came in place of Shah Jahan did any election happen? It was known to everyone that the throne of the king will automatically go to the heir." Aiyar's comments came as a retort to the "dynasty" jibes of the BJP on Rahul Gandhi's election.
"But in a democracy elections are held. I openly invite Poonawala to file the nomination and contest," Aiyar said, adding has anyone heard of Shehzad Poonawala.
13:40 (IST)
Wish Rahul all the very best going ahead: Omar Abdullah
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah wished Rahul Gandhi and tweeted, "As Rahul Gandhi files his nomination to take over the Grand Old Party of India (Congress) I wish him all the very best going ahead. Expectations are high, challenges are numerous & I pray for his success."
13:39 (IST)
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala shares photos from coronation
13:36 (IST)
Congress has become a burden on this nation: Adiyanath
"Congress has become a burden on this nation, now would be good if after Rahul ji's elevation once and for all this burden is removed," says Chief Minister Adityanath.
13:35 (IST)
Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies on his Aurangzeb remark
"Don't compare both, during Mughal rule it was understood that after Jehangir, Shahjahan will be the leader but here anyone is free to contest against Rahul Gandhi, its a totally democratic process," says Mani Shankar Aiyar.
13:05 (IST)
WATCH: Congress' Mani Shankar Aiyar comparing Congress to the Mughal raj
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya on Monday tweeted out Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's quotes to a TV channel where the party veteran compared the Congress to Mughal era. "Was their an election process to chose Shah Jahan after Jehangir? Or was their a poll to elect Aurangzeb after Shah Jahan?"
The Congress leader's quote has already been picked up by Narendra Modi who is addressing several rallies in poll-bound Gujarat today.
12:59 (IST)
Teach Congress a lesson on 9 December, says Modi
"On 9 December, you have to decide the destiny of Gujarat.. The vote is against those who hate Guajrati people, Gujarat state, its name itself. 9 December is the date when you can teach a lesson these people who are defaming Gujarat."
Click here for live updates on Narendra Modi's rally in Gujarat
12:55 (IST)
'Earlier, Congress would go out of the way to show their secularism but now we are all seeing what they are doing'
"Earlier, Congress would go out of the way to show their secularism but now we are all seeing what they are doing in this election, where they are going. Unfortunately for them, Muslims know their real nature," says Narendra Modi.
12:52 (IST)
...Congress accepts its a family party? We don't want this Aurangzeb rule: Modi
"Mani Shankar Aiyar said that 'did elections happen during Mughal rule? After Jehangir, Shahjahan came, was any election held? After Shahjahan it was understood Aurangzeb will be the leader'. So Congress accepts its a family party? We don't want this Aurangzeb rule," says Narendra Modi in Gujarat's Dharmapur.
12:50 (IST)
I congratulate Congress on their Aurangzeb Raj: Narendra Modi in Gujarat
Prime Minister Modi is addressing a rally in Gujarat's Dharampur where he has raked up Mani Shankar Aiyar's reported statement on Rahul Gandhi's elevation. "Mani Shankar Aiyar says it’s like Aurangzeb taking over from Shah Jahan," says Modi.
"I congratulate the Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj'. For us, the well-being of the people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command."
"Congress party leaders themselves agree that it isn't a party, rather a clan. Congress can't either tolerate or accept leaders from Gujarat. They have always defamed Gujarat. They put (former Prime Minister) Morarji Desai in jail."
12:10 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi to be PM candidate in 2019: RPN Singh
When News18 asked if Rahul Gandhi will Congress' prime ministerial candidate for the 2019 General Elections, RPN Singh says "there's no doubt about it". He adds, "Sonia Gandhi is our mentor and will be there to guide us through."
12:09 (IST)
Take a look at all past Congress presidents since the party's inception
12:06 (IST)
Modi has business commenting on Congress' internal matter: Siddaramaiah
"If anyone wants to participate in elections he or she is free to do so,its going on in democratic manner. Prime Minister has no business to comment on Congress's internal matter," Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Rahul Gandhi filing nomination for party president.
12:00 (IST)
RECAP: Congress' election schedule
11:54 (IST)
Shehzad Poonawalla says Congress appointing dummy candidate so that this sham looks like an election
"Mere sources mujhe bata rahe hain ki darbariyon mein baat chal rahi hai ki ek dummy candidate utara jaye taake ye election lage, lekin ab logon ki aankhon mein dhool nahi jhonk sakte (My sources have told me that the discussion among the "courtiers" is that they will appoint a dummy candidate so that this sham looks like an election. But they can't fool people for too long.)"
11:40 (IST)
Comparison with Rajiv Gandhi
Rahul's personal charisma, and ability to strike a chord with the people, urged many to compare him to his father and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Just like Rajiv, Rahul's complete disregard for his security, as he mingled with cheering crowds, or when he rode pillion on a motorbike to reach agitating farmers in Bhatta Parsaul, were a reminder of his father's ways of politics.
11:40 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi: The idealist
Rahul, unlike many other grassroots leaders who later shot to fame, never had to fight for recognition. He was representing the fourth generation of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and was perhaps destined to enter politics, the moment his mother accepted the role of Congress president, reluctantly in 1998.
When he made his electoral debut in 2004 Lok Sabha election, the family's traditional constituency Amethi — which had been represented by Sanjay, Rajiv, and Sonia Gandhi in the past — embraced him warmly. Within the party, his entry in politics was hailed as "Congress' Obama moment", NDTV reported at the time.
11:26 (IST)
'Rahul Gandhi has not opted for this, party workers asked him to file nomination': Congress leader Oscar Fernandes
11:24 (IST)
Mallikarjun Kharge wishes Rahul Gandhi the best
11:22 (IST)
Karnataka CM Siddaramiah congratulates Rahul Gandhi
11:22 (IST)
Manmohan Singh says Rahul Gandhi will carry on the great traditions of Congress
"Sonia Gandhi has been party president for 19 years. This (Rahul Gandhi's nomination) is yet another step in that direction. Rahul Gandhi will carry on the great traditions of the Congress party," said the former prime minister Manmohan Singh.
11:18 (IST)
Ghulam Nabi Azad on why Rahul Gandhi is perfect for Congress president
11:16 (IST)
Ayodhya — one of the main issues Rahul Gandhi will be challenged with
In the scenario of the Supreme Court disallowing the building of the Ram temple, Muslim triumphalism will be no less provocative. It will certainly aggravate the hurt of those Hindus for whom, because of decades of propaganda or otherwise, it is an article of faith that Lord Ram was born at the spot where the Babri Masjid once stood. A judgment against the temple will also goad the BJP into turning the 2019 elections into a veritable referendum on Lord Ram. It will ask voters to give it a mandate that would enable it to bring in a law for overcoming the adverse Supreme Court judgment. What then will be Rahul’s stance? Will he fight the 2019 election stating unequivocally that the Supreme Court judgment has to be accepted?
Read full article here
11:12 (IST)
'Have no doubt we will make tremendous strides under Rahul Gandhi': Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia
11:10 (IST)
Kamal Nath, Sheila Dikshit, Motilal Vora and Tarun Gogoi file first set of nominations
11:08 (IST)
Challenges Rahul Gandhi will need to address when he becomes Congress president
The principal tasks before Rahul Gandhi as Congress president will be to evolve strategies for countering Hindu nationalism without alienating the Hindus and ensuring Other Backward Classes (OBC) politics doesn't stump the party. These two tasks dwarf the challenges most media commentators have identified for Rahul — those of forging alliances with regional players and building the party organisation.
The Congress has been opposed to Hindu nationalism through its 132 years of existence. But this ideological position lost its edge ever since the BJP initiated the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s. Since then, the Congress has hemmed and hawed, hoping Hindu nationalism will somehow pale before issues of development, rozi-roti, and creation of jobs. Indeed, the cyclical waning of Hindu nationalism enabled the Congress to return to power in 1991, 2004 and 2009.
Read full article here
11:03 (IST)
P Chidambaram wishes Congress 'president' the very best
11:02 (IST)
Congress stronger under Rahul Gandhi, his performance is excellent: Girija Vyas
10:56 (IST)
At least 90 nominations are expected to propose Rahul Gandhi as Congress president
Mullappally Ramachandran, the Returning Officer for the organisational election, told IANS that 90 nomination forms were taken by different states though not one has been submitted so far.
The process of nominations started on Friday. The last date for filing nominations is 4 December.
IANS
10:53 (IST)
Six chief ministers, Congress state unit chiefs, delegates present at Rahul Gandhi's nomination filing
Six chief ministers — Punjab's Amarinder Singh, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh's Virbhadra Singh, Puducherry's V Narayanasamy, Meghalaya's Mukul Sangma and Mizoram's Lal Thanhawla — are expected to be present when over 90 sets of nomination papers are likely to be filed by various leaders to extend support to Rahul Gandhi's candidature.
Congress state unit chiefs, senior leaders and Pradesh Congress Committee delegates will be present at the party's central office to express support to Rahul Gandhi ahead of his much-awaited elevation.
-IANS
10:51 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi with Congress leaders Mohsina Kidwai and Sheila Dikshit
10:46 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi files his nomination papers, likely to be elected unopposed
10:45 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi reaches AICC headquarters
Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Ahmed Patel and Jithin Das, arrives at the Congress headquarters to file his nomination papers.
10:43 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi will make a good prime minister: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh
10:40 (IST)
'Rahul Gandhi has travelled across India for last 17 years': Rajiv Shukla
10:35 (IST)
Congress leader Kamal Nath hits out at BJP over allegations of election rigging
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Kamal Nath said, "Do BJP presidents get elected? Did Nitin Gadkari get elected through a ballot process? Let them answer that first."
10:34 (IST)
Manmohan Singh reaches Congress headquarters
10:33 (IST)
After Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi visits Pranab Mukherjee, reports Times Now
10:30 (IST)
Visual of Congress workers at AICC headquarters ahead of Rahul Gandhi's nomination filing
10:28 (IST)
Narendra Modi is suffering from Rahul phobia, says Congress leader Randeep S Surjewala
10:25 (IST)
Time for Rahul Gandhi to take Congress party forward: Dr. Karan Singh
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Dr. Karan Singh said, "Soniaji took Congress to new heights. We won many elections under her leadership and now it is time for Rahul Gandhi to take the party forward."
10:25 (IST)
Time for Rahul Gandhi to take Congress party forward: Dr. Karan Singh
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Dr. Karan Singh said, "Soniaji took Congress to new heights. We won many elections under her leadership and now it is time for Rahul Gandhi to take the party forward."
10:21 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi reaches Manmohan Singh's house
10:19 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi to file nomination at 10.30 am
A host of party heavyweights will be present when Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi files his nomination for the party chief's post at its headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, with over 90 sets of nomination papers likely to be filed to support his candidature.
The Congress vice president is likely to reach the party headquarters around 10.30 am to file his nomination. He will sign sets of nomination papers to be filed before the Returning Officer.
-IANS