In Kerala, Rahul Gandhi addresses fishermen Thrissur, targets Modi govt

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a fishermen's gathering at a village in Kerala's Thrissur. “Land is becoming very valuable and it is owned by farmers, they have spent last 50-60 yrs working on it. Central government wants to take their land away. So we are fighting them. The kisan (farmer) is asking me why is the NDA government intent on destroying us. Why are they not giving us the correct Minimum Support Price? Why are they not giving us compensation when rain and hail destroys our crops?” said the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi addresses public rally in Kozhikode, Kerala

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday wished the Narendra Modi government a "happy birthday" on finishing its first year in power without forgetting his month-old jibe at the Centre. "On behalf of the Congress party, I would like to officially wish the suit-boot ki sarkar a very happy birthday," the 44-year-old leader said at a rally in Kerala's Kozhikode district organised to take on the Modi government on its much-hyped anniversary.

Rahul Gandhi in Pulwama (J&K) addresses gathering after inaugurating cold-storage factory

Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi at Alumni Meet 2013

Congress president Sonia Gandhi Interacting with The NSUI office bearers during Alumni Meet 2013

Congress Vice president Rahul Gandhi at Alumni Meet 2013

Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi Interacting with The NSUI office bearers during Alumni Meet 2013

Rahul Gandhi: Chhattisgarh Naxal strike an attack on democracy

Raipur: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi Sunday said that the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh on a Congress convoy was an attack on democracy. "This is not an attack on the Congress workers or on the Congress party. It is an attack on the ideals of India, founded on the bedrock of non-violence," said Rahul Gandhi.

"No force, howsoever brutal, can deter us through violent means. Our nation shall never be deterred from working for the welfare and well-being of all our people through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means," added the Congress leader. Responding to a question on the imposition of President's Rule in the state, the party vice president said: "It is not time to do politics here. It's a very sad incident and we all have to stand together."

A large number of Maoists Saturday attacked a Congress party convoy, blocking its way with felled trees, setting off a landmine blast and then opening fire in Sukma district. The attack left close to 30 people dead and 25 injured.

Among the dead were Leader of Opposition in the Chhattisgarh assembly Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh Patel, former leader of opposition Mahendra Karma, Chhattisgarh Congress president Uday Mudaliyar and former legislator from Rajnandgaon Gopichand Madhwani.

Jaipur: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to Rajasthan, said on Thursday that he was very sad that BJP and other opposition parties had created hindrance for political reasons in passing the Food Security Bill in the Parliament.

"We are trying in Parliament to get Food Security Bill passed in the larger interest of people, but I am sad that it could not be done because of BJP and opposition. This is very sad that they created hindrance for political reasons," Rahul Gandhi told the reporters after feedback meetings with Congress workers and leaders in Jaipur.  The Congress Mp,  however, expressed hope that the Bill would be passed in future.

Rahul Gandhi added that the Rajasthan government had done good work and launched several welfare schemes like free medicines and pension, among others.

Rahul Gandhi in Rajasthan: BJP would soon be reduced to the status of a single-state party

JAIPUR: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to Rajasthan, has said that the BJP would soon be reduced to the status of a single-state party. On the last day of his tour to Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi said the BJP called itself a national party but the truth was it had governments only in four states: Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The Congress Vice President said the Congress was going to throw the BJP out of power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in the upcoming assembly elections. "Goa has a tradition of having different parties in power every six months," Rahul Gandhi said at an extended executive meeting of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee. "That leaves the BJP visible just in Gujarat. So much for a party that thinks it is a national party," he added. The meeting was attended by party men including chief minister Ashok Gehlot, state president Chandrabhan, Union and state ministers, and legislators.

About Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi said “After the free generic medicines and the pension schemes, the scenario has changed and the Congress is on the plus side." Rahul Gandhi added that he had realised the mood of party workers had changed and the Congress was going to retain power after the assembly elections later this year. Rahul warned that the infighting among senior leaders posed the real hurdle for the party. The Congress leader later told the media that people with criminal antecedents would not be fielded in the elections. "I believe people with criminal records and negative approach can be clearly avoided (while deciding the party candidates)," he said.

Rahul Gandhi said party tickets would be distributed early. "We did this in the Karnataka election and succeeded," he said adding "We should succeed here also; there is no special ticket distribution formula for Rajasthan." He said the Congress ran an "aam aadmi ki sarkar" (common man's government). "At the Centre also we have two major issues directly related to the common man, but because of the opposition these are stuck. One of them is the land acquisition bill, while the other is the right to food security bill," said Rahul Gandhi.

He told Congress legislators to begin working in their constituencies. "You still have three-four months before elections," Rahul Gandhi said. "Go to the people, hear their grievances and get them relief." Rahul Gandhi was all praise for the Gehlot government's welfare schemes, especially the free medicines/tests schemes and pensions for the old, handicapped and widows. "Other states are also adopting these schemes," said the young Congress MP.

Congress workers greet Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi after party's win in Karnataka

Congress workers assembled at 10 Janpath, New Delhi to greet Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi after party's massive victory in the Karnataka Assembly polls. Congress secured absolute majority in Karnataka routing the ruling BJP government winning in 121 seats.

Generous gesture by Rahul Gandhi; asks MP unit to adopt a poor child he met

Bhopal: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi ahs done it again. In a generous gesture, the young Congress leader asked the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit to adopt a poor teenager who used to sell newspapers in Bhopal. Informing the media about their charitable act, Pradesh Congress committee president Kantilal Bhuria said that Rahul Gandhi had personally advocated that the boy should get best of education.

 “As per Rahulji’s wish, PCC will donate Rs 1,000 every month so that Kaushal Shaukya can go to school. His father has also been appointed as the peon at one of the educational institutions run by a Congress leader,” Bhuria said. The MP Congress Chief also informed that the boy who had told Rahul that he wanted to become a doctor.

Kaushal reportedly met Rahul Gandhi when he was on a visit to Bhopal on April 25. Eager to meet the Congress vice-president, Kaushal had intercepted his car and offered him newspaper. Struck by his candour, Rahul enquired that why didn’t he go to school. Kaushal told him that his father couldn’t afford a decent education for him.  Kaushal, a class fifth student, sells newspapers. On April 25, when Rahul was heading for Raja Bhoj airport in a car, Kaushal approached him and requested to buy a newspaper. Rahul took the newspaper and handed him a Rs 1,000 note, but the boy returned it, saying he had no change, and he was offering the copy for free. The Congress Vice President then had a brief chat with him.

After Rahul Gandhi returned to Delhi the following day, he asked his personal staff to collect more information about the boy and after getting the information, he asked the Madhya Pradesh unit to help the boy. With this gesture, Rahul Gandhi once again proved that he is undoubtedly the leader of aam aadmi.

NSUI leaders meet Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath, New Delhi

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Sonia Gandhi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath, New Delhi

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi meet NSUI leaders at 10 Janpath, New Delhi

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi meet NSUI leaders at 10 Janpath, New Delhi

Rahul Gandhi visits Madhya Pradesh

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh. He reached the state on Wednesday and interacted with party workers. Rahul Gandhi urged the partymen to work as a unit.

Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka kick-starts Congress campaign; slams BJP Govt.

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while kick-starting the Congress campaign for the upcoming Assembly polls in Karnataka slammed the present BJP state government in the state. He addressed a mammoth Congress rally in Raichur and in his brief address Rahul Gandhi slammed present BJP Government in the state and said that it hurt the people of the state and assured that Congress will heal those wounds.

Rahul Gandhi launches Congress campaign in Karnataka from Raichur

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi kick-started the Congress campaign for the upcoming Assembly polls in Karnataka by addressing a mammoth rally in Raichur. While addressing the gathering Rahul Gandhi took on the present BJP Government in the state and charged that it hurt the people of the state and assured that Congress will heal those wounds.

Rahul Gandhi meets family of slain UP Police officer

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Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met the family of slain DSP Zia-ul-Haq at his village in Deoria and assured that they will get justice. "The entire Congress is with them in this hour of great tragedy and loss and they will get full justice

Rahul Gandhi meets family of slain UP Police officer, assures justice

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met the family of slain DSP Zia-ul-Haq at his village in Deoria and assured that they will get justice. "The entire Congress is with them in this hour of great tragedy and loss and they will get full justice," Rahul Gandhi told reporters at the burial ground where he paid tribute to the slain police officer after meeting his family at their home in Jaffuar tola. Rahul Gandhi, who was with the family for over an hour, is believed to have been apprised of the events leading to the tragic incident in Kunda in Pratapgarh district last week and the family's struggle for justice.

Rahul Gandhi strikes chord with the youth in Meghalaya

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday striking an emotional chord with the youth in Meghalaya appealed to them to help his party build a "better Meghalaya". Rahul Gandhi was addressing an election rally at Nongpoh three days before Meghalaya goes to the polls on February 23.

"I would appeal to the youth who can work with the people and for a better Meghalaya to come and join the party. When I see the youths of the region working in Delhi and Bangalore, I feel nice. They are working there because they are capable and can compete with the best," he said.

The youth acknowledged the appeal by the Congress leader with cheers. Earlier, while campaigning, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had highlighted the economic gains made by the state in the past five years and Congress President Sonia Gandhi had touched on local issues like illegal mining and illegal migration.

Rahul Gandhi said even though Congress has capable leaders, it needs to produce the next generation of leaders from different states to take the country forward. He also addressed election meetings at Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills and Williamnagar in East Garo Hills.

Rahul Gandhi in Meghalaya exhorts the youth to join politics

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi  while addressing Congress rallies in Meghalaya urged the youth to join politics to eradicate corruption and to improve the country. "Corruption is an issue in the whole country and we have to ensure that we remove it from the political system. That is why it is so important that new young faces come into the political scene," said Rahul Gandhi.

"I am in politics for many years but I am not happy with the way politics works. There are many things we can improve," Rahul Gandhi said and added: "If we really want to change politics, then we have to bring youngsters into the political system. Youngsters who are sensitive to the views of the common man, youngsters who feel the pain of the poor person, youngsters who suffer when they see a bad road, youngsters who suffer when they see that their people do not have the medical facility they need."

The newly appointed Congress Vice President also said "It is only when we open the doors of politics, and bring in these youngsters, that politics will really change. And I see many of those youngsters in this ground and I want you to enter into the political system". He said that Congress does not believe in favouring one community or one group of people. "We believe in helping everybody, in moving everybody together forward. If we want to really move this forward, if we want development, we need to think about empowering local government and the local people," said Rahul Gandhi.

Praising Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Rahul Gandhi said: "He is a hard working person and he thinks about the future of your state and you have your government in Delhi which is also a Congress government, which wants to support the growth of Meghalaya. I want both these governments to work together to bring massive developments to the state." "There are large amounts of money sent from Delhi to the state, and we need to ensure that that money gets to the people. Rajiv Gandhi used to say that for every one rupee that is sent, 15 paise reached the last person. We need to change that so that our people can benefit."

Rahul Gandhi visits Odisha, holds talks with grass root Congress leaders

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi concluded his two-day visit to Odisha on Tuesday with a warning to those trying to disrupt party unity. He interacted with Congress leaders at all levers from top to bottom.

Rahul exhorted partymen to work unitedly to bring the party back to power in the State. He offered a   3-point solution to improve the party’s prospects: offering tickets in time, bringing in unity and empowering grassroots leaders. Addressing party leaders in Cuttack, the Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress has a healthy vote share of about 30 per cent in the State and it requires discipline and unity to ensure a victory in the next elections. After meeting officials of the party in the State for two days, Rahul Gandhi said he was aware that a few individuals are unnecessarily trying to create indiscipline and disunity weakening the party and that he would take ‘’strict disciplinary action’’ against such disruptive activities.

The visit comes at an opportune time when the BJD Government is desperately trying to counter anti-incumbency and internal dissension in the party by announcing many populist schemes. In fact, Rahul Gandhi criticised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for ‘falsely claiming’ different programmes and schemes as his own. The BJD Government is using the funds provided by the Congress Government at the Centre for launching the schemes. The people of Odisha are aware of the scheming of the BJD and will give an apt reply in the elections, Rahul told mediapersons as he wound up his two-day visit to the State here.

The Congress scion addressed the Extended State Executive of Pradesh Congress Committee, emphasising on discipline and unity within the party. The two days have been very eventful. The meetings with the panchayat, block and district functionaries have given a clear picture on the state of affairs here, he said. “The party organisation surely is short of discipline which needs to be addressed. I do not have a magic wand but the Congress sure has the power to absorb the shocks and take a course correction’’, he stressed. Speaking on the outcome of the two-day visit, OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik said Rahul Gandhi has a clear vision for the party in the State. “He has given his advice on resurrecting the organisation and  we will be working towards implementing them at the earliest’’, Niranjan said.

Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh said the extended executive committee was highly successful. “Rahul has laid a roadmap for us to follow and achieve the goals,” party leaders  indicated.