Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Malikarjun Kharge paid tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 103rd birth anniversary at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi. Gandhi took to social media to share heartfelt memories of his grandmother and expressed how she continues to be a source of strength and inspiration. Indira Gandhi, India's first and only woman prime minister, is remembered as a fearless leader and pioneer of economic and social reforms in the country.
On the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, political leaders across the country paid their respects and remembered his contributions to the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Gandhi, and Congress President Kharge all shared heartfelt messages honoring Nehru's values and ideals, which continue to guide India towards progress and inclusivity. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also highlighted Nehru's unwavering commitment to fearlessness and selfless service in nation-building and urged the public to not be swayed by those who spread fear.
In a scathing attack against the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized their trend of making unrealizable promises to the public and the subsequent decline in governance and fiscal health in Congress-ruled states. The Prime Minister's remarks came after party chief Mallikarjun Kharge publicly criticized the Karnataka government for reviewing a key guarantee promised by the Congress in their election campaign. PM Modi highlighted the need for leaders to ensure their promises are "fiscally doable", cautioning against the consequences of misleading the public with false commitments.
After decades of campaigning for her party colleagues and family members, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be making her electoral debut in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by contesting as the UDF candidate from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala. Accompanied by her brother and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka filed her nomination with gratitude towards Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. This decision was made after Rahul resigned from his other seat in the 2024 elections, with Wayanad having previously saved his electoral defeat to Smriti Irani in Amethi in 2019.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has written to all State and Union territory chief secretaries urging them to close down madrasas, stop state funding, and enroll children in formal schools instead. While Congress and BJP ally JD(U) did not respond to the letter, LJP spokesperson AK Bajpayee expressed concern over potential hasty actions and the need for proper survey and investigation. Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauriya condemned the letter as politically motivated and pointed out the positive contributions of madrasas, while former Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the flaws in government schools and the need for careful consideration before taking any action.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with other key figures, chaired a meeting of the Central Election Committee to finalize candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. The list includes notable inclusions such as former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The party has also gained the support of two prominent wrestlers, Vinesh and Bajrang Punia, who have joined the Congress after their protest against BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In a major political development, renowned Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress party in New Delhi, leading to speculation about their entry into the election fray for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. It is expected that Phogat will contest from Julana and Punia from Badli, against the BJP's candidates. This move comes after the wrestlers met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who expressed their admiration for the talented athletes and their contributions to India's sporting pride. Phogat also shared her resignation from Indian Railways, thanking the organization for the opportunity to serve the nation. This latest development may prove to be a game changer in the political landscape of Haryana.
In a press conference after meeting with party workers in Jammu and Kashmir, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed his party's priority to restore statehood to the region. With assembly polls set for September and October, Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke with party leaders to get feedback on preparations. With the state's downgrade to a Union Territory, Congress has made it a priority to regain democratic rights for the people of J-K and Ladakh.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a break from his busy schedule to visit a popular hotel in Srinagar city and indulge in the traditional Kashmiri cuisine called "Wazwan". Despite causing some traffic disruptions, Gandhi enjoyed his meal and even took a trip to a nearby ice cream parlour before wrapping up his visit. Along with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Gandhi also met with National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah to discuss a possible alliance for the upcoming Assembly polls.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party President Mallikarjun Kharge have reached Srinagar for a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir in order to strengthen the party's chances in the upcoming legislative elections. The visit was rescheduled due to the Bharat Bandh, but the leaders are expected to meet other political leaders, including Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, to discuss a potential pre-poll alliance against the BJP. The Congress has already finalized a seat-sharing formula with the National Conference and will be discussing this with them during their visit.