News for 'president-sonia-gandhi'

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Sonia Gandhi had asked him to decide on his swearing-in date as CM in 2014, but the situation changed after Rahul Gandhi intervened. Sarma, who later joined the BJP, believes the events led him to a better position to serve Assam and Sanatan dharma.

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A new book reveals that Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejected an offer to become President of India, a move that would have made Lal Krishna Advani Prime Minister. Vajpayee believed that a sitting PM becoming President would set a bad precedent for Indian democracy.

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Congress veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away at 90. He served as Union Home Minister and held several key posts during his long political career.

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has requested Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru's documents to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library, emphasizing their national significance. He also addressed the Aravalli Hills controversy and the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.

Did Rahul Promise DKS Chief Ministership In Nov 2025?

Did Rahul Promise DKS Chief Ministership In Nov 2025?

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

'This plan was never official. It was there secretly. It was by the high command.'

SEE: When Azhar met Priyanka

SEE: When Azhar met Priyanka

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Azharuddin is likely to be fielded as the Congress candidate for the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly bypoll.

Reddy vs Radhakrishnan: MPs vote to elect new Vice President

Reddy vs Radhakrishnan: MPs vote to elect new Vice President

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The poll is witnessing a direct contest between ruling NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, with the BJP-led alliance having a clear edge in the poll necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

BJP's Rudy wins Constitution Club poll with INDIA backing

BJP's Rudy wins Constitution Club poll with INDIA backing

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Rajiv Pratap Rudy secured another term as Secretary (Administration) of the Constitution Club of India, defeating Sanjeev Balyan in a closely watched election that saw participation from prominent political figures.

ED's chargesheet in land deal first to name Vadra in criminal case

ED's chargesheet in land deal first to name Vadra in criminal case

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in a money laundering case related to a land deal in Haryana's Shikohpur. The ED has also attached properties worth Rs. 37.64 crore linked to Vadra.

Robert Vadra received Rs 58 cr as 'proceeds of crime' in land deal: ED

Robert Vadra received Rs 58 cr as 'proceeds of crime' in land deal: ED

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, provided evasive responses during questioning regarding a 2008 land deal in Haryana. The ED claims Vadra placed blame on deceased associates and exerted undue influence on government officials.

Shah talked about Nehru, Indira, but didn't...: Priyanka tears into govt

Shah talked about Nehru, Indira, but didn't...: Priyanka tears into govt

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the government regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning intelligence failures and demanding accountability.

Rajasthan drops textbooks 'glorifying' Nehru-Gandhi family

Rajasthan drops textbooks 'glorifying' Nehru-Gandhi family

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

School students in Rajasthan will no longer study two-part supplementary textbooks with state Education Minister Madan Dilawar arguing that these reading materials are not required because they glorify the Nehru-Gandhi family and carry no marks for students.

Speaker Birla ticks off Sonia for 'Waqf bill bulldozed' remark

Speaker Birla ticks off Sonia for 'Waqf bill bulldozed' remark

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's remarks about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill being "bulldozed through" the Lower House. Birla said a senior member casting aspersions on the House proceedings was "most unfortunate" and against the dignity of parliamentary democracy. He pointed out that the bill was debated for 13 hours and 53 minutes with several members participating and was passed after multiple divisions.

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Reddy alleged that contracts worth thousands of crores were awarded to people close to Modi, who then purchased Rafale aircraft.

New Congress HQ: An Inside Peek

New Congress HQ: An Inside Peek

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

After 47 years, the Congress party moved to a new HQ, Indira Bhawan, on January 15, 2025.

Won't work for Congress any more: Ahmed Patel's son Faisal

Won't work for Congress any more: Ahmed Patel's son Faisal

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Faisal Patel, son of late Congress stalwart Ahmed Patel, has announced he will stop working for the grand old party, claiming that he tried to follow in his father's footsteps but was denied at every step. Ahmed Patel, who had served as a Rajya Sabha MP, All Indian Congress Committee treasurer and former party president Sonia Gandhi's political secretary, died in November 2020. Faisal had aspired to contest from the Bharuch seat in Gujarat in last year's Lok Sabha elections but the Congress did not nominate him.

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald case, accusing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of a "criminal conspiracy" to "usurp" properties worth Rs 2,000 crore of its public company AJL by transferring 99 per cent shares for just Rs 50 lakh to their private company Young Indian. The ED has named Sonia Gandhi as accused no 1 and Rahul Gandhi as accused no 2 in the chargesheet, which was filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was "bulldozed" through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable bills approved during the session included the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session, which saw high productivity, also witnessed debates on issues such as economic distress, delimitation, and the three-language policy. While the government touted its achievements, the opposition criticized the government's approach and vowed to challenge the Waqf bill in court.

Rijiju's message to Cong on alleged 'Sonia-Soros link'

Rijiju's message to Cong on alleged 'Sonia-Soros link'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday urged all political parties, including the Congress, to unite against anti-India forces, and raise their voice if they find their leaders working against the country's interest.

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief, mourned the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him a "friend, philosopher and guide." She described him as the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, whose contributions to India's progress and development are immeasurable. She also said that Singh's passing is a deeply personal loss and he was loved by the people of India for his pure heart and fine mind.

Karnataka Congress leaders jostle to become 'next CM'

Karnataka Congress leaders jostle to become 'next CM'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Despite the Congress high command's directive to avoid discussing the 'next chief minister', supporters of both Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi continue to publicly push for their respective leaders to take the top spot. This comes amidst reports of a pact that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would lead the state for the first two and a half years and Shivakumar would take over for the rest of the term.

Govt asked 'X' to delete Shah's Ambedkar speech: Cong

Govt asked 'X' to delete Shah's Ambedkar speech: Cong

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

The Congress party alleged that the BJP government has asked social media platform 'X' to remove Home Minister Amit Shah's speech from the Rajya Sabha, which they claim insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar. The party cited an email from 'X' to support their claim. The BJP has not yet commented on the matter, and 'X' has refused to delete the speech, citing freedom of speech. The Congress accused Shah of insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution and demanded his resignation.

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'...still have lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but could have won 140 seats.'

Memories Of 24, Akbar Road... When Rajiv Gandhi Sat In The Winter Sun

Memories Of 24, Akbar Road... When Rajiv Gandhi Sat In The Winter Sun

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

After spending nearly 50 years in a colonial bungalow at 24, Akbar Road, the Congress moved into a new office on January 15. Rasheed Kidwai, who knows the history of the Congress better than the Congress, looks back at the people who breathed life into this address.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

Rahul beats Sonia's 2019 victory margin in Raebareli

Rahul beats Sonia's 2019 victory margin in Raebareli

Rediff.com4 Jun 2024

In 2019, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi won the seat by a margin 1,67,178 votes against Dinesh Pratap Singh.

'Cong must earn': Omar on INDIA bloc leadership debate

'Cong must earn': Omar on INDIA bloc leadership debate

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed concerns about the Congress party's leadership role within the INDIA bloc, raising questions about their ability to justify their position. Abdullah highlighted a sense of disquiet among some allies, who feel the Congress isn't doing enough to earn its leadership position. While praising Sonia Gandhi's leadership, he also criticized the alliance's lack of consistent engagement and called for more structured communication to address potential disagreements. Abdullah's comments suggest underlying tensions within the opposition alliance, particularly regarding the Congress's electoral performance and seat distribution strategies.

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

As a leader, he was ambitious, not for himself but for India and its people. His was not the short-term election cycle calculation of individual political gain. His was a practical vision of how to better the lives of his fellow citizens, asserts Ambassador Shivshankar Menon, who served as foreign secretary and national security advisor when Dr Singh was prime minister.

Major ruckus in Parliament over 'Cong-Soros' link

Major ruckus in Parliament over 'Cong-Soros' link

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Proceedings of both Houses of Parliament were disrupted on Monday as the treasury benches accused top Congress leaders of colluding with billionaire investor George Soros to destabilise the country, triggering protests from opposition members.

BJP drops Brij Bhushan, fields son instead from Kaiserganj

BJP drops Brij Bhushan, fields son instead from Kaiserganj

Rediff.com2 May 2024

The party also named Dinesh Pratap Singh as its candidate from Rae Bareli, a Gandhi family bastion which was won by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi five consecutive times.

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

Sonia's letter to Rae Bareli voters hints at family succession

Sonia's letter to Rae Bareli voters hints at family succession

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

The message to the voters comes a day after the former Congress president filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha seat from Rajasthan.

Modi preaches consensus but practices confrontation: Sonia slams Modi

Modi preaches consensus but practices confrontation: Sonia slams Modi

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

Sonia also described the mention of Emergency by the PM, the Lok Sabha Speaker as an attempt to divert attention from the "assault on the Constitution".

Sonia Gandhi slams Modi, says he lost mandate and leadership

Sonia Gandhi slams Modi, says he lost mandate and leadership

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

Addressing the newly elected MPs in the Central Hall of Parliament, she said far from taking responsibility for the failure, the prime minister intends to get himself sworn in again on Sunday.

Sonia, Priyanka meet Kharge after his victory in Cong prez poll

Sonia, Priyanka meet Kharge after his victory in Cong prez poll

Rediff.com19 Oct 2022

Gandhi was accompanied by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during their visit.

Channi's reference to Amritpal triggers row in LS

Channi's reference to Amritpal triggers row in LS

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice in the post-lunch period on Thursday as a war of words broke out between the treasury and opposition benches, triggered by Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi's spat with the Bharatiya Janata Party's Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Systematic efforts by Modi to cripple Congress financially: Sonia

Systematic efforts by Modi to cripple Congress financially: Sonia

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

The idea that India is the world's largest democracy is a complete lie, Rahul Gandhi alleged.

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Sonia Gandhi to fight RS polls from Raj, may file nomination on Wednesday

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

Barely two months before the Lok Sabha election, Gandhi will be filing her nomination papers in Jaipur on Wednesday. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are likely to accompany her.

As Sonia files for RS, is it Priyanka for Rae Bareli?

As Sonia files for RS, is it Priyanka for Rae Bareli?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday filed her nomination papers in Jaipur for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls from Rajasthan.

Are you jealous of Nishikant Dubey, Shah asks Adhir

Are you jealous of Nishikant Dubey, Shah asks Adhir

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

The home minister further said it has been the tradition of this country for brothers to think about and speak on women's welfare.