New Delhi: Uttarakhand Congress in-charge Devendra Yadav met Rahul Gandhi on Friday and discussed the party's debacle in the state in the recently held Assembly polls and the appointments of state party chief and Congress Legislative Party (CLP)."Our defeat in the state was disappointing but we have lost the elections, not the courage. Discussions were held with Rahul Gandhi regarding the future strategy in the state. Soon Congress will announce Uttarakhand state president and Congress Legislative Party (CLP)," said Yadav. Speaking to ANI Devendra Yadav said, "Our meeting held regarding the recent Uttrakhand elections result and our performance. Our defeat in the state was disappointing, we lost the elections, not the courage. Discussions were held with Rahul Gandhi regarding the future strategy in the state. Soon Congress will announce Uttarakhand state president and Congress Legislative Party (CLP).""I have informed Rahul Gandhi regarding the current political situation of Uttarakhand and how we can progress in upcoming days. I have also submitted a report to Rahul Gandhi. The most important thing presently in Uttrakhand is PCC and CLP appointments. Very soon the decision will be taken and we are preparing the future road map," he added.Notably. Observer of the Congress debacle in Uttrakhand Avinash Pandey has submitted the report of defeat in the Uttarakhand assembly elections to Congress President Sonia Gandhi recently. The BJP retained power in Uttarakhand, winning 47 seats. Congress, which was banking on anti-incumbency against the state government, won 19 seats in the 70-member state Assembly. The Assembly elections were held in Uttarakhand on February 14 to elect 70 members of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. The results were declared on March 10.&nbsp;—ANI

Uttarakhand Congress in-charge Devendra Yadav met Rahul Gandhi on Friday and discussed the party's debacle in the state in the recently held Assembly polls and the appointments of state party chief and Congress Legislative Party (CLP).

Appointment Of Uttarakhand Congress Chief, CLP To Take Place Soon

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged all Indians to stand together to secure a just and inclusive India, saying hate and violence are weakening the country. His remarks came a day after communal clashes broke out in Himmatnagar and Khambhat cities of Gujarat during Ram Navami processions, leaving one person dead, and also violence in the JNU campus over serving of non-vegetarian food on the festival."Hate, violence and exclusion are weakening our beloved country. The path to progress is paved with the bricks of brotherhood, peace and harmony. Let's stand together to secure a just, inclusive India," Mr Gandhi said on Twitter.On Sunday, two groups of students clashed at the Jawaharlal Nehru University's Kaveri Hostel allegedly over serving of non-vegetarian food on Ram Navami in the mess. Six students were injured in the violence. Several purported videos of the violence surfaced on social media, with one them showing a student bleeding from the head. Officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the videos. —PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged all Indians to stand together to secure a just and inclusive India, saying hate and violence are weakening the country. His remarks came a day after communal clashes broke out in Himmatnagar and Khambhat cities of Gujarat during Ram Navami processions, leaving one person dead, and also violence in the JNU campus over serving of non-vegetarian food on the festival.

Hate, Violence Weakening Country: Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: The BJP on Monday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of questioning the existence of Lord Ram and alleged that "petty politics" of the Congress leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and their "inciting" remarks have played a role in the recent violence in several states during Ram Navami processions.Talking to reporters, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra called Gandhi a "chunavi Hindu" (Hindu for electoral purposes), and alleged that he pretends to be a Hindu.The BJP was reacting to a recent public address of Gandhi during which he quoted a BJP leader, whom he did not name, as saying that he did not believe in reincarnation.Then he asked him, Gandhi said, if he does not believe in reincarnation, then how can he believe in Ram. During the speech, Gandhi also spoke about his conversation with a Dalit youth who had tried to commit suicide after violence against Dalits in Una in Gujarat. Citing the conversation, he said, "If my sister had been assaulted I would have stabbed and killed her tormentor before dying," he added. Patra seized on the former Congress president's remarks to hit out at him. This shows that Gandhi has faith neither in the Constitution nor in the judiciary, he added. With Gandhi claiming that he had no interest in power despite being born in its midst, the BJP spokesperson said these remarks aimed at "provoking" people and "questioning" Ram's existence underline his desperation.The Gandhi family can go to any extent to get power, he alleged. "The way some leaders are questioning the existence of Lord Ram and are inciting people... This should not have happened. Rahul Gandhi seems to be unable to tolerate that people in India have faith in Lord Ram. This shows the character of the Congress," he said. Noting that Gandhi was described by his party as a "janeu-dhari Hindu", one who wears sacred thread, Patra said that by "attacking" Ram's existence, the Congress leader had shown himself to be someone who pretends to be a Hindu for electoral benefits. The UPA government in an affidavit to the Supreme Court had said that there was no proof of Ram's existence, he said, adding that Rahul Gandhi is treading on the same path as his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.This resulted in people finishing off the existence of the Congress in elections, and the opposition party will be taught a lesson again, he said.In this context, Patra also condemned Thackeray for his jibe at the BJP that what issue the ruling party would have raised if Lord Ram was not born.Opposition leaders can find thousands of reasons to attack the BJP but this is "petty politics", he said.Referring to the violence in a number of states during Ram Navami processions, he said it is natural that such incidents will happen when senior leaders like Gandhi and Thackeray make such remarks due to their "appeasement" politics.Chief ministers of opposition-ruled states like Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan have blamed right-wing groups for violence and have hit out at the BJP.—PTI

 The BJP on Monday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of questioning the existence of Lord Ram and alleged that "petty politics" of the Congress leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and their "inciting" remarks have played a role in the recent violence in several states during Ram Navami processions.

BJP Attacks Rahul Gandhi For Remarks Over Lord Ram

New Delhi: Former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in MLA/MLC court here.Modi has levelled allegations against Rahul Gandhi for his poll speech in 2019 in Karnataka where he said that all Modis are thieves.Rahul Gandhi, during a public meeting in Kolar district of Karnataka, had said that PM Narendra Modi imposed demonetisation in the country and put entire countrymen in the queues of banks."He (Narendra Modi) has partially restricted the money of common people to withdraw from banks and the money of common people would be given to his 15 friends," Gandhi said in his speech."There is a group of thieves. They have a team. They are taking money from your pockets, snatching the money from farmers, small traders and giving it to those 15 friends. Claiming that it is a fight against black money, PM Narendra Modi put you in the queues of banks, took the money from your pockets and deposited into the banks and then you learnt that your money has been taken away by Nirav Modi who fled the country with Rs 35,000 crore," Gandhi had said."There is a long list of names apart from Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Lalit Modi. Now, I want to ask a small question. Why do all thieves have Modi as their name? Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi and if we search more, we will get some more Modi," Gandhi said.Based on the speech of Rahul Gandhi in Kolar on April 13, 2019, Sushil Modi, the BJP Rajya Sabha MP said that it was a derogatory statement on people having surname Modi."Rahul Gandhi in a statement, had said that all people having Modi surnames are thieves. He (Sushil Modi) is also having Modi surname and as it was election time, his statement may influence the voters. Hence, he has filed a criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi," said SD Sanjay, senior lawyer and former solicitor general of Bihar told IANS.On Behalf of Sushil Modi Sanjiv Chaurasia, appeared in the court as witness for trial. Besides him, road construction minister Nitin Nabin, Manish Kumar, president of BJYM Bihar senior advocate SD Sanjay, Senior Advocate Subodh Jha, Advocate Arjun Kumar and Advocate Ratnesh Kumar appeared in the court on behalf of Sushil Modi. "On Tuesday, the court recorded the statement of Sanjiv Chaurasia. Though, our two more witnesses Nitin Nabin and Manish Kumar were also present in the court but their statements were not registered in the court due to lack of time," Sanjay said."The next hearing of the case is scheduled on April 22. We expect that the statements of Nitin Nabin and Manish Kumar will be recorded in the next hearing," Sanjay said.—IANS

 Former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in MLA/MLC court here.

Sushil Modi Files Criminal Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has attacked the Karnataka government over the alleged suicide by a contractor who had said that he was asked for a bribe.Rahul Gandhi in a tweet said, “BJP’s 40% Commission Govt in Karnataka has claimed the life of their own Karyakarta.The victim’s pleas to the PM went unanswered. PM &amp; CM are complicit.”The issue came to the fore after a Belagavi-based contractor, Santosh Patil, who was said to be a BJP worker, accused Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister K S Eshwarappa of corruption, and allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday.After the allegation surfaced in March the Congress has been demanding the sacking of Eshwarappa over the bribery allegation by the contractor who had written a letter to the Prime Minister.The Congress had said that the Karnataka Contractors Association President has alleged that officials in the BJP government demanded a 40 per cent commission in the contracts and said, “we are finding it very difficult to manage this big corrupt practice of Karnataka.”The allegation which has rocked Karnataka had been made by Santosh Patil from Belgaum district who had executed a contract worth about Rs 4 crore in Hindalaga Gram Panchayat. The Congress claimed that Patil alleged that he was asked for a 40 per cent bribe.Congress MP Naseer Hussain alleged that when the contractor went for the release of the funds, the minister’s associates asked Santosh Patil to give 40 per cent out of the Rs 4 crore, which he did. He said he had given Rs 15 lakh to the associates of the minister, but they are demanding 40 per cent of the contract money.—IANS

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has attacked the Karnataka government over the alleged suicide by a contractor who had said that he was asked for a bribe.

BJP's 40% Commission Govt In K'taka: Rahul Attacks After Contractor's Death

Mumbai: Superb half-centuries by Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram after a clinical performance by their bowlers helped Sunrisers Hyderabad overcome Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets in Match 25 of the IPL 2022 at the Brabourne Stadium here on Friday. Tripathi and Markram got together after Sunrisers had lost their first two wickets for 39 runs. They raised 94 runs for the third wicket after their bowlers had done a good job to restrict Kolkata Knight Riders to 175/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Sunrisers eventually reached 176/3 in 17.5 overs to register a comfortable victory. Tripathi topscored with 71 runs (37 balls, 4×4, 6×6) against his former team while Markram remained undefeated with 68 off 36 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and four sixes as SRH cruised to victory with 13 balls to spare. They launched calculated attacks, hit big sixes and kept the Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowlers on the tenterhooks with their superb hitting. The dew of course did not help the Knight Riders but that was expected. -Tripathi, who had hammered spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to a four and two sixes — a well-timed loft over covers followed by am better shot on one knee in the same region — off consecutive deliveries in the 8th over to keep SRH well in control of the chase. Markram, too struck Chakaravarthy for a four and six off successive deliveries, ended the match by hammering Pat Cummins to a four followed by two sixes — a heave over mid-wicket and a hook over deep square leg, to end the match on a rousing note. This was the third win in a row for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who moved to six points from five matches. KKR slumped to their second consecutive defeat. They too have six points but have played a match extra. Earlier, fighting innings by Nitish Rana (54 off 36) and Andre Russell (49 not out off 25) helped Kolkata Knight Riders post a par score of 175/8 in 20 overs. Put in to bat first, the Knight Riders got off to a poor start as they lost three wickets with just 31 runs on the board. Australian Opener Aaron Finch struck Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a six in the first over but was out in the next when he tried to give Marco Jansen the same treatment and ended up edging behind to Nicholas Pooran. Venkatesh Iyer scratched around for six off 13 deliveries before he was cleaned up by T Natarajan off his first delivery as the batter played all over the ball. Sunil Narine seemed in some sort of hurry as he blasted the first delivery he faced for a six but was out off the next,trying to slice over point a low full toss angling into middle. It ended up straight into the hands of Shashank Singh. Skipper Shreyas Iyer, who had started with a streaky boundary, and Nitish Rana took the score to 70 before the former got out, bowled by Umran Malik with an express delivery in the blackhole as he tried to make room to play a shot. But Rana and Russell shouldered the responsibility of taking them to a respectable score. Rana played a well-controlled innings, hitting some well-timed boundaries and a couple of big sixes before he perished trying to bolster the scoring rate, given out by the video umpire for a faint edge behind as he tried to move away to smash Natarajan’s delivery on the on-side. Russell gave the KKR innings the boost it needed, ending it with two sixes and a four of the final three deliveries bowled by spinner Suchith. Natarajan was the best Sunrisers bowler on the field as he claimed 3/37 while Umran Malik ended with 2/27. SRH skipper Kane Williamson used his resources well but taking off Natarajan soon after his first over, in which he claimed two wickets, looked a bit strange. However, in the end it did not matter as Tripathi and Markram ensured they cruised to victory with a lot to spare. Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 175/8 in 20 overs (Nitish Rana 54, Andre Russell 49 not out, Shreyas Iyer 28; T Natarajan 3/37, Umran Malik 2/27) lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad 176/3 in 20 overs (Rahul Tripathi 71, Aiden Markram 68 not out; Andre Russell 2/20). –IANS

 Superb half-centuries by Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram after a clinical performance by their bowlers helped Sunrisers Hyderabad overcome Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets in Match 25 of the IPL 2022 at the Brabourne Stadium here on Friday.

IPL 2022: Tripathi, Markram Fifties Help Sunrisers Hyderabad Beat Knight Riders By Seven Wickets

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at the Modi government, alleging that its “misgovernance” is a case study of how to ruin what was once one of the world’s fastest growing economies.His tweet came in the midst of a power and coal shortage in the country amid peak summer demand. “Power Crisis. Jobs Crisis. Farmer Crisis. Inflation Crisis. PM Modi’s 8-years of misgovernance is a case study on how to ruin what was once one of the world’s fastest growing economies,” the former Congress chief said on Twitter. Gandhi and his Congress party has been attacking the BJP government over rising inflation and unemployment.—PTI

: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at the Modi government, alleging that its “misgovernance” is a case study of how to ruin what was once one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Rahul Slams Modi Govt, Accuses It Of Misgovernance

: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at the Modi government, alleging that its “misgovernance” is a case study of how to ruin what was once one of the world’s fastest growing economies.




New Delhi: The Congress and BJP on Tuesday exchanged barbs after the video of Rahul Gandhi in a Kathmandu nightclub party went viral.Both the parties were attacking each other over the video and the Congress raked up Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pakistan.Law Minister Kiren Rijiju retweeted the video and said, "Regular Parties, Vacations, Holidays, Pleasure Trips, Private Foreign Visits etc are nothing new to the nation now. As a private citizen there's no issue at all but when an MP, a permanent boss of a national political party who keeps preaching others..."As the barbs against Rahul continued, the Congress responded by taking a jibe at the Prime Minister and saying that he was not an "uninvited guest like the Prime Minister when he visited Pakistan".The Congress said Rahul Gandhi is in Nepal to attend the wedding of a journalist friend. Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Do let me know so that we can change our status &amp; civilizational practices of attending marriages of our friends &amp; family members. "Rahul Gandhi hasn't gone to Pakistan as an uninvited guest like PM Modi to cut a cake with Nawaz Sharif, and we know what happens in Pathankot," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said at a news briefing."Rahul Gandhi has gone to Nepal, a friendly country, to attend a journalist's wedding. There is nothing wrong. It's a matter of our culture. It's not a crime. Maybe the PM and BJP will soon decide it's a crime to participate in weddings of friends and family members," he added.BJP leader Amit Malviya put out a video on Twitter showing Rahul Gandhi at a nightclub in Kathmandu, where he has gone to attend a wedding."Rahul Gandhi was at a nightclub when Mumbai was under seize. He is at a nightclub at a time when his party is exploding. He is consistent. "Interestingly, soon after the Congress refused to outsource their presidency, hit jobs have begun on their Prime Ministerial candidate...," Malviya tweeted.--IANS

The Congress and BJP on Tuesday exchanged barbs after the video of Rahul Gandhi in a Kathmandu nightclub party went viral.  Both the parties were attacking each other over the video and the Congress raked up Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pakistan.

Cong, BJP Trade Barbs Over Rahul's Viral Video

Shilma: Indian cricket team's head coach Rahul Dravid will be participating in the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha's National Working Committee session in Dharamshala scheduled to be held from May 12 to May 15, informed BJP Dharamsala MLA Vishal Nehria on Monday.The BJP MLA said that BJP president JP Nadda, other party office-bearers and Union Ministers will also be present for this event.Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will also participate in the three-day session. As many as 139 delegates from across the country will register their presence in the "The National Working Committee of BJP Yuva Morcha will be held in Dharamshala from May 12 to 15. The national leadership of BJP and the leadership of Himachal Pradesh will be involved. BJP National President JP Nadda, National Organization Minister and Union Minister will also attend the session," said Nehria.Nehria further said that Dravid's presence will send a message to the youth to excel in different fields."Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid will also participate in this. Owing to his success, a message will be given among the youth that we can move forward not only in politics but also in other fields," he added.This comes ahead of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, which are slated to be held this year.In the 2017 Assembly Election result, BJP won 44 seats--well past the halfway mark of 35-while the incumbent Congress got 21 and others got three seats of a total of 68 Assembly seats.—ANI

Indian cricket team's head coach Rahul Dravid will be participating in the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha's National Working Committee session in Dharamshala scheduled to be held from May 12 to May 15, informed BJP Dharamsala MLA Vishal Nehria on Monday.

Rahul Dravid to attend BJP event in poll-bound Himachal

Dahod: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed confidence that his party will form the next government in Gujarat, as he attacked the BJP-led central government for creating one India for the rich and one for the poor.In the BJP model, which has created two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, resources of the country belonging to poor people are being given to a few rich people, he said.Addressing a tribal rally, the Congress leader also said that the BJP-led government in the state had deprived tribals of their rights.The BJP government will not give you anything, but take away everything from you. You (tribals) have to snatch your rights and then only you will get what is yours, he said.Tribal people through their hard work build roads, bridges, buildings and infrastructure in Gujarat. But what did you get in return? You got nothing. Neither good education nor health service, he said.Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said, PM Modi is doing in India what he did in Gujarat as chief minister: creating two Indias, one for the rich and another for common people.—PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed confidence that his party will form the next government in Gujarat, as he attacked the BJP-led central government for creating one India for the rich and one for the poor.

Congress will form next govt in Gujarat: Rahul Gandhi

Mumbai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has moved an application in a court at Bhiwandi in Maharashtra's Thane district, seeking permanent exemption from appearance in a defamation case filed against him.Judicial magistrate first class J V Paliwal on Tuesday directed the complainant, local RSS activist Rajesh Kunte, to respond to the application and posted the matter for further hearing on May 18.In 2014, Kunte had filed the case against Gandhi after watching his speech in Thane's Bhiwandi township, where the Congress leader alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was behind the killing of Mahatma Gandhi.Kunte had claimed this statement slandered the reputation of the RSS.In his application moved on Tuesday, Gandhi said being a member of Parliament (from Wayanad in Kerala), he has to visit his constituency, attend to the party work and travel a lot, hence he be exempted from appearing in person before the court.His advocate Narayan Iyer said Gandhi has also stated in his application that whenever required, he be allowed to be represented by his lawyer in the hearing.On Tuesday, Kunte also moved an application seeking exemption from appearance as he was unwell, which was allowed by the court.In 2018, the court had framed charges against Gandhi in the case, but he had pleaded not guilty.Last month, Kunte paid Rs 1,500 cost to Gandhi, as per the court's directions, as he (Kunte) had sought adjournment in the case.Kunte had moved applications seeking adjournment in the case twice -- in March and April -- which the court had rejected and asked him to pay Rs 500 (for March) and Rs 1,000 (for April) to Gandhi.—PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has moved an application in a court at Bhiwandi in Maharashtra's Thane district, seeking permanent exemption from appearance in a defamation case filed against him.

Rahul Gandhi seeks permanent exemption from appearance in RSS defamation case

Srinagar:&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday assured justice to the family of Rahul Bhat, a Kashmiri pandit government employee who was shot dead by militants a day earlier, and said terrorists and their supporters will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act.Sinha met Bhat's family amid protests by members of the community against the killing.Met the relatives of Rahul Bhat and assured justice to the family. In this hour of grief, the government stands firmly with Rahul's family, the LG said on Twitter.He said terrorists and their supporters will have to pay a very heavy price for this brutal act.Bhat, who had got the job of a clerk under the special employment package for migrants in 20120-11, was gunned down by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora town in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.Members of the Kashmiri Pandit community have been protesting against the "failure" of the government to protect their lives and are demanding adequate security.—PTI

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday assured justice to the family of Rahul Bhat, a Kashmiri pandit government employee who was shot dead by militants a day earlier, and said terrorists and their supporters will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act.

Jammu and Kashmir LG meets Rahul Bhat's family

Mumbai: Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul on Sunday rued his batters' collective failure in a few matches in this IPL and said his team will need to find a way to not lose wickets early when there is movement of the ball.Rajasthan Royals inched closer to securing a play-offs berth with a convincing 24-run win over LSG in Mumbai. Both RR and LSG are now tied on 16 points from 13 matches and need another win to confirm their place in the next stage of the tournament. Thanks to their margin of victory, RR also toppled LSG from the second place. "Losing two wickets was bad, we've lost games because of that before. So we need to find ways to get a good start when there is movement with the ball. Executing what we want to is the aim," Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony."Holding our nerve and give ourselves a chance to play out the new ball or play out a good spell. There's often enough time to make up and go big from there."Batting first, Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 41 while Devdutt Padikkal blazed away to an 18-ball 39, as Rajasthan Royals posted 178 for six. Skipper Sanju Samson made 32 off 24 balls. Ravi Bishnoi was the most successful bowler for LSG, picking 2/31 in four overs. In reply, LSG were stopped at 154 for eight.The Super Giants got off to a terrible start as Trent Boult (2/18) sent back two of their top batters -- Quinton de Kock (7) and Ayush Badoni (0) -- in successive deliveries in the beginning of the third over. "It was a gettable target, a good pitch. New ball was assisting the bowlers. We were good with the ball, the batting group has not performed collectively in a few games. We have to go back and get better," Rahul said."The pitch at Pune was harder. This was a better pitch. There was seam movement earlier and they bowled well." RR captain Sanju Samson, who opted to bat after winning the toss, said it 'suits their approach'."This win was satisfying. The atmosphere is chilled and nice, it's not easy to maintain it when there are losses and we have done it well. Batting first suits our approach well, we want to bat positively and the bowling unit is good as well," Samson said.Asked about returning to the usual batting order after experimenting with Ravichandran Ashwin at the top-order, he said, "Decisions are judged by results, Ashwin did well last game as well." He also praised Jimmy Neesham for the energy he brought on to the field.As far as using Ashwin in different phases was concerned, Smason said, "The bonus of having quality spinners is you can use them anywhere."—PTI

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul on Sunday rued his batters' collective failure in a few matches in this IPL and said his team will need to find a way to not lose wickets early when there is movement of the ball.

KL Rahul dissects LSG's loss to Royals

Udaipur: Acknowledging that the Congress' connection with people has been 'broken', Rahul Gandhi on Sunday urged party leaders to shift their focus from internal matters to re-establishing the connect through concerted outreach efforts. Gandhi also hailed as 'an important idea' the party's decisions to give more representation to the youth and empower them, and added that there should be a 'healthy mix of youngsters and seniors'. In his remarks at the concluding session of the three-day 'Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir' in Udaipur, Gandhi said, "The Congress' connection with the people has been broken, we will have to accept that, we will have to re-establish that connection. The people know that only the Congress can take the country forward. This is our responsibility." He asserted that it is the party's responsibility to fight and stand with the people, and there 'were no short-cuts' to re-establishing the connect with them. "It is a complaint. Our entire discussion, all talks are about our internal matters...who is getting which post. Our focus is internal. In today's time this internal focus will not work, our focus should be external," the former Congress chief said, adding that the party will have to turn its attention to the people and go to them. "Without thinking anything, be it our senior leaders, junior leaders or workers, we should go and sit with the people," he said.He urged party leaders to understand the problems of the people and re-establish the connect the party used to have with the people.Gandhi said as part of efforts to re-establish the connect with the people, the Congress party has decided that in October, the whole party will go to the people by taking out a 'yatra' which would strengthen the bond with the public."This is the only way for us and there are no short-cuts to this. Anyone who thinks that it can be done through short-cuts it is not possible as it can only be achieved through sweat and hard work," Gandhi said. He also said the Congress should 'ensure the idea that one person per family should get a ticket'."I know (AICC general secretary in charge of organisation K C) Venugopal has made a caveat to that, but I do think that it is very important that we limit the number of family members that are involved in our organisation. Let them work, let them develop and then let them join the organisation. We must not have a situation where 5 or 6 or 7 members of a family are in the organisation," he said. After three days of deliberations, the Congress on Sunday adopted a 'Nav Sankalp' -- a road map for wide-ranging reforms in the party organisation to make it battle-ready for the next round of assembly and Lok Sabha polls.The party has adopted the 'one-family, one ticket' formula with the rider that another family member seeking to contest elections should have worked in the party organisation for at least five years. The Congress leader also called for a massive reform of the party's communication strategy to reach out to the youth in a better way. "The 21st century is about communication. And that is one area where our opponents outdo us... They have much more money and are better in communication. So, we must think about communication...completely reform our systems and communicate with the people of India, with the youngsters in a new way," he said.Hailing the party's steps for the youth, Gandhi said, "I think the idea that a certain number of positions should be for young people is an important idea. I am not saying there should be no older people. I am saying that when it comes to District Congress Committees, Block Congress Committees, and the leadership, we should have a healthy mix of youngsters and seniors. And I think the time has come that where we aggressively do this."Asserting that the whole party is like a family, the former Congress chief said he is part of it and his fight is with the ideology of the BJP-RSS which he alleged was dangerous for the country. "The hatred that they have spread, the violence that they spread, I fight that. This is the fight of my life. I am not willing to believe that in our beloved country such hatred and anger can spread," he said. Lauding the frank discussions at the conclave, Gandhi said which other political party would allow this kind of a discussion where the party leadership is bluntly told what the Congress party feels. Certainly, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh would never allow such a thing, he said. The Congress has always provided a platform where people can hold deliberations without any fear or worry, he said.Asserting that India is a Union of States, Gandhi said it is critical for the union in this country that the states and the people are allowed to have a conversation, because the only alternative to a 'conversation between the people of India is violence between the people of India'."The instruments of this conversation, the mechanism of this conversation are the institutions that the Congress party, that your great leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, (Vallabhbhai) Patel, (Abul Kalam) Azad&nbsp;Ji, (B R) Ambedkar&nbsp;Ji&nbsp;have helped us create. "These institutions do not belong to any one individual. They do not belong to a political party, they belong to the Union of India, they belong to every single person in this union and today we are seeing is the systematic destruction of the institutions that help India, help the states of India speak to each other," he said. The day this country's institutions stop working, this country stops speaking to itself, 'we will all be in very serious trouble', Gandhi said.He said there is fear that the country's demographic dividend will turn into a demographic disaster and alleged that the BJP government was responsible for it.—PTI

Acknowledging that the Congress' connection with people has been 'broken', Rahul Gandhi on Sunday urged party leaders to shift their focus from internal matters to re-establishing the connect through concerted outreach efforts.

Cong's connect with people 'broken', shift focus to outreach: Rahul

Mumbai: &nbsp;Lucknow Super Giants skipper K L Rahul wants his top-order batters to up their game following their second consecutive loss in the Indian Premier League.The 24-run loss to Rajasthan Royals on Sunday was LSG's first back-to-back defeat in the competition, denting their chances of finishing in the top two. They need to win their remaining game against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday to finish in the top two and get two shots at reaching the final. ''I won't lie, yes, there is a bit of pressure. We all know in this competition nothing comes easy and no point comes easy, and we've had to learn that the hard way. ''We could have so easily been sitting today and could have qualified and gone into the last game with a free mindset and try to enjoy our cricket,'' Rahul said at the post-match press conference.Chasing 179, LSG was reduced to 29 for three which put extra pressure on the middle order. He also explained why Marcus Stoinis is batting lower down the order.''What we're trying to do is utilize players who will best suit the situation. And for us, Marcus is one of those players. He has that brute force and we know that he can be dangerous at the back end. So we just tried to hold him back a little bit. ''We've given everybody different roles and it depends on which over someone gets out and who walks in. So we've kept it slightly flexible with the batting roles. This is the role we picked him to do, which is to be a finisher for us.''But you need someone to support him at the other end. He needs and the team needs the top order to set up the game for someone like Stoinis and Jason (Holder) to come in and finish games. Which hasn't happened, unfortunately.'' Rajasthan entered the top two following the win over LSG. No batters scored a fifty, yet the Royals put up a decent total. ''That's what our team is all about. If you look at the win today, each and everyone who went into bat showed intent and contributed around 10-20 runs which were very crucial in this game,'' skipper Sanju Samson said. ''If you look at our team we have a lot of match-winners, match-winners in the sense that they go and play their role in that particular moment. Be it only three-four overs remaining or in the PowerPlay, it's only about doing your role and sticking to it,'' he added.—PTI

Lucknow Super Giants skipper K L Rahul wants his top-order batters to up their game following their second consecutive loss in the Indian Premier League.

Our top-order should set up games for us: Rahul

Jaipur:&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of destroying the country's economy, which was "strengthened" by the former UPA government. At a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara district, he also charged that the BJP and Prime Minister Modi want to create two Hindustans, with one for the rich and select two-three industrialists and the other of Dalits, farmers, the poor and underprivileged. The Congress, he said, wants only one Hindustan.The Congress leader, who has been targeting the government over the state of the economy and issue of unemployment, said,"The BJP government has attacked our economy. PM did demonetisation, wrongly implemented GST due to which the economy got destroyed. UPA worked to strengthen the economy but Narendra Modi caused harm to our economy". Slamming the ruling party at the Centre, he charged that the BJP wants to create two Hindustans and we want one Hindustan. This is the fight in the country".—PTI

 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of destroying the country's economy, which was "strengthened" by the former UPA government.

BJP govt destroyed economy: Rahul

Srinagar: Protests by Kashmiri Pandits over the killing of Rahul Bhat by terrorists inside his office last week continued in Ganderbal and Anatnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said. Scores of Kashmiri Pandits assembled at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district to protest against the killing of their community member, the officials said. The protesters held photographs of Bhat, who was shot dead by the ultras inside his office at Chadoora in Budgam district on May 12, and shouted slogans like "we want justice", the officials said. Similar protests were also held in Anantnag where the protesters also set afire effigies depicting the present government.The Union territory administration has ordered a probe by a special investigation team into Bhat's killing.—PTI

Protests by Kashmiri Pandits over the killing of Rahul Bhat by terrorists inside his office last week continued in Ganderbal and Anatnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

Protests against Rahul Bhat's killing continue, govt's effigies burnt

Mumbai: Rahul Tripathy's red-hot form in the Indian Premier League has convinced former India coach Ravi Shastri that the Sunrisers Hyderabad top order batsman is good enough to play international cricket. Tripathy smashed his third fifty of the season on Tuesday to secure his team's narrow victory against Mumbai Indians that also kept alive their hopes of making the playoffs. The 31-year-old is eighth in the leading scorers' list, though his 161-plus strike rate is higher than the seven ahead of him. "He's not far at all," Shastri told&nbsp;ESPNcricinfo&nbsp;of Tripathy's India prospects. "If someone doesn't get up from the bench or gets up from the wrong side of the bed and gets injured, this guy can be slotted in straightaway. "He can go at number three or four, he's a dangerous player, and should be in the mix." Tripathy has been the most prolific number three batsman this season and impressed again with his 76 off 44 balls on Tuesday. "He's been around for a bit and what I like about his game is his fearlessness, and he's got a tag of being a known quantity and someone the opposition wants to get out quickly," Shastri said. Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson is also sure of Tripathy's potential. "He's a seriously special player and he comes out and takes that momentum away and that's his attitude every time he bats," Williamson said. "We've seen that on a number of occasions throughout this competition. He's certainly destined for big things, I reckon." Tripathy himself is not in a hurry to realise his India dreams. "When you play cricket, it's obviously your dream to represent the country," the right-hander said. "If I keep doing well and they believe that I can win matches for my country, then definitely I will get the opportunity."—PTI

Rahul Tripathy's red-hot form in the Indian Premier League has convinced former India coach Ravi Shastri that the Sunrisers Hyderabad top order batsman is good enough to play international cricket.

Tripathy knocking on national selectors' doors

New Delhi: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at the government over rising inflation and unemployment and said India looks a 'lot like Sri Lanka' and the Centre should not distract people. The Congress has been accusing the government of distracting people with other issues to hide its failures and issues of price rise and unemployment. Distracting people won't change the facts. India looks a lot like Sri Lanka,' Gandhi said on Twitter. He shared graphs of unemployment, petrol price and communal violence showing similar images of India and Sri Lanka citing various sources including armed conflict location and event data project, Lok Sabha unstarred question, CMIE, Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell and Central Bank of Sri Lanka.The Congress has been attacking the government over the issue of price and inflation and rising unemployment and have said that the situation in India is going the Sri Lanka way, where the prime minister had to resign in view of the deteriorating situation.—PTI

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at the government over rising inflation and unemployment and said India looks a 'lot like Sri Lanka' and the Centre should not distract people.

India looks a lot like Sri Lanka: Rahul

Delhi: In a sharp retort to Rahul Gandhi on his comments quoting unnamed European bureaucrats that the Indian Foreign Service has completely changed and become arrogant, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said it is called defending national interest. Reacting to the Congress leader's remarks, Jaishankar tweeted that the change in the Indian Foreign Service is a reflection of confidence. "Yes, the Indian Foreign Service has changed. Yes, they follow the orders of the Government. Yes, they counter the arguments of others. 'No, it's not called Arrogance,' Jaishankar said. It is called Confidence. And it is called defending National Interest (sic),' the minister said. At the 'Ideas for India' conference in London, Gandhi slammed the BJP government at the Centre on multiple fronts and alleged that the 'deep state' in India is attacking institutions and capturing them. In the interactive session, Gandhi also criticised the Indian Foreign Service.'I was talking to some bureaucrats from Europe and they were saying that the Indian foreign service has completely changed, they do not listen to anything. They are arrogant... There is no conversation,' he said.—PTI

In a sharp retort to Rahul Gandhi on his comments quoting unnamed European bureaucrats that the Indian Foreign Service has completely changed and become arrogant, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said it is called defending national interest.

The Hawk

Tag : Rahul

Appointment Of Uttarakhand Congress Chief, CLP To Take Place Soon

Pushkar Raj Kapoor

Tag : Rahul

Appointment Of Uttarakhand Congress Chief, CLP To Take Place Soon

Pushkar Raj Kapoor

More about Rahul