Sonia Gandhi Archives - Lokmarg

May She Be Blessed: Modi Wishes Sonia On Her Birthday

By LokMarg 9th December 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on her 77th birthday.

“Best wishes to Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji on her birthday. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life,” the Prime Minister said in a post on ‘X’ on Saturday.

Modi’s wishes come at a time when the Congress just lost three Hindi heartland states in the recently concluded Assembly polls, and the crucial Lok Sabha elections are just six months away.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also took to ‘X’ to extend his wishes to the former party president. Kharge described her as a “relentless advocate of the rights of the marginalised.”

“Greetings to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji on her birthday. A relentless advocate of the rights of the marginalised, she has been a symbol of utmost grace while battling adversity with courage, grit and selfless sacrifice. I wish her a long and healthy life,” Kharge said in her post on ‘X’.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also wished Sonia Gandhi on her birthday lauding her for the “upliftment” of the poor and marginalised sections of society.

“My best wishes to CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji on her birthday! Her commitment to public service and the upliftment of the poor and marginalised sections of society have won a billion hearts,” Venugopal said in a post on ‘X’.

On her political journey, the Congress leader said, “Her life journey is an inspiration for us all. She steered the Congress through an extremely challenging period with great poise and was the architect of the UPA government that delivered welfare for all and exponential growth for the country.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wished the veteran Congress leader as well.

“Birthday greetings to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Madam Sonia Gandhi, an exemplar of devoted public life. Wishing her a long life filled with good health,” Stalin said.

On Sonia’s contribution to strengthening the opposition alliance, the Chief Minister said, “May her profound vision and wealth of experience continue to be a guiding light in our united endeavour to save #INDIA from autocratic forces.”

Sonia was last seen at the swearing-in ceremony of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the only state the Congress bagged in the recent assembly elections. She had also called a Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group meeting on Monday evening to chalk out the strategy for the winter session of Parliament. (ANI)

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Sonia Pays Tributes On Former PM’s Birth Anniv

By LokMarg 19th November 2023

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Sunday paid tributes to the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary and said that she was a valiant crusader who fought for the causes of the people.

Sonia Gandhi highlighted Indira Gandhi’s impactful contributions, both in her political career and in her dedication to pro-poor policies and global efforts against hunger.

Addressing the felicitation ceremony of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in New Delhi, Sonia Gandhi said, “Be it her political career where she challenged orthodoxy to introduce equity or pro-poor policy, be it a fight to defeat hunger in an international environment that disliked self-respecting sovereign states, be it her extraordinary quality to quell divisive tendencies in India.”

“Be it a fight to defeat hunger in an international environment that disliked self-respecting sovereign states, be it her unparallel role in the creation of a new nation to honour people’s aspirations, she was a valiant crusader of people’s causes,” she added.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson further stated that Indira Gandhi played a crucial role in the development of the public health sector.

“Under her stewardship, India also saw the enactment of the National Health Policy in 1983 that played the foundation for more accessible health systems. It brought together promotive preventive and curative health services and a vital expansion of rural health outreach,” she said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Indira Gandhi on her 106th birth anniversary.

Born on November 19, 1917, Indira Gandhi left an indelible mark in national politics and served as the third Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination on October 31, 1984.

The country’s first, and, to date, only female prime minister, she emerged as a central figure in Indian politics as the leader of the Congress.

The daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India, Indira was succeded in the country’s highest office by her son Rajiv Gandhi.

Her combined tenure of 15 years and 350 days made her the second-longest-serving PM after her father. (ANI)

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Sonia Seeks Immediate Implementation Of Women Quota Bill

By LokMarg 20th September 2023

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday began the discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha on the third day of the special session of Parliament.

Extending her support to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023’ Bill, Sonia Gandhi demanded its immediate implementation.

She said that a delay in implementing the bill is a gross unfairness to the women of the country.

“I stand in support of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam 2023. Women are being told that they will have to wait more for this bill to become law. we demand that the bill be made a law immediately. As a delay in implementing the bill is a gross unfairness to women in the country. I appeal to the Government to do this immediately,” Sonia Gandhi said in Lok Sabha.

She also demanded the conducting of a caste census to ensure the participation of women belonging to Other Backward Class/Scheduled Caste (OBC/SC) communities.

Ahead of her speech in Lok Sabha Sonia Gandhi said, “It was Rajiv ji’s (Gandhi’s) dream (Bill).”

“This is an emotional moment of my own life as well. For the first time, Constitutional amendment to decide women’s representation in local body election was brought by my life partner Rajiv Gandhi. It was defeated in Rajya Sabha by seven votes. Later, Congress Government, under the leadership of PM PV Narasimha Rao, passed it in Rajya Sabha. As a result, we have 15 lakh elected women leaders across the country through local bodies. Rajiv Gandhi’s dream is only partially complete. It will complete with the passing of this Bill,” Sonia Gandhi said in Lok Sabha.

She said the Congress party supports this Bill and is happy regarding the passage of the Bill but said there were concerns.

“I would like to ask a question. Indian women have been waiting for their political responsibilities for the last 13 years. Now they are being asked to wait for a few more years. How many years? Is this behaviour with Indian women appropriate? INC demands that the Bill be implemented with immediate effect but Caste census should also be done and arrangement for reservation of SC, ST and OBC women should be made…” Sonia Gandhi said.

Discussion for passing of the Bill in the House began today at 11 with Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introducing the amendments in the Bill.

The Bill will be taken up in Rajya Sabha on September 21, government sources said. (ANI)

Sonia Promises Six Guarantees To Telangana Ahead of Polls

By LokMarg 17th September 2023

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly election that is slated to be held this year, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday announced “six guarantees” adding that it’s her dream to see the Congress government in the state.

“To fulfil the aspiration of the people of Telangana, we (Congress) are announcing six guarantees Mahalakshmi been the first one. We are committed to fulfilling each one of them,” Sonia said at a public rally at Vijayabheri Sabha in Tukkuguda.

Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will go to polls later this year.

She further said that 2,500 per month financial assistance will be given to women in Telangana under the Mahalakshmi scheme.

“Rs 2,500 per month financial assistance will be given to women in Telangana under the Mahalakshmi scheme, gas cylinders at Rs 500, and free travel for women in TSRC buses across the state,” she added.

While concluding her speech, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson further said that I along with my colleagues had the opportunity to be part of the birth of this great state Telangana. Now it is our duty to take it to a new height.

“It has been my dream to see the Congress government in Telangana that will work for all sections of society. Are you all going to give us your support?” she asked the public.

Earlier today, the two-day Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Hyderabad concluded, with party leaders expressing optimism about receiving a “clear mandate” in the upcoming assembly elections in five states.

Congress chief of all poll-bound States has given presentations during the meeting about their strategy and preparations, sources said. (ANI)

Congress Working Committee To Meet In Hyderabad On Saturday

By LokMarg 15th September 2023

The newly constituted Congress Working Committee (CWC) will hold its first meeting in poll-bound Telangana’s Hyderabad on Saturday.

Congress President Mallikharjun Kharge will be chairing the highest decision-making body of the party to discuss the party strategy for the upcoming assembly election in the five states.

Senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and CWC members will attend the CWC meeting.

Informing about the details of the CWC meeting at a press conference, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, “Tomorrow we will hold the first CWC (Congress Working Committee meeting) in Hyderabad in which the preparations for the upcoming elections will be discussed. We have invited 90 people, out of which 84 people will attend.”

“Congress president will preside over the CWC meeting. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will be there. Our 4 chief ministers will also attend the meeting,” he said.

Exuding confidence that the meeting is going to be a game changer in Telangana politics, KC Venugopal said,” We will discuss the upcoming elections of the 5 states. We will surely form government in five states including Telangana. The meeting is going to be a game changer in Telangana politics. We will launch six guarantees to the people of Telangana and we will fulfil them within a month after coming to power.”

He further informed that the extended CWC meeting will also be held. Moreover, a public rally will be organised on September 17.

“We invited 159 people and 149 people will attend the extended CWC meeting on September 17. We will organise a ‘Vijayaberi public meeting ‘ on the same day. On September 18, our leaders apart from MPs will go to all Assembly constituencies,” he said.

After the rally on the same evening, the Congress president will flag off the cavalcades of CWC members, PCC presidents, CLP leaders and others to 119 Assembly constituencies of Telangana.

KC Venugopal said that the BJP is the principal enemy of the grand old party in politics and KCR’s party Bharat Rashtra Samithi is supporting anti-democratic laws in the Parliament.

“Certainly, we had past experience. Our fight is with PM Narendra Modi. Our principal enemy in politics is the BJP and their ideology. They (KCR’s party BRS) support anti-democratic laws in the Parliament, Venugopal said during a press conference in Rangareddy.

The state is set to witness a triangular contest among the BJP, the ruling BRS and the Congress. The Telangana election will serve as a litmus test for the BJP-led NDA and the INDIA alliance before the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram will also go to polls later this year. (ANI)

Sonia Hospitalised Due To Fever, Condition Stable

By LokMarg 3rd September 2023

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Delhi’s Sir Gangaram Hospital with symptoms of mild fever on Sunday.

Currently, Sonia Gandhi is under doctors’ observation and is currently stable, sources said.

Earlier, the Congress leader was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a viral respiratory infection.

The former Congress president’s recent appearance was at the opposition alliance INDIA meeting held in Mumbai on September 1. (ANI)

No-Trust Motion: Dubey’s ‘Bete’, ‘Damaad’ Jibe At Sonia In LS

By LokMarg 8th August 2023

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, on Tuesday, initiating his party’s debate on the no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha, took a jibe at Sonia Gandhi and also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

“This no-confidence motion has been brought. Why has this been brought? Sonia ji (Gandhi) is sitting here…I think she has to do two things – “Bete (son) ko set karna hai aur Damad (son-in-law) ko bhent karna hai” (She wants to set his son [Rahul Gandhi] and wants to gift his son-in-law). …That is the base of this motion,” Dubey said.

The former Congress President was seen laughing at the BJP MP’s remark.

This motion is against the son of a poor, against a man who gave houses, drinking water, toilets to the people. It is against the poor, the BJP MP said.

Dubey also targeted Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Savarkar and brought up the issue of the Supreme Court staying the Congress leader’s conviction in the ‘Modi’ surname defamation case after which the Wayanad MP’s membership in the Lower House was restored.

“The Supreme Court has not given a judgement. It has given a stay order…He is saying that he will not apologise… Secondly, he says “I am not Savarkar” – You can never be Veer Savakar…,” Dubey said.

The debate on the no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government began with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi initiating the debate. Gogoi stated that the opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance was forced to move the house due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “maun vrat” (vow of silence) on Manipur.

Initially, the Congress said that Rahul Gandhi will begin the debate.

Responding to the last-minute change in the Congress speakers’ list Dubey took a dig at Rahul Gandhi and said that “Maybe Rahul Gandhi wasn’t ready today or maybe he woke late. Gaurav Gogoi spoke well. I am a victim of turbulent times of Manipur. My uncle suffered there and was injured.”

Opposition members have been seeking discussion under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha since the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20.

Manipur had been on the boil for the last three months after ethnic clashes broke out between two tribal communities Meities and Kukis, when the Manipur High Court asked the state government to consider adding one of the communities to the list of Scheduled Tribes. (ANI)

Sonia, Kharge, Rahul Arrive At Bengaluru Ahead Of Joint Oppn Meet

By LokMarg 17th July 2023

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and party leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bengaluru to take part in the two-day meeting of opposition parties.

Meanwhile, they were received by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other senior leaders of the party.
Earlier, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Singh and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko also arrived at Bengaluru airport.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “…2/3rd of the population is going to defeat BJP. I hope that the people of the country will give BJP a massive defeat…I am receiving inputs from all corners of the country that the BJP will be wiped out…”

Congress has rallied support from 26 parties for the second opposition unity meeting to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The first opposition unity meeting was held in Patna last month.

The formal opposition meeting will take place on Tuesday. The meeting will start at about 11 am and will continue till 4 pm.

The opposition parties are seeking to put up a united front against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

An informal meeting is scheduled at 6 pm after which there will be dinner at 8 pm.

According to sources, the name of the opposition alliance will be decided, and the common minimum programme may also be discussed in the Bengaluru meeting.

Several committees are expected to be formed which will hold meetings to deliberate on various issues pertaining to the alliance. Various groups and sub-groups may also be formed. (ANI)

Shivakumar Breaks Down, Thanks Sonia

By LokMarg 13th May 2023

An emotional Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar broke down on Saturday as his party looked poised towards forming the next government in the State. He also recalled his stint in jail in 2019.

Shivakumar thanked the party cadre and workers for the results.
“I can’t forget Sonia Gandhi visiting me in jail…when BJP people put me in jail,” Shivakumar who was almost choking with emotion said.

Speaking to reporters, the Karnataka Congress Pradesh Committee (KPCC) chief said, “I credit my cadre and all my party leaders, they worked hard. People have lent faith in us, they supported us. It is a collective leadership and we jointly worked. I said in the beginning, joining the party is beginning…the day I took the oath, thinking together is progress, and working together is success”.

Shivakumar recalled his time in jail in the year 2019 for over 50 days in ED custody in connection with an alleged money laundering case.

“I had promised Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge that I will deliver the state to their fold. When these BJP people put me in jail, I remember Sonia Gandhi came to meet me there. Such is the faith the party, the Gandhi family and the whole country bestowed on me,” he said.

Shivakumar said that he will again address the media and party workers after some time.

“I thank all the MLAs in the state, including Siddaramaiah. Every leader who worked from block to the booth level, including my AICC leaders and general secretaries. I have a lot of things to tell, but I will come later and meet you all at Bharat Jodo Bhavan,” the senior Congress leader said.

Meanwhile, the Congress party has consolidated its lead in the counting for the assembly elections with victory on two seats and leading on 128 others, as per the Election Commission of India.

Shivakumar was also leading on the Kanakpura constituency with a massive margin of over 64000 votes.

The counting of votes began at 8 am amid tight security across the State.

The exit polls predicted a hung assembly with some showing Congress returning to power with a majority. A few exit polls also showed BJP ahead.

The fiercely contested election that saw high-pitch campaigns from the political parties.

The polling for the seats were held on May 10 with a voting percentage of 72. 68 per cent in voting for 224 seats. A party needs 113 seats to get majority. (ANI)

Cong Should Apologise To Nation: Anurag On Kharge’s Poisonous Snake Remarks

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

Slamming Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said Kharge made the statement because no one accepted him as the chief of his party.

He demanded Congress’ apology over Kharge’s remarks.
“Congress made Mallikarjun Kharge the party president but nobody considers him that, so he thought of giving a statement which is worse than that given by Sonia Gandhi. Congress should apologise to the nation,” Thakur said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje demanded Kharge’s apology.

“Mallikarjun Kharge is a senior leader and president of Congress. What does he want to tell the world? Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of our country and the whole world respects him and using such language for PM shows the level to which Congress has stooped. We want him (Kharge) to apologize to the country,” Karandlaje said.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge while addressing a public meeting in Kalaburagi on Thursday said, “PM Modi is like a ‘poisonous snake’, you might think it is poison or not. If you lick it, you are dead.

However as controversy sparked, Kharge clarified his earlier remark on PM Modi. He said his remarks were meant for the BJP and not for the Prime Minister.

“It was not meant for PM Modi, what I meant was BJP’s ideology is ‘like a snake’. I never said this personally for PM Modi, what I said was their ideology is like a snake and if you try to touch it, your death is certain,” said Kharge.

BJP and Congress are at loggerheads at poll-bound Karnataka. The polls for the 224-seat assembly are slated to take place on May 10 and the counting will take place on May 13. (ANI)