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Business Standard
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
PM Modi greets Rahul Gandhi on 55th birthday, Congress leaders send wishes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who turned 55. 'Birthday greetings to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life,' Modi wrote on X. Wishes poured in from Congress leaders and allies, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge commending Gandhi's commitment to constitutional values and his compassion for the marginalised. Gandhi, who is a former Congress president and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also received warm greeting from leaders of many INDIA bloc constituents with DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin calling him his brother-in-ideals -- "bound not by blood, but by thought, vision, and purpose". In a post on X, Kharge extended birthday greetings to Gandhi. "What sets you apart is your unequivocal dedication to the Constitution's values and your deep compassion for social, political and economic justice for the millions whose voices often go unheard," the Congress chief said. "Your actions consistently reflect the Congress party's ideology of unity in diversity, harmony, and compassion. As you continue your mission to bring truth to power and support the last person standing, I wish you a long, healthy, and happy life ahead," Kharge said. DMK leader Stalin said, "Warm birthday wishes to my brother-in-ideals, @RahulGandhi - bound not by blood, but by thought, vision, and purpose." "May you continue to stand firm and lead with courage. In our march towards a brighter India, victory shall be ours," he said on X. Former Uttar Pradesh leader and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "Heartiest congratulations to Shri Rahul Gandhi on his birthday and best wishes for his inclusive, accommodative and comprehensive socio-political activism!" NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also greeted Gandhi on his birthday. "Wishing Leader of Opposition - Lok Sabha, @INCIndia Leader Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) Ji Happy Birthday. Have a Healthy Year Ahead!" she said. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav wished Gandhi a healthy, successful, happy, long and prosperous life. Congress general secretary in-charge organisation, K C Venugopal, hailed Gandhi and said his courage to take on fascists without fear, his message of love triumphing over hate, and his farsighted vision for the country's poor, marginalised and backwards make him the leader that India needs during this "difficult period". "I join the entire Congress family and millions across the country in wishing our beloved leader, LOP Sh. @RahulGandhi ji, a very happy birthday!" Venugopal said on X. "Your courage to take on the fascists without fear, your message of love triumphing over hate, and your farsighted vision for our country's poor, marginalised and backward makes you the leader our country needs during this difficult period," he said. The historic Bharat Jodo Yatra and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra brought hope in the hearts of millions crushed under the burden of economic and social injustices, and your dedication towards bringing about true social transformation is a path your opponents are forced to walk on, he said. "We all wish you the best of health and look forward to being part of your mission!" Venugopal said. Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot greeted Gandhi on his birthday and said his sensitivity and commitment towards social justice have given a new direction to political discourse. "I sincerely wish you great success in the efforts you are making for the progress of every section of society and the changes you expect. I also pray to God that the coming year brings you happiness, prosperity and good health," he said in his post on X. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy hailed Gandhi as the "hope of India". "Happy birthday, to #HopeOfIndia my leader, embodiment of silent strength, true visionary, compassionate & wise, who has people's interests in his heart, and a soldier fighting for the idea of India, an inspiration for all those who truly love India, and above all, one of the finest humans I have ever met, leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi," Reddy said on X. "May more people of India discover your love for them, may more people understand your true commitment to #India, and to every Indian," he said. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot extended birthday wishes to Gandhi and said the extent to which he is fighting for the rights of the oppressed, deprived, Dalits, Tribals, backward classes, and the poor among the upper castes in this country is truly unprecedented. "It's true social justice. We all stand with you in this fight for justice. I truly hope that your efforts to protect the Constitution and democracy with such resolve, and your message of peace and love in the entire nation, will succeed," Gehlot said on X. The time has come for you to step forward and lead the nation, to strengthen democracy and safeguard the Constitution, he said. The Congress, on its official X handle, hailed Gandhi and said that through his fearless integrity and tireless commitment, he reminds us all that real change is fuelled by compassion and empathy. "You are a true crusader for justice. A voice for the voiceless and a relentless advocate for equality. May this year bring you joy and renewed strength to champion the ideals you stand for and usher in the changes that you are committed to," the party said. "Thank you for your deep resolve and unblemished hope. Happy Birthday Rahul Gandhi ji," it said. The Indian Youth Congress, in a post on X, said, "Celebrating Rahul Gandhi, whose unwavering commitment to the nation brings hope and strength to millions. Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Jannayak Shri @RahulGandhi, the visionary leader who inspires millions with his dedication and love for India.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pakistan link: Himanta-Gaurav spat intensifies
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Wednesday (May 28, 2025), fired another salvo at MP and newly anointed State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi after the latter said he visited Pakistan once. Also read | 'Startling confession' by Congress leader on Gaurav Gogoi's wife being on Pak govt 'payroll': Himanta Mr. Gogoi said he went to Pakistan in 2013 to meet his British wife, Elizabeth Colburn, who worked on an international project on climate change in the neighbouring country. Her work was not related to espionage or intelligence gathering, he insisted. 'They (Bharatiya Janata Party) are making an issue out of it, which is like a script of a C-grade Bollywood movie,' he said, adding that the Assam Chief Minister 'has this old habit of deceiving people'. Asserting the citizenship of his wife and children are 'personal matters', Mr. Gogoi took a jibe at Mr. Sarma by referring to his claim that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used a body double for his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in 2024. 'I believe he thinks I have a body double, too,' he said. Hitting back, Mr. Sarma said the Congress MP representing eastern Assam's Jorhat constituency 'has finally admitted' that he visited Pakistan. Also read | Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi met Pakistan Army official, says Assam CM 'But let us be very clear; this is just the beginning, not the end. What lies ahead is far more serious. There exists every reasonable ground, supported by credible inputs and documented information, to suggest that Shri Gogoi has maintained proximity with the Pakistani establishment,' he posted on X. He later told journalists that Mr. Gogoi and his wife were 'deeply involved in anti-India activities' and what the Congress MP has revealed 'is only 10%' of what is known and would be disclosed after the Special Investigation Team completes its inquiry by September. 'We will release every document, every proof we have. The people of Assam and India deserve to know the truth,' the Chief Minister said. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former State party president, Ripun Bora, said he received a notice from the Crime Investigation Department for 'countering the false allegations of the Chief Minister' about Mr. Gogoi's Pakistan links. 'This is an attempt to harass me, intimidate me, and suppress my voice. But as a law-abiding citizen, I have decided to appear before CM's Vigilance. If they send me to jail, I am ready to go to jail,' he said.
Mint
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
‘C-grade Bollywood movie': Gaurav Gogoi clarifies wife's ‘Pakistan links', Himanta Sarma promises ‘details on Sept 10'
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday intensified his allegations against Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, asserting that Gogoi and his wife maintain close ties with Pakistan's establishment. On CM Sarma said, "I have documents to prove his wife's involvement in collecting Indian Intelligence input. I will reveal details on September 10." To this, in his first public statement on the matter, Gaurav Gogoi clarified that his wife spent only one year in Pakistan in 2013 while working on an international project focused on climate change in South Asia. Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress MP Gogoi and his wife of being 'deeply involved in anti-India activities' and highlighted that Gogoi's son, born in India, later acquired British citizenship after surrendering his Indian passport, calling these 'very serious allegations.' Assam CM Sarma also claimed that Gaurav Gogoi's visit to Pakistan was facilitated by Pakistan's Home Department, not its External Affairs or Cultural Ministries, framing it as a matter of grave national concern. Responding to these accusations, Gaurav Gogoi vehemently denied any wrongdoing. At a press conference in New Delhi, he stated, 'About 14-15 years ago, my wife, who is a well-known expert in public policy, worked on an international project in South Asia focused on climate change. She spent one year there, including some time in Pakistan, before returning to India around 2012-13. I also remember going with her once around 2013.' "Since then, she has continued her work and took a new job in 2015. I also remember going with her once in 2013. Their (the BJP's) job is defamation and by raking this issue they are creating this whole thing like a C-grade Bollywood movie which they have said would be released on September 10. But that is going to be a flop miserably," Gogoi said. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi dismissed the BJP leader's claims as 'ridiculous, baseless and nonsense,' describing the controversy as 'a C-grade Bollywood movie' scripted by the BJP. Gogoi questioned why the Central government had not acted over the past 11 years if there was any misconduct and accused Himanta Sarma of attempting to sow doubt within the Congress leadership. Gogoi further accused Sarma of a pattern of deception, referencing prior claims such as the allegation that Rahul Gandhi used a 'body double' during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. 'I am the son of Tarun Gogoi. I will not be intimidated. The truth will prevail,' he affirmed, demanding two SITs—one to investigate him and another to probe Sarma himself. Reacting to Gogoi's remarks, chief minister Himanta Sarma welcomed the Congress MP's 'admission' and claimed that credible evidence supports allegations of Gogoi's ties with the Pakistani establishment. 'Finally, Congress MP Shri Gaurav Gogoi has admitted that he visited Pakistan. But let us be very clear — this is just the beginning, not the end,' Sarma wrote on X. 'What lies ahead is far more serious. There exists every reasonable ground, supported by credible inputs and documented information, to suggest that Shri Gogoi has maintained proximity with the Pakistani establishment,' he claimed. In the press conference at the Congress' 24, Akbar Road office, Gogoi raised questions about the timing and intent behind the allegations. 'Our counter-question is this: if, according to these accusations, my wife or I committed any wrongdoing or illegal act, then who has been in power for the last 11–12 years? What have the central agencies been doing all this time? Everyone knows the level of scrutiny involved when someone crosses a national border — whether entering or exiting,' Gogoi said.
India Today
28-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Wife went for climate project, I visited once: Gaurav Gogoi on Pak link claim
Congress MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday pushed back against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's allegations linking him and his wife to Pakistan's ISI. Gogoi said that his wife had spent some time in Pakistan while working on an international project on climate change, and he had gone with her once in to BJP's claim that he secretly visited Pakistan and underwent 'training' there, Gogoi said, 'About 14-15 years ago, my wife, who is a well-known expert in public policy, worked on an international project in South Asia focused on climate change. She spent one year there, including some time in Pakistan, before returning to India around 2012-13. I also remember going with her once around 2013.'advertisement'They are making an issue of it as their work is only demeaning,' Gogoi added. He dismissed the row as 'a C-grade Bollywood movie' scripted by the BJP. Taking a swipe at Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi said that the BJP leader 'has this old habit of deceiving people'.He referred to Himanta Biswa Sarma's previous claim that Rahul Gandhi was using a "body double" for his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in 2024.'Now, as he is making false allegations against me, I believe he thinks of my 'body double' too,' Gogoi was quoted as saying by news agency response to Gogoi's remarks on Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a fresh statement, saying: 'Finally, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has admitted that he visited Pakistan. But let us be very clear — this is just the beginning, not the end.'advertisementClaiming that 'credible inputs and documented information' point to Gogoi's proximity with the Pakistani establishment, Sarma said the Assam government would make everything public on September 10 once a Special Investigation Team concludes its inquiry.'The people of Assam and the nation deserve the truth — and they shall have it, in full,' he added, warning that the Congress and Rahul Gandhi would be held accountable for promoting a 'compromised individual'.GAURAV GOGOI VS HIMANTA BISWA SARMAHimanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly alleged that Gaurav Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, has links to Pakistan's spy agency. Sarma alleged that Colburn made 19 trips between India and Pakistan and had connections with the Pakistani Army and also accused Gogoi of visiting Pakistan on the invitation of the ISI and undergoing training there. He claimed Gogoi received an invitation letter from Pakistan's Home Department and stayed there for 15 days without informing Indian Assam Chief Minister said Gogoi opposed the Rafale deal after returning from Pakistan and further alleged that his wife received a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while working in Biswa Sarma has offered to resign as Assam Chief Minister if any of his claims are proven false and said the SIT's findings would be revealed by September Gogoi has dismissed the allegations, calling them 'ridiculous, baseless and nonsense'. He questioned why the Centre — which he said was aware of his visit — took no issue with it at the time.'Since becoming an MP in 2014, I have followed all official protocols, submitted all my passports and used a diplomatic passport. Every detail is documented and available with the relevant authorities,' Gogoi accused Sarma of trying to 'run from the public and avoid responsibility' by deferring evidence to September 10. He also demanded two SITs led by retired judges — one to investigate him and another to probe the Chief accused Himanta Biswa Sarma of targeting his late father, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, and even his minor grandchildren out of 'deep insecurity'.'I am the son of Tarun Gogoi. I will not be intimidated. The truth will prevail,' Gaurav Gogoi Watch
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Business Standard
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Kamal Haasan to join Rajya Sabha? DMK allots one seat to his party MNM
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced three candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu. One of the seats has been allocated to the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), a political party led by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan. The other two candidates selected by DMK are advocate P Wilson and SR Sivalingam. The Election Commission of India (ECI) had earlier said Rajya Sabha polls will be held for eight seats—six from Tamil Nadu and two from Assam. ECI is conducting elections for these seats due to the current members completing their term soon. In Tamil Nadu, six members will retire in July, while the two members from Assam will complete their term next month. Out of the six seats in Tamil Nadu, three are currently held by DMK, and one each by AIADMK, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK). Based on how many seats each party holds in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, DMK is in a strong position and could increase its share in the Rajya Sabha from three to four. If not, the Congress, an ally of DMK, might get one seat. The election for these seats will be held on June 19, and the counting of votes will take place on the same evening. Kamal Haasan launched his party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018. However, his party did not win in the 2019 Lok Sabha or the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Later, MNM supported the DMK-led alliance during a by-election in Erode. Haasan also joined Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' when it reached Tamil Nadu in December 2022.
