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{{Infobox officeholder |
{{Infobox officeholder |
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| name = Rahul Gandhi |
| name = Rahul Gandhi |
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| image = File:Rahul Gandhi |
| image = File:Rahul Gandhi.png |
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| caption = Gandhi in |
| caption = Gandhi in 2023 |
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| constituency = [[Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Wayanad]], [[Kerala]] |
| constituency = [[Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Wayanad]], [[Kerala]] |
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| term_start = 7 August 2023<ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi returns to parliament after Indian court suspends defamation conviction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/07/rahul-gandhi-returns-to-parliament-after-indian-court-suspends-defamation-conviction |access-date=7 August 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=7 August 2023}}</ref> |
| term_start = 7 August 2023<ref>{{cite news |title=Rahul Gandhi returns to parliament after Indian court suspends defamation conviction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/07/rahul-gandhi-returns-to-parliament-after-indian-court-suspends-defamation-conviction |access-date=7 August 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=7 August 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110052425/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/07/rahul-gandhi-returns-to-parliament-after-indian-court-suspends-defamation-conviction |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| term_end = |
| term_end = |
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| predecessor = ''Himself'' |
| predecessor = ''Himself'' |
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| constituency1 = [[Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Wayanad]], [[Kerala]] |
| constituency1 = [[Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Wayanad]], [[Kerala]] |
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| term_start1 = 23 May 2019 |
| term_start1 = 23 May 2019 |
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| term_end1 = 23 March 2023 {{refn|<ref name=":3">{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Karan Deep|date=23 March 2023|title=Leader of Indian Party Opposing Modi Is Sentenced in Defamation Case|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/world/asia/india-gandhi-modi-defamation.html |
| term_end1 = 23 March 2023 {{refn|<ref name=":3">{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Karan Deep|date=23 March 2023|title=Leader of Indian Party Opposing Modi Is Sentenced in Defamation Case|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/world/asia/india-gandhi-modi-defamation.html|access-date=25 March 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=4 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143950/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/world/asia/india-gandhi-modi-defamation.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{cite news |last=Dhillon |first=Amrit |date=23 March 2023 |title=Rahul Gandhi found guilty of defaming Narendra Modi |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/23/rahul-gandhi-found-guilty-of-defaming-narendra-modi-india-prime-minister-remark-2019 |access-date=25 March 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901082932/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/23/rahul-gandhi-found-guilty-of-defaming-narendra-modi-india-prime-minister-remark-2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rahul Gandhi: Key opposition leader in India disqualified from parliament after defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi|url=https://news.sky.com/story/rahul-gandhi-key-opposition-leader-in-india-disqualified-from-parliament-after-defaming-prime-minister-narendra-modi-12841416|access-date=1 April 2023|website=Sky News|language=en|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606072249/https://news.sky.com/story/rahul-gandhi-key-opposition-leader-in-india-disqualified-from-parliament-after-defaming-prime-minister-narendra-modi-12841416|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=24 March 2023|title=India opposition leader loses his Parliament seat after being convicted of defamation|work=NPR|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/03/24/1165822683/india-rahul-gandhi-parliament-seat-defamation-modi|access-date=1 April 2023|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530020204/https://www.npr.org/2023/03/24/1165822683/india-rahul-gandhi-parliament-seat-defamation-modi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi gets 2 years in jail for Modi comment|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/india-rahul-gandhi-narendra-modi-defamation-rcna76464|access-date=1 April 2023|website=NBC News|date=24 March 2023|language=en|archive-date=21 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821084319/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/india-rahul-gandhi-narendra-modi-defamation-rcna76464|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|date=23 March 2023|title=India's Rahul Gandhi found guilty of defamation over Modi remark|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230323-india-s-rahul-gandhi-found-guilty-of-defamation-over-modi-remark-1|access-date=23 March 2023|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=8 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508163640/http://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230323-india-s-rahul-gandhi-found-guilty-of-defamation-over-modi-remark-1|url-status=live}}</ref>}} |
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| predecessor1 = [[M. I. Shanavas]] |
| predecessor1 = [[M. I. Shanavas]] |
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| successor1 = ''Himself'' |
| successor1 = ''Himself'' |
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| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1970|06|19}} |
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1970|06|19}} |
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| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], India |
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], India |
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| alma_mater = [[Trinity College, Cambridge]] ([[Master of Philosophy|MPhil]]) |
| alma_mater = [[Harvard University]]<br /> [[Trinity College, Cambridge]] ([[Master of Philosophy|MPhil]]) |
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| party = [[Indian National Congress]] |
| party = [[Indian National Congress]] |
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| parents = [[Rajiv Gandhi]] (father)<br />[[Sonia Gandhi]] (mother) |
| parents = [[Rajiv Gandhi]] (father)<br />[[Sonia Gandhi]] (mother) |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Rahul Rajiv Gandhi''' ({{IPA-hi|ˈraːɦʊl raːdʒiːʋ ˈɡaːndʱiː|-|Rahul Rajiv Gandhi.ogg}}; born 19 June 1970) is an Indian politician and a member of the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] who represents the constituency of [[Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency|Wayanad]], Kerala, in the [[Lok Sabha]]. He previously represented the constituency of [[Amethi Lok Sabha constituency|Amethi]], Uttar Pradesh. He is a member of the main opposition party, the [[Indian National Congress]], and was the party president from December 2017 to July 2019. |
'''Rahul Rajiv Gandhi''' ({{IPA-hi|ˈraːɦʊl raːdʒiːʋ ˈɡaːndʱiː|-|Rahul Rajiv Gandhi.ogg}}; born 19 June 1970) is an Indian politician and a member of the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] who represents the constituency of [[Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency|Wayanad]], Kerala, in the [[Lok Sabha]]. He previously represented the constituency of [[Amethi Lok Sabha constituency|Amethi]], Uttar Pradesh. He is a member of the main opposition party, the [[Indian National Congress]], and was the [[List of presidents of the Indian National Congress|party president]] from December 2017 to July 2019. Gandhi is the chairperson of the [[Indian Youth Congress]], the [[National Students Union of India]] and a trustee of the [[Rajiv Gandhi Foundation]] and [[Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust]]. He is the son of the former [[Prime Minister of India]], [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. |
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Born in [[New Delhi]], Gandhi spent his early childhood between Delhi and [[Dehradun]] and stayed away from the [[public sphere]] for much of his childhood and early youth. He received primary education in New Delhi and then attended [[The Doon School]] in Dehradun. However, due to security concerns, he was later home-schooled. Gandhi commenced his undergraduate degree at [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]] before moving to [[Harvard University]]. The following year, due to security threats following the [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination of his father]], he moved to [[Rollins College]] in [[Florida]], completing his degree in 1994. The next year, he obtained his [[Master of Philosophy|M.Phil.]] from [[Trinity College, Cambridge|Cambridge]]. After completing his post-graduation, he initiated his professional career with the [[Monitor Group]], a management consulting firm in [[London]]. Soon thereafter, he returned to India and founded Backops Services Private Ltd, a technology outsourcing firm based in [[Mumbai]]. |
Born in [[New Delhi]], Gandhi spent his early childhood between Delhi and [[Dehradun]] and stayed away from the [[public sphere]] for much of his childhood and early youth. He received primary education in New Delhi and then attended the elite all-boys' boarding [[The Doon School]] in Dehradun. However, due to security concerns, he was later home-schooled. Gandhi commenced his undergraduate degree at [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]] before moving to [[Harvard University]]. The following year, due to security threats following the [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination of his father]], he moved to [[Rollins College]] in [[Florida]], completing his degree in 1994. The next year, he obtained his [[Master of Philosophy|M.Phil.]] from [[Trinity College, Cambridge|Cambridge]]. After completing his post-graduation, he initiated his professional career with the [[Monitor Group]], a management consulting firm in [[London]]. Soon thereafter, he returned to India and founded Backops Services Private Ltd, a technology outsourcing firm based in [[Mumbai]]. |
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Gandhi contested and won the [[2004 Indian general elections|14th general elections]] from Amethi in 2004. He won again in general elections held in [[2009 Indian general elections|2009]] and [[2014 Indian general elections|2014]]. Gandhi led the party in the 2014 and 2019 Indian general elections, with the party facing significant losses in both, especially in 2014 where they won only 44 seats whereas in 2019 elections the party won 52 seats. Gandhi has also served as members of several parliament Committees including, [[Standing Committee on Home Affairs|Home Affairs]], Human Resource Development, [[Committee on External Affairs|External Affairs]], Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs and [[Standing Committee on Defence (India)|Defence]]. |
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==Early life and background== |
==Early life and background== |
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{{Further|Nehru–Gandhi family}} |
{{Further|Nehru–Gandhi family}} |
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[[File:Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar, the Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the Member of Parliament, Shri Rahul Gandhi.jpg|left|thumb|Gandhi along with [[Sonia Gandhi]],then [[President of India|POI]] [[Pratibha Patil]], then [[Vice President of India|VPOI]] [[Hamid Ansari|Ansari]], then [[Prime Minister of India|PM]] at the memorial of his grandmother [[Indira Gandhi]]]] |
[[File:Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar, the Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the Member of Parliament, Shri Rahul Gandhi.jpg|left|thumb|Gandhi along with [[Sonia Gandhi]], then [[President of India|POI]] [[Pratibha Patil]], then [[Vice President of India|VPOI]] [[Hamid Ansari|Ansari]], then [[Prime Minister of India|PM]] at the memorial of his grandmother [[Indira Gandhi]]]] |
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Gandhi was born on 19 June 1970 at Holy Family Hospital in [[Delhi]].<ref name="Desk 2019">{{cite web | last=Desk | first=India Today Web | title=Rahul Gandhi meets Kerala nurse who witnessed his birth | website=India Today | date=9 June 2019 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-meets-kerala-nurse-who-witnessed-his-birth-1545370-2019-06-09 | access-date=22 March 2024}}</ref> He was the first of two children born to [[Rajiv Gandhi]], who later served as the 6th Prime Minister of India, and [[Sonia Gandhi]], who went on to become the [[President of the Indian National Congress]]. As the grandson of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, his lineage is deeply rooted in Indian political history. His paternal grandfather, [[Feroze Gandhi]], hailed from [[Gujarat]] and was of [[Parsi]] descent.<ref name="Bhatt 2012">{{cite web | last=Bhatt | first=Sheela | title=Special: 'Rahul should project himself as a Gujarati' | website=Rediff | date=19 April 2012 | url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2012/apr/19as-feroze-gandhis-grandson-rahul-should-project-himself-as-a-gujarati-says-achyut-yagnik.htm | access-date=22 March 2024}}</ref> Furthermore, he is the great-grandson of India's inaugural prime minister, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]]. |
Gandhi was born on 19 June 1970 at Holy Family Hospital in [[Delhi]].<ref name="Desk 2019">{{cite web | last=Desk | first=India Today Web | title=Rahul Gandhi meets Kerala nurse who witnessed his birth | website=India Today | date=9 June 2019 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-meets-kerala-nurse-who-witnessed-his-birth-1545370-2019-06-09 | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322134025/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-meets-kerala-nurse-who-witnessed-his-birth-1545370-2019-06-09 | url-status=live }}</ref> He was the first of two children born to [[Rajiv Gandhi]], who later served as the 6th Prime Minister of India, and [[Sonia Gandhi]], who went on to become the [[President of the Indian National Congress]]. As the grandson of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, his lineage is deeply rooted in Indian political history. His paternal grandfather, [[Feroze Gandhi]], hailed from [[Gujarat]] and was of [[Parsi]] descent.<ref name="Bhatt 2012">{{cite web | last=Bhatt | first=Sheela | title=Special: 'Rahul should project himself as a Gujarati' | website=Rediff | date=19 April 2012 | url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2012/apr/19as-feroze-gandhis-grandson-rahul-should-project-himself-as-a-gujarati-says-achyut-yagnik.htm | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322134024/https://www.rediff.com/news/2012/apr/19as-feroze-gandhis-grandson-rahul-should-project-himself-as-a-gujarati-says-achyut-yagnik.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, he is the great-grandson of India's inaugural prime minister, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]]. |
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Gandhi completed his elementary education at [[St. Columba's School, Delhi|St. Columba's School]] in New Delhi.<ref name="The Times of India 2009 s173">{{cite web | title=Unplugged: Rahul Gandhi | website=The Times of India | date=7 August 2009 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Unplugged-Rahul-Gandhi/articleshow/4144215.cms | access-date=22 March 2024}}</ref> He then attended [[The Doon School]] in Dehradun (also the alma mater of his father, Rajiv Gandhi) from 1981 to 1983. At Doon, Gandhi's contemporaries were the former Congress, now-[[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) politicians [[Jyotiraditya Scindia]] and [[Jitin Prasada]].<ref name="News18 2020">{{cite web | title=Why Jyotiraditya Scindia, Friends With Rahul Gandhi Since Age 4, Crossed the |
Gandhi completed his elementary education at [[St. Columba's School, Delhi|St. Columba's School]] in New Delhi.<ref name="The Times of India 2009 s173">{{cite web | title=Unplugged: Rahul Gandhi | website=The Times of India | date=7 August 2009 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Unplugged-Rahul-Gandhi/articleshow/4144215.cms | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322132445/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Unplugged-Rahul-Gandhi/articleshow/4144215.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> He then attended [[The Doon School]] in Dehradun (an elite all-boys' boarding school, also the alma mater of his father, Rajiv Gandhi) from 1981 to 1983.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pant |first1=Neha |date=18 August 2017 |title=Rahul Gandhi visits alma mater Doon School as nephew Raihan chairs ‘Lok Sabha’ |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/rahul-gandhi-visits-alma-mater-doon-school-as-nephew-raihan-chairs-lok-sabha/story-E6bs835KXMSVaYh5Y8mcVO.html |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=25 April 2024}}</ref> At Doon, Gandhi's contemporaries were the former Congress, now-[[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) politicians [[Jyotiraditya Scindia]] and [[Jitin Prasada]].<ref name="News18 2020">{{cite web | title=Why Jyotiraditya Scindia, Friends With Rahul Gandhi Since Age 4, Crossed the 'Laxman Rekha' | website=News18 | date=22 March 2020 | url=https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/why-jyotiraditya-friends-with-rahul-gandhi-since-age-4-crossed-laxman-rekha-got-congress-evicted-from-mp-2546085.html | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=23 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323054137/https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/why-jyotiraditya-friends-with-rahul-gandhi-since-age-4-crossed-laxman-rekha-got-congress-evicted-from-mp-2546085.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-prince-who-will-be-king/articleshow/970673762.cms|title=The prince who will be king|newspaper=The Times of India|first=Kaveree|last=Bamzai|date=5 October 2001|access-date=14 August 2023|archive-date=5 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805171719/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-prince-who-will-be-king/articleshow/970673762.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the [[assassination of Indira Gandhi]] by Sikhs in her personal guard on 31 October 1984, his father entered politics and became the 6th Prime Minister of India. Due to security threats from [[Sikh extremists]], Gandhi and his sister Priyanka were [[Homeschooling|home-schooled]], taking examinations under the supervision of teachers.<ref name="Saxena 2017 s908">{{cite web | last=Saxena | first=Anmol | title=Rahul Gandhi: Rise of the Gandhi family scion | website=Al Jazeera | date=11 December 2017 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/11/rahul-gandhi-rise-of-the-gandhi-family-scion | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322132445/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/11/rahul-gandhi-rise-of-the-gandhi-family-scion | url-status=live }}</ref> Spending their childhood away from media attention, Gandhi and his sister kept low profiles, appearing with their parents at only a handful of public occasions.<ref name="The New York Times 1989 z882">{{cite web | title=Foes of Gandhi Make Targets of His Children | website=The New York Times | date=16 July 1989 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/16/world/foes-of-gandhi-make-targets-of-his-children.html | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=15 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315065826/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/16/world/foes-of-gandhi-make-targets-of-his-children.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Gandhi joined [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]], Delhi, an affiliated college of the [[University of Delhi]], in 1989 for his undergraduate education.<ref name="The Indian Express 2023">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi visits Delhi University PG |
Gandhi joined [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]], Delhi, an affiliated college of the [[University of Delhi]], in 1989 for his undergraduate education.<ref name="The Indian Express 2023">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi visits Delhi University PG men's hostel, interacts with students | website=The Indian Express | date=5 May 2023 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/rahul-gandhi-visits-delhi-university-pg-mens-hostel-interacts-students-8593438/ | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191452/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/rahul-gandhi-visits-delhi-university-pg-mens-hostel-interacts-students-8593438/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Gandhi's academic performance in Class XII, with a score of 61 per cent in the [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE school certificate]], was perceived as not particularly strong.<ref name="Kidwai 2023">{{cite web | last=Kidwai | first=Rasheed | title=Rahul Gandhi has been controversy's favourite child. St Stephens's 1989 admission was just a start | website=India Today | date=19 June 2023 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-has-been-controversys-favourite-child-st-stephenss-1989-admission-was-just-a-start-2394805-2023-06-19 | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191452/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-has-been-controversys-favourite-child-st-stephenss-1989-admission-was-just-a-start-2394805-2023-06-19 | url-status=live }}</ref> However, he gained admission to St. Stephen’s College for [[Bachelor of Arts|BA (Honors)]] History through the sports quota, which granted a 10 per cent advantage in exam scores to promising athletes; per [[National Rifle Association of India]] testimonials, Gandhi stood 4th in the 32nd [[Shooting sports in India|National Shooting Competition]] held in New Delhi from 26 December 1988 to 5 January 1989.<ref name="Kidwai 2023"/> Gandhi had finished fourth in the Centre Fire Pistol 25 M (Indian Rule) Men’s civilian event with a score of 371 out of 400 points.<ref name="Kidwai 2023"/> By July 1989, Gandhi had won eight national awards. In 1991, following the [[assassination of Rajiv Gandhi]] by the [[LTTE]] during an election rally, Gandhi left St. Stephen’s and moved to [[Harvard University]] in the U.S. While at Harvard, Gandhi obtained a Master's degree in Economics.<ref name="Ramesh 2004 l510">{{cite web | last=Ramesh | first=Randeep | title=Gandhi heirs to enter politics | website=the Guardian | date=22 March 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/mar/22/india.randeepramesh | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325132001/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/mar/22/india.randeepramesh | url-status=live }}</ref> However, reportedly due to security concerns, he subsequently relocated to [[Rollins College]] in [[Florida]]. He further went on to obtain an [[Master of Philosophy]] (MPhil) in Development Studies, from [[Trinity College, Cambridge|Trinity College]], Cambridge in 1995.<ref name="Sonwalkar 2014">{{cite web | last=Sonwalkar | first=Prasun | title=Rahul was awarded Cambridge MPhil degree in 1995 | website=Hindustan Times | date=27 January 2014 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rahul-was-awarded-cambridge-mphil-degree-in-1995/story-2mzMzA8yxYK0yTdkvpfhLN.html | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191616/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rahul-was-awarded-cambridge-mphil-degree-in-1995/story-2mzMzA8yxYK0yTdkvpfhLN.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Economic Times 2009">{{cite web | title=Rahul was awarded Cambridge M Phil degree in 1995: University | website=The Economic Times | date=29 April 2009 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-was-awarded-cambridge-m-phil-degree-in-1995-university/articleshow/4463329.cms?from=mdr | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322191616/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-was-awarded-cambridge-m-phil-degree-in-1995-university/articleshow/4463329.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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After completing higher education, Gandhi worked at the [[Monitor Group]], a [[management consulting]] firm set up by [[Michael Porter]] of [[Harvard Business School]], in [[London]] for three years.<ref name="Rediff.com 2004">{{cite web | title=The Great White Hope: The Son Also Rises | website=Rediff.com | date=22 March 2004 | url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2004/apr/13rajeev.htm | access-date=22 March 2024}}</ref> In 2002, he returned to India and established his [[outsourcing|technology consultancy]], Backops Services Private Ltd, in [[Mumbai]], where he served as one of the directors of the firm.<ref name="Rediff2002">{{cite web | title=Want to be CEO of Rahul Gandhi's firm? | website=Rediff.com | date=28 May 2002 | url=https://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jun/24rahul.htm | access-date=22 March 2024}}</ref> Subsequently, he founded BackOps UK, a company that secured defense contracts from foreign suppliers.<ref name="Kumar 2019">{{cite web | last=Kumar | first=Ankit | title=Rahul Gandhi's former business partner got defence offset contracts during UPA regime | website=Business Today | date=3 May 2019 | url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/rahul-gandhi-former-business-partner-defence-offset-contracts-upa-regime-congress-194125-2019-05-03 | access-date=22 March 2024}}</ref> |
After completing higher education, Gandhi worked at the [[Monitor Group]], a [[management consulting]] firm set up by [[Michael Porter]] of [[Harvard Business School]], in [[London]] for three years.<ref name="Rediff.com 2004">{{cite web | title=The Great White Hope: The Son Also Rises | website=Rediff.com | date=22 March 2004 | url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2004/apr/13rajeev.htm | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322193300/https://www.rediff.com/news/2004/apr/13rajeev.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, he returned to India and established his [[outsourcing|technology consultancy]], Backops Services Private Ltd, in [[Mumbai]], where he served as one of the directors of the firm.<ref name="Rediff2002">{{cite web | title=Want to be CEO of Rahul Gandhi's firm? | website=Rediff.com | date=28 May 2002 | url=https://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jun/24rahul.htm | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=22 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322193300/https://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jun/24rahul.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, he founded BackOps UK, a company that secured defense contracts from foreign suppliers.<ref name="Kumar 2019">{{cite web | last=Kumar | first=Ankit | title=Rahul Gandhi's former business partner got defence offset contracts during UPA regime | website=Business Today | date=3 May 2019 | url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/rahul-gandhi-former-business-partner-defence-offset-contracts-upa-regime-congress-194125-2019-05-03 | access-date=22 March 2024 | archive-date=16 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316104827/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/rahul-gandhi-former-business-partner-defence-offset-contracts-upa-regime-congress-194125-2019-05-03 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Political positions== |
==Political positions== |
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===Formative years=== |
===Formative years=== |
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[[File:Hillary Clinton with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.jpg|thumb|left|251x251px|alt= Rfer caption |Gandhi (right) with [[Hillary Clinton]], [[Sonia Gandhi]] and [[Karan Singh]] in New Delhi, 2009]] |
[[File:Hillary Clinton with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.jpg|thumb|left|251x251px|alt= Rfer caption |Gandhi (right) with [[Hillary Clinton]], [[Sonia Gandhi]] and [[Karan Singh]] in New Delhi, 2009]] |
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In March 2004, Gandhi announced his entry into politics by declaring that he would contest the [[2004 Indian general election|14th general elections]] from his father's former constituency of [[Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amethi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] for the [[Lok Sabha]], India's lower house of parliament.<ref name="BBC Amethi">{{cite web | title=Rahul attacks 'divisive' politics | website=BBC News | date=12 April 2004 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3619123.stm | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> His mother had held the seat until she transferred to the neighboring constituency of [[Raebareli (Lok Sabha constituency)|Raebareli]]. When Gandhi made this announcement, it came as a surprise to political commentators, who had perceived his sister [[Priyanka Gandhi]] as the more charismatic and probable successor. It generated speculation that the presence of a young member of India's most famous [[Nehru–Gandhi family|political family]] would reinvigorate the Congress party's political fortunes among India's youthful population.<ref name="Biswas BBC 2004">{{cite web | last=Biswas | first=Soutik | title=The riddle of Rahul Gandhi | website=BBC News | date=23 March 2004 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3560771.stm | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> In his first interview with foreign media, Gandhi portrayed himself as a uniter of the country and condemned "divisive" politics in India, saying that he would try to reduce [[Indian caste system|caste]] and [[Religion in India|religious]] tensions.<ref name="amethi">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3619123.stm|work=BBC News|title=Rahul attacks 'divisive' politics|date=12 April 2004|access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> |
In March 2004, Gandhi announced his entry into politics by declaring that he would contest the [[2004 Indian general election|14th general elections]] from his father's former constituency of [[Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amethi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] for the [[Lok Sabha]], India's lower house of parliament.<ref name="BBC Amethi">{{cite web | title=Rahul attacks 'divisive' politics | website=BBC News | date=12 April 2004 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3619123.stm | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=27 January 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090127052916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3619123.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> His mother had held the seat until she transferred to the neighboring constituency of [[Raebareli (Lok Sabha constituency)|Raebareli]]. When Gandhi made this announcement, it came as a surprise to political commentators, who had perceived his sister [[Priyanka Gandhi]] as the more charismatic and probable successor. It generated speculation that the presence of a young member of India's most famous [[Nehru–Gandhi family|political family]] would reinvigorate the Congress party's political fortunes among India's youthful population.<ref name="Biswas BBC 2004">{{cite web | last=Biswas | first=Soutik | title=The riddle of Rahul Gandhi | website=BBC News | date=23 March 2004 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3560771.stm | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=29 January 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129064948/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3560771.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> In his first interview with foreign media, Gandhi portrayed himself as a uniter of the country and condemned "divisive" politics in India, saying that he would try to reduce [[Indian caste system|caste]] and [[Religion in India|religious]] tensions.<ref name="amethi">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3619123.stm|work=BBC News|title=Rahul attacks 'divisive' politics|date=12 April 2004|access-date=22 May 2010|archive-date=27 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090127052916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3619123.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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After being out of power for a record eight years, the Congress party returned to power, winning a total of 145 seats in the 2004 Indian general election. A [[First Manmohan Singh ministry|coalition government]] was formed at the center by Congress with the backing of regional parties. Gandhi secured a victory by a substantial margin of over 100,000 votes, thereby maintaining the stronghold of his family in Uttar Pradesh.<ref>{{cite news| |
After being out of power for a record eight years, the Congress party returned to power, winning a total of 145 seats in the 2004 Indian general election. A [[First Manmohan Singh ministry|coalition government]] was formed at the center by Congress with the backing of regional parties. Gandhi secured a victory by a substantial margin of over 100,000 votes, thereby maintaining the stronghold of his family in Uttar Pradesh.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3711881.stm|work=BBC News|title=India elections: Good day – bad day|date=2 June 2004|access-date=22 May 2010|archive-date=31 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131152433/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3711881.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the party performed poorly in Uttar Pradesh, as it held only 10 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with a vote share of 12.53 per cent.<ref name="amethihistory">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3557045.stm|work=BBC News|title=Gandhi fever in Indian heartlands|date=22 March 2004|access-date=22 May 2010|first=Sanjoy|last=Majumder|archive-date=29 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129112227/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3557045.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Gandhi did not hold any official role or position within the government.<ref name="Telegraph India">{{cite web | title=Latest News, Top Stories, Opinion, News Analysis and Comments | website=Telegraph India | date=25 March 2024 | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/ | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=5 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105101304/https://www.telegraphindia.com/ | url-status=live }}</ref> From 2004 to 2006, Gandhi served as a member for the [[Standing Committee]] on [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home Affairs]]. Between 2006 and 2009, he served as the member of the Standing Committee on [[Ministry of Education (India)|Human Resource Development]].<ref name="Post2004">{{cite news |title=Rahul Gandhi |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/panache/panache-people-101/rahul-gandhi/profileshow/86561293.cms |access-date=25 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=27 September 2021 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425214147/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/panache/panache-people-101/rahul-gandhi/profileshow/86561293.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka, managed their mother's campaign for re-election to [[Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency|Raebareilly]] in 2006, which was won with a margin of over 400,000 votes.<ref>{{cite news| |
Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka, managed their mother's campaign for re-election to [[Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency|Raebareilly]] in 2006, which was won with a margin of over 400,000 votes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4761871.stm|work=BBC News|title=India's communists upbeat over future|date=11 May 2006|access-date=22 May 2010|first=Sanjoy|last=Majumder|archive-date=4 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504203129/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4761871.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He was a prominent figure in the Congress campaign for the [[2007 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]]; Congress, however, did not perform well in those elections, winning only 22 seats of the 403 seats with 8.53 per cent of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6643953.stm|work=BBC News|title=Uttar Pradesh low caste landslide|date=11 May 2007|access-date=22 May 2010|archive-date=4 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104122200/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6643953.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 September 2007, Gandhi was appointed as the General Secretary of the [[All India Congress Committee]], the governing body of the Congress party, as part of a reshuffle of the party secretariat.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7010099.stm|title=Rahul Gandhi gets Congress post|date=24 September 2007|access-date=24 September 2007|work=BBC News|archive-date=7 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107033602/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7010099.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same reshuffle, he was also given charge of the [[Indian Youth Congress]] and the [[National Students Union of India]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092550240100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015065913/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092550240100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2007| title=Rahul Gandhi gets Youth Congress Charge|date=25 September 2007|access-date=25 September 2007|work=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref><!-- In 2008, senior Congress leader [[Veerappa Moily]] mentioned "Rahul-as-PM" idea when the PM of India Manmohan Singh was still abroad.<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/in-the-family-way/368776/0 In the family way]. Indian Express (3 October 2008). Retrieved 9 August 2011.</ref> He was elevated to the position of the vice-president of the party in January 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi gets bigger role in Congress, appointed party vice-president|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rahul-Gandhi-gets-bigger-role-in-Congress-appointed-party-vice-president/articleshow/18080828.cms?referral=PM|newspaper=Times of India| date=19 January 2013 |access-date=21 June 2015}}</ref> --> |
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===Youth politics=== |
===Youth politics=== |
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In September 2007, Gandhi was appointed as general secretary of the [[Indian Youth Congress]] (IYC), segment of the Congress party that represents the younger generation, and the [[National Students Union of India]] (NSUI), the faction that caters to the student community.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092550240100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015065913/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092550240100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2007|title=Rahul Gandhi appointed party general secretary|date=25 September 2007|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref> As the general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), Gandhi played a notable role in shaping the policies and strategies of these organisations. After his appointment, both groups saw a significant increase in membership, from 200,000 to 2.5 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rahul-gandhi-s-youth-congress-gets-overwhelming-response_1386926|title=Rahul Gandhi's Youth Congress gets overwhelming response|date=24 May 2010|access-date=23 September 2010|publisher=DNA India}}</ref> The IYC underwent a restructuring process to make it more democratic and inclusive.<ref name="Org Revamp">{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Aarthi |title=Rahul Gandhi: Journey from a consultant to mass leader |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-gandhi-journey-from-a-consultant-to-mass-leader/articleshow/5554295.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=10 February 2010}}</ref><ref name="IYC Reform">{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Aarthi |title=Rahul's revitalisation of Youth Congress enters phase |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahuls-revitalisation-of-youth-congress-enters-phase-ii/articleshow/4895663.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=15 August 2009}}</ref> In November 2008, Gandhi held interviews at his 12 Tughlak Lane residence in [[New Delhi]] to handpick at least 40 people to make up the IYC's [[think tank]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rahul-gandhis-strengths-and-weaknesses/445855-37-64.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119213112/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rahul-gandhis-strengths-and-weaknesses/445855-37-64.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2014|title=Rahul Gandhi's strengths and weaknesses|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=16 January 2014|access-date= 27 April 2014}}</ref> In 2009, during Gandhi's visit to [[West Bengal]], the state unit of the Youth Congress registered 1 million members.<ref name="IYC Members">{{cite news |title=Youth Congress members in W Bengal rise to 10 lakh|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/youth-congress-members-in-w-bengal-rise-to-10-lakh/articleshow/6716809.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=9 October 2010}}</ref> Similarly, the IYC was only able to acquire around 10 to 15 new members per day in each assembly segment of Uttar Pradesh; however, after Gandhi's visit, the number surged to 150 to 200 new members per day in the same regions.<ref name="UP IYC">{{cite news |title=Rahul's presence directly proportional to Youth Congress membership number |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/rahul-s-presence-directly-proportional-to-youth-congress-membership-number/552327/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Indian Express |publisher=Indian Express Group |date=10 December 2009}}</ref> |
In September 2007, Gandhi was appointed as general secretary of the [[Indian Youth Congress]] (IYC), segment of the Congress party that represents the younger generation, and the [[National Students Union of India]] (NSUI), the faction that caters to the student community.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092550240100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015065913/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092550240100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2007|title=Rahul Gandhi appointed party general secretary|date=25 September 2007|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref> As the general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), Gandhi played a notable role in shaping the policies and strategies of these organisations. After his appointment, both groups saw a significant increase in membership, from 200,000 to 2.5 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rahul-gandhi-s-youth-congress-gets-overwhelming-response_1386926|title=Rahul Gandhi's Youth Congress gets overwhelming response|date=24 May 2010|access-date=23 September 2010|publisher=DNA India|archive-date=25 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525213631/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rahul-gandhi-s-youth-congress-gets-overwhelming-response_1386926|url-status=live}}</ref> The IYC underwent a restructuring process to make it more democratic and inclusive.<ref name="Org Revamp">{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Aarthi |title=Rahul Gandhi: Journey from a consultant to mass leader |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-gandhi-journey-from-a-consultant-to-mass-leader/articleshow/5554295.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=10 February 2010 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423065812/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-gandhi-journey-from-a-consultant-to-mass-leader/articleshow/5554295.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IYC Reform">{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Aarthi |title=Rahul's revitalisation of Youth Congress enters phase |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahuls-revitalisation-of-youth-congress-enters-phase-ii/articleshow/4895663.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=15 August 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423064439/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahuls-revitalisation-of-youth-congress-enters-phase-ii/articleshow/4895663.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2008, Gandhi held interviews at his 12 Tughlak Lane residence in [[New Delhi]] to handpick at least 40 people to make up the IYC's [[think tank]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rahul-gandhis-strengths-and-weaknesses/445855-37-64.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119213112/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rahul-gandhis-strengths-and-weaknesses/445855-37-64.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2014|title=Rahul Gandhi's strengths and weaknesses|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=16 January 2014|access-date= 27 April 2014}}</ref> In 2009, during Gandhi's visit to [[West Bengal]], the state unit of the Youth Congress registered 1 million members.<ref name="IYC Members">{{cite news |title=Youth Congress members in W Bengal rise to 10 lakh |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/youth-congress-members-in-w-bengal-rise-to-10-lakh/articleshow/6716809.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=9 October 2010 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423064437/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/youth-congress-members-in-w-bengal-rise-to-10-lakh/articleshow/6716809.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, the IYC was only able to acquire around 10 to 15 new members per day in each assembly segment of Uttar Pradesh; however, after Gandhi's visit, the number surged to 150 to 200 new members per day in the same regions.<ref name="UP IYC">{{cite news |title=Rahul's presence directly proportional to Youth Congress membership number |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/rahul-s-presence-directly-proportional-to-youth-congress-membership-number/552327/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Indian Express |publisher=Indian Express Group |date=10 December 2009}}</ref> |
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While serving as the general secretary of the NSUI, Gandhi played an active role in strengthening the organisation and increasing [[Public participation (decision making)|student participation]] in politics.<ref name="Org Revamp"/> Under his leadership, the NSUI initiated programs and campaigns to address issues affecting the student community, such as the quality of education, employment opportunities, and social justice.<ref name="NSUI 2018">{{cite news |title=NSUI holds rally against Centre's policies |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/nsui-holds-rally-against-centres-policies/article24637367.ece |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Hindu |agency=The Hindu Group |date=9 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="NSUI Protest">{{cite news |title=NSUI stages protests against 'saffronisation' of Agra varsit |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/nsui-stages-protests-against-saffronisation-of-agra-varsity/articleshow/65862383.cms |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Times of India |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=19 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="NSUI Issues">{{cite news |last1=Naqshbandi |first1=Aurangzeb |title=Rohith Vemula issue to be in focus at NSUI conclave; Rahul Gandhi to attend |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rohith-vemula-issue-to-be-in-focus-at-nsui-conclave-rahul-gandhi-to-attend/articleshow/50905389.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=8 February 2016}}</ref> Gandhi also advocated for greater student representation in decision-making processes and supported [[Students' union|student leaders]] in their endeavours.<ref name="Student Leader">{{cite news |title=Kanhaiya thanks Rahul for support in JNU row |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kanhaiya-thanks-rahul-for-support-in-jnu-row/article8385629.ece |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Hindu |agency=The Hindu Group |date=20 January 2018}}</ref> |
While serving as the general secretary of the NSUI, Gandhi played an active role in strengthening the organisation and increasing [[Public participation (decision making)|student participation]] in politics.<ref name="Org Revamp"/> Under his leadership, the NSUI initiated programs and campaigns to address issues affecting the student community, such as the quality of education, employment opportunities, and social justice.<ref name="NSUI 2018">{{cite news |title=NSUI holds rally against Centre's policies |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/nsui-holds-rally-against-centres-policies/article24637367.ece |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Hindu |agency=The Hindu Group |date=9 August 2018 |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421113426/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/nsui-holds-rally-against-centres-policies/article24637367.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NSUI Protest">{{cite news |title=NSUI stages protests against 'saffronisation' of Agra varsit |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/nsui-stages-protests-against-saffronisation-of-agra-varsity/articleshow/65862383.cms |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Times of India |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=19 September 2018 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423071350/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/nsui-stages-protests-against-saffronisation-of-agra-varsity/articleshow/65862383.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NSUI Issues">{{cite news |last1=Naqshbandi |first1=Aurangzeb |title=Rohith Vemula issue to be in focus at NSUI conclave; Rahul Gandhi to attend |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rohith-vemula-issue-to-be-in-focus-at-nsui-conclave-rahul-gandhi-to-attend/articleshow/50905389.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |date=8 February 2016 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423071349/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rohith-vemula-issue-to-be-in-focus-at-nsui-conclave-rahul-gandhi-to-attend/articleshow/50905389.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Gandhi also advocated for greater student representation in decision-making processes and supported [[Students' union|student leaders]] in their endeavours.<ref name="Student Leader">{{cite news |title=Kanhaiya thanks Rahul for support in JNU row |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kanhaiya-thanks-rahul-for-support-in-jnu-row/article8385629.ece |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Hindu |agency=The Hindu Group |date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423071833/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/kanhaiya-thanks-rahul-for-support-in-jnu-row/article8385629.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===General |
===General election campaigns=== |
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====2009==== |
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For the [[2009 Indian general election]], Gandhi campaigned across India covering 22 states and 107 [[List of constituencies of the Lok Sabha|constituencies]].<ref name="Campaigning09">{{cite news |title=The hits and misses |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/election-news/story/20090525-the-hits-and-misses-739767-2009-05-16 |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=India Today (TV channel) |agency=Living Media |date=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Rahul-Gandhi-plans-125-rally-blitz-Sonia-aims-at-80/articleshow/33095776.cms|title=Rahul Gandhi plans 125-rally blitz, Sonia aims at 80|date=18 May 2009|work=The Times of India|access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref> His campaigning included addressing public rallies and meetings, interacting with voters, and highlighting the party's vision and agenda for the country.<ref name="Issues09">{{cite news |title=The top 5 campaigners of election 2009 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/the-top-5-campaigners-of-election-2009-393877 |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=NTDV |agency=New Delhi Television Ltd |date=9 May 2009}}</ref> He specifically focused on issues such as rural development, education, employment, and women's empowerment. Gandhi, also emphasised the importance of youth participation in politics and urged them to be more involved in shaping the country's future.<ref name="Express09">{{cite news |title=Will 2009 be the year of Rahul Gandhi? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/will-2009-be-the-year-of-rahul-gandhi/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Indian Express Group |date=4 January 2009}}</ref> The nationwide elections defied the predictions made by pre-poll predictions and exit polls and gave a clear mandate to the incumbent, Congress-led [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8053385.stm|title=India opts for the middle path|work=BBC News|date=16 May 2009|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref> |
For the [[2009 Indian general election]], Gandhi campaigned across India covering 22 states and 107 [[List of constituencies of the Lok Sabha|constituencies]].<ref name="Campaigning09">{{cite news |title=The hits and misses |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/election-news/story/20090525-the-hits-and-misses-739767-2009-05-16 |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=India Today (TV channel) |agency=Living Media |date=23 May 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423130715/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/election-news/story/20090525-the-hits-and-misses-739767-2009-05-16 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Rahul-Gandhi-plans-125-rally-blitz-Sonia-aims-at-80/articleshow/33095776.cms|title=Rahul Gandhi plans 125-rally blitz, Sonia aims at 80|date=18 May 2009|work=The Times of India|access-date=2 April 2014|archive-date=2 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402022347/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Rahul-Gandhi-plans-125-rally-blitz-Sonia-aims-at-80/articleshow/33095776.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> His campaigning included addressing public rallies and meetings, interacting with voters, and highlighting the party's vision and agenda for the country.<ref name="Issues09">{{cite news |title=The top 5 campaigners of election 2009 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/the-top-5-campaigners-of-election-2009-393877 |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=NTDV |agency=New Delhi Television Ltd |date=9 May 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423130714/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/the-top-5-campaigners-of-election-2009-393877 |url-status=live }}</ref> He specifically focused on issues such as rural development, education, employment, and women's empowerment. Gandhi, also emphasised the importance of youth participation in politics and urged them to be more involved in shaping the country's future.<ref name="Express09">{{cite news |title=Will 2009 be the year of Rahul Gandhi? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/will-2009-be-the-year-of-rahul-gandhi/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Indian Express Group |date=4 January 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423130715/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/will-2009-be-the-year-of-rahul-gandhi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The nationwide elections defied the predictions made by pre-poll predictions and exit polls and gave a clear mandate to the incumbent, Congress-led [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8053385.stm|title=India opts for the middle path|work=BBC News|date=16 May 2009|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521183049/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8053385.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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While the Congress did not win a majority in the election, they emerged as the largest party and formed a coalition government with the support of other parties.<ref name="2009 Election">{{cite news |title=2009 Lok Sabha election: Final results tally |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/2009-lok-sabha-election-final-results-tally/story-eKTqeNHrCnLHBxQ8H4poiI.html |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |agency=HT Media Ltd |date=17 May 2009}}</ref> Gandhi retained his Amethi seat by defeating his nearest rival by a margin of over 370,000 votes.<ref name=rahul3>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|title=Constituency Wise Detailed Results |page=153|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=30 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811090059/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Gandhi was credited with the Congress revival in Uttar Pradesh where they won 21 out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-18/lucknow/28202068_1_lakh-votes-margin-congress-candidate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811092337/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-18/lucknow/28202068_1_lakh-votes-margin-congress-candidate|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|title=Sonia secures biggest margin, Rahul follows|date=18 May 2009|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 May 2009}}</ref><ref name=2009election>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|title=Constituency Wise Detailed Results |
While the Congress did not win a majority in the election, they emerged as the largest party and formed a coalition government with the support of other parties.<ref name="2009 Election">{{cite news |title=2009 Lok Sabha election: Final results tally |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/2009-lok-sabha-election-final-results-tally/story-eKTqeNHrCnLHBxQ8H4poiI.html |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |agency=HT Media Ltd |date=17 May 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423132035/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/2009-lok-sabha-election-final-results-tally/story-eKTqeNHrCnLHBxQ8H4poiI.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Gandhi retained his Amethi seat by defeating his nearest rival by a margin of over 370,000 votes.<ref name=rahul3>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|title=Constituency Wise Detailed Results |page=153|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=30 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811090059/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Gandhi was credited with the Congress revival in Uttar Pradesh where they won 21 out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-18/lucknow/28202068_1_lakh-votes-margin-congress-candidate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811092337/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-18/lucknow/28202068_1_lakh-votes-margin-congress-candidate|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|title=Sonia secures biggest margin, Rahul follows|date=18 May 2009|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 May 2009}}</ref><ref name=2009election>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|title=Constituency Wise Detailed Results|page=153|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=30 April 2014|archive-date=2 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802000135/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2009/Stats/VOLI/25_ConstituencyWiseDetailedResult.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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====2014==== |
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[[File:Rahul Gandhi speaking.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Gandhi in an election rally in Karnataka, India|Gandhi speaking to a rally in [[Karnataka]]]] |
[[File:Rahul Gandhi speaking.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Gandhi in an election rally in Karnataka, India|Gandhi speaking to a rally in [[Karnataka]]]] |
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Gandhi contested the [[2014 Indian general election]] from his constituency, Amethi,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Rahul-Gandhi-to-file-nomination-from-Amethi-today/articleshow/33644311.cms|title=Rahul Gandhi to file nomination from Amethi today|newspaper=The Times of India|date=12 April 2014|access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> and led the election campaign of the Indian National Congress.<ref name=R1>{{cite news|last=Miglani|first=Sanjeev|title=Family heir Rahul Gandhi to lead party's election campaign|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/india-election-rahul-gandhi-pm-idINDEEA0F0BS20140116|access-date=30 April 2014|newspaper=Reuters|date=17 January 2014}}</ref> Gandhi held the Amethi seat by defeating his nearest rival, BJP's [[Smriti Irani]], by a reduced margin of 107,000 votes,<ref name=2009election/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eciresults.nic.in/ConstituencywiseS2437.htm?ac=37|title=Constituencywise-All Candidates|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517135253/http://eciresults.nic.in/ConstituencywiseS2437.htm?ac=37|archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref> but the Congress suffered its worst-ever performance at an election and won only 44 seats, compared to the 206 seats won in 2009.<ref name="dna May 2014">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-after-its-worst-defeat-ever-in-lok-sabha-elections-what-can-congress-do-to-recover-1989703|title=After its worst defeat ever in Lok Sabha elections, what can Congress do to recover?|work=Daily News & Analysis|date=19 May 2014|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=2009results>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8051633.stm|title=India election results in full|work=BBC News|date=16 May 2009|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref> The UPA also had its worst-ever performance in elections and won only 59 seats, compared to the 262 seats won in 2009.<ref name=2009results/><ref>{{cite web |title=Results India |url=http://electionsdata.ndtv.com/2014/graphics/dtype/dtype_india.html?paperheight=55&paperwidth=99.5&width=360&height=180&share=1&shlogo=1&showga=1 |website=electionsdata.ndtv.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517180704/http://electionsdata.ndtv.com/2014/graphics/dtype/dtype_india.html?paperheight=55&paperwidth=99.5&width=360&height=180&share=1&shlogo=1&showga=1 |archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/472411/the-worst-defeat-where-the-congress-went-wrong.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521190800/http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/472411/the-worst-defeat-where-the-congress-went-wrong.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 May 2014|title=The worst defeat: Where the Congress went wrong|work=IBN Live|date=17 May 2014|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref> After the defeat, Gandhi offered to resign his posts, only to be rejected by the party's working committee.<ref>{{cite news|title=India's Congress party refuses to accept resignations of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/19/india-congress-party-sonia-rahul-gandhi|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=19 June 2015|date=19 May 2014|last1=Burke|first1=Jason}}</ref> |
Gandhi contested the [[2014 Indian general election]] from his constituency, Amethi,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Rahul-Gandhi-to-file-nomination-from-Amethi-today/articleshow/33644311.cms|title=Rahul Gandhi to file nomination from Amethi today|newspaper=The Times of India|date=12 April 2014|access-date=29 April 2014|archive-date=17 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417022224/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Rahul-Gandhi-to-file-nomination-from-Amethi-today/articleshow/33644311.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> and led the election campaign of the Indian National Congress.<ref name=R1>{{cite news|last=Miglani|first=Sanjeev|title=Family heir Rahul Gandhi to lead party's election campaign|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/india-election-rahul-gandhi-pm-idINDEEA0F0BS20140116|access-date=30 April 2014|newspaper=Reuters|date=17 January 2014|archive-date=23 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123125229/https://in.reuters.com/article/india-election-rahul-gandhi-pm-idINDEEA0F0BS20140116|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gandhi held the Amethi seat by defeating his nearest rival, BJP's [[Smriti Irani]], by a reduced margin of 107,000 votes,<ref name=2009election/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eciresults.nic.in/ConstituencywiseS2437.htm?ac=37|title=Constituencywise-All Candidates|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517135253/http://eciresults.nic.in/ConstituencywiseS2437.htm?ac=37|archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref> but the Congress suffered its worst-ever performance at an election and won only 44 seats, compared to the 206 seats won in 2009.<ref name="dna May 2014">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-after-its-worst-defeat-ever-in-lok-sabha-elections-what-can-congress-do-to-recover-1989703|title=After its worst defeat ever in Lok Sabha elections, what can Congress do to recover?|work=Daily News & Analysis|date=19 May 2014|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-date=10 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110175352/https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-after-its-worst-defeat-ever-in-lok-sabha-elections-what-can-congress-do-to-recover-1989703|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=2009results>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8051633.stm|title=India election results in full|work=BBC News|date=16 May 2009|access-date=21 May 2014|archive-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521021401/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8051633.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The UPA also had its worst-ever performance in elections and won only 59 seats, compared to the 262 seats won in 2009.<ref name=2009results/><ref>{{cite web |title=Results India |url=http://electionsdata.ndtv.com/2014/graphics/dtype/dtype_india.html?paperheight=55&paperwidth=99.5&width=360&height=180&share=1&shlogo=1&showga=1 |website=electionsdata.ndtv.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517180704/http://electionsdata.ndtv.com/2014/graphics/dtype/dtype_india.html?paperheight=55&paperwidth=99.5&width=360&height=180&share=1&shlogo=1&showga=1 |archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/472411/the-worst-defeat-where-the-congress-went-wrong.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521190800/http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/472411/the-worst-defeat-where-the-congress-went-wrong.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 May 2014|title=The worst defeat: Where the Congress went wrong|work=IBN Live|date=17 May 2014|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref> After the defeat, Gandhi offered to resign his posts, only to be rejected by the party's working committee.<ref>{{cite news|title=India's Congress party refuses to accept resignations of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/19/india-congress-party-sonia-rahul-gandhi|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=19 June 2015|date=19 May 2014|last1=Burke|first1=Jason|archive-date=19 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519185737/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/19/india-congress-party-sonia-rahul-gandhi|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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====2019==== |
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Gandhi led the [[Indian National Congress campaign for the 2019 Indian general election|2019 election campaign]] of the Congress party. During campaign, Gandhi announced "Nyay" (Nyuntam Aay Yojana— Minimum Income Gurantee) Scheme promising Rs 6,000 each to 20 per cent poorest households to his election speeches.<ref name="2019 INC">{{cite web | last=Shekhar | first=Kumar Shakti | title=Why Rahul Gandhi 3.0 failed to click in 2019 Lok Sabha elections | website=The Times of India | date=23 May 2019 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/election-results-why-rahul-gandhi-3-0-failed-to-click-in-2019-lok-sabha-polls/articleshow/69463452.cms | access-date=27 March 2024}}</ref> Gandhi also promised to fill 22 lakhs government jobs within one year coming to power at the Centre. Gandhi used the slogan "''[[Chowkidar Chor Hai]]''" as a jibe against Narendra Modi, BJP's prime ministerial candidate during his election rallies.<ref name="HuffPost25Dec">{{cite news |title='Chowkidar Chor Hai': Uddhav Thackeray Uses Rahul Gandhi's Jibe To Attack Modi |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/chowkidar-chor-hai-uddhav-thackeray-uses-rahul-gandhis-jibe-to-attack-modi_in_5c213722e4b08aaf7a8b856f |access-date=18 March 2019 |work=HuffPost India |date=25 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chaturvedi |first1=Rakesh Mohan |last2=Anshuman |first2=Kumar |title=Chowkidar beats chor hai: Modi uses insults to his advantage |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/chowkidar-beats-chor-hai-modi-uses-insults-to-his-advantage/articleshow/69474044.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=The Economic Times |date=24 May 2019}}</ref> The slogan was aimed at Modi about the alleged irregularities and favouritism in awarding the contracts for the [[Rafale deal controversy|Rafale fighter jet deal]].<ref name="telegraphindia16March">{{cite news |title=Narendra Modi urges supporters to take 'main bhi chowkidar' pledge |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/narendra-modi-urges-supporters-to-take-main-bhi-chowkidar-pledge/cid/1686940 |access-date=18 March 2019 |work=telegraphindia.com |date=16 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=HuffPost_Profile>{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/in-a-new-gimmick-pm-changes-twitter-profile-name-to-chowkidar-narendra-modi_in_5c8e0464e4b0db7da9f454a7 |title=In A New Gimmick, PM Changes Twitter Profile Name To 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi' |date=17 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Post election results the INC won 52 seats, eight more than the previous election. Its vote percentage once again fell below 20 per cent. Gandhi won the Wayanad seat with over 60 per cent vote share.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/trends/statewiseS111.htm?st=S111|title=General Election 2019 |
Gandhi led the [[Indian National Congress campaign for the 2019 Indian general election|2019 election campaign]] of the Congress party. During campaign, Gandhi announced "Nyay" (Nyuntam Aay Yojana— Minimum Income Gurantee) Scheme promising Rs 6,000 each to 20 per cent poorest households to his election speeches.<ref name="2019 INC">{{cite web | last=Shekhar | first=Kumar Shakti | title=Why Rahul Gandhi 3.0 failed to click in 2019 Lok Sabha elections | website=The Times of India | date=23 May 2019 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/election-results-why-rahul-gandhi-3-0-failed-to-click-in-2019-lok-sabha-polls/articleshow/69463452.cms | access-date=27 March 2024 | archive-date=27 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327214118/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/election-results-why-rahul-gandhi-3-0-failed-to-click-in-2019-lok-sabha-polls/articleshow/69463452.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> Gandhi also promised to fill 22 lakhs government jobs within one year coming to power at the Centre. Gandhi used the slogan "''[[Chowkidar Chor Hai]]''" as a jibe against Narendra Modi, BJP's prime ministerial candidate during his election rallies.<ref name="HuffPost25Dec">{{cite news |title='Chowkidar Chor Hai': Uddhav Thackeray Uses Rahul Gandhi's Jibe To Attack Modi |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/chowkidar-chor-hai-uddhav-thackeray-uses-rahul-gandhis-jibe-to-attack-modi_in_5c213722e4b08aaf7a8b856f |access-date=18 March 2019 |work=HuffPost India |date=25 December 2018 |language=en |archive-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401105316/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/chowkidar-chor-hai-uddhav-thackeray-uses-rahul-gandhis-jibe-to-attack-modi_in_5c213722e4b08aaf7a8b856f |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chaturvedi |first1=Rakesh Mohan |last2=Anshuman |first2=Kumar |title=Chowkidar beats chor hai: Modi uses insults to his advantage |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/chowkidar-beats-chor-hai-modi-uses-insults-to-his-advantage/articleshow/69474044.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=The Economic Times |date=24 May 2019 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020065429/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/chowkidar-beats-chor-hai-modi-uses-insults-to-his-advantage/articleshow/69474044.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> The slogan was aimed at Modi about the alleged irregularities and favouritism in awarding the contracts for the [[Rafale deal controversy|Rafale fighter jet deal]].<ref name="telegraphindia16March">{{cite news |title=Narendra Modi urges supporters to take 'main bhi chowkidar' pledge |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/narendra-modi-urges-supporters-to-take-main-bhi-chowkidar-pledge/cid/1686940 |access-date=18 March 2019 |work=telegraphindia.com |date=16 March 2019 |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090445/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/narendra-modi-urges-supporters-to-take-main-bhi-chowkidar-pledge/cid/1686940 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=HuffPost_Profile>{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/in-a-new-gimmick-pm-changes-twitter-profile-name-to-chowkidar-narendra-modi_in_5c8e0464e4b0db7da9f454a7 |title=In A New Gimmick, PM Changes Twitter Profile Name To 'Chowkidar Narendra Modi' |date=17 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327085901/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/in-a-new-gimmick-pm-changes-twitter-profile-name-to-chowkidar-narendra-modi_in_5c8e0464e4b0db7da9f454a7 |url-status=live }}</ref> Post election results the INC won 52 seats, eight more than the previous election. Its vote percentage once again fell below 20 per cent. Gandhi won the Wayanad seat with over 60 per cent vote share.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/trends/statewiseS111.htm?st=S111|title=General Election 2019|website=results.eci.gov.in|access-date=23 May 2019|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604054302/http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/trends/statewiseS111.htm?st=S111|url-status=live}}</ref> However, he lost his existing seat of Amethi to [[Smriti Irani]] of the BJP by a margin of 55,120 votes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/trends/statewiseS241.htm?st=S241|title=General Election 2019 |website=results.eci.gov.in|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref> |
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Gandhi campaigned during the [[2012 elections in India|2012 Assembly elections]] in the politically crucial [[2012 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly election|Uttar Pradesh election]] for almost two months, holding 200 rallies. However, Congress ranked as the fourth party in the state, winning 28 seats, an increase of six seats from the previous [[2007 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly election|2007 elections]]. Out of the 15 seats in the Amethi parliamentary constituency, Congress won two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/assembly-polls/i-take-responsibility-says-rahul-gandhi-about-up-results-183219?curl=1398617059|title=I take responsibility, says Rahul Gandhi about UP results|publisher=NDTV|date=6 March 2012|access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref><ref name=IT-1>{{cite news|last=Benedict|first=Kay|title=Voters reject Congress icon Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/voters-reject-congress-icon-rahul-gandhi-in-uttar-pradesh/1/176767.html|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=12 March 2012}}</ref> |
Gandhi campaigned during the [[2012 elections in India|2012 Assembly elections]] in the politically crucial [[2012 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly election|Uttar Pradesh election]] for almost two months, holding 200 rallies. However, Congress ranked as the fourth party in the state, winning 28 seats, an increase of six seats from the previous [[2007 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly election|2007 elections]]. Out of the 15 seats in the Amethi parliamentary constituency, Congress won two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/assembly-polls/i-take-responsibility-says-rahul-gandhi-about-up-results-183219?curl=1398617059|title=I take responsibility, says Rahul Gandhi about UP results|publisher=NDTV|date=6 March 2012|access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref><ref name=IT-1>{{cite news|last=Benedict|first=Kay|title=Voters reject Congress icon Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/voters-reject-congress-icon-rahul-gandhi-in-uttar-pradesh/1/176767.html|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=12 March 2012}}</ref> |
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In the [[2012 Gujarat legislative assembly election|Gujarat assembly elections]] held later in the year, Gandhi was not made the head of the election campaign. This was seen and regarded by opponents as an admission of defeat and was termed as a tactic to avoid the blame of defeat.<ref name=ET-1>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi not to head Gujarat polls campaign|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-12/news/33789539_1_gujarat-model-narendra-modi-gujarat-elections|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=Economic Times|date=12 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi not campaigning in Gujarat to avoid blame of defeat: Narendra Modi|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1773546/report-rahul-gandhi-not-campaigning-in-gujarat-to-avoid-blame-of-defeat-narendra-modi|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=DNA|date=4 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Congress well aware of defeat in Gujarat, Rahul's speeches show off: BJP|url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/121211/news-politics/article/congress-well-aware-defeat-gujarat-rahuls-speeches-show-bjp|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|date=11 December 2012|archive-date=9 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109022823/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/121211/news-politics/article/congress-well-aware-defeat-gujarat-rahuls-speeches-show-bjp|url-status=dead}}</ref> Congress won 57 seats in the assembly of 182, which was 2 less than the previous [[2007 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election|elections in 2007]]. Later in bypolls, Congress lost 4 more seats to BJP.<ref name="by">{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/vitthal-radadiya-the-mp-who-brandished-gun-at-toll-booth-joins-narendra-modi-s-bjp-339998 | title=Vitthal Radadiya, the MP who brandished gun at toll booth, joins Narendra Modi's BJP | work=[[NDTV]] | date=8 March 2013 | access-date=8 May 2013 | author=Das, Mala}}</ref> --> |
In the [[2012 Gujarat legislative assembly election|Gujarat assembly elections]] held later in the year, Gandhi was not made the head of the election campaign. This was seen and regarded by opponents as an admission of defeat and was termed as a tactic to avoid the blame of defeat.<ref name=ET-1>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi not to head Gujarat polls campaign|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-12/news/33789539_1_gujarat-model-narendra-modi-gujarat-elections|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=Economic Times|date=12 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi not campaigning in Gujarat to avoid blame of defeat: Narendra Modi|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1773546/report-rahul-gandhi-not-campaigning-in-gujarat-to-avoid-blame-of-defeat-narendra-modi|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=DNA|date=4 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Congress well aware of defeat in Gujarat, Rahul's speeches show off: BJP|url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/121211/news-politics/article/congress-well-aware-defeat-gujarat-rahuls-speeches-show-bjp|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|date=11 December 2012|archive-date=9 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109022823/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/121211/news-politics/article/congress-well-aware-defeat-gujarat-rahuls-speeches-show-bjp|url-status=dead}}</ref> Congress won 57 seats in the assembly of 182, which was 2 less than the previous [[2007 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election|elections in 2007]]. Later in bypolls, Congress lost 4 more seats to BJP.<ref name="by">{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/vitthal-radadiya-the-mp-who-brandished-gun-at-toll-booth-joins-narendra-modi-s-bjp-339998 | title=Vitthal Radadiya, the MP who brandished gun at toll booth, joins Narendra Modi's BJP | work=[[NDTV]] | date=8 March 2013 | access-date=8 May 2013 | author=Das, Mala}}</ref> --> |
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===National Herald case=== |
===National Herald case=== |
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The [[National Herald corruption case|National Herald case]] revolves around allegations of financial irregularities and misuse of funds related to the [[National Herald]] newspaper. The case garnered attention when former [[BJP]] leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint accusing Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and five other Congress party leaders—[[Motilal Vora]], [[Oscar Fernandes]], Suman Dubey, and [[Sam Pitroda|Satyan Pitroda]]—of cheating and misappropriating funds associated with the National Herald. The allegations by then-BJP leader Subramanian Swamy centered on a loan given by the Congress party to |
The [[National Herald corruption case|National Herald case]] revolves around allegations of financial irregularities and misuse of funds related to the [[National Herald]] newspaper. The case garnered attention when former [[BJP]] leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint accusing Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and five other Congress party leaders—[[Motilal Vora]], [[Oscar Fernandes]], Suman Dubey, and [[Sam Pitroda|Satyan Pitroda]]—of cheating and misappropriating funds associated with the National Herald. The allegations by then-BJP leader Subramanian Swamy centered on a loan given by the Congress party to "Associated Journals Limited" (AJL), the company that owned the National Herald newspaper.<ref name="NH Standard">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=National Herald Case latest news | website=Business Standard | date=21 March 2024 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-national-herald-case | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326175025/https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-national-herald-case | url-status=live }}</ref> Subramanian Swamy alleged that the loan, amounting to around {{INRConvert|90|c|lk=|year=2010}}, was not repaid. Instead, it was converted into equity, effectively transferring the ownership of AJL to a new company called "Young India Ltd" (YIL), in which Sonia Gandhi hold 76 per cent of the company's shares, and the remaining 24 per cent are held by Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes.<ref name="NH Standard"/> As per Swamy, YIL only paid {{INRConvert|54|l|lk=|year=2010}} to get back ₹90 crore that Associated AJL owed to the Congress party. He also alleged that the loan given to AJL was illegal, as it had been taken from party funds.<ref name="NH Standard"/> |
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The case went through various legal proceedings, including hearings in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. In December 2015, the [[Delhi High Court]] dismissed the appeals of Sonia Gandhi and five others, ordering them to appear in person before the trial court.<ref name="Singh 2015">{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Sandeep | title=National Herald case: Loan write-off, conflict of interest, benefiting takeover by family | website=The Indian Express | date=9 December 2015 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/national-herald-case-loan-write-off-conflict-of-interest-benefiting-takeover-by-family/ | access-date=26 March 2024}}</ref> In 2015, the [[Supreme Court of India]] instructed Swamy to present arguments for expediting the trial in the high court. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were granted bail by the trial court on December 19, 2015. Subsequently, in 2016, the Supreme Court exempted all five accused individuals (including the Gandhis, Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, and Suman Dubey) from personally attending court hearings but declined to dismiss the ongoing legal proceedings against them.<ref name="NH Standard"/> In December 2020, the Delhi court dismissed a petition filed by then-BJP leader [[Subramanian Swamy]] seeking to summon Rahul and Sonia Gandhi and others as accused in the case. The court held that there was no ''prima facie'' evidence to suggest their involvement in any corruption conspiracy.<ref name="Benjamin 2022">{{cite web | last=Benjamin | first=Haritha Sharly | title=What's the National Herald case haunting Gandhis | website=Onmanorama | date=28 July 2022 | url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/07/28/explained-national-herald-case-sonia-gandhi-rahul-timeline.html | access-date=26 March 2024}}</ref> In 2014, the [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED) initiated an investigation into Swamy's complaint to determine if there were any indications of [[money laundering]]. The investigation was closed due to technical reasons. Nonetheless, Swamy wrote to prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] expressing his suspicions about ED Director Ranjan Katoch. Subsequently, in 2015, Katoch was replaced, and the case was reopened. In December 2015, the [[Patiala House Courts Complex|Patiala court]] granted bail to the five individuals accused in the case.<ref name="NHC Bail">{{cite web | title=National Herald case: Sonia and Rahul Gandhi granted bail | website=The Economic Times | date=19 December 2015 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/national-herald-case-sonia-and-rahul-gandhi-granted-bail/articleshow/50245031.cms?from=mdr | access-date=26 March 2024}}</ref> The Congress party objected to Swamy's complaint to the complaint, labelling it as “[[Political dissent|vindictive politics]]”.<ref name="Herald">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=National Herald Case latest news | website=Business Standard | date=21 March 2024 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-national-herald-case | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> |
The case went through various legal proceedings, including hearings in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. In December 2015, the [[Delhi High Court]] dismissed the appeals of Sonia Gandhi and five others, ordering them to appear in person before the trial court.<ref name="Singh 2015">{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Sandeep | title=National Herald case: Loan write-off, conflict of interest, benefiting takeover by family | website=The Indian Express | date=9 December 2015 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/national-herald-case-loan-write-off-conflict-of-interest-benefiting-takeover-by-family/ | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325133928/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/national-herald-case-loan-write-off-conflict-of-interest-benefiting-takeover-by-family/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, the [[Supreme Court of India]] instructed Swamy to present arguments for expediting the trial in the high court. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were granted bail by the trial court on December 19, 2015. Subsequently, in 2016, the Supreme Court exempted all five accused individuals (including the Gandhis, Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, and Suman Dubey) from personally attending court hearings but declined to dismiss the ongoing legal proceedings against them.<ref name="NH Standard"/> In December 2020, the Delhi court dismissed a petition filed by then-BJP leader [[Subramanian Swamy]] seeking to summon Rahul and Sonia Gandhi and others as accused in the case. The court held that there was no ''prima facie'' evidence to suggest their involvement in any corruption conspiracy.<ref name="Benjamin 2022">{{cite web | last=Benjamin | first=Haritha Sharly | title=What's the National Herald case haunting Gandhis | website=Onmanorama | date=28 July 2022 | url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/07/28/explained-national-herald-case-sonia-gandhi-rahul-timeline.html | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326140342/https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/07/28/explained-national-herald-case-sonia-gandhi-rahul-timeline.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, the [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED) initiated an investigation into Swamy's complaint to determine if there were any indications of [[money laundering]]. The investigation was closed due to technical reasons. Nonetheless, Swamy wrote to prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] expressing his suspicions about ED Director Ranjan Katoch. Subsequently, in 2015, Katoch was replaced, and the case was reopened. In December 2015, the [[Patiala House Courts Complex|Patiala court]] granted bail to the five individuals accused in the case.<ref name="NHC Bail">{{cite web | title=National Herald case: Sonia and Rahul Gandhi granted bail | website=The Economic Times | date=19 December 2015 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/national-herald-case-sonia-and-rahul-gandhi-granted-bail/articleshow/50245031.cms?from=mdr | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326141758/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/national-herald-case-sonia-and-rahul-gandhi-granted-bail/articleshow/50245031.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> The Congress party objected to Swamy's complaint to the complaint, labelling it as “[[Political dissent|vindictive politics]]”.<ref name="Herald">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=National Herald Case latest news | website=Business Standard | date=21 March 2024 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-national-herald-case | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326175025/https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-national-herald-case | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–2023)=== |
===Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–2023)=== |
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{{main|Bharat Jodo Yatra}} |
{{main|Bharat Jodo Yatra}} |
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{{further|Timeline of Bharat Jodo Yatra}} |
{{further|Timeline of Bharat Jodo Yatra}} |
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⚫ | The Bharat Jodo [[Yatra]], which translates to "Unify India March," was a campaign organized by the Congress party spanning from 2022 to 2023 with the stated primary objective of promoting national unity and solidarity across the various regions of India. It aimed to mobilize support for the INC and its ideology, emphasizing themes of patriotism, cultural heritage, and development.<ref name="Yatra Aim2023">{{cite web | title=Discovery of Congress: The Hindu Editorial on Bharat Jodo Yatra | website=The Hindu | date=8 September 2022 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/discovery-of-congress-the-hindu-editorial-on-bharat-jodo-yatra/article65866600.ece | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=28 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128051942/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/discovery-of-congress-the-hindu-editorial-on-bharat-jodo-yatra/article65866600.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> Gandhi started the initiative on 7 September 2022 at [[Kanyakumari]] after paying tributes to his late father [[Rajiv Gandhi]], [[Swami Vivekananda]], and the Tamil poet [[Thiruvalluvar]].<ref name="BusinessLine 2022">{{cite web | title=Bharat Jodo Yatra: Rahul Gandhi offers floral tributes at his father's memorial in Sriperumbudur | website=BusinessLine | date=7 September 2022 | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/bharat-jodo-yatra-rahul-gandhi-offers-floral-tributes-at-his-fathers-memorial-in-sriperumbudur/article65860625.ece | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=7 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007053904/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/bharat-jodo-yatra-rahul-gandhi-offers-floral-tributes-at-his-fathers-memorial-in-sriperumbudur/article65860625.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> The yatra saw Gandhi along with INC leaders, including members of Parliament and notable personalities, traveling across the country, addressing rallies, conducting public meetings, and interacting with citizens. Throughout the yatra, Gandhi focused on issues such as [[economic development]], [[social justice]], and inclusive governance, aiming to strengthen the party's grassroots presence and reinvigorate its political relevance on the national stage.<ref name="Phukan 2023">{{cite web | last=Phukan | first=Peerzada Ashiq & Sandeep | title=Bharat Jodo Yatra has given an alternative vision of politics to the country: Rahul Gandhi | website=The Hindu | date=29 January 2023 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bharat-jodo-yatra-has-given-an-alternative-vision-of-politics-to-the-country-rahul-gandhi/article66448069.ece | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928175839/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bharat-jodo-yatra-has-given-an-alternative-vision-of-politics-to-the-country-rahul-gandhi/article66448069.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[File:Suresh Gupta discussed issues of Indian Film Industry with Rahul Gandhi during Bharat Jodo Yatra.jpg|200px|thumb|alt=refer caption|Gandhi interacting with people during [[Bharat Jodo Yatra]]]] |
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⚫ | The Bharat Jodo [[Yatra]], which translates to "Unify India March," was a campaign organized by the Congress party spanning from 2022 to 2023 with the stated primary objective of promoting national unity and solidarity across the various regions of India. It aimed to mobilize support for the INC and its ideology, emphasizing themes of patriotism, cultural heritage, and development.<ref name="Yatra Aim2023">{{cite web | title=Discovery of Congress: The Hindu Editorial on Bharat Jodo Yatra | website=The Hindu | date=8 September 2022 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/discovery-of-congress-the-hindu-editorial-on-bharat-jodo-yatra/article65866600.ece | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> Gandhi started the initiative on 7 September 2022 at [[Kanyakumari]] after paying tributes to his late father [[Rajiv Gandhi]], [[Swami Vivekananda]], and the Tamil poet [[Thiruvalluvar]].<ref name="BusinessLine 2022">{{cite web | title=Bharat Jodo Yatra: Rahul Gandhi offers floral tributes at his father's memorial in Sriperumbudur | website=BusinessLine | date=7 September 2022 | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/bharat-jodo-yatra-rahul-gandhi-offers-floral-tributes-at-his-fathers-memorial-in-sriperumbudur/article65860625.ece | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> The yatra saw Gandhi along with INC leaders, including members of Parliament and notable personalities, traveling across the country, addressing rallies, conducting public meetings, and interacting with citizens. Throughout the yatra, Gandhi focused on issues such as [[economic development]], [[social justice]], and inclusive governance, aiming to strengthen the party's grassroots presence and reinvigorate its political relevance on the national stage.<ref name="Phukan 2023">{{cite web | last=Phukan | first=Peerzada Ashiq & Sandeep | title=Bharat Jodo Yatra has given an alternative vision of politics to the country: Rahul Gandhi | website=The Hindu | date=29 January 2023 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bharat-jodo-yatra-has-given-an-alternative-vision-of-politics-to-the-country-rahul-gandhi/article66448069.ece | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> |
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The yatra concluded on 29 January 2003 with the unfurling of the [[Flag of India|tricolour flag]] at [[Lal Chowk]], [[Srinagar]];<ref name="Shekhar 2023">{{cite web | last=Shekhar | first=Kumar Shakti | title=Rahul Gandhi skirts restoration of Article 370 as |
The yatra concluded on 29 January 2003 with the unfurling of the [[Flag of India|tricolour flag]] at [[Lal Chowk]], [[Srinagar]];<ref name="Shekhar 2023">{{cite web | last=Shekhar | first=Kumar Shakti | title=Rahul Gandhi skirts restoration of Article 370 as Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra ends in Jammu and Kashmir | website=The Times of India | date=30 January 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-skirts-restoration-of-article-370-as-congresss-bharat-jodo-yatra-ends-in-jammu-and-kashmir/articleshow/97450944.cms?from=mdr | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=3 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203160629/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-skirts-restoration-of-article-370-as-congresss-bharat-jodo-yatra-ends-in-jammu-and-kashmir/articleshow/97450944.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> it lasted 137 days, covering 4,080 kilometers (2,540 miles) over nearly five months across 12 states and two union territories. During the yatra, the INC elected a new [[2022 Indian National Congress presidential election|party president]] and also won a majority in the [[2022 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]], the first majority the party had won won by itself since 2018. In the subsequent elections in Karnataka and Telangana in 2023, the Congress party achieved a landslide victory, marked by an increase in both the party's vote share and the number of seats compared to the previous elections in the constituencies through which the march had passed.<ref name="mint 2023">{{cite web | title=Congress records massive impact on seats from which Bharat Jodo Yatra passed | website=mint | date=13 May 2023 | url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/karnataka-elections-results-2023-congress-records-massive-impact-on-seats-from-which-bharat-jodo-yatra-passed-11683985152517.html | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325144333/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/karnataka-elections-results-2023-congress-records-massive-impact-on-seats-from-which-bharat-jodo-yatra-passed-11683985152517.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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⚫ | From 14 January to 20 March 2024, Gandhi led a second yatra across India from east to west, the [[Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra]]; unlike the previous version, the Yatra was conducted in a hybrid mode.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Abbas |first1=Ajmal |date=16 January 2024 |title=Want to travel with Rahul Gandhi on 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' bus? Get a 'special ticket' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-bus-mohabbat-ki-dukaan-bus-2489179-2024-01-16 |magazine=India Today |access-date=16 January 2024 |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116164428/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-bus-mohabbat-ki-dukaan-bus-2489179-2024-01-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== 2023 conviction and stay=== |
=== 2023 conviction and stay=== |
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{{main|Disqualification of Rahul Gandhi}} |
{{main|Disqualification of Rahul Gandhi}} |
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On 13 April 2019, during a political rally in [[Kolar]], [[Karnataka|Karnataka, India]] before the [[2019 Indian general election|17th general election]], Gandhi made a remark in Hindi, questioning, "Why is it that all thieves, whether it be [[Nirav Modi]], [[Lalit Modi]], or [[Narendra Modi]], have Modi in their names?".<ref name="BBC 2023 ">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi disqualified as MP after conviction in defamation case | website=BBC Home | date=24 March 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65023061 | access-date=26 March 2024}}</ref> A speech comparing Narendra Modi with [[Fugitive Economic Offender]]s such as [[Nirav Modi]] and [[Lalit Modi]]. A criminal defamation case was filed by Purnesh Modi, a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) MLA from [[Surat West Assembly constituency|Surat West]]. He alleged that Gandhi had defamed all individuals with the surname Modi. On July 16, 2019, the Surat court excused Gandhi from appearing personally in court due to short notice. On October 10, Gandhi pleaded not guilty in the Surat Court. Gandhi recorded his statements and responded to questions before the local court, first on June 24, 2021, and then again on October 29, 2021. During these appearances, Gandhi clarified to the court that he did not intend to defame any community.<ref name="Scroll.in 2021 z827">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi denies making defamatory remarks about |
On 13 April 2019, during a political rally in [[Kolar]], [[Karnataka|Karnataka, India]] before the [[2019 Indian general election|17th general election]], Gandhi made a remark in Hindi, questioning, "Why is it that all thieves, whether it be [[Nirav Modi]], [[Lalit Modi]], or [[Narendra Modi]], have Modi in their names?".<ref name="BBC 2023 ">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi disqualified as MP after conviction in defamation case | website=BBC Home | date=24 March 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65023061 | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=28 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328055906/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65023061 | url-status=live }}</ref> A speech comparing Narendra Modi with [[Fugitive Economic Offender]]s such as [[Nirav Modi]] and [[Lalit Modi]]. A criminal defamation case was filed by Purnesh Modi, a [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) MLA from [[Surat West Assembly constituency|Surat West]]. He alleged that Gandhi had defamed all individuals with the surname Modi. On July 16, 2019, the Surat court excused Gandhi from appearing personally in court due to short notice. On October 10, Gandhi pleaded not guilty in the Surat Court. Gandhi recorded his statements and responded to questions before the local court, first on June 24, 2021, and then again on October 29, 2021. During these appearances, Gandhi clarified to the court that he did not intend to defame any community.<ref name="Scroll.in 2021 z827">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi denies making defamatory remarks about 'Modi' surname | website=Scroll.in | date=24 June 2021 | url=https://scroll.in/latest/998402/rahul-gandhi-denies-making-defamatory-remark-on-modi-surname | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=21 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921102645/https://scroll.in/latest/998402/rahul-gandhi-denies-making-defamatory-remark-on-modi-surname | url-status=live }}</ref> However, On 23 March 2023, Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment under charges of defamation. The day following the conviction, Utpal Kumar Singh, the Lok Sabha [[Secretary General of the Lok Sabha|Secretary General]], announced that Rahul Gandhi would be disqualified as a Member of Parliament representing the [[Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency|Wayanad]] constituency, effective from March 23, the date of his conviction. The Secretary General further said that this action was taken under Section 8 of the [[Representation of the People Act, 1951]] (RPA), which deals with the disqualification of convicted representatives in India.<ref name="BusinessLine disqualification">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi disqualified from Lok Sabha | website=BusinessLine | date=24 March 2023 | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-lok-sabha/article66656687.ece | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326151251/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-lok-sabha/article66656687.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> Gandhi's lawyer [[Abhishek Manu Singhvi]] appealed at the higher court and secured a one-month stay on the sentence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2023 |title=Rahul Gandhi's conviction: Unsustainable judgment, will challenge in higher court, says Congress |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/rahul-gandhi-conviction-unsustainable-judgment-challenge-higher-court-congress-8515247/ |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331041049/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/rahul-gandhi-conviction-unsustainable-judgment-challenge-higher-court-congress-8515247/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 5, the Supreme Court of India issued a stay on Gandhi's conviction and sentence, handed down by Chief Judicial Magistrate in Surat on March 23, 2023.<ref name="Supreme Court News_2023">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi's Conviction Stayed | website=Liv Law | date=4 August 2023 | url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/rahul-gandhi-supreme-court-defamation-modi-surname-stay-conviction-gujarat-high-court-234346 | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=5 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805201052/https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/rahul-gandhi-supreme-court-defamation-modi-surname-stay-conviction-gujarat-high-court-234346 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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⚫ | The disqualification of Gandhi prompted widespread reactions and responses not only from the Congress party but also from opposition leaders and lawmakers abroad.<ref name="BBC_2023">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi disqualified as MP after conviction in defamation case | website=BBC Home | date=24 March 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65023061 | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=28 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328055906/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65023061 | url-status=live }}</ref> Legal experts questioned the basis of the charge, as defamation is only actionable against individuals and not a generic class of people.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|date=23 March 2023|title=Gandhi sentenced to jail for Modi 'thieves' remark|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65048602|access-date=23 March 2023|website=BBC News|first1=Cherylann|last1=Mollan|first2=Soutik|last2=Biswas|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810123658/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65048602|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[US House of Representatives]], [[Ro Khanna]], democrat co-chair of the India Caucus, described the removal of Gandhi from parliament as a "deep betrayal" of India’s "deepest values".<ref name="World reaction">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi's Expulsion 'Betrayal' of India's Values: US Lawmaker | website=The Wire | date=10 January 2023 | url=https://thewire.in/politics/rahul-gandhis-expulsion-betrayal-of-indias-values-us-lawmaker | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=15 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515010631/https://thewire.in/politics/rahul-gandhis-expulsion-betrayal-of-indias-values-us-lawmaker | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Khanna">{{cite web | title=Deep betrayal of Gandhian philosophy: US Congressman Ro Khanna on RaGa's disqualification from Lok Sabha | website=India Today | date=25 March 2023 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/deep-betrayal-of-gandhian-philosophy-us-congressman-ro-khanna-on-ragas-disqualification-from-lok-sabha-2351244-2023-03-25 | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326153658/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/deep-betrayal-of-gandhian-philosophy-us-congressman-ro-khanna-on-ragas-disqualification-from-lok-sabha-2351244-2023-03-25 | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Annalena Baerbock]] spokesperson for [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Germany)|Germanys' Foreign Ministry]] stated that [[Berlin]] had "acknowledged" the verdict and was monitoring the subsequent steps, including the possibility of an appeal and whether the "suspension of his mandate" was deemed justified.<ref name="German FM">{{cite web | title=German Foreign Ministry reacts to Rahul's disqualification | website=The Statesman | date=30 March 2023 | url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/german-foreign-ministry-reacts-to-rahuls-disqualification-1503167650.html | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326153659/https://www.thestatesman.com/world/german-foreign-ministry-reacts-to-rahuls-disqualification-1503167650.html | url-status=live }}</ref> [[United States Senate|US Senator]] [[Chris Van Hollen]] made a separate comment, stating that the news of the disqualification was "alarming".<ref name="The Tribune India 2023 p349">{{cite web | author=The Tribune India | title=We're watching: US State Dept on Rahul Gandhi's case in court | website=Tribuneindia News Service | date=29 March 2023 | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/were-watching-us-state-dept-on-rahul-gandhis-case-in-court-492092 | access-date=26 March 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326153658/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/were-watching-us-state-dept-on-rahul-gandhis-case-in-court-492092 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Gandhi's lawyer [[Abhishek Manu Singhvi]] appealed at the higher court and secured a one-month stay on the sentence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2023 |title=Rahul Gandhi's conviction: Unsustainable judgment, will challenge in higher court, says Congress |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/rahul-gandhi-conviction-unsustainable-judgment-challenge-higher-court-congress-8515247/ |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On August 5, the Supreme Court of India issued a stay on Gandhi's conviction and sentence, handed down by Chief Judicial Magistrate in Surat on March 23, 2023.<ref name="Supreme Court News_2023">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi's Conviction Stayed | website=Liv Law | date=4 August 2023 | url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/rahul-gandhi-supreme-court-defamation-modi-surname-stay-conviction-gujarat-high-court-234346 | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> |
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⚫ | The disqualification of Gandhi prompted widespread reactions and responses not only from the Congress party but also from opposition leaders and lawmakers abroad.<ref name="BBC_2023">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi disqualified as MP after conviction in defamation case | website=BBC Home | date=24 March 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65023061 | access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref> Legal experts questioned the basis of the charge, as defamation is only actionable against individuals and not a generic class of people.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |
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⚫ | From 14 January to 20 March 2024, Gandhi led a second yatra across India from east to west, the [[Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra]]; unlike the previous version, the Yatra was conducted in a hybrid mode.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Abbas |first1=Ajmal |date=16 January 2024 |title=Want to travel with Rahul Gandhi on 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' bus? Get a 'special ticket' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-bus-mohabbat-ki-dukaan-bus-2489179-2024-01-16 |magazine=India Today |access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref> |
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==Electoral performance== |
==Electoral performance== |
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==Positions held== |
==Positions held== |
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===Public offices=== |
===Public offices=== |
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In 2004, the Gandhi was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha and served as a member of the [[Standing Committee on Home Affairs]] from 2004 to 2006, as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development from 2006 to 2009.<ref name="Positions">{{cite news |last1=Goyal |first1=Shikha |title=Rahul Gandhi Biography: Birth, Early Life, Family, Education, Political Journey and More |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/rahul-gandhi-biography-1558444174-1 |access-date=29 May 2021 |work=Jagran Josh |agency=Jagran Prakashan Limited |date=19 June 2020}}</ref> In 2009, they were re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha for a second term and served as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, along with being a member of the Consultative Committee on Rural Development. |
In 2004, the Gandhi was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha and served as a member of the [[Standing Committee on Home Affairs]] from 2004 to 2006, as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development from 2006 to 2009.<ref name="Positions">{{cite news |last1=Goyal |first1=Shikha |title=Rahul Gandhi Biography: Birth, Early Life, Family, Education, Political Journey and More |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/rahul-gandhi-biography-1558444174-1 |access-date=29 May 2021 |work=Jagran Josh |agency=Jagran Prakashan Limited |date=19 June 2020 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213014/https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/rahul-gandhi-biography-1558444174-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, they were re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha for a second term and served as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, along with being a member of the Consultative Committee on Rural Development.<ref name="Telegraph India HRD">{{cite web | title=Rahul joins HRD panel | website=Telegraph India | date=27 October 2006 | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/rahul-joins-hrd-panel/cid/762630 | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=29 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329141213/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/rahul-joins-hrd-panel/cid/762630 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="FSI 2023">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi at Stanford University | website=FSI | date=31 May 2023 | url=https://cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu/events/new-global-equilibrium-talk-rahul-gandhi | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=29 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329141213/https://cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu/events/new-global-equilibrium-talk-rahul-gandhi | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In 2014, Gandhi was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha for a third term and served as a member of the [[Committee on External Affairs|Standing Committee on External Affairs]], as well as a member of the Consultative Committee on Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs.<ref name="Positions"/> In 2019, he was elected to the 17th Lok Sabha for a fourth term and served as a member of the [[Standing Committee on Defence (India)|Standing Committee on Defence]], as well as a member of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of External Affairs. |
In 2014, Gandhi was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha for a third term and served as a member of the [[Committee on External Affairs|Standing Committee on External Affairs]], as well as a member of the Consultative Committee on Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs.<ref name="Positions"/> In 2019, he was elected to the 17th Lok Sabha for a fourth term and served as a member of the [[Standing Committee on Defence (India)|Standing Committee on Defence]], as well as a member of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of External Affairs.<ref name="Consultative">{{cite web | title=Didn't seek foreign intervention: Rahul Gandhi defends his 'democracy under attack' remark at Par panel meet | website=The Economic Times | date=19 March 2023 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/didnt-seek-foreign-intervention-rahul-gandhi-defends-his-democracy-under-attack-remark-at-par-panel-meet/articleshow/98777856.cms?from=mdr | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=29 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329141516/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/didnt-seek-foreign-intervention-rahul-gandhi-defends-his-democracy-under-attack-remark-at-par-panel-meet/articleshow/98777856.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Within party=== |
===Within party=== |
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Between 2008 and 2013, Gandhi assumed the role of General Secretary within the Indian National Congress (INC).<ref name="General Secretary">{{cite web | title=Rahul is Congress general secretary | website=The Economic Times | date=24 September 2007 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-is-congress-general-secretary/articleshow/2398667.cms?from=mdr | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> Since 2007, Gandhi has been the chairperson of both the Indian Youth Congress and the [[National Students' Union of India]] (NSUI), positions he established and currently holds.<ref name="IYC Chairperson">{{cite web | last=Murali | first=Malavika | title=Youth Congress passes resolution to reappoint Rahul Gandhi as party chief | website=Hindustan Times | date=6 September 2021 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/youth-congress-passes-resolution-to-reappoint-rahul-gandhi-as-party-chief-101630950045666.html | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> His tenure as Vice President of the INC, established in 2013, lasted until 2016, after which the position was abolished.<ref name="VP INC">{{cite web | last=Shekhar | first=Kumar Shakti | title=With Rahul as Congress president, post of vice-president to again fall vacant after a long time | website=India Today | date=12 December 2017 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-congress-president-sonia-gandhi-gujarat-assembly-election-2017-vice-president-himachal-pradesh-assembly-election-2017-1105903-2017-12-12 | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> Subsequently, from 2017 to 2019, Gandhi served as the [[List of presidents of the Indian National Congress|President of the INC]], succeeding Sonia Gandhi.<ref name="President INC">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president unopposed, to take charge on Dec 16 | website=The Times of India | date=11 December 2017 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-elected-congress-president-unopposed/articleshow/62021172.cms | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> |
Between 2008 and 2013, Gandhi assumed the role of General Secretary within the Indian National Congress (INC).<ref name="General Secretary">{{cite web | title=Rahul is Congress general secretary | website=The Economic Times | date=24 September 2007 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-is-congress-general-secretary/articleshow/2398667.cms?from=mdr | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325175944/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-is-congress-general-secretary/articleshow/2398667.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> Since 2007, Gandhi has been the chairperson of both the Indian Youth Congress and the [[National Students' Union of India]] (NSUI), positions he established and currently holds.<ref name="IYC Chairperson">{{cite web | last=Murali | first=Malavika | title=Youth Congress passes resolution to reappoint Rahul Gandhi as party chief | website=Hindustan Times | date=6 September 2021 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/youth-congress-passes-resolution-to-reappoint-rahul-gandhi-as-party-chief-101630950045666.html | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325180236/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/youth-congress-passes-resolution-to-reappoint-rahul-gandhi-as-party-chief-101630950045666.html | url-status=live }}</ref> His tenure as Vice President of the INC, established in 2013, lasted until 2016, after which the position was abolished.<ref name="VP INC">{{cite web | last=Shekhar | first=Kumar Shakti | title=With Rahul as Congress president, post of vice-president to again fall vacant after a long time | website=India Today | date=12 December 2017 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-congress-president-sonia-gandhi-gujarat-assembly-election-2017-vice-president-himachal-pradesh-assembly-election-2017-1105903-2017-12-12 | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325180236/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-congress-president-sonia-gandhi-gujarat-assembly-election-2017-vice-president-himachal-pradesh-assembly-election-2017-1105903-2017-12-12 | url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, from 2017 to 2019, Gandhi served as the [[List of presidents of the Indian National Congress|President of the INC]], succeeding Sonia Gandhi.<ref name="President INC">{{cite web | title=Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president unopposed, to take charge on Dec 16 | website=The Times of India | date=11 December 2017 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-elected-congress-president-unopposed/articleshow/62021172.cms | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=9 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109021611/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-elected-congress-president-unopposed/articleshow/62021172.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===National security=== |
===National security=== |
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[[File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi (29071564020).jpg|thumb|right|[[List of secretaries of state of the United States|68th]] [[United States Secretary of State]] [[John Kerry]] with Gandhi at the Roosevelt House in New Delhi.]] |
[[File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi (29071564020).jpg|thumb|right|[[List of secretaries of state of the United States|68th]] [[United States Secretary of State]] [[John Kerry]] with Gandhi at the Roosevelt House in New Delhi.]] |
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In December 2010, during the [[United States diplomatic cables leak]], [[WikiLeaks]] leaked a cable dated 3 August 2009 after Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] had hosted a lunch on 20 July 2009 for Gandhi, then the General Secretary of the AICC. One of the guests who was invited for the lunch was the [[United States Ambassador to India]], [[Timothy J. Roemer]]. In a "candid conversation" with Roemer, he said that he believes [[Hindu |
In December 2010, during the [[United States diplomatic cables leak]], [[WikiLeaks]] leaked a cable dated 3 August 2009 after Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] had hosted a lunch on 20 July 2009 for Gandhi, then the General Secretary of the AICC. One of the guests who was invited for the lunch was the [[United States Ambassador to India]], [[Timothy J. Roemer]]. In a "candid conversation" with Roemer, he said that he believes [[Hindu terrorism|Hindu extremists]] pose a greater threat to his country than [[Muslim]] militants. Gandhi referred specifically to more-polarising figures in the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP). Also responding to the ambassador's query about the activities in the region by the [[Islam]]ist militant organisation [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] (LeT), Gandhi said there was evidence of some support for the group among certain elements in India's indigenous [[Islam in India|Muslim]] population.<ref>{{cite news|author=Copy of diplomatic cable dated|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/219238|title=US Embassy Cables: Ambassador Warned That Radical Hindu Groups May Pose Bigger Threat Than LeT in India|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=16 December 2010|access-date=17 December 2010|location=London|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921210312/http://www.theguardian.com/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/219238|url-status=live}}</ref> In a response to this, the BJP heavily criticised Gandhi for his statements. BJP spokesperson [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] slammed Gandhi, saying that his language was a bigger threat to India, dividing the people of the country on communal grounds. Speaking to reporters, Prasad said, "In one stroke Mr. Rahul Gandhi has sought to give a big leverage to the propaganda to all the extremist and terrorist groups in [[Pakistan]] and also some segments of the Pakistani establishment. It would also seriously compromise India's fight against terror as also our strategic security." Adding that terrorism has no religion, he claimed that Rahul Gandhi had shown his lack of understanding India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi Responds to WikiLeaks Controversy on Hindu Extremism Remarks|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/wikileaks-revelations/rahul-gandhi-responds-to-wikileaks-controversy-on-hindu-extremism-remarks-73162|access-date=10 January 2011|newspaper=NDTV|date=17 December 2010|archive-date=24 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124221842/http://www.ndtv.com/article/wikileaks-revelations/rahul-gandhi-responds-to-wikileaks-controversy-on-hindu-extremism-remarks-73162|url-status=live}}</ref> Gandhi has also been critical of groups like the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] and has compared them to terrorist organisations like [[Students Islamic Movement of India|SIMI]].<ref name="Isfanatical">[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/RSS-is-fanatical-like-banned-outfit-SIMI--Rahul/articleshow/6699305.cms RSS is 'fanatical' like banned outfit SIMI: Rahul] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102133602/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/RSS-is-fanatical-like-banned-outfit-SIMI--Rahul/articleshow/6699305.cms |date=2 January 2011 }}. The Economic Times. 6 October 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/102478/not-much-difference-simi-rss.html RSS as fanatical as SIMI: Rahul] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213330/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/102478/not-much-difference-simi-rss.html |date=4 March 2016 }}. Hindustan Times (6 October 2010). Retrieved 9 August 2011.</ref>[[File:Συνάντηση με τον Γενικό Γραμματέα του Indian National Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi.jpg|thumb|left|Gandhi with Greek Prime Minister [[George Papandreou]] in [[Chanakyapuri]], New Delhi]]After the [[2013 Muzaffarnagar riots]] at a [[2013 Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|Madhya Pradesh election rally]] in Indore, Gandhi claimed that a police officer told him that Pakistan's military intelligence service, [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]], was trying to recruit disgruntled riot-affected youngsters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-fresh-row-over-rahul-gandhi-remark-on-up-riots-1939399|title=Fresh row over Rahul Gandhi remark on UP riots|date=23 December 2013|work=dna|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-date=25 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225235457/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-fresh-row-over-rahul-gandhi-remark-on-up-riots-1939399|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/congress-bjp-lock-horns-over-rahul-gandhi-s-isi-remark-113102600492_1.html|title=Congress, BJP lock horns over Rahul Gandhi's ISI remark|author=ANI|date=26 October 2013|work=business-standard.com|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202163745/http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/congress-bjp-lock-horns-over-rahul-gandhi-s-isi-remark-113102600492_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the district administration, the Uttar Pradesh state government, the Union Home Ministry, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) denied any such development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/home-ministry-distances-itself-from-rahul-gandhis-isi-remarks_886043.html|title=Home Ministry distances itself from Rahul Gandhi's ISI remarks|work=Zee News|date=26 October 2013|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201210002/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/home-ministry-distances-itself-from-rahul-gandhis-isi-remarks_886043.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/muzaffarnagar-riot-victims-furious-over-rahul-gandhi-s-isi-remark-439059|title=Muzaffarnagar riot victims furious over Rahul Gandhi's ISI remark|author=Sutapa Deb|date=29 October 2013|work=NDTV.com|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-date=17 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117231751/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/muzaffarnagar-riot-victims-furious-over-rahul-gandhi-s-isi-remark-439059|url-status=live}}</ref> This remark drew heavy criticism from various political outfits such as BJP, SP, CPI and JD(U).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-26/india/43414832_1_rahul-gandhi-samajwadi-party-muzaffarnagar-violence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029100937/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-26/india/43414832_1_rahul-gandhi-samajwadi-party-muzaffarnagar-violence|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Rahul Gandhi gets it from Left and Right for ISI remark}}</ref> Congress's [[Jairam Ramesh]] said Gandhi needed to apologise to the Muslim community for this remark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Rahul-Gandhi-must-say-sorry-to-Muslims-Jairam-Ramesh/2013/11/16/article1894631.ece?service=print|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121003028/http://newindianexpress.com/nation/Rahul-Gandhi-must-say-sorry-to-Muslims-Jairam-Ramesh/2013/11/16/article1894631.ece?service=print|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2013|title=Rahul Gandhi must say sorry to Muslims: Jairam Ramesh|work=newindianexpress.com}}</ref> In reply to the [[Election Commission of India|ECI's]] show-cause notice to explain why action should not be initiated against him for violating the Model Code of Conduct, Gandhi said that he didn't intend to exploit communal sentiments but was referring to divisive politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-gandhi-election-commission-notice-isi-remark/1/322129.html|title=Rahul Gandhi replies to Election Commission's notice over his ISI remark, denies model code violation|work=intoday.in|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-date=22 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122190242/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-gandhi-election-commission-notice-isi-remark/1/322129.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The BJP also asked the government to explain why Gandhi, who holds no post in the government, was being briefed by intelligence officers on important security issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/assembly-polls/rahul-gandhi-attacked-for-isi-remarks-about-muzaffarnagar-muslims-437243|title=Rahul Gandhi attacked for ISI remarks about Muzaffarnagar Muslims|author=Prasad Sanyal|date=25 October 2013|work=NDTV.com}}</ref> On 13 November 2013, the Election Commission of India found Gandhi's explanation to be insufficient, conveyed its displeasure, and advised him to be more circumspect in his public utterances during election campaigns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Election Commission's Order to Shri Rahul Gandhi|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main1/current/NT_13112013.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref> |
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===Farmers and land agitation=== |
===Farmers and land agitation=== |
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[[File:A delegation of leaders from Bundelkhand region led by Shri Rahul Gandhi calling on the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi on July 28, 2009.jpg|thumb|238x238px|alt=Rahul Gandhi with Senior Congress leaders | Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] sits next to Gandhi who leads a delegation of leaders from [[Bundelkhand]] region in New Delhi. 2009]] |
[[File:A delegation of leaders from Bundelkhand region led by Shri Rahul Gandhi calling on the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi on July 28, 2009.jpg|thumb|238x238px|alt=Rahul Gandhi with Senior Congress leaders | Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] sits next to Gandhi who leads a delegation of leaders from [[Bundelkhand]] region in New Delhi. 2009]] |
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On 19 April 2015 Gandhi addressed the farmer and worker's rally, named as ''Kisan Khet Mazdoor'' Rally in [[Ramlila Maidan]]. Here he made "references to his agitations in [[Niyamgiri]] in [[Orissa, India|Orissa]] and Bhatta-Parsaul in Greater Noida in [[Uttar Pradesh]]".<ref name="KKM"/> The rally was attended by 100,000 people. In the speech he gave, he criticised the Indian prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] about his comment in [[Toronto]] where he said that he was "cleaning the mess created by previous governments".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The relaunch of Rahul Gandhi| |
On 19 April 2015 Gandhi addressed the farmer and worker's rally, named as ''Kisan Khet Mazdoor'' Rally in [[Ramlila Maidan]]. Here he made "references to his agitations in [[Niyamgiri]] in [[Orissa, India|Orissa]] and Bhatta-Parsaul in Greater Noida in [[Uttar Pradesh]]".<ref name="KKM"/> The rally was attended by 100,000 people. In the speech he gave, he criticised the Indian prime minister [[Narendra Modi]] about his comment in [[Toronto]] where he said that he was "cleaning the mess created by previous governments".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The relaunch of Rahul Gandhi|date=19 April 2015|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/voices/the-relaunch-of-rahul-gandhi|magazine=Open The Magazine|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518190552/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/voices/the-relaunch-of-rahul-gandhi|url-status=live}}</ref> He also said, "Do you know how Modi won the election?... He borrowed thousands of [[crore]]s from industrialists for his several campaigns and advertisements. How will he pay them back? He will pay them back with your land. He will give your land to his industrialist friends."<ref name="KKM">{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi, BJP at farmers rally but doesn't mention plans to save Cong|date=20 April 2015|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/rahul-attacks-modi-bjp-at-farmers-rally-doesnt-mention-plans-to-save-congress-2203016.html|publisher=First Post|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-date=22 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622002706/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/rahul-attacks-modi-bjp-at-farmers-rally-doesnt-mention-plans-to-save-congress-2203016.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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He razzed the government as a "suit-boot government", a reference to Modi's monogrammed suit which he wore in the [[Republic Day (India)|Republic Day]] meeting with [[Barack Obama]]. Moreover, he used the "acche din government" jibe (which was Modi's election campaign slogan meaning "good days government") and mentioned that it had "failed the country".<ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi tears into Modi's 'suit-boot ki sarkar'|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rahul-Gandhi-tears-into-Modis-suit-boot-ki-sarkar/articleshow/46993611.cms?|newspaper=Times of India|date=21 April 2015 |
He razzed the government as a "suit-boot government", a reference to Modi's monogrammed suit which he wore in the [[Republic Day (India)|Republic Day]] meeting with [[Barack Obama]]. Moreover, he used the "acche din government" jibe (which was Modi's election campaign slogan meaning "good days government") and mentioned that it had "failed the country".<ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi tears into Modi's 'suit-boot ki sarkar'|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rahul-Gandhi-tears-into-Modis-suit-boot-ki-sarkar/articleshow/46993611.cms?|newspaper=Times of India|date=21 April 2015|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-date=24 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424034658/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rahul-Gandhi-tears-into-Modis-suit-boot-ki-sarkar/articleshow/46993611.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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A land bill was introduced by the BJP government in the parliament in May which was criticised by the opposition parties.<ref name="LB"/> Accusing the government of "murdering" [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]]'s land bill,<ref>{{cite web|title=Modi govt is anti-farmer, murdered UPA's Land Bill: Rahul Gandhi in LS|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/modi-govt-murdered-upa-land-bill-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-29148.html|publisher=India TV News|access-date=19 June 2015|date=12 May 2015}}</ref> Gandhi promised to prevent the bill from being passed, if not in the parliament then would "stop you [ [[BJP]] government] on streets". He further accused the government of diluting the bill and called it "anti-farmer".<ref name="LB">{{cite web|title=Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Narendra Modi over land bill, says 'bigger thieves come in daylight wearing suits'|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/rahul-gandhi-attacks-pm-narendra-modi-over-land-bill-says-bigger-thieves-come-in-daylight-wearing-suits_1594114.html|publisher=Zee News|access-date=19 June 2015|date=12 May 2015}}</ref> Gandhi also drew a parallel between "daylight robbery" and the bill.<ref>{{cite web|title=Land Bill: Rahul Gandhi leads Opposition charge|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150513/nation-current-affairs/article/land-bill-rahul-gandhi-leads-opposition-charge|publisher=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=19 June 2015|date=13 May 2015}}</ref> On 26 May, the day of the Modi government's first anniversary, Gandhi commented at a rally in [[Kozhikode]] "''Unfortunately, birthday celebrations is only for a few powerful friends of the government. Kisan, farmers and mazdoor have nothing to celebrate.''" <ref>{{cite web|title=Narendra Modi govt hurrying with land bill due to some reason: Rahul Gandhi|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/vyCOzi58tPbBe2qY6beKAN/Narendra-Modi-govt-hurrying-with-land-bill-due-to-some-reaso.html|publisher=Live Mint|access-date=19 June 2015|date=26 May 2015}}</ref> |
A land bill was introduced by the BJP government in the parliament in May which was criticised by the opposition parties.<ref name="LB"/> Accusing the government of "murdering" [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]]'s land bill,<ref>{{cite web|title=Modi govt is anti-farmer, murdered UPA's Land Bill: Rahul Gandhi in LS|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/modi-govt-murdered-upa-land-bill-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-29148.html|publisher=India TV News|access-date=19 June 2015|date=12 May 2015|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619174648/http://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/modi-govt-murdered-upa-land-bill-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-29148.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gandhi promised to prevent the bill from being passed, if not in the parliament then would "stop you [ [[BJP]] government] on streets". He further accused the government of diluting the bill and called it "anti-farmer".<ref name="LB">{{cite web|title=Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Narendra Modi over land bill, says 'bigger thieves come in daylight wearing suits'|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/rahul-gandhi-attacks-pm-narendra-modi-over-land-bill-says-bigger-thieves-come-in-daylight-wearing-suits_1594114.html|publisher=Zee News|access-date=19 June 2015|date=12 May 2015|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619195120/http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/rahul-gandhi-attacks-pm-narendra-modi-over-land-bill-says-bigger-thieves-come-in-daylight-wearing-suits_1594114.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gandhi also drew a parallel between "daylight robbery" and the bill.<ref>{{cite web|title=Land Bill: Rahul Gandhi leads Opposition charge|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150513/nation-current-affairs/article/land-bill-rahul-gandhi-leads-opposition-charge|publisher=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=19 June 2015|date=13 May 2015|archive-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619174111/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150513/nation-current-affairs/article/land-bill-rahul-gandhi-leads-opposition-charge|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 May, the day of the Modi government's first anniversary, Gandhi commented at a rally in [[Kozhikode]] "''Unfortunately, birthday celebrations is only for a few powerful friends of the government. Kisan, farmers and mazdoor have nothing to celebrate.''" <ref>{{cite web|title=Narendra Modi govt hurrying with land bill due to some reason: Rahul Gandhi|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/vyCOzi58tPbBe2qY6beKAN/Narendra-Modi-govt-hurrying-with-land-bill-due-to-some-reaso.html|publisher=Live Mint|access-date=19 June 2015|date=26 May 2015|archive-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620114256/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/vyCOzi58tPbBe2qY6beKAN/Narendra-Modi-govt-hurrying-with-land-bill-due-to-some-reaso.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===Women's empowerment and LGBTQ rights=== |
===Women's empowerment and LGBTQ rights=== |
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⚫ | {{quote box|bgcolor=#CCDDFF|width=25%|align=right|quote="India will be truly successful only when women occupy equal space in our society. They must take their rightful place in politics and shape India's destiny."|source=Gandhi's remarks on Women empowerment.<ref name="Quote">{{cite web | title=India will be truly successful only when women occupy equal space in society: Rahul Gandhi | website=The Economic Times | date=14 August 2023 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-will-be-truly-successful-only-when-women-occupy-equal-space-in-society-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/102718057.cms?from=mdr | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=29 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329140438/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-will-be-truly-successful-only-when-women-occupy-equal-space-in-society-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/102718057.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref>}} |
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⚫ | Gandhi has spoken publicly about the importance of [[women's rights|women's empowerment]] and gender equality in India.<ref name="Gandhi2021">{{cite news |title=Congress Will Always Stand Up For Women's Rights: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cong-will-always-stand-up-for-womens-rights-rahul-gandhi-2581046 |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=NDTV |agency=New Delhi Television Ltd |date=19 October 2021 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426212417/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cong-will-always-stand-up-for-womens-rights-rahul-gandhi-2581046 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/need-to-change-medieval-mindset-for-empowering-women-rahul-gandhi/|title=Need to change medieval mindset for empowering women: Rahul Gandhi|work=[[Indian Express]]|date=8 March 2014|access-date=6 May 2014|archive-date=15 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415135423/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/need-to-change-medieval-mindset-for-empowering-women-rahul-gandhi/|url-status=live}}</ref> While inaugurating 'Utsaah', a Kerala [[All India Mahila Congress|Mahila Congress]] convention in Kochi, Gandhi stated that the Congress party would actively promote women within its organizational structure and set a target to have 50 per cent of women as chief ministers within the next 10 years. Gandhi initiated the [[Self-help group (finance)|Self-Help Groups]] amongst the women in the villages of [[Amethi]].<ref name="SHG">{{cite web | last=Standard | first=Business | title=Rahul, Omar visit Amethi, meet women self-help groups | website=Business News, Finance News, Union Budget 2024, India News, Stock Markets BSE/NSE News,SENSEX, NIFTY | date=18 December 2012 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rahul-omar-visit-amethi-meet-women-self-help-groups-112121800456_1.html | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=29 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329140438/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rahul-omar-visit-amethi-meet-women-self-help-groups-112121800456_1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The primary focus of this scheme was to bring women together and empower them with information and decision making capabilities.<ref name="Sharda 2018">{{cite web | last=Sharda | first=Shailvee | title=International Women's Day 2018: Village SHGs take up cause of women's health | website=The Times of India | date=8 March 2018 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/international-womens-day-2018-village-shgs-take-up-cause-of-womens-health/articleshow/63211295.cms | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=29 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329140438/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/international-womens-day-2018-village-shgs-take-up-cause-of-womens-health/articleshow/63211295.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> He has called for increased representation of women in politics and for the eradication of gender-based violence.<ref name="Gender2021">{{cite web |title=What's Rahul Gandhi's view on Women Empowerment? |date=11 December 2017 |url=https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/rahul-gandhi-women-empowerment-eight-things-know/ |publisher=SheThePeople |access-date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426212417/https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/rahul-gandhi-women-empowerment-eight-things-know/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rahul-gandhi-stresses-on-women-empowerment-1970388|title=Rahul Gandhi stresses on women empowerment|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=18 March 2014|access-date=6 May 2014|archive-date=15 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415180803/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rahul-gandhi-stresses-on-women-empowerment-1970388|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi: Women more powerful than men; Rahul to students|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/kerala/women-more-powerful-than-men-rahul-to-students/articleshow/81635071.cms|access-date=23 May 2021|website=The Times of India|date=22 March 2021|language=en|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523112340/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/kerala/women-more-powerful-than-men-rahul-to-students/articleshow/81635071.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the [[second Manmohan Singh ministry]], a [[Women's Reservation Bill]] to require that a third of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats be reserved for women was introduced in the [[Rajya Sabha]]. |
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⚫ | Gandhi backed the bill, stating, "Women do not need any protection. If you give them their rights, they can protect themselves".<ref name="Women2014">{{cite news |title=Rahul Gandhi pushes for Women's Reservation Bill |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/HGiUL6ZsdmI23FwNqdl3lO/Rahul-Gandhi-pushes-for-Womens-Reservation-Bill.html |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=Mint |agency=HT Media |date=14 January 2014 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426215013/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/HGiUL6ZsdmI23FwNqdl3lO/Rahul-Gandhi-pushes-for-Womens-Reservation-Bill.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This bill passed the Rajya Sabha on 9 March 2010, but it never received a vote in the Lok Sabha and eventually lapsed due to its pending status.<ref name="Al Jazeera Bill">{{cite news |last1=Anuja |title=India: 25 years on, Women's Reservation Bill still not a reality |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/8/25-years-india-women-reservation-bill-elected-bodies-gender |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=Al Jazeera |agency=Al Jazeera Media Network |issue=Al Jazeera English |date=8 September 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515132356/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/8/25-years-india-women-reservation-bill-elected-bodies-gender |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/elections-2014/more-to-poor-women-if-voted-back-to-power-rahul-gandhi-114042100752_1.html|title=More to poor, women if voted back to power: Rahul Gandhi|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=21 April 2014|access-date=6 May 2014|archive-date=23 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123005119/https://www.business-standard.com/article/elections-2014/more-to-poor-women-if-voted-back-to-power-rahul-gandhi-114042100752_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajya-Sabha-passes-Womens-Reservation-Bill/articleshow/5663003.cms?referral=PM|title=Rajya Sabha passes Women's Reservation Bill|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 March 2010|access-date=6 May 2014|archive-date=22 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122111047/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajya-Sabha-passes-Womens-Reservation-Bill/articleshow/5663003.cms?referral=PM|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lok-Sabha-fails-women-again-on-quota-issue/articleshow/30806438.cms|title=Lok Sabha fails women again on quota issue|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 February 2014|access-date=6 May 2014|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117062317/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lok-Sabha-fails-women-again-on-quota-issue/articleshow/30806438.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, while addressing students in [[Chennai]], Gandhi again called for 33 per cent reservation of all parliamentary [[Lok Sabha]] and state legislative assembly seats for women, as well as government jobs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=In Chennai, Rahul Gandhi Talks Of Women Empowerment, 33% Reservation|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-talks-of-women-empowerment-33-reservation-in-chennai-2007215|access-date=23 May 2021|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523112341/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-talks-of-women-empowerment-33-reservation-in-chennai-2007215|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Gandhi has spoken publicly about the importance of [[women's rights|women's empowerment]] and gender equality in India.<ref name="Gandhi2021">{{cite news |title=Congress Will Always Stand Up For Women's Rights: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cong-will-always-stand-up-for-womens-rights-rahul-gandhi-2581046 |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=NDTV |agency=New Delhi Television Ltd |date=19 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/need-to-change-medieval-mindset-for-empowering-women-rahul-gandhi/|title=Need to change medieval mindset for empowering women: Rahul Gandhi|work=[[Indian Express]]|date=8 March 2014|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref> While inaugurating 'Utsaah', a Kerala [[All India Mahila Congress|Mahila Congress]] convention in Kochi, Gandhi stated that the Congress party would actively promote women within its organizational structure and set a target to have 50 per cent of women as chief ministers within the next 10 years. Gandhi initiated the [[Self-help group (finance)|Self-Help Groups]] amongst the women in the villages of [[Amethi]].<ref name="SHG">{{cite web | last=Standard | first=Business | title=Rahul, Omar visit Amethi, meet women self-help groups | website=Business News, Finance News, Union Budget 2024, India News, Stock Markets BSE/NSE News,SENSEX, NIFTY | date=18 December 2012 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rahul-omar-visit-amethi-meet-women-self-help-groups-112121800456_1.html | access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref> The primary focus of this scheme was to bring women together and empower them with information and decision making capabilities.<ref name="Sharda 2018">{{cite web | last=Sharda | first=Shailvee | title=International Women's Day 2018: Village SHGs take up cause of women's health | website=The Times of India | date=8 March 2018 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/international-womens-day-2018-village-shgs-take-up-cause-of-womens-health/articleshow/63211295.cms | access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref> |
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For instance, he has called for increased representation of women in politics and for the eradication of gender-based violence.<ref name="Gender2021">{{cite web |title=What's Rahul Gandhi's view on Women Empowerment? |date=11 December 2017 |url=https://www.shethepeople.tv/news/rahul-gandhi-women-empowerment-eight-things-know/ |publisher=SheThePeople |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rahul-gandhi-stresses-on-women-empowerment-1970388|title=Rahul Gandhi stresses on women empowerment|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=18 March 2014|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Rahul Gandhi: Women more powerful than men; Rahul to students|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/kerala/women-more-powerful-than-men-rahul-to-students/articleshow/81635071.cms|access-date=23 May 2021|website=The Times of India|date=22 March 2021|language=en}}</ref> Under the [[second Manmohan Singh ministry]], a [[Women's Reservation Bill]] to require that a third of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats be reserved for women was introduced in the [[Rajya Sabha]]. |
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⚫ | Gandhi backed the bill, stating, "Women do not need any protection. If you give them their rights, they can protect themselves".<ref name="Women2014">{{cite news |title=Rahul Gandhi pushes for Women's Reservation Bill |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/HGiUL6ZsdmI23FwNqdl3lO/Rahul-Gandhi-pushes-for-Womens-Reservation-Bill.html |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=Mint |agency=HT Media |date=14 January 2014}}</ref> This bill passed the Rajya Sabha on 9 March 2010, but it never received a vote in the Lok Sabha and eventually lapsed due to its pending status.<ref name="Al Jazeera Bill">{{cite news |last1=Anuja |title=India: 25 years on, Women's Reservation Bill still not a reality |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/8/25-years-india-women-reservation-bill-elected-bodies-gender |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=Al Jazeera |agency=Al Jazeera Media Network |issue=Al Jazeera English |date=8 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/elections-2014/more-to-poor-women-if-voted-back-to-power-rahul-gandhi-114042100752_1.html|title=More to poor, women if voted back to power: Rahul Gandhi|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=21 April 2014|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajya-Sabha-passes-Womens-Reservation-Bill/articleshow/5663003.cms?referral=PM|title=Rajya Sabha passes Women's Reservation Bill|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 March 2010|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lok-Sabha-fails-women-again-on-quota-issue/articleshow/30806438.cms|title=Lok Sabha fails women again on quota issue|work=[[The Times of India]]|date= |
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On 6 September 2018, the Supreme Court of India revoked [[Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code]], an act which criminalised homosexual sex between adults. Gandhi had backed the repeal of [[Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code]] and the decriminalisation of homosexuality, stating that he believed that issues related to personal freedom should be left to the individual.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/agree-more-with-the-high-court-rahul-gandhi-on-gay-rights-457979|title=Agree more with the High Court: Rahul Gandhi on gay rights|work=[[NDTV]]|date=12 December 2013|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref> He opined that it's essential to uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India.<ref name="The Indian Express 377">{{cite web | title=Rahul says homosexuality a matter of personal choice,Sonia wants House to act | website=The Indian Express | date=12 December 2013 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/rahul-says-homosexuality-a-matter-of-personal-choice-sonia-wants-house-to-act/ | access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref> |
On 6 September 2018, the Supreme Court of India revoked [[Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code]], an act which criminalised homosexual sex between adults. Gandhi had backed the repeal of [[Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code]] and the decriminalisation of homosexuality, stating that he believed that issues related to personal freedom should be left to the individual.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/agree-more-with-the-high-court-rahul-gandhi-on-gay-rights-457979|title=Agree more with the High Court: Rahul Gandhi on gay rights|work=[[NDTV]]|date=12 December 2013|access-date=6 May 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006141304/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/agree-more-with-the-high-court-rahul-gandhi-on-gay-rights-457979|url-status=live}}</ref> He opined that it's essential to uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India.<ref name="The Indian Express 377">{{cite web | title=Rahul says homosexuality a matter of personal choice,Sonia wants House to act | website=The Indian Express | date=12 December 2013 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/rahul-says-homosexuality-a-matter-of-personal-choice-sonia-wants-house-to-act/ | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=29 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329140438/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/rahul-says-homosexuality-a-matter-of-personal-choice-sonia-wants-house-to-act/ | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Climate and energy === |
=== Climate and energy === |
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Gandhi has been very concerned about the [[environmental degradation]] of the world and has said that unless |
Gandhi has been very concerned about the [[environmental degradation]] of the world and has said that unless environmental problems are made a political issue, they will not get the attention they deserve.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Scroll Staff |title=Need to make environment a 'political issue', says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi |url=https://scroll.in/latest/926040/need-to-make-environment-a-political-issue-says-congress-chief-rahul-gandhi |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=Scroll.in |date=5 June 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://scroll.in/latest/926040/need-to-make-environment-a-political-issue-says-congress-chief-rahul-gandhi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 March 2018 |title=Rahul Gandhi discusses fake news, climate change with Macron |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/rahul-gandhi-discusses-fake-news-climate-change-with-macron-1502600243.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Statesman |language=en-US |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065130/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/rahul-gandhi-discusses-fake-news-climate-change-with-macron-1502600243.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Gandhi criticised Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 draft by calling it "dangerous" and said that its long term consequences will be harmful. Calling it a disaster, he said that it will silence the communities who will |
Gandhi criticised the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 draft by calling it "dangerous" and said that its long term consequences will be harmful. Calling it a disaster, he said that it will silence the communities who will be directly impacted by environmental degradation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 June 2019 |title=Rahul calls for making environmental decay 'political issue' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-calls-for-making-environmental-decay-political-issue/article27527222.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065134/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-calls-for-making-environmental-decay-political-issue/article27527222.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Centre's Draft Environment Rules Catastrophic, Disgraceful: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-says-centres-draft-environment-impact-assessment-catastrophic-disgraceful-2276793 |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065130/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-says-centres-draft-environment-impact-assessment-catastrophic-disgraceful-2276793 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Economic Issues === |
=== Economic Issues === |
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Gandhi while addressing All India Congress Committee (AICC) in [[Jaipur]], called for an end to [[red tape]] and outdated laws that slow job creation.<ref name="Reuters2013">{{cite news |last1=Daniel |first1=Frank Jack |title=India's enigmatic Gandhi embraces politics in emotive speech |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-india-gandhi-rahul-idUKBRE90J0FC20130120 |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=Reuters |agency=Thomson Reuters Corporation |date=21 January 2013}}</ref> |
Gandhi while addressing All India Congress Committee (AICC) in [[Jaipur]], called for an end to [[red tape]] and outdated laws that slow job creation.<ref name="Reuters2013">{{cite news |last1=Daniel |first1=Frank Jack |title=India's enigmatic Gandhi embraces politics in emotive speech |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-india-gandhi-rahul-idUKBRE90J0FC20130120 |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=Reuters |agency=Thomson Reuters Corporation |date=21 January 2013 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427211631/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-india-gandhi-rahul-idUKBRE90J0FC20130120 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Gandhi views the economic policies of [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Modi Government]] as fundamentally to benefit the 2-3 billionaires and has described them as [[Crony capitalism|crony capitalists]].<ref name="Ghildiyal 2023">{{cite web | last=Ghildiyal | first=Subodh | title=Rahul Gandhi attacks 'crony capitalism', BJP hits back with 'Congress graft' | website=The Times of India | date=8 February 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-attacks-crony-capitalism-bjp-hits-back-with-congress-graft/articleshow/97708278.cms | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> Calling the "crony capitalists" as best friends of Modi, he has been critical of the privatisation of government assets.<ref name="Standard 2020">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=For Modi govt, crony capitalists are 'best friends', Rahul Gandhi says | website=Business Standard | date=15 December 2020 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/for-modi-govt-crony-capitalists-are-best-friends-rahul-gandhi-says-120121500382_1.html | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2021 |title=Government handing over India's assets to crony capitalists: Rahul Gandhi on Union Budget |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/government-handing-over-indias-assets-to-crony-capitalists-rahul-gandhi-on-union-budget/article33717330.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He is of the view that [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] and crony capitalists are colluding to control India.<ref name="Sagar Kulkarni 2021">{{cite web | last=Kulkarni | first=Sagar | title=RSS and crony capitalists colluding to control India, says Rahul Gandhi | website=Deccan Herald | date=2 March 2021 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rss-and-crony-capitalists-colluding-to-control-india-says-rahul-gandhi-957392.html | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> He has been specifically harsh on Indian Billionaire [[Gautam Adani]] and said that Modi Government has been very favourable towards Adani.<ref name="Scroll 2023">{{Cite web |author=Scroll Staff |title=Modi is shell-shocked, protecting Gautam Adani by not ordering inquiry, says Rahul Gandhi |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1043528/modi-is-shell-shocked-protecting-gautam-adani-by-not-ordering-inquiry-alleges-rahul-gandhi |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=Scroll.in |date=8 February 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chanchal |date=7 February 2023 |title='Wonder if a miracle happened in his favour': Rahul Gandhi on Adani's growth |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/everyone-is-asking-why-adani-business-never-fails-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-11675761365918.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2023 |title=4 things Rahul Gandhi said in Parliament about Adani Group |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/five-things-rahul-gandhi-said-in-parliament-about-adani-group-8429540/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> He sees the rise of Adani as a direct consequence of crony capitalism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adani Scandal a National Security Matter and Striking Instance of Cronyism: Rahul Gandhi in LS |url=https://thewire.in/politics/adani-scandal-lok-sabha-rahul-gandhi-speech |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2023 |title=Adani 'magic' started in 2014: Rahul Gandhi links group's rise to PM Modi in LS |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/adani-magic-started-in-2014-rahul-gandhi-links-groups-rise-to-pm-modi-in-ls/article66482263.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He said that he is not anti-business and supports fairness.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Anshuman |first1=Kumar |last2=Samanta |first2=Pranab Dhal |date=4 May 2019 |title=Against crony capitalism, not corporates: Rahul Gandhi |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/against-crony-capitalism-not-corporates-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/69169966.cms?from=mdr |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Disagreeing with privatisation of [[Public sector undertakings in India|PSUs]], he said that Congress will not allow the privatisation if it comes to power.<ref>{{Cite web |title="When We Come To Power...": Rahul Gandhi Takes A Stand On Privatisation |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/congress-will-not-allow-rampant-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi-3426026 |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=Congress will create jobs, stop privatisation of PSUs: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/congress-will-create-jobs-stop-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi-8205275/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2022 |title=Congress will not allow rampant privatisation of PSUs: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://theprint.in/india/congress-will-not-allow-rampant-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi/1165232/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> Citing the report on inequality by [[Oxfam]], he said that rising economic inequality is the result of Modi Government's economic policies.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2023 |title=Govt widening economic inequality in India; central policies 'increasing' poverty: Congress |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/govt-widening-economic-inequality-in-india-central-policies-increasing-poverty-congress/articleshow/97057524.cms?from=mdr |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |
Gandhi views the economic policies of [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Modi Government]] as fundamentally to benefit the 2-3 billionaires and has described them as [[Crony capitalism|crony capitalists]].<ref name="Ghildiyal 2023">{{cite web | last=Ghildiyal | first=Subodh | title=Rahul Gandhi attacks 'crony capitalism', BJP hits back with 'Congress graft' | website=The Times of India | date=8 February 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-attacks-crony-capitalism-bjp-hits-back-with-congress-graft/articleshow/97708278.cms | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=1 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401012050/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-attacks-crony-capitalism-bjp-hits-back-with-congress-graft/articleshow/97708278.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> Calling the "crony capitalists" as best friends of Modi, he has been critical of the privatisation of government assets.<ref name="Standard 2020">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=For Modi govt, crony capitalists are 'best friends', Rahul Gandhi says | website=Business Standard | date=15 December 2020 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/for-modi-govt-crony-capitalists-are-best-friends-rahul-gandhi-says-120121500382_1.html | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=15 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315073503/https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/for-modi-govt-crony-capitalists-are-best-friends-rahul-gandhi-says-120121500382_1.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2021 |title=Government handing over India's assets to crony capitalists: Rahul Gandhi on Union Budget |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/government-handing-over-indias-assets-to-crony-capitalists-rahul-gandhi-on-union-budget/article33717330.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065130/https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/government-handing-over-indias-assets-to-crony-capitalists-rahul-gandhi-on-union-budget/article33717330.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> He is of the view that [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] and crony capitalists are colluding to control India.<ref name="Sagar Kulkarni 2021">{{cite web | last=Kulkarni | first=Sagar | title=RSS and crony capitalists colluding to control India, says Rahul Gandhi | website=Deccan Herald | date=2 March 2021 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rss-and-crony-capitalists-colluding-to-control-india-says-rahul-gandhi-957392.html | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=25 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325150400/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rss-and-crony-capitalists-colluding-to-control-india-says-rahul-gandhi-957392.html | url-status=live }}</ref> He has been specifically harsh on Indian Billionaire [[Gautam Adani]] and said that Modi Government has been very favourable towards Adani.<ref name="Scroll 2023">{{Cite web |author=Scroll Staff |title=Modi is shell-shocked, protecting Gautam Adani by not ordering inquiry, says Rahul Gandhi |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1043528/modi-is-shell-shocked-protecting-gautam-adani-by-not-ordering-inquiry-alleges-rahul-gandhi |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=Scroll.in |date=8 February 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218070637/https://scroll.in/latest/1043528/modi-is-shell-shocked-protecting-gautam-adani-by-not-ordering-inquiry-alleges-rahul-gandhi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chanchal |date=7 February 2023 |title='Wonder if a miracle happened in his favour': Rahul Gandhi on Adani's growth |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/everyone-is-asking-why-adani-business-never-fails-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-11675761365918.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065133/https://www.livemint.com/news/everyone-is-asking-why-adani-business-never-fails-rahul-gandhi-in-lok-sabha-11675761365918.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2023 |title=4 things Rahul Gandhi said in Parliament about Adani Group |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/five-things-rahul-gandhi-said-in-parliament-about-adani-group-8429540/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/five-things-rahul-gandhi-said-in-parliament-about-adani-group-8429540/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He sees the rise of Adani as a direct consequence of crony capitalism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adani Scandal a National Security Matter and Striking Instance of Cronyism: Rahul Gandhi in LS |url=https://thewire.in/politics/adani-scandal-lok-sabha-rahul-gandhi-speech |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Wire |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065131/https://thewire.in/politics/adani-scandal-lok-sabha-rahul-gandhi-speech |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2023 |title=Adani 'magic' started in 2014: Rahul Gandhi links group's rise to PM Modi in LS |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/adani-magic-started-in-2014-rahul-gandhi-links-groups-rise-to-pm-modi-in-ls/article66482263.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065132/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/adani-magic-started-in-2014-rahul-gandhi-links-groups-rise-to-pm-modi-in-ls/article66482263.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> He said that he is not anti-business and supports fairness.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Anshuman |first1=Kumar |last2=Samanta |first2=Pranab Dhal |date=4 May 2019 |title=Against crony capitalism, not corporates: Rahul Gandhi |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/against-crony-capitalism-not-corporates-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/69169966.cms?from=mdr |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/against-crony-capitalism-not-corporates-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/69169966.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Disagreeing with privatisation of [[Public sector undertakings in India|PSUs]], he said that Congress will not allow the privatisation if it comes to power.<ref>{{Cite web |title="When We Come To Power...": Rahul Gandhi Takes A Stand On Privatisation |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/congress-will-not-allow-rampant-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi-3426026 |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065130/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/congress-will-not-allow-rampant-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi-3426026 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=Congress will create jobs, stop privatisation of PSUs: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/congress-will-create-jobs-stop-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi-8205275/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/congress-will-create-jobs-stop-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi-8205275/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2022 |title=Congress will not allow rampant privatisation of PSUs: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://theprint.in/india/congress-will-not-allow-rampant-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi/1165232/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://theprint.in/india/congress-will-not-allow-rampant-privatisation-of-psus-rahul-gandhi/1165232/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Citing the report on inequality by [[Oxfam]], he said that rising economic inequality is the result of Modi Government's economic policies.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2023 |title=Govt widening economic inequality in India; central policies 'increasing' poverty: Congress |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/govt-widening-economic-inequality-in-india-central-policies-increasing-poverty-congress/articleshow/97057524.cms?from=mdr |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/govt-widening-economic-inequality-in-india-central-policies-increasing-poverty-congress/articleshow/97057524.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 January 2020 |title=Citing report, Rahul Gandhi flags rising inequality |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-flags-report-on-widening-inequality/article30609154.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065128/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-flags-report-on-widening-inequality/article30609154.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Scroll Staff |title=BJP government widening economic inequality in India, says Mallikarjun Kharge after Oxfam report |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1042056/bjp-government-widening-economic-inequality-in-india-says-mallikarjun-kharge-after-oxfam-report |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=Scroll.in |date=17 January 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065132/https://scroll.in/latest/1042056/bjp-government-widening-economic-inequality-in-india-says-mallikarjun-kharge-after-oxfam-report |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Demonetization ==== |
==== Demonetization ==== |
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Gandhi has been very critical of the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Modi government]]'s [[2016 Indian banknote demonetisation|demonetisation]] of [[Indian 500-rupee note|₹500]] and [[Indian 1000-rupee note|₹1,000]] banknotes of the [[Mahatma Gandhi Series]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Deshpande |first=Abhinay |date=10 November 2022 |title=Rahul Gandhi lambasts Modi government on unemployment, demonetization |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/rahul-gandhi-lambasts-modi-government-on-unemployment-demonetization/article66121750.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He has called it a "tragedy" and a "disaster" that has negatively impacted the Indian economy and the lives of ordinary citizens. Gandhi has also accused the government of carrying out the policy without adequate planning and causing immense hardship to the poor and vulnerable sections of society. He said that demonetisation is a fundamental failure of policy design<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2017 |title=Demonetisation a fundamental failure of policy design: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/demonetisation-a-fundamental-failure-of-policy-design-rahul-gandhi-4553216/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and has alleged that it was a deliberate move by "PayPM" to help 2-3 billionaires to monopolise the economy. Terming demonetisation as the country's “biggest scam”,<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2018 |title=Demonetisation country's biggest scam, says Rahul Gandhi |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/demonetisation-countrys-biggest-scam-says-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/65616565.cms |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> |
Gandhi has been very critical of the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Modi government]]'s [[2016 Indian banknote demonetisation|demonetisation]] of [[Indian 500-rupee note|₹500]] and [[Indian 1000-rupee note|₹1,000]] banknotes of the [[Mahatma Gandhi Series]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Deshpande |first=Abhinay |date=10 November 2022 |title=Rahul Gandhi lambasts Modi government on unemployment, demonetization |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/rahul-gandhi-lambasts-modi-government-on-unemployment-demonetization/article66121750.ece |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/rahul-gandhi-lambasts-modi-government-on-unemployment-demonetization/article66121750.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> He has called it a "tragedy" and a "disaster" that has negatively impacted the Indian economy and the lives of ordinary citizens. Gandhi has also accused the government of carrying out the policy without adequate planning and causing immense hardship to the poor and vulnerable sections of society. He said that demonetisation is a fundamental failure of policy design<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2017 |title=Demonetisation a fundamental failure of policy design: Rahul Gandhi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/demonetisation-a-fundamental-failure-of-policy-design-rahul-gandhi-4553216/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/demonetisation-a-fundamental-failure-of-policy-design-rahul-gandhi-4553216/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and has alleged that it was a deliberate move by "PayPM" to help 2-3 billionaires to monopolise the economy. Terming demonetisation as the country's “biggest scam”,<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2018 |title=Demonetisation country's biggest scam, says Rahul Gandhi |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/demonetisation-countrys-biggest-scam-says-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/65616565.cms |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065131/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/demonetisation-countrys-biggest-scam-says-rahul-gandhi/articleshow/65616565.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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During his public speeches and political rallies, Gandhi has consistently criticised the demonetisation move, claiming that it failed to achieve its intended objectives of combating black money and curbing corruption.<ref name="Standard 2022">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=Demonetisation was financial attack on traders, says Rahul Gandhi | website=Business Standard | date=22 September 2022 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/demonetisation-was-financial-attack-on-traders-says-rahul-gandhi-122092201260_1.html | access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> He has also argued that the policy was implemented without proper consultation with experts or the [[Leader of the Opposition (India)|opposition parties]]. Gandhi further asserted that, demonetisation caused significant disruption to farmers, and rendered millions jobless in small and medium-sized businesses, and workers in the informal sector.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 April 2019 |title='Foolishness': Rahul Slams PM Modi Over Demonetisation, GST |url=https://www.thequint.com/elections/rahul-gandhi-on-demonetisation-gst-lok-sabha-elections |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |
During his public speeches and political rallies, Gandhi has consistently criticised the demonetisation move, claiming that it failed to achieve its intended objectives of combating black money and curbing corruption.<ref name="Standard 2022">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=Demonetisation was financial attack on traders, says Rahul Gandhi | website=Business Standard | date=22 September 2022 | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/demonetisation-was-financial-attack-on-traders-says-rahul-gandhi-122092201260_1.html | access-date=25 March 2024 | archive-date=14 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514010733/https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/demonetisation-was-financial-attack-on-traders-says-rahul-gandhi-122092201260_1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> He has also argued that the policy was implemented without proper consultation with experts or the [[Leader of the Opposition (India)|opposition parties]]. Gandhi further asserted that, demonetisation caused significant disruption to farmers, and rendered millions jobless in small and medium-sized businesses, and workers in the informal sector.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 April 2019 |title='Foolishness': Rahul Slams PM Modi Over Demonetisation, GST |url=https://www.thequint.com/elections/rahul-gandhi-on-demonetisation-gst-lok-sabha-elections |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065130/https://www.thequint.com/elections/rahul-gandhi-on-demonetisation-gst-lok-sabha-elections |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='Own up that demonetisation was a colossal failure,' says Rahul Gandhi to PM after RBI report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/own-up-that-demonetisation-was-a-colossal-failure-says-rahul-gandhi-to-pm-after-rbi-report/articleshow/60301836.cms |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |date=31 August 2017 |access-date=18 February 2023 |archive-date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218065129/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/own-up-that-demonetisation-was-a-colossal-failure-says-rahul-gandhi-to-pm-after-rbi-report/articleshow/60301836.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
Revision as of 04:53, 1 May 2024
Rahul Gandhi | |
---|---|
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
Assumed office 7 August 2023[1] | |
Preceded by | Himself |
Constituency | Wayanad, Kerala |
In office 23 May 2019 – 23 March 2023 [9] | |
Preceded by | M. I. Shanavas |
Succeeded by | Himself |
Constituency | Wayanad, Kerala |
In office 17 May 2004 – 23 May 2019 | |
Preceded by | Sonia Gandhi |
Succeeded by | Smriti Irani |
Constituency | Amethi, Uttar Pradesh |
President of the Indian National Congress | |
In office 16 December 2017 – 10 August 2019 | |
Preceded by | Sonia Gandhi |
Succeeded by | Sonia Gandhi |
Vice-President of the Indian National Congress | |
In office 19 January 2013 – 16 December 2017 | |
President | Sonia Gandhi |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Position abolished |
General Secretary of Indian National Congress | |
In office 25 September 2007 – 19 January 2013 | |
President | Sonia Gandhi |
Chair of Indian Youth Congress | |
Assumed office 25 September 2007 | |
Preceded by | Position established |
Chair of National Students' Union of India | |
Assumed office 25 September 2007 | |
Preceded by | Position established |
Personal details | |
Born | Rahul Rajiv Gandhi 19 June 1970 New Delhi, India |
Political party | Indian National Congress |
Parent(s) | Rajiv Gandhi (father) Sonia Gandhi (mother) |
Relatives | Priyanka Gandhi (sister) Nehru–Gandhi family |
Alma mater | Harvard University Trinity College, Cambridge (MPhil) |
Signature | |
Website | Official website |
Rahul Rajiv Gandhi (Hindi pronunciation: [ˈraːɦʊl raːdʒiːʋ ˈɡaːndʱiː] ⓘ; born 19 June 1970) is an Indian politician and a member of the Indian Parliament who represents the constituency of Wayanad, Kerala, in the Lok Sabha. He previously represented the constituency of Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. He is a member of the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, and was the party president from December 2017 to July 2019. Gandhi is the chairperson of the Indian Youth Congress, the National Students Union of India and a trustee of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust. He is the son of the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi.
Born in New Delhi, Gandhi spent his early childhood between Delhi and Dehradun and stayed away from the public sphere for much of his childhood and early youth. He received primary education in New Delhi and then attended the elite all-boys' boarding The Doon School in Dehradun. However, due to security concerns, he was later home-schooled. Gandhi commenced his undergraduate degree at St. Stephen's College before moving to Harvard University. The following year, due to security threats following the assassination of his father, he moved to Rollins College in Florida, completing his degree in 1994. The next year, he obtained his M.Phil. from Cambridge. After completing his post-graduation, he initiated his professional career with the Monitor Group, a management consulting firm in London. Soon thereafter, he returned to India and founded Backops Services Private Ltd, a technology outsourcing firm based in Mumbai.
Gandhi contested and won the 14th general elections from Amethi in 2004. He won again in general elections held in 2009 and 2014. Gandhi led the party in the 2014 and 2019 Indian general elections, with the party facing significant losses in both, especially in 2014 where they won only 44 seats whereas in 2019 elections the party won 52 seats. Gandhi has also served as members of several parliament Committees including, Home Affairs, Human Resource Development, External Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs and Defence.
Early life and background
Gandhi was born on 19 June 1970 at Holy Family Hospital in Delhi.[10] He was the first of two children born to Rajiv Gandhi, who later served as the 6th Prime Minister of India, and Sonia Gandhi, who went on to become the President of the Indian National Congress. As the grandson of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, his lineage is deeply rooted in Indian political history. His paternal grandfather, Feroze Gandhi, hailed from Gujarat and was of Parsi descent.[11] Furthermore, he is the great-grandson of India's inaugural prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Gandhi completed his elementary education at St. Columba's School in New Delhi.[12] He then attended The Doon School in Dehradun (an elite all-boys' boarding school, also the alma mater of his father, Rajiv Gandhi) from 1981 to 1983.[13] At Doon, Gandhi's contemporaries were the former Congress, now-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politicians Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasada.[14][15] Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by Sikhs in her personal guard on 31 October 1984, his father entered politics and became the 6th Prime Minister of India. Due to security threats from Sikh extremists, Gandhi and his sister Priyanka were home-schooled, taking examinations under the supervision of teachers.[16] Spending their childhood away from media attention, Gandhi and his sister kept low profiles, appearing with their parents at only a handful of public occasions.[17]
Gandhi joined St. Stephen's College, Delhi, an affiliated college of the University of Delhi, in 1989 for his undergraduate education.[18] Gandhi's academic performance in Class XII, with a score of 61 per cent in the CBSE school certificate, was perceived as not particularly strong.[19] However, he gained admission to St. Stephen’s College for BA (Honors) History through the sports quota, which granted a 10 per cent advantage in exam scores to promising athletes; per National Rifle Association of India testimonials, Gandhi stood 4th in the 32nd National Shooting Competition held in New Delhi from 26 December 1988 to 5 January 1989.[19] Gandhi had finished fourth in the Centre Fire Pistol 25 M (Indian Rule) Men’s civilian event with a score of 371 out of 400 points.[19] By July 1989, Gandhi had won eight national awards. In 1991, following the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by the LTTE during an election rally, Gandhi left St. Stephen’s and moved to Harvard University in the U.S. While at Harvard, Gandhi obtained a Master's degree in Economics.[20] However, reportedly due to security concerns, he subsequently relocated to Rollins College in Florida. He further went on to obtain an Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Development Studies, from Trinity College, Cambridge in 1995.[21][22]
After completing higher education, Gandhi worked at the Monitor Group, a management consulting firm set up by Michael Porter of Harvard Business School, in London for three years.[23] In 2002, he returned to India and established his technology consultancy, Backops Services Private Ltd, in Mumbai, where he served as one of the directors of the firm.[24] Subsequently, he founded BackOps UK, a company that secured defense contracts from foreign suppliers.[25]
Political positions
Formative years
In March 2004, Gandhi announced his entry into politics by declaring that he would contest the 14th general elections from his father's former constituency of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of parliament.[26] His mother had held the seat until she transferred to the neighboring constituency of Raebareli. When Gandhi made this announcement, it came as a surprise to political commentators, who had perceived his sister Priyanka Gandhi as the more charismatic and probable successor. It generated speculation that the presence of a young member of India's most famous political family would reinvigorate the Congress party's political fortunes among India's youthful population.[27] In his first interview with foreign media, Gandhi portrayed himself as a uniter of the country and condemned "divisive" politics in India, saying that he would try to reduce caste and religious tensions.[28]
After being out of power for a record eight years, the Congress party returned to power, winning a total of 145 seats in the 2004 Indian general election. A coalition government was formed at the center by Congress with the backing of regional parties. Gandhi secured a victory by a substantial margin of over 100,000 votes, thereby maintaining the stronghold of his family in Uttar Pradesh.[29] However, the party performed poorly in Uttar Pradesh, as it held only 10 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with a vote share of 12.53 per cent.[30] Gandhi did not hold any official role or position within the government.[31] From 2004 to 2006, Gandhi served as a member for the Standing Committee on Home Affairs. Between 2006 and 2009, he served as the member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development.[32]
Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka, managed their mother's campaign for re-election to Raebareilly in 2006, which was won with a margin of over 400,000 votes.[33] He was a prominent figure in the Congress campaign for the 2007 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election; Congress, however, did not perform well in those elections, winning only 22 seats of the 403 seats with 8.53 per cent of the vote.[34] On 24 September 2007, Gandhi was appointed as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, the governing body of the Congress party, as part of a reshuffle of the party secretariat.[35] In the same reshuffle, he was also given charge of the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India.[36]
Youth politics
In September 2007, Gandhi was appointed as general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), segment of the Congress party that represents the younger generation, and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), the faction that caters to the student community.[37] As the general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), Gandhi played a notable role in shaping the policies and strategies of these organisations. After his appointment, both groups saw a significant increase in membership, from 200,000 to 2.5 million.[38] The IYC underwent a restructuring process to make it more democratic and inclusive.[39][40] In November 2008, Gandhi held interviews at his 12 Tughlak Lane residence in New Delhi to handpick at least 40 people to make up the IYC's think tank.[41] In 2009, during Gandhi's visit to West Bengal, the state unit of the Youth Congress registered 1 million members.[42] Similarly, the IYC was only able to acquire around 10 to 15 new members per day in each assembly segment of Uttar Pradesh; however, after Gandhi's visit, the number surged to 150 to 200 new members per day in the same regions.[43]
While serving as the general secretary of the NSUI, Gandhi played an active role in strengthening the organisation and increasing student participation in politics.[39] Under his leadership, the NSUI initiated programs and campaigns to address issues affecting the student community, such as the quality of education, employment opportunities, and social justice.[44][45][46] Gandhi also advocated for greater student representation in decision-making processes and supported student leaders in their endeavours.[47]
General election campaigns
2009
For the 2009 Indian general election, Gandhi campaigned across India covering 22 states and 107 constituencies.[48][49] His campaigning included addressing public rallies and meetings, interacting with voters, and highlighting the party's vision and agenda for the country.[50] He specifically focused on issues such as rural development, education, employment, and women's empowerment. Gandhi, also emphasised the importance of youth participation in politics and urged them to be more involved in shaping the country's future.[51] The nationwide elections defied the predictions made by pre-poll predictions and exit polls and gave a clear mandate to the incumbent, Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.[52] While the Congress did not win a majority in the election, they emerged as the largest party and formed a coalition government with the support of other parties.[53] Gandhi retained his Amethi seat by defeating his nearest rival by a margin of over 370,000 votes.[54] Gandhi was credited with the Congress revival in Uttar Pradesh where they won 21 out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats.[55][56]
2014
Gandhi contested the 2014 Indian general election from his constituency, Amethi,[57] and led the election campaign of the Indian National Congress.[58] Gandhi held the Amethi seat by defeating his nearest rival, BJP's Smriti Irani, by a reduced margin of 107,000 votes,[56][59] but the Congress suffered its worst-ever performance at an election and won only 44 seats, compared to the 206 seats won in 2009.[60][61] The UPA also had its worst-ever performance in elections and won only 59 seats, compared to the 262 seats won in 2009.[61][62][63] After the defeat, Gandhi offered to resign his posts, only to be rejected by the party's working committee.[64]
2019
Gandhi led the 2019 election campaign of the Congress party. During campaign, Gandhi announced "Nyay" (Nyuntam Aay Yojana— Minimum Income Gurantee) Scheme promising Rs 6,000 each to 20 per cent poorest households to his election speeches.[65] Gandhi also promised to fill 22 lakhs government jobs within one year coming to power at the Centre. Gandhi used the slogan "Chowkidar Chor Hai" as a jibe against Narendra Modi, BJP's prime ministerial candidate during his election rallies.[66][67] The slogan was aimed at Modi about the alleged irregularities and favouritism in awarding the contracts for the Rafale fighter jet deal.[68][69] Post election results the INC won 52 seats, eight more than the previous election. Its vote percentage once again fell below 20 per cent. Gandhi won the Wayanad seat with over 60 per cent vote share.[70] However, he lost his existing seat of Amethi to Smriti Irani of the BJP by a margin of 55,120 votes.[71]
2024
National Herald case
The National Herald case revolves around allegations of financial irregularities and misuse of funds related to the National Herald newspaper. The case garnered attention when former BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint accusing Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and five other Congress party leaders—Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey, and Satyan Pitroda—of cheating and misappropriating funds associated with the National Herald. The allegations by then-BJP leader Subramanian Swamy centered on a loan given by the Congress party to "Associated Journals Limited" (AJL), the company that owned the National Herald newspaper.[72] Subramanian Swamy alleged that the loan, amounting to around ₹90 crore (equivalent to ₹202 crore or US$25 million in 2023), was not repaid. Instead, it was converted into equity, effectively transferring the ownership of AJL to a new company called "Young India Ltd" (YIL), in which Sonia Gandhi hold 76 per cent of the company's shares, and the remaining 24 per cent are held by Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes.[72] As per Swamy, YIL only paid ₹54 lakh (equivalent to ₹1.2 crore or US$150,000 in 2023) to get back ₹90 crore that Associated AJL owed to the Congress party. He also alleged that the loan given to AJL was illegal, as it had been taken from party funds.[72]
The case went through various legal proceedings, including hearings in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. In December 2015, the Delhi High Court dismissed the appeals of Sonia Gandhi and five others, ordering them to appear in person before the trial court.[73] In 2015, the Supreme Court of India instructed Swamy to present arguments for expediting the trial in the high court. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were granted bail by the trial court on December 19, 2015. Subsequently, in 2016, the Supreme Court exempted all five accused individuals (including the Gandhis, Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, and Suman Dubey) from personally attending court hearings but declined to dismiss the ongoing legal proceedings against them.[72] In December 2020, the Delhi court dismissed a petition filed by then-BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking to summon Rahul and Sonia Gandhi and others as accused in the case. The court held that there was no prima facie evidence to suggest their involvement in any corruption conspiracy.[74] In 2014, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated an investigation into Swamy's complaint to determine if there were any indications of money laundering. The investigation was closed due to technical reasons. Nonetheless, Swamy wrote to prime minister Narendra Modi expressing his suspicions about ED Director Ranjan Katoch. Subsequently, in 2015, Katoch was replaced, and the case was reopened. In December 2015, the Patiala court granted bail to the five individuals accused in the case.[75] The Congress party objected to Swamy's complaint to the complaint, labelling it as “vindictive politics”.[76]
Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–2023)
The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which translates to "Unify India March," was a campaign organized by the Congress party spanning from 2022 to 2023 with the stated primary objective of promoting national unity and solidarity across the various regions of India. It aimed to mobilize support for the INC and its ideology, emphasizing themes of patriotism, cultural heritage, and development.[77] Gandhi started the initiative on 7 September 2022 at Kanyakumari after paying tributes to his late father Rajiv Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.[78] The yatra saw Gandhi along with INC leaders, including members of Parliament and notable personalities, traveling across the country, addressing rallies, conducting public meetings, and interacting with citizens. Throughout the yatra, Gandhi focused on issues such as economic development, social justice, and inclusive governance, aiming to strengthen the party's grassroots presence and reinvigorate its political relevance on the national stage.[79]
The yatra concluded on 29 January 2003 with the unfurling of the tricolour flag at Lal Chowk, Srinagar;[80] it lasted 137 days, covering 4,080 kilometers (2,540 miles) over nearly five months across 12 states and two union territories. During the yatra, the INC elected a new party president and also won a majority in the 2022 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, the first majority the party had won won by itself since 2018. In the subsequent elections in Karnataka and Telangana in 2023, the Congress party achieved a landslide victory, marked by an increase in both the party's vote share and the number of seats compared to the previous elections in the constituencies through which the march had passed.[81]
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (2024)
From 14 January to 20 March 2024, Gandhi led a second yatra across India from east to west, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra; unlike the previous version, the Yatra was conducted in a hybrid mode.[82]
2023 conviction and stay
On 13 April 2019, during a political rally in Kolar, Karnataka, India before the 17th general election, Gandhi made a remark in Hindi, questioning, "Why is it that all thieves, whether it be Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, or Narendra Modi, have Modi in their names?".[83] A speech comparing Narendra Modi with Fugitive Economic Offenders such as Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. A criminal defamation case was filed by Purnesh Modi, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West. He alleged that Gandhi had defamed all individuals with the surname Modi. On July 16, 2019, the Surat court excused Gandhi from appearing personally in court due to short notice. On October 10, Gandhi pleaded not guilty in the Surat Court. Gandhi recorded his statements and responded to questions before the local court, first on June 24, 2021, and then again on October 29, 2021. During these appearances, Gandhi clarified to the court that he did not intend to defame any community.[84] However, On 23 March 2023, Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment under charges of defamation. The day following the conviction, Utpal Kumar Singh, the Lok Sabha Secretary General, announced that Rahul Gandhi would be disqualified as a Member of Parliament representing the Wayanad constituency, effective from March 23, the date of his conviction. The Secretary General further said that this action was taken under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA), which deals with the disqualification of convicted representatives in India.[85] Gandhi's lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi appealed at the higher court and secured a one-month stay on the sentence.[86] On August 5, the Supreme Court of India issued a stay on Gandhi's conviction and sentence, handed down by Chief Judicial Magistrate in Surat on March 23, 2023.[87]
The disqualification of Gandhi prompted widespread reactions and responses not only from the Congress party but also from opposition leaders and lawmakers abroad.[88] Legal experts questioned the basis of the charge, as defamation is only actionable against individuals and not a generic class of people.[3] The US House of Representatives, Ro Khanna, democrat co-chair of the India Caucus, described the removal of Gandhi from parliament as a "deep betrayal" of India’s "deepest values".[89][90] Annalena Baerbock spokesperson for Germanys' Foreign Ministry stated that Berlin had "acknowledged" the verdict and was monitoring the subsequent steps, including the possibility of an appeal and whether the "suspension of his mandate" was deemed justified.[91] US Senator Chris Van Hollen made a separate comment, stating that the news of the disqualification was "alarming".[92]
Electoral performance
In the 2004 general election, Gandhi contested from Amethi and won, securing 390,179 votes with a vote share of 66.18 per cent. He contested again in the 2009 general election from Amethi, winning with 464,195 votes and a vote share of 71.78 per cent. In the 2014, 2014 general election, he retained his seat in Amethi, winning with 408,651 votes and a vote share of 46.71 per cent. However, in the 2019, 2019 general election, Gandhi lost from Amethi, securing 413,394 votes with a vote share of 43.86 per cent. Nonetheless, he contested and won from Wayanad in the same election, garnering 706,367 votes with a vote share of 64.67 per cent.
Year | Election | Party | Constituency Name | Result | Votes gained | Vote share% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | 14th Lok Sabha | Indian National Congress | Amethi | Won | 390,179 | 66.18% | |
2009 | 15th Lok Sabha | Won | 464,195 | 71.78% | |||
2014 | 16th Lok Sabha | Won | 408,651 | 46.71% | |||
2019 | 17th Lok Sabha | Lost | 413,394 | 43.86% | |||
Wayanad | Won | 706,367 | 64.67% |
Positions held
Public offices
In 2004, the Gandhi was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha and served as a member of the Standing Committee on Home Affairs from 2004 to 2006, as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development from 2006 to 2009.[93] In 2009, they were re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha for a second term and served as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, along with being a member of the Consultative Committee on Rural Development.[94][95]
In 2014, Gandhi was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha for a third term and served as a member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs, as well as a member of the Consultative Committee on Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs.[93] In 2019, he was elected to the 17th Lok Sabha for a fourth term and served as a member of the Standing Committee on Defence, as well as a member of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of External Affairs.[96]
Year | Description |
---|---|
2004 | Elected to 14th Lok Sabha
|
2009 | Elected to 15th Lok Sabha (2nd term)
|
2014 | Elected to 16th Lok Sabha (3rd term)
|
2019 | Elected to 17th Lok Sabha (4th term)
|
Within party
Between 2008 and 2013, Gandhi assumed the role of General Secretary within the Indian National Congress (INC).[97] Since 2007, Gandhi has been the chairperson of both the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), positions he established and currently holds.[98] His tenure as Vice President of the INC, established in 2013, lasted until 2016, after which the position was abolished.[99] Subsequently, from 2017 to 2019, Gandhi served as the President of the INC, succeeding Sonia Gandhi.[100]
Year | Position | Preceded by | Succeeded by |
---|---|---|---|
2008 - 2013 | General secretary of INC | N/A[a] | N/A[b] |
2007 - Incumbent (as of 2020) | Chairperson of Indian Youth Congress | Position established | Incumbent |
2007 - 2020 | Chairperson of NSUI | Position established | Mallikarjun Kharge |
2013 - 2016 | Vice president of INC | Position established | Position abolished |
2017 - 2019 | President of INC | Sonia Gandhi | Sonia Gandhi (interim) |
Political and social views
National security
In December 2010, during the United States diplomatic cables leak, WikiLeaks leaked a cable dated 3 August 2009 after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had hosted a lunch on 20 July 2009 for Gandhi, then the General Secretary of the AICC. One of the guests who was invited for the lunch was the United States Ambassador to India, Timothy J. Roemer. In a "candid conversation" with Roemer, he said that he believes Hindu extremists pose a greater threat to his country than Muslim militants. Gandhi referred specifically to more-polarising figures in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also responding to the ambassador's query about the activities in the region by the Islamist militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Gandhi said there was evidence of some support for the group among certain elements in India's indigenous Muslim population.[101] In a response to this, the BJP heavily criticised Gandhi for his statements. BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Gandhi, saying that his language was a bigger threat to India, dividing the people of the country on communal grounds. Speaking to reporters, Prasad said, "In one stroke Mr. Rahul Gandhi has sought to give a big leverage to the propaganda to all the extremist and terrorist groups in Pakistan and also some segments of the Pakistani establishment. It would also seriously compromise India's fight against terror as also our strategic security." Adding that terrorism has no religion, he claimed that Rahul Gandhi had shown his lack of understanding India.[102] Gandhi has also been critical of groups like the RSS and has compared them to terrorist organisations like SIMI.[103][104]
After the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots at a Madhya Pradesh election rally in Indore, Gandhi claimed that a police officer told him that Pakistan's military intelligence service, ISI, was trying to recruit disgruntled riot-affected youngsters.[105][106] However, the district administration, the Uttar Pradesh state government, the Union Home Ministry, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) denied any such development.[107][108] This remark drew heavy criticism from various political outfits such as BJP, SP, CPI and JD(U).[109] Congress's Jairam Ramesh said Gandhi needed to apologise to the Muslim community for this remark.[110] In reply to the ECI's show-cause notice to explain why action should not be initiated against him for violating the Model Code of Conduct, Gandhi said that he didn't intend to exploit communal sentiments but was referring to divisive politics.[111]
Farmers and land agitation
On 19 April 2015 Gandhi addressed the farmer and worker's rally, named as Kisan Khet Mazdoor Rally in Ramlila Maidan. Here he made "references to his agitations in Niyamgiri in Orissa and Bhatta-Parsaul in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh".[112] The rally was attended by 100,000 people. In the speech he gave, he criticised the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi about his comment in Toronto where he said that he was "cleaning the mess created by previous governments".[113] He also said, "Do you know how Modi won the election?... He borrowed thousands of crores from industrialists for his several campaigns and advertisements. How will he pay them back? He will pay them back with your land. He will give your land to his industrialist friends."[112]
He razzed the government as a "suit-boot government", a reference to Modi's monogrammed suit which he wore in the Republic Day meeting with Barack Obama. Moreover, he used the "acche din government" jibe (which was Modi's election campaign slogan meaning "good days government") and mentioned that it had "failed the country".[114]
A land bill was introduced by the BJP government in the parliament in May which was criticised by the opposition parties.[115] Accusing the government of "murdering" UPA's land bill,[116] Gandhi promised to prevent the bill from being passed, if not in the parliament then would "stop you [ BJP government] on streets". He further accused the government of diluting the bill and called it "anti-farmer".[115] Gandhi also drew a parallel between "daylight robbery" and the bill.[117] On 26 May, the day of the Modi government's first anniversary, Gandhi commented at a rally in Kozhikode "Unfortunately, birthday celebrations is only for a few powerful friends of the government. Kisan, farmers and mazdoor have nothing to celebrate." [118]
Women's empowerment and LGBTQ rights
"India will be truly successful only when women occupy equal space in our society. They must take their rightful place in politics and shape India's destiny."
Gandhi's remarks on Women empowerment.[119]
Gandhi has spoken publicly about the importance of women's empowerment and gender equality in India.[120][121] While inaugurating 'Utsaah', a Kerala Mahila Congress convention in Kochi, Gandhi stated that the Congress party would actively promote women within its organizational structure and set a target to have 50 per cent of women as chief ministers within the next 10 years. Gandhi initiated the Self-Help Groups amongst the women in the villages of Amethi.[122] The primary focus of this scheme was to bring women together and empower them with information and decision making capabilities.[123] He has called for increased representation of women in politics and for the eradication of gender-based violence.[124][125][126] Under the second Manmohan Singh ministry, a Women's Reservation Bill to require that a third of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats be reserved for women was introduced in the Rajya Sabha. Gandhi backed the bill, stating, "Women do not need any protection. If you give them their rights, they can protect themselves".[127] This bill passed the Rajya Sabha on 9 March 2010, but it never received a vote in the Lok Sabha and eventually lapsed due to its pending status.[128][129][130][131] In 2019, while addressing students in Chennai, Gandhi again called for 33 per cent reservation of all parliamentary Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women, as well as government jobs.[132]
On 6 September 2018, the Supreme Court of India revoked Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, an act which criminalised homosexual sex between adults. Gandhi had backed the repeal of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and the decriminalisation of homosexuality, stating that he believed that issues related to personal freedom should be left to the individual.[133] He opined that it's essential to uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India.[134]
Climate and energy
Gandhi has been very concerned about the environmental degradation of the world and has said that unless environmental problems are made a political issue, they will not get the attention they deserve.[135][136]
Gandhi criticised the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 draft by calling it "dangerous" and said that its long term consequences will be harmful. Calling it a disaster, he said that it will silence the communities who will be directly impacted by environmental degradation.[137][138]
Economic Issues
Gandhi while addressing All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Jaipur, called for an end to red tape and outdated laws that slow job creation.[139] Gandhi views the economic policies of Modi Government as fundamentally to benefit the 2-3 billionaires and has described them as crony capitalists.[140] Calling the "crony capitalists" as best friends of Modi, he has been critical of the privatisation of government assets.[141][142] He is of the view that RSS and crony capitalists are colluding to control India.[143] He has been specifically harsh on Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani and said that Modi Government has been very favourable towards Adani.[144][145][146] He sees the rise of Adani as a direct consequence of crony capitalism.[147][148] He said that he is not anti-business and supports fairness.[149] Disagreeing with privatisation of PSUs, he said that Congress will not allow the privatisation if it comes to power.[150][151][152] Citing the report on inequality by Oxfam, he said that rising economic inequality is the result of Modi Government's economic policies.[153][154][155]
Demonetization
Gandhi has been very critical of the Modi government's demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes of the Mahatma Gandhi Series.[156] He has called it a "tragedy" and a "disaster" that has negatively impacted the Indian economy and the lives of ordinary citizens. Gandhi has also accused the government of carrying out the policy without adequate planning and causing immense hardship to the poor and vulnerable sections of society. He said that demonetisation is a fundamental failure of policy design[157] and has alleged that it was a deliberate move by "PayPM" to help 2-3 billionaires to monopolise the economy. Terming demonetisation as the country's “biggest scam”,[158]
During his public speeches and political rallies, Gandhi has consistently criticised the demonetisation move, claiming that it failed to achieve its intended objectives of combating black money and curbing corruption.[159] He has also argued that the policy was implemented without proper consultation with experts or the opposition parties. Gandhi further asserted that, demonetisation caused significant disruption to farmers, and rendered millions jobless in small and medium-sized businesses, and workers in the informal sector.[160][161]
See also
- National Students' Union of India
- Indian Youth Congress
- List of presidents of the Indian National Congress
Notes
References
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Further reading
- Sardesai, Rajdeep (2014). 2014: The Election that Changed India. Penguin Books India. ISBN 9780143424987. OCLC 921981462.
External links
- Official website
- Profile Archived 21 April 2019 at the Wayback Machine at Indian National Congress
- Biography Profile at Lok Sabha, Parliament of India