Rahul Gandhi likely to address press conference on March 25 at 1 pm post disqualification

The Union Cabinet on Friday increased the dearness allowance and dearness relief by 4 per cent to 42 per cent to benefit 47.58 lakh central government employees and 69.76 lakh pensioners

Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha after being convicted by a Surat court over his 'Modi surname' remark. His disqualification notification comes when the Congress is already on the backfoot electorally nationally and has seen several of its senior leaders leaving the party.

What can happen next?

Rahul Gandhi can avoid conviction if he wins the case in a higher court

Rahul Gandhi is no longer an MP due to his conviction and sentencing in a 2019 defamation case. However, legal experts say that despite the fact that the former Congress president has lost his Lok Sabha membership, the action can be staved off if he manages to get the conviction overturned. READ THE FULL STORY HERE

As the crucial meeting called by the Congress party came to an end after almost two hours, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the party leaders on Friday discussed the party’s political action that will be taken in connection with the former Congress chief’s disqualification from Lok Sabha.

The Congress party is likely to pass a resolution supporting Rahul Gandhi. According to the sources, through this resolution, Congress wants to show that everyone is strongly standing with him and that he will continue to be the leader of the party.

Congress and BJP workers entered into a clash with each other in Jaipur after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi got disqualified from Lok Sabha. The clash erupted after Congress party workers came to the streets to stage protests in favour of their leader.

Congress workers in Bhopal have staged a protest over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha.

Congress scion Rahul Gandhi has reacted on his disqualification from the Lok Sabha following his conviction and two-year jail term by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in a criminal defamation case over his “Modi surname” remark. Notably, the Congress leader was granted bail and was allowed to appeal the decision but since he was handed a jail term of two years, he stands disqualified. READ FULL STORY HERE.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur while addressing the press conference on Friday said, the court's decision of sentencing two-year imprisonment to Rahul Gandhi is a "fair judgement which has been taken against the abuse politics."

BJP on Friday held a press conferrence over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as Lok Sabha member. BJP said Rahul Gandhi has "abused the PM. No one has the right to abuse. There was no involvement of govt in this."

BJP Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Anurag Thakur are addressing a press conference at party headquarters in New Delhi over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as Lok Sabha member. 

Speaking to Republic over Rahul's disqualification, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said, "It is karma coming for Congress. They had removed me from the parliament during emergency. Many other leaders have been disqualified by Congress. Rahul never had a political career. Especially after losing Amethi. Half of the time he is abroad. In the other half, he is absent. I have been critical of Modi. I did not lose my membership. It is the law taking its own course."

The Ministry of Defence on Friday signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), for the procurement of two Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems ‘Project Himshakti’ at an overall cost of approximately Rs 3,000 crore. The project is under the Buy Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category comprising contemporary and niche technologies.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "We are confident that we will get a stay of the conviction which will remove the very basis of this disqualification. We have full faith in the law. We believe we will emerge victorious in the near future."

Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, Uddhav Thackeray said, "Rahul Gandhi's candidacy has been cancelled. Calling a thief, a thief has become a crime in our country. Thieves & looters are still free & Rahul Gandhi was punished. This is a direct murder of democracy. All govt systems are under pressure. This is the beginning of the end of the dictatorship. Only the fight has to be given direction."

Addressing the media over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "Issue is political... We all know that Rahul Gandhi has been speaking out fearlessly both inside and outside the Parliament. Clearly, he is paying a price for it. The government is rattled. This government is finding new techniques to throttle his voice."

"We all know that Rahul Gandhi has been speaking out fearlessly both inside and outside the Parliament. Clearly, he is paying a price for it. The government is rattled. This government is finding new techniques to throttle his voice," he added.

Congress holds press conference over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification.

Speaking to Republic over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, BJP Rajya Sabha MP & Sr Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani said, "Congress has got it wrong. This case has been going on since 2019. There's no political dimension to it, unless you're accusing the judiciary of being political. It should be dealt with legally, by appeal."

UPA chief Sonia Gandhi arrived at the residence of his son Rahul Gandhi after he was disqualified from the membership of the Lok Sabha.

Responding to Rahul's disqualification, CM Mamata Banerjee said, "In PM Modi’s New India, Opposition leaders have become the prime target of BJP! While BJP leaders with criminal antecedents are inducted into the cabinet, Opposition leaders are disqualified for their speeches. Today, we have witnessed a new low for our constitutional democracy."

Taking to his Twitter, BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, "Rahul Gandhi himself tore the Ordinance resulting in setting the bar of disqualification post-conviction from 5 years to 2yrs. Today, when his supported law has been implemented disqualifying him, Congress is crying “democracy is in danger”. Heights of Hypocrisy& Double Standards!"

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don't want to keep those who are speaking the truth but we will continue to speak the truth. We'll continue to demand JPC, If needed we'll go to jail to save democracy."

"We've called a meeting of our senior party leaders at the party office at 5 pm today. In the meeting, we will formulate our strategy as to how to proceed forward," he added.

Congress general secretary and MP Jairam Ramesh said that they will fight the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi "both legally and politically". "We will fight this battle both legally and politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, @RahulGandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju took a dig at Congress over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha. "Now Congress Party will blame BJP for his derogatory remarks against an OBC Community, and they will even criticise Judiciary. We haven't advised Shri Rahul Gandhi to make extremely disgraceful & irresponsible comments," Rijiju tweeted.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot attacked the Centre over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. "Termination of Lok Sabha membership of Mr Rahul Gandhi is another example of dictatorship. BJP should not forget that they had adopted the same method against Mrs Indira Gandhi also and had to face the consequences. Shri Rahul Gandhi is the voice of the country which will be stronger now against this dictatorship."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of Lok Sabha representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction i.e. 23 March 2023 in terms of the provisions of Article 102(1)(e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a statement.

Addressing a public gathering in Varanasi, PM Modi said, "Today in Kashi both the ancient and the new forms are being seen simultaneously. People who meet me in India and abroad tell me how they are mesmerised by the reconstruction of Vishwanath Dham... Be it road, bridge, rail, or airport, all the new means of connectivity have made it very easy to reach Kashi, but now we have to move one step further. Now that this ropeway is being built here, both the convenience and the attraction of Kashi will increase."

"Development works of Kashi are discussed across the nation. Banarasi saree, wooden toys and many more things are getting famous among the tourists visiting the city. Today Banaras is getting the gift of several development projects, from clean water, education, and rejuvenation of the Ganga to sports facilities, Banaras will get all-around development. Connectivity modes are making life easier here," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated and launched several development projects of over Rs 1,780 Crore in Varanasi. Addressing the event, he said, "Many people used to think that Banaras (Varanasi) can never develop but today Banaras is completely changed."

A mega controversy has erupted in poll-bound Karnataka after former Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddharamaiah allegedly slapped a party worker in a broad daylight. According to sources, supporters of Congress MLA Ramappa were chanting slogans against Siddaramaiah.

A miffed Siddaramaiah asked the MLA supporters to be silent but they did not listen, sources said. After losing his cool, the former CM slapped a supporter of MLA Ramappa which has been caught on camera.

Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi today participated in the ‘Sashakt Sangini Fest' organised by the Air Force Families Welfare Association at Tejas Camp, New Delhi. According to IAF, the fest is held to showcase a diverse product range of budding entrepreneur IAF ladies from across the country. Over 70 stalls showcasing products made by women entrepreneurs at the venue.

Opposition leaders including Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury; AAP's Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, began their protest march in Delhi, against the Centre. They were seen carrying a 'Democracy in danger' banner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Swasthdrishti Samrid Kashi beneficiaries in Varanasi. He was accompanied by Governor Anandiben Patel and CM Yogi Adityanath.

The Lok Sabha proceeding has been adjourned till March 27. The Lower House will meet again at 11 am on March 27.

According to National Centre for Seismology, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 on the Richter Scale hit 12km WSW of Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh today at 10:28 am. It is pertinent to mention that three minutes after the earthquake was felt in Chhattisgarh, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4 jolted Madhya Pradesh.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses Regional Conference on Drug Trafficking & National Security for Southern States/UTs, in Karnataka's Bengaluru.

The Centre has formed a committee under the Finance Secretary to improve the New Pension Scheme (NPS). "A committee will be set up under Finance Secretary on pension system to address the needs of employees and also maintain fiscal prudence," Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. This comes amid the demands from various quarters on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Republic has accessed the visuals of Amritpal Singh's 'militia' group-- AKF (Anandpur Khalsa Force) whose members are seen wearing bullet-proof vests and practising arms.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moves The Finance Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2023-2024 to be taken into consideration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is working to eradicate TB by 2025. "2030 is the global target to eradicate TB but India is now working on the target of ending TB by the year 2025," PM Modi said.

PM Modi said, "It is a matter of happiness that this summit is happening in Kashi. Some time ago, India also took the initiative to take forward the vision of 'One Earth, One Health' and now through 'One World TB Summit' India is fulfilling another resolution of Global Good... Kashi testifies that no matter how big the challenge is when everyone's effort is there, a new path also emerges. I am sure Kashi will give new energy to our global resolve against a disease like TB."

"The ideology of India as a country is reflected in the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' i.e. 'The whole world is one family'. This ancient thought is giving integrated vision and integrated solutions to the modern world," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the One World TB Summit at Rudrakash Convention Centre in Varanasi.

Karnataka police detained Congress state president DK Shivakumar and other party leaders and workers who were protesting against the Surat Court verdict against Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched various initiatives including the TB-Mukt Panchayat initiative; the official pan-India rollout of a shorter TB Preventive Treatment (TPT); the Family-centric care model for TB and the release of India’s Annual TB Report 2023 at 'One World TB Summit' in Varanasi.

Maharashtra Opposition MLAs with washing powders in their hand stage a protest on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan over 'misuse' of central agencies by the Central government.

Rahul Gandhi on Friday attended the meeting of Congress MPs at the Congress Parliamentary Office in Parliament. Party chief and LoP in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge & UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi were also present.

According to National Centre for Seismology (NCS), an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter Scale hit 28km SE of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh today at 10:31 am. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is facing disqualification arrived at Parliament on Friday amid the defamation row wherein a court convicted the Congress leader in a defamation case and sentenced him to 2-year imprisonment.

Hundreds of Congress workers are staging protests demanding SC/ST quota hike to be brought under Schedule 9. The Congress workers led by DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, are marching towards Raj Bhavan. 

Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear on April 5 plea filed by 14 political parties led by Congress alleging arbitrary use of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in arresting Opposition leaders.

Meeting of Opposition leaders underway at the office of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in Parliament. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Rudrakash Convention Centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The PM will address the 'One World TB Summit' at the Convention Centre today.

Ahead of the Congress protest march in the national capital, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi slammed the Grand Old Party and said, "They (Congress) should tell against whom they are protesting because the decision was taken by the court and not by any political party. They are questioning the judiciary. He (Rahul Gandhi) has insulted the OBC community & arrogantly refused to apologize for his remarks. People will teach them a lesson."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday visited former Karnataka CM and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa's residence in Bengaluru. He was accompanied by CM Basavaraj Bommai and BJP Karnataka chief Nalin Kateel.

A heavy security deployment is seen at Vijay Chow, New Delhi ahead of the Congress' protest march. Notably, the Congress party has organised a march to Vijay Chowk to protest against the verdict sentencing party Rahul Gandhi to two years in a defamation case.

According to officials, 322 news cases of COVID-19 were reported in India in the last 24 hrs. The active cases in the country have now increased to 7,927.

BJP chief JP Nadda, in a series of tweets, slammed Rahul Gandhi after a court in Surat found the latter guilty in a criminal defamation case over his alleged 'Modi surname' remarks. "Yesterday, the Surat court sentenced Rahul for his objectionable statement towards OBC society. But Rahul and Congress party are still adamant about their statement due to their arrogance, and continuously hurting the sentiments of OBC society. The entire OBC community will democratically take revenge for this insult from Rahul," Nadda tweeted.

Taking to his Twitter, Nadda said, "Rahul Gandhi has a habit of making fabricated allegations beyond facts. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul tried to confuse the country in the name of Rafale. Over which the Honorable Supreme Court reprimanded and Rahul Gandhi had to apologise unconditionally for the fabricated allegation. Then there was the noise of Chowkidar Chor Hai, to which even the members of the Congress Working Committee objected according to media reports. On this slogan, the court of Janata Janardan strongly reprimanded Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 elections and the Congress had to face a bad defeat."

BSF troops deployed along the Indo-Pakistan border in the area of Metla in Punjab's Gurdaspur, detected a drone infiltrating into Indian territory from the Pakistan side on March 24 2023 at about 02:28 am, and subsequently fired upon the rogue drone. Following this, a search operation was launched, wherein the BSF troops recovered a consignment of one packet, dropped through the drone, containing arms and ammunition. Five pistols, 10 pistol magazines and several rounds of fire were recovered by the BSF troops.

"During search ops conducted in-depth area, BSF troops recovered a consignment of one packet which was dropped through drone and was containing 5 pistols, 10 pistol magazines, 71 rounds of 9mm and 20 ammunition with .311 written on it." BSF said in a statement.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday will move The Finance Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2023-2024 be taken into consideration.

Congress has called an urgent meeting of its steering committee members, PCC presidents, CLP leaders and frontal organisation chiefs at party headquarter in the national capital at 5 pm on Friday. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge will preside over the meeting. This development comes a day after a court in Surat found Congress leader Rahul Gandhi guilty in a defamation case.

According to Uttarakhand police, an alert has been issued in the Dehradun, Haridwar& Udhamsinghnagar districts of the state as a precaution in view of the possibility of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh entering the state. "Intensive checking is being done on the borders of all 3 districts and in other areas," DGP Uttarakhand said.

World Bank presidential nominee Ajay Banga has tested positive for COVID-19 during routine testing in New Delhi where he was travelling on the last leg of his world tour. Banga is currently quarantining in isolation. Notably, in the last two weeks, influenza and coronavirus cases have increased in India. According to data published on Wednesday by the Union Health Ministry, the nation has seen 1,134 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 7,026.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Airport in Karnataka's Bengaluru. He was received by CM Basavaraj Bommai. The Home Minister will attend a regional conference on Drug Trafficking and National Security for Southern States/UTs in Bengaluru.

PM Modi will visit Varanasi on Friday to dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various projects worth more than Rs 1,780 crores. At around 10:30 am, the Prime Minister will address the One World TB Summit at Rudrakash Convention Centre in Varanasi. 

At around 12 pm, PM Modi will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various projects worth more than Rs 1,780 crores at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University ground. He will officially lay the foundation stone for the passenger ropeway connecting Godowlia to Varanasi Cantt station. The project is expected to cost about Rs 645 crores. The 3.75 km long ropeway system will include five stops. This will facilitate ease of movement for the tourists, pilgrims and residents of Varanasi.