Rahul takes over as Congress chief, attacks Modi for indulging in 'medieval' politics


New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS): Marking a generational shift, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday took over as the new Congress President, assuming the mantle of the country's oldest political party from his mother Sonia Gandhi, and launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "taking us back to the medieval times".

The process of his election as the new Congress chief was completed after the Central Election Authority President Mullapally Ramachandran handed over the Certificate of Election to Rahul Gandhi in a ceremony at 24, Akbar Road, housing the party headquarters.

Sonia Gandhi, 70, who steered the party through turbulent times for 19 years, her daughter Priyanka Vadra, and son-in-law Robert Vadra and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh joined the top Congress leadership at the ceremony marked by loud celebrations as scores of Rahul Gandhi supporters danced to the beat of drums, raised slogans, burst firecrackers and distributed sweets outside the party office here.

The 47-year-old Gandhi scion's formal takeover comes two days before the counting of votes for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, the outcome of which could be a trendsetter for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. His main challenge remains the revamping of party organisation, apart from electoral battles in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

In his first speech as the Congress President, Rahul Gandhi launched an all-out attack against Modi and the BJP.

"Politics belongs to the people, but today politics is not being used for people. It is not being used to uplift people, but to crush them," Rahul Gandhi said.

He said many of the countrymen were "disillusioned by politics of our time" as "today, politics is devoid of kindness and truth".

"The Congress took India to the 21st Century, but the PM, today, is taking us back to the medieval times... We are now being compelled to imagine that businesses can be built without harmony that only one man himself is the voice of reason, and that expertise, experience and knowledge can be cast aside for personal glory," Rahul Gandhi said.

"You have an example in front of you. Once fire breaks out it is difficult to douse it. That is what we are telling the people of BJP, that if you set the nation on fire it will be difficult to control. Today, the BJP has spread the fire of violence across the country."

Sonia Gandhi in her speech said the Congress activists and leaders were not a terrified lot.

"We won't bow down. Our struggle is for the country and we will continue fighting for it. We won't give it up," said Sonia Gandhi.

"Rahul is my son. So I do not think to praise him is appropriate for me. But I would say that since childhood he had to bear the brunt of violence. After joining politics he had to face blatant personal attacks that have made him a stronger person."

Manmohan Singh said Rahul Gandhi was assuming the new responsibility amid "disturbing trends" as "there are dangers that the politics of fear will take over the politics of hope" in the country.

"Rahulji, we depend upon you to transform and sustain the politics of hope," Manmohan Singh said, pointing out that the new Congress President had been trained for a long period and had already looked after many activities of the Congress for many years now.

"Rahulji brings in a new sense of dedication and commitment, a new sense of leadership with courage and humility."

Manmohan Singh said it was "a unique day in the history of the Congress" with Sonia Gandhi handing over the reins of the party to her son.

He said during the last 19 years as the Congress President, Sonia Gandhi "provided a powerful leadership".

"Now that Soniaji is handing over the reins of the party to Rahulji, we salute Soniaji for uniting the leadership, something that she has been doing for the last 19 years."

Outside the 24, Akbar Road, Congress Headquarters, a group of colourfully dressed artistes played drums and danced to Punjabi bhangra tunes with party supporters, including men and women, shaking a leg or two and waving Rahul Gandhi's pictures and Congress flags.

There were other groups of artists from Hyderabad and Rajasthan performing folk dances of their regions.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the Congress was making a new resolve for the country. "Today we are taking a pledge for a new movement in India.

"Free from fear, for freedom of expression, for eliminating discriminations, for promoting brotherhood and saving democracy."

  

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Comment on this article

  • Vikram, Dubai

    Sun, Dec 17 2017

    why, nobody is better than Rahul G. in Congress ?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Gilbert, Udupi/Kuwait

    Sun, Dec 17 2017

    CONGRATULATIONS RAHUL. Wish you to become a true n dynamic leader of Congress and become PM of India. Join the youth of country to Congress and help solve their basic problems.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pramod, Puttur/ USA

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    So what will happen next. The incompetent Rahul will be replaced by Priyanka after sometime. Before long, Robert Vadra will get rid of Priyanaka and will become president of congress.. like Benzir Bhutto hubby Zardari..,

    DisAgree [11] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • N.M, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Best wishes to Rahul Gandhi.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gabriel, Sagar

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Medieval times are not the best of times of history. Some term it as the dark ages of history. What India needs today an Enlightened Leadership for Peace, Justice and Solidarity of every section of the society.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.Shankaranarayan, Mangaluru/Abu Dhabi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Congrats Rahul Gandhi on being elected as President of INC unopposed. God bless you and wish you all the success. Do good to people you will be rewarded.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • JK, Udupi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Congrats again pappu, you are the only hope for congress right now. when are you going to start your comedy night show in Karnataka after successful show we all witnessed in Gujarat. Legendary comedian Siddu will be added attraction to the show.

    DisAgree [19] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • S N BANGS, Thannirubhavi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    One more step towards Congress mukt Bharat.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • KS Mayya, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    With exit polls out, there are already essays on why a potential debacle is not a vote on his taking over as Party President. However timing is keeping in mind huge anti-incumbency in Gujarat, which if successful can be used to cement his leadership.

    Congress Party has all the ills of a old party unwilling to accept change.

    No Scindias, or pilots of significance to challenge Rahul. Able Shashi Tharoor is on the sidelines. Siddu has no national appeal. That leaves plenty of room for unanimous selection of Rahul Baba to take on Modi. Now we have a game on our hands!!!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    He will PRESIDE over last rites of Congress...

    DisAgree [19] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kiran D Souza, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Congress party is itself a Kingdom, only family members can become the king. They call themselves "Secular, Democracy, Freedom, Freedom of speech & what not so...... which are not there in that party.
    But
    They are Communals....
    There is no Democracy....
    There is no freedom in the party....
    There is no freedom of speech in the party.....

    If anyone says something about the family, they will be kicked out within fraction of Seconds from the party.... Latest victim was Shehzad Poonawalla.

    Anyways there is good future for BJP in the country, which is very much required to protect this country from the Corrupt looters.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • j.anata, Mangaluru / Bengaluru

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Sycophants are thrilled

    DisAgree [10] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • j.anata, Mangaluru / Bengaluru

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Instead of Modi bashing on his coronation day, Rahul should've focused on a road map for Congress growth.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • roy pinto, mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    PEOPLE SUPPORTING BJP TODAY WANT CONGRESS MUTH
    AFTER LITTLE YEARS PAST , SAME PEOPLE WILL TELL WE ARE TIED OF BJP GOVERNMENT NOTHING DID FOR US AND FOR POOR PEOPLE. LETS SUPPORT AAP

    SO DEAR BJP SUPPORTERS . WE ALL ARE IN INDIA ONLY WE LIVE HERE AND DIE HERE NOTHING MAGIC WILL HAPPEN EVEN IN BJP RULE,
    SO IF BJP COMES OR CONGRESS COME WE ONLY SUFFER NOT POLITICIAN

    DisAgree [13] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    THE NEXT CHOR PARTY PRESIDENT.....

    ROBBER VADRAS SONS........OR NAUTNAGHI PRIYANKA VADRA.......

    DisAgree [25] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    December 18th 2017 a star is Born ...

    DisAgree [24] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    PAPPU IS BORN IN NEW AVATAAR........ESPECIALLY AFTER LOSING BOTH GUJARAT AND HIMACHAL ELECTION......

    DisAgree [27] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • prem, moodbidri

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    "Rahul Gandhi becomes President of Congress"
    BJP/FEKU/DAKU/Sanghees/Bhakths responds- "Dynasty Politics.... Dynasty Politics"!

    "A Christian person becomes President of Congress"
    BJP/FEKU/DAKU/Sanghees/Bhakths responds- "Italian mafia... Italian mafia"!

    "A Muslim person becomes President of Congress"
    BJP/FEKU/DAKU/Sanghees/Bhakths responds- "Vote bank politics... Minority appeasement "!

    "A Hindu person becomes President of Congress"
    BJP/FEKU/DAKU/Sanghees/Bhakths responds- "Congees want to attract Hindu votes.... Congrees want to divide Hindu vote bank"!

    yenchi saavu maarre....!!!

    DisAgree [23] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • dev, mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    ninna saav marre

    DisAgree [21] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aravind, Blr

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Good fictional comment. Only Rahul becoming president is a fact. Rest all is imaginary. No one outside of family will become president ever. Enchi saav mare.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • kumara, abu dhabi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    they r taking a pledge again take care

    DisAgree [6] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Desi Admi, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Wake up RG.. smell the coffee.. no one but yourself and your psychophants believe these statements. PM Modi has worked his way up and continues to work hard each and every day.. the efforts are clearly visible.. decisions cannot be correct always.. even Subhash chandr Bose and Gandhi ji have their own set of wrong decision...but effort and intent matters. Modi has guts to ban Treble Talaq but you RG still support medieval concepts. So don’t talk non-sense. Of course one cannot expect much from this selected Congress president. What are your achievements? You have got everything on a platter and all you do is spread negativity for vote banks. Get over it.. you will continue to be a failure.. enjoy ruling your lackys in your drawing room.. Don''t meddle with OUR Country..

    DisAgree [22] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    So mob lynching is a modern concept ? Shambu Lal hacking a muslim is a modern concept ? Women getting molested and raped every day in different parts of the country is a modern concept ? Farmer suicides only increasing is a modern concept ? Attacking a former PM with lies is a modern concept ? Why only watch Times Now, Republic, News X ? Why only read Nagpur bulletin ?

    DisAgree [20] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aravind, Blr

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Did these things not happen before 2014? How silly to attach those crimes to BJP..worse things have happened before 2014. Why watch only NDTV?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepak, mangaluru

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    kithna mazzak udaya Rahulji ka.....? ab bhoktho. gujarath tho congress cheenlegi. agar congress jeeth gaye tho chullu bar pani mein doob maro bhakthon.
    hehehehehe

    DisAgree [10] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nithya, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    First time in 70 years..hmm in the history, a ‘IDI*#’ becomes president of a national political party of one of largest democracy in the world.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • sense_Shetty, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Medieval vs Dynasty ..is there a meeting point in the interest of the nation ?.
    You need to beat modi on development front ..not this medieval vs dynasty debate ..Rahulji AKA pappu ..this is the age of Artificial intelligence ,Robots,big data,internet of things and Digital revolution ..I am sure you are capable of understanding this and will direct your party and your followers in these lines ..for the good of people of India
    We can understand minority appeasement ,culture etc are mere political gimmicks .
    Guck Luck Rahul ji ..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    See puppy lover Paapi dancing till 2019 to Pappu music.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alphonso Rodrigues, Udupi/Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Ha Ha Ha,,, Chaiwaala Modi's DREAM Comes TRUE. Rahul being so NATURAL & True he will surely now hand over the remaining states to MODI.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Honest person chanting Modi Modi ...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Luv, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Fighting Narendra Modi is a herculean task , it's a much needed rigorous training for Rahul Gandhi to be sharper and build confidence.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Do you know how Hitler died ?

    DisAgree [9] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • mahesh, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Only position in India ,where you get promoted after loosing , and as you say in training.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Elwyn Goveas, Valencia

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    A lovely moment caught of mother and son at this event
    Rahul Gandhi kisses his mother Sonia after he is elevated to the post of congress president.A heart touching scene that really touched my heart.

    DisAgree [20] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • roy pinto, mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Define communal forces
    Communal force is a form of violence that is perpetrated across ethnic or communal lines, the violent parties feel solidarity for their respective groups, and victims are chosen based upon group membership. The term includes conflicts, riots and other forms of violence between communities of different religious faith or ethnic origins

    THIS FORCE IS VERY STRONG, THIS FORCE WILL LEAD IN TOO MORE COMMUNAL FIGHT IN WHOLE COUNTRY AND EVEN CALL FOR BANDH . THIS WILL LEAD TO MORE PROBLEM LIKE NO FOOD SUPPLY NO BUSES NO BUSINESS AND PEOPLE START WILL STARVING ........ THEN REST U KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN

    DisAgree [9] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Hope it's still not available in India. Are at large in western countries.
    Disturbances seen much in other part of the world..no peace prevails.
    Here in India people still enjoys kabab and sorpotel without much trouble.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mulki

    Sun, Dec 17 2017

    Still

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Pappu cannot dance but during Gujarat elections campaign he made Paapi to dance. Now till 2019 he will make Paapi dance.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    for that reason people not voted for ' paapi ' and given vote to maha sant of 21st century irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
    modern saint..followers all over globe..yoga introduced in 125 countries.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    So Yogi Adityanath better yoga exponent than Baba Ramdev ?

    DisAgree [12] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Maha feku. lol

    DisAgree [13] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vikki, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    first work rahul had to do was trow mani ayyer out of the party
    Not blaming mr modi
    Sabka saath sabka vikas

    DisAgree [5] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • mahesh, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Without Doubt, pappu is a boon to the BJP.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anamika, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Congress Padcha!

    DisAgree [14] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • vikram Rao, UDUPI

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    This day will be written in history books where a record holder in losing elections taking charge as a president of a party!!! This is beginning of an total end to this party. No more words to describe.....

    DisAgree [15] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    bjp record holder in loosing elections is a guinness book of records nobody can beat.

    DisAgree [24] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Mera Bharat mahaan !

    DisAgree [12] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    David defeated the mighty Goliath.
    Pappu will defeat Paapi.

    DisAgree [19] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • U.suresh, Udupi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    This is called day dreaming!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mhd Mithun lobo, Manglore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    make our india like b4. we were happy with expences. bjp spoild evrythng. now congres re cerculate new 1000 and 500 rupee note with old size and good colour quality. Maintain Jio aur jinedo policy . Teach modi true meaning of ache din. All the best . U r doing great rahul.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Idiots called him "Pappa" wait & see he will become their "Bapu" one day

    Congrats to Mr. Rahul Gandhi

    DisAgree [21] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • chittaranjan, mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    all the best your dream. stay in abudhabi. but we will not allow it happen in his time.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Roshan..shows your frustration much..but goal never achieve here after.
    Congress only available in history books..Once upon a time in India.....

    DisAgree [15] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anirudh P, Bengaluru

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    YOU GUYS USED TO CALL HIM "PAPPA" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

    WE THE SMART INDIANS 👮CALL HIM "PAPPU" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    DisAgree [7] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Desi Jawan, Mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    RAGAs speech after taking over as President of Congress party: Modi BJP Modi BJP Power BJP Modi Modi BJP Modi BJP BJP Modi Modi BJP BJP Modi.....

    DisAgree [18] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • PS, MLORE

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Allah meherban.. Gadha pehelwan :)... The followers of Pappu already partying like Begani Shadi mein Abdulla deewana.

    DisAgree [31] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Happy New Year 2018 ...

    DisAgree [17] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • dev, mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    ur pappu the world class leader is loosing
    kindly help him

    DisAgree [13] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • GANESH poojary, udupi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Breaking News

    After 20 years another one from this family will be the next President of COngress

    DisAgree [24] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    All the best. If you do good work, peoples blessings will be with you. God will bless noble souls.
    Without prejudice, If we analyze the history of mankind, no country led by evil people has ever been blessed and progressed.
    To manage a country, more than individual capability, good team player, ability to recognize and pick up talents and deploy them to the best use of time and resources has yielded best results.
    Let's wait and watch!

    DisAgree [15] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    As long as rahulbaba in congress nobody ever beat BJP.
    Putta congrats..congress ka nav ko poora dhooba do..

    DisAgree [27] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangalore / Abudhabi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    He will defeat communal forces in India

    Wait & watch

    DisAgree [27] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Define communal forces.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • roy pinto, mangalore

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    Rahul takes over as Congress chief,
    NO HE IS ALSO A SON OF INDIA LIKE MODI.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [12] Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    still not proved son of india..

    DisAgree [11] Agree [12] Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Sat, Dec 16 2017

    @ Devkumar
    May be as per Nagpur bulletins only.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [12] Report Abuse


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Title: Rahul takes over as Congress chief, attacks Modi for indulging in 'medieval' politics



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