Congress wants Rahul Gandhi to be the face of anti-BJP alliance

Agencies
July 22, 2018

New Delhi, Jul 22: The extended Congress Working Committee on July 22 authorised Congress president Rahul Gandhi to forge an alliance with like-minded parties for the 2019 Lok Sabha election to take on the BJP.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the newly-constituted CWC, Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs and Congress Legislature Party members from various States.

The party also authorised Mr. Gandhi to constitute a committee to work out alliances with various national and regional parties to form a grand national alliance.

About 40 leaders spoke at the CWC meeting where they all stressed that the Congress should play a lead role in forging an anti-BJP front. Some leaders said Mr. Gandhi being the leader of the principle opposition party should be the face of the national alliance. Asked about party leaders wanting Mr. Gandhi to be the face of the alliance, senior Congress leader Ambika Soni said, “Naturally, he is the leader of the main national (opposition) party and we would want our leader to be the face of the Opposition alliance.”

Senior party leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram gave a detailed presentation on how the party could be strengthened with the help of allies in various States.

Sources said that Mr. Chidambaram highlighted that the Congress is strong in 12 States and with the help of its allies, it can forge a formidable front for the next general election.

Party should fight for the oppressed: Rahul

Mr. Gandhi in his opening address at the first meeting of the newly constituted CWC on July 22, described the body as an “institution of experience and energy that will serve as a bridge between the present, past and the future”.

Mr. Gandhi called upon “Congressmen/women to rise and fight for India’s oppressed”, according to Congress communication chief Randeep Surjewala, who was tweeting from inside Parliament Annexe, the venue of the meeting.

“Sh. Rahul Gandhi reminds the role of Congress as the voice of India as also its responsibility of present and future, as BJP attacks institutions, dalits, tribals, backwards, minorities & poor,” Mr. Surjewala added.

Mr. Surjewala said former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh rejected the culture of self praise and jumla of the Modi government and questioned its claim of doubling farm incomes in five years.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh points out that the claim of doubling farm income by 2022 will require an agri growth rate of 14%, which is nowhere in sight,” he tweeted.

“Mrs. Sonia Gandhi cautions about the rain of despair and fear heaped upon India’s deprived and poor. Points out that rhetoric of PM Modi shows his desperation reflecting that reverse countdown of Modi govt has begun,” he tweeted.

The CWC that was constituted last week by Mr. Gandhi has 23 members, 18 permanent invitees, 10 special invitees.

However, the first meeting had 239 guests in attendance the extended CWC meeting includes State units chiefs, Congress legislature party leaders have been invited but also heads of different cells of the party, secretaries and joint secretaries.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 6,2025

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With IndiGo flight disruptions impacting thousands of passengers, the airline on Saturday said that it will offer full waiver on all cancellations/reschedule requests for travel bookings between December 5, 2025 and December 15, 2025.

Earlier in the day, the civil aviation ministry had directed the airline to complete the ticket refund process for the cancelled flights by Sunday evening, as well as ensure baggage separated from the travellers are delivered in the next two days.

In a post on X, titled 'No questions asked', IndiGo wrote, "In response to recent events, all refunds for your cancellations will be processed automatically to your original mode of payment."

"We are deeply sorry for the hardships caused," it further added.

Several passengers, however, complained of not getting full refund as promised by the airline.

Netizens have shared screenchots of getting charged for airline cancellation fee and convenience fee.

"Please tell me why u have did this airline cancellation charges when u say full amount will be refunded (sic)," a user wrote sharing a screenshot of the refund page.

"Well, but you have still debited the convenience charges," wrote another.

Passengers have also raised concerns about the "cancel" option being disabled on the IndiGo app. "First enable the 'Cancel' button on your App & offer full refund on tickets cancelled by customers between the said dates," wrote a user.

A day after the country's largest airline, IndiGo, cancelled more than 1,000 flights and caused disruptions for the fifth day on Saturday, the ministry said that any delay or non-compliance in refund processing will invite immediate regulatory action.

The refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be completed by 8 pm on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement.

"Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations," it said.

On Saturday, more than 400 flights were cancelled at various airports.

IndiGo has also been instructed to set up dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cells.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Saudi Arabia has abolished fees on expatriate workers employed in licensed industrial establishments, signaling a strong push to empower national factories and enhance the Kingdom’s global industrial competitiveness. The move reflects the leadership’s commitment to building a sustainable and resilient industrial economy under Saudi Vision 2030.

The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, following a recommendation from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA). It forms part of a broader strategy to support, modernize, and strengthen the industrial sector.

By removing fees on foreign workers, industrial establishments gain greater operational flexibility and relief from financial pressures. This is expected to help factories expand production, improve efficiency, and compete more effectively in international markets, while reinforcing long-term sustainability.

The initiative aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which identifies industry as a key pillar of economic diversification. A competitive and resilient industrial base is viewed as essential for driving innovation, attracting investment, and sustaining long-term economic growth.

Overall, the fee exemption underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for industrial development and ensuring that Saudi factories remain globally competitive and capable of leading the nation’s economic transformation.

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