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{{short description|Indian politician}} | {{short description|Indian politician}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2021}} | {{Use Indian English|date=October 2021}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}} | ||
{{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| name = Rahul Gandhi | | name = Rahul Gandhi | ||
| honorific_suffix = <!-- Please do not add honourifics [[MOS:HONOURIFICS]] --> | | honorific_suffix = <!-- Please do not add honourifics [[MOS:HONOURIFICS]] --> | ||
| image = Rahul Gandhi | | image = File:Rahul Gandhi 2022 January.jpg | ||
| caption = Official portrait, | | caption = Official portrait, 2022 | ||
| office = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]] | | office = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]] | ||
| constituency = [[Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Wayanad]], [[Kerala]] | | constituency = [[Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Wayanad]], [[Kerala]] | ||
| term_start = 23 May 2019 | | term_start = 23 May 2019 | ||
| term_end = | | term_end = 23 March 2023 | ||
| predecessor = [[M. I. Shanavas]] | | predecessor = [[M. I. Shanavas]] | ||
| successor = TBD | | successor = ''TBD'' | ||
| constituency1 = [[Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amethi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] | | constituency1 = [[Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amethi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] | ||
| term_start1 = 17 May 2004 | | term_start1 = 17 May 2004 | ||
| Line 27: | Line 29: | ||
| term_start3 = 19 January 2013 | | term_start3 = 19 January 2013 | ||
| term_end3 = 16 December 2017 | | term_end3 = 16 December 2017 | ||
| predecessor3 = Position established | | predecessor3 = ''Position established'' | ||
| successor3 = Position abolished | | successor3 = ''Position abolished'' | ||
| office4 = General Secretary of [[Indian National Congress]] | | office4 = General Secretary of [[Indian National Congress]] | ||
| president4 = Sonia Gandhi | | president4 = Sonia Gandhi | ||
| Line 36: | Line 38: | ||
| term_start5 = 25 September 2007 | | term_start5 = 25 September 2007 | ||
| term_end5 = | | term_end5 = | ||
| predecessor5 = Position established | | predecessor5 = ''Position established'' | ||
| successor5 = | | successor5 = | ||
| office6 = Chair of [[National Students' Union of India]] | | office6 = Chair of [[National Students' Union of India]] | ||
| term_start6 = 25 September 2007 | | term_start6 = 25 September 2007 | ||
| term_end6 = | | term_end6 = | ||
| predecessor6 = Position established | | predecessor6 = ''Position established'' | ||
| successor6 = | | successor6 = | ||
| birth_name = Rahul Rajiv Gandhi | |||
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1970|06|19}} | | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1970|06|19}} | ||
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]] | | birth_place = [[New Delhi, India]] | ||
| nationality = <!---Do not add Indian here. Nationality should be avoided when it can be inferred from birthplace per WP:INFONAT---> | | nationality = <!---Do not add Indian here. Nationality should be avoided when it can be inferred from birthplace per WP:INFONAT---> | ||
| death_date = | | death_date = | ||
| Line 51: | Line 54: | ||
| parents = [[Rajiv Gandhi]] (father)<br />[[Sonia Gandhi]] (mother) | | parents = [[Rajiv Gandhi]] (father)<br />[[Sonia Gandhi]] (mother) | ||
| relatives = [[Priyanka Gandhi]] (sister)<br />''[[Nehru–Gandhi family]]'' | | relatives = [[Priyanka Gandhi]] (sister)<br />''[[Nehru–Gandhi family]]'' | ||
| education = {{Unbulleted_list|[[Rollins College]] | | education = {{Unbulleted_list|[[Rollins College]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])|[[Trinity College, Cambridge]]<br/>|([[Master of Philosophy|MPhil]])}} | ||
| signature = Signature of Rahul_Gandhi.svg | | signature = Signature of Rahul_Gandhi.svg | ||
| website = {{ | | website = {{URL|rahulgandhi.in|Official website}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Rahul Gandhi''' ({{ | '''Rahul Rajiv Gandhi''' ({{IPA-hi|ˈraːɦʊl ˈɡaːndʱiː|-|Rahul Rajiv Gandhi.ogg}}; born 19 June 1970) is an Indian politician and a former member of the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]], who represented the constituencies of [[Amethi Lok Sabha constituency|Amethi, Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency|Wayanad, Kerala]] in the [[Lok Sabha]]. 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. He 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]]. On 23 March 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by a court in [[Gujarat]] for a 2019 speech made against the Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] on defamation allegations related to his surname;{{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}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>}} the conviction resulted in [[Disqualification of Rahul Gandhi|his disqualification]] from the Parliament.<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}}</ref> | ||
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 attained primary education in New Delhi and Dehradun but was later | 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 attained primary education in New Delhi and Dehradun but was later homeschooled because of security concerns. He began his undergraduate career at [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi|St. Stephen's College]] before moving to [[Harvard University]]. Later he transferred to [[Rollins College]] in Florida, from which he graduated in 1994 due to security threats following the [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination of his father]], the late [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. The next year, he obtained his M.Phil. from [[Trinity College, Cambridge|Cambridge]]. Post-graduation, he began his professional career with the [[Monitor Group]], a management consulting firm in London. He soon returned to India and established the Mumbai-based technology outsourcing firm, Backops Services Private Ltd. | ||
In 2004, Gandhi announced to | In 2004, Gandhi announced his entrance to politics and successfully contested the [[2004 Indian general elections|general elections held that year]] from [[Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amethi]], a seat that was earlier held by his father; he won again from the constituency in [[2009 Indian general elections|2009]] and [[2014 Indian general elections|2014]]. Amidst calls from Congress party veterans for his greater involvement in party politics and national government, he was elected Congress vice-president in 2013, having served as the general secretary previously. He led [[Indian National Congress campaign for Indian general election, 2014|the Congress' campaign in the 2014 Indian general elections]]; the party suffered its worst electoral result in its history, winning only 44 seats compared to 206 seats won previously in the 2009 general election. In 2017, he succeeded his mother as Congress party leader and led the party into the [[2019 Indian general election]]. The party won 52 seats, failing to get 10% of the seats needed to claim the post of leader of the opposition. After this poor performance in the election, he resigned as party leader and was succeeded by his mother, [[Sonia Gandhi]], on an interim basis. | ||
In 2017, | |||
==Early life and background== | ==Early life and background== | ||
| Line 71: | Line 72: | ||
Gandhi attended [[St. Columba's School, Delhi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Unplugged-Rahul-Gandhi/articleshow/4144215.cms |title=Unplugged: Rahul Gandhi – The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=7 August 2009 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> before entering the all-boys' boarding [[The Doon School]] in Dehradun (also the alma mater of his father, Rajiv Gandhi) from 1981 to 1983. Meanwhile, his father joined politics and became the prime minister on 31 October 1984 when Indira Gandhi was [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|assassinated]]. Due to the security threats faced by Indira Gandhi's family from [[Punjab insurgency|Sikh extremists]], Gandhi, and his sister, Priyanka was home-schooled thereafter.<ref name="NYTimes">{{cite news|title = Foes of Gandhi make targets of his children|work=The New York Times|author = Sanjay Hazarika|date = 16 July 1989|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/16/world/foes-of-gandhi-make-targets-of-his-children.html |access-date=24 February 2014}}</ref> | Gandhi attended [[St. Columba's School, Delhi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/Unplugged-Rahul-Gandhi/articleshow/4144215.cms |title=Unplugged: Rahul Gandhi – The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=7 August 2009 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> before entering the all-boys' boarding [[The Doon School]] in Dehradun (also the alma mater of his father, Rajiv Gandhi) from 1981 to 1983. Meanwhile, his father joined politics and became the prime minister on 31 October 1984 when Indira Gandhi was [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|assassinated]]. Due to the security threats faced by Indira Gandhi's family from [[Punjab insurgency|Sikh extremists]], Gandhi, and his sister, Priyanka was home-schooled thereafter.<ref name="NYTimes">{{cite news|title = Foes of Gandhi make targets of his children|work=The New York Times|author = Sanjay Hazarika|date = 16 July 1989|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/16/world/foes-of-gandhi-make-targets-of-his-children.html |access-date=24 February 2014}}</ref> | ||
Gandhi joined [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi]] (an affiliated college of the [[University of Delhi]]) in 1989 for his undergraduate education but moved to [[Harvard University]] after he completed the first year examinations.<ref name="dnaed">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rahul-completed-education-in-us-under-a-false-name_1251616 Rahul completed education in US under a false name – India – DNA]. ''Daily News and Analysis''. (30 April 2009). Retrieved 9 August 2011.</ref> In 1991, after Rajiv Gandhi was [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassinated]] by the Tamil Tigers ([[LTTE]])<ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1503/15030150.htm|title=The accused, the charges, the verdict |work=[[Frontline (U.S. TV series)|Frontline]]|date=7 February 2010}}</ref> during an election rally, he shifted to [[Rollins College]] in | Gandhi joined [[St. Stephen's College, Delhi]] (an affiliated college of the [[University of Delhi]]), in 1989 for his undergraduate education but moved to [[Harvard University]] after he completed the first year examinations.<ref name="dnaed">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rahul-completed-education-in-us-under-a-false-name_1251616 Rahul completed education in US under a false name – India – DNA]. ''Daily News and Analysis''. (30 April 2009). Retrieved 9 August 2011.</ref> In 1991, after Rajiv Gandhi was [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassinated]] by the Tamil Tigers ([[LTTE]])<ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1503/15030150.htm|title=The accused, the charges, the verdict |work=[[Frontline (U.S. TV series)|Frontline]]|date=7 February 2010}}</ref> during an election rally, he shifted to [[Rollins College]] in Florida, USA, supposedly due to security concerns and obtained his B.A. in 1994.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/newsweek-apologises-to-rahul-gandhi/21088/1|title =Newsweek apologises to Rahul Gandhi|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=27 January 2007}}</ref> During his time at Rollins, he assumed the pseudonym Raul Vinci and his identity was known only to the university officials and security agencies.<ref name="dnaed"/><ref>[http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?240575 A Question Of TheHeir & Now]. Outlook India. Retrieved 9 August 2011.</ref> He further went on to obtain an [[Master of Philosophy]] (MPhil) from [[Trinity College, Cambridge]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2009 |title=Rahul was awarded M Phil degree in 1995: Cambridge |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/rahul-was-awarded-m-phil-degree-in-1995-cambridge/ |access-date=29 March 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> | ||
Before joining politics, Gandhi, worked at the [[Monitor Group]], a [[management consulting]] firm, in London for three years.<ref>{{cite web|date=13 April 2004|work=Rediff|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/apr/13rajeev.htm|title=The Great White Hope: The Son Also Rises}}</ref> In 2002, Gandhi returned to India and set up his [[outsourcing|technology consultancy]] viz. Backops Services Private Ltd in Mumbai, where he was one of the directors of the firm.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jun/24rahul.htm|title= Want to be CEO of Rahul Gandhi's firm?|newspaper=Rediff|date=24 June 2004|access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref> He then opened BackOps UK, a firm which used to acquire defence contracts from foreign companies that supplied to the Indian armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019 | Before joining politics, Gandhi, worked at the [[Monitor Group]], a [[management consulting]] firm, in London for three years.<ref>{{cite web|date=13 April 2004|work=Rediff|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/apr/13rajeev.htm|title=The Great White Hope: The Son Also Rises}}</ref> In 2002, Gandhi returned to India and set up his [[outsourcing|technology consultancy]] viz. Backops Services Private Ltd in Mumbai, where he was one of the directors of the firm.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jun/24rahul.htm|title= Want to be CEO of Rahul Gandhi's firm?|newspaper=Rediff|date=24 June 2004|access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref> He then opened BackOps UK, a firm which used to acquire defence contracts from foreign companies that supplied to the Indian armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2019 |title=Rahul Gandhi's former business partner got defence offset contracts during UPA regime |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=29 August 2022 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> [[Subramanian Swamy]] pointed out that Rahul Gandhi declared himself as British citizen in the company's filings but the Congress party said that it was a yearly mistake.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ohri |first=Raghav |title=British nationality issue: Rahul Gandhi had declared Backops shares in 2004 polls |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/british-nationality-issue-rahul-gandhi-had-declared-backops-shares-in-2004-polls/articleshow/49820391.cms?from=mdr |access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref> | ||
==Political career== | ==Political career== | ||
===Formative years=== | ===Formative years=== | ||
[[File:Hillary Clinton with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.jpg|thumb|251x251px|alt= Rfer caption |Gandhi, [[Sonia Gandhi]] meet [[Hillary Clinton]], along with Dr. [[Karan Singh]] in New Delhi | [[File:Hillary Clinton with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.jpg|thumb|left|251x251px|alt= Rfer caption |Gandhi, [[Sonia Gandhi]] meet [[Hillary Clinton]], along with Dr. [[Karan Singh]] in New Delhi, 2009]] | ||
In March 2004, Gandhi announced his entry into politics by | 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]], which is India's lower house of Parliament.<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> 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="rahulrun">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3560771.stm|work=BBC News|title=The riddle of Rahul Gandhi|date=23 March 2004|access-date=22 May 2010|first=Soutin|last=Biswas}}</ref> In his first interview with foreign media, Gandhi portrayed himself as an 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"/> | ||
Gandhi was appointed General Secretary of the [[All India Congress Committee]] | 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}}</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}}</ref> He did not hold any official role or position within the government.<ref name=ttelegraph>{{cite news|title=Varun' Feroze is better – BJP young gun set for entry to Lok Sabha picks his name|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060520/asp/nation/story_6246911.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217231419/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060520/asp/nation/story_6246911.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 February 2007|access-date=20 January 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=20 May 2006}}</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 a 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}}</ref> | ||
Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi managed their mother's campaign for re-election to [[Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency|Raebareilly]] in 2006, which was won with a victory 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}}</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% of votes.<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}}</ref> On 24 September 2007, Gandhi was appointed as the General Secretary of the [[All India Congress Committee]], which is the governing body of the Congress party. This appointment was 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}}</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> --> | |||
===Youth politics=== | ===Youth politics=== | ||
In September 2007 | 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. Under him, the [[Indian Youth Congress|IYC]] and [[NSUI]] have seen a dramatic increase in members 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> | ||
Indian Youth Congress (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 who will make up the think-tank of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC).<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> | |||
While serving as the general secretary of the National Students Union of India (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> | |||
===General election (2009)=== | ===General election (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]] | [[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]] | ||
In May 2011, Gandhi was arrested by the [[Uttar Pradesh Police]] at Bhatta Parsaul village after he turned out in support of [[2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh|agitating farmers]] demanding more compensation for their land being acquired for a highway project. Gandhi was taken away from the protest site and later given bail and dropped off at the Delhi-UP border.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/rahul-gandhi-arrested-in-greater-noida-released-on-bail-in-midnight-drama-105065|title=Rahul Gandhi arrested in Greater Noida, released on bail in midnight drama|work=[[NDTV]]|date=12 May 2011|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref> | [[Election Commission of India]] announced the [[2009 Indian general election|14th General Elections]] which was held in five phases between 16 April 2009 and 13 May 2009 to elect the members of the 15th Lok Sabha. 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 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> | |||
However, 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 |page=153|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
<!-- In May 2011, Gandhi was arrested by the [[Uttar Pradesh Police]] at Bhatta Parsaul village after he turned out in support of [[2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh|agitating farmers]] demanding more compensation for their land being acquired for a highway project. Gandhi was taken away from the protest site and later given bail and dropped off at the Delhi-UP border.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/rahul-gandhi-arrested-in-greater-noida-released-on-bail-in-midnight-drama-105065|title=Rahul Gandhi arrested in Greater Noida, released on bail in midnight drama|work=[[NDTV]]|date=12 May 2011|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref>--> | |||
===2012 Assembly elections=== | ===2012 Assembly elections=== | ||
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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> Under his leadership, the Indian National Congress suffered its worst-ever performance in elections and won only 44 seats compared to 206 seats won previously in the 2009 general election.<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 Congress-led [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) also had its worst-ever performance in elections and won only 59 seats compared to 262 seats won previously in the 2009 general election.<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}}</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> Under his leadership, the Indian National Congress suffered its worst-ever performance in elections and won only 44 seats compared to 206 seats won previously in the 2009 general election.<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 Congress-led [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) also had its worst-ever performance in elections and won only 59 seats compared to 262 seats won previously in the 2009 general election.<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> | ||
===National Herald corruption case=== | |||
In the [[National Herald corruption case]], the Delhi High Court dismissed the appeals of Sonia Gandhi, and five others which included [[Motilal Vora]], [[Oscar Fernandes]], Suman Dubey, and [[Sam Pitroda|Satyan Pitroda]] in December 2015,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-herald-case-court-directs-sonia-rahul-to-appear-on-dec-19/article7961353.ece?ref=relatedNews|title=Sonia, Rahul to appear in court on December 19, Congress disrupts Parliament|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]| date=8 December 2015|last1=Jeelani|first1=Mehboob|last2=Kumar|first2=Nirnimesh}}</ref> and ordered them to appear in person before the trial court on 9 December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/national-herald-case-loan-write-off-conflict-of-interest-benefiting-takeover-by-family/|title=National Herald case: Loan write-off, conflict of interest, benefiting takeover by family|publisher=[[The Indian Express]]| date=9 December 2014}}</ref> In 2016, Gandhi was granted an exemption by the [[Supreme Court of India]] in 2016. | |||
In the [[National Herald corruption case]], the Delhi High Court dismissed the appeals of Sonia Gandhi, and five others which included [[Motilal Vora]], [[Oscar Fernandes]], Suman Dubey, and [[Sam Pitroda|Satyan Pitroda]] in December 2015,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-herald-case-court-directs-sonia-rahul-to-appear-on-dec-19/article7961353.ece?ref=relatedNews|title=Sonia, Rahul to appear in court on December 19, Congress disrupts Parliament|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]| date=8 December 2015|last1=Jeelani|first1=Mehboob|last2=Kumar|first2=Nirnimesh}}</ref> and ordered them to appear in person before the trial court on 9 December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/national-herald-case-loan-write-off-conflict-of-interest-benefiting-takeover-by-family/|title=National Herald case: Loan write-off, conflict of interest, benefiting takeover by family|publisher=[[The Indian Express]]| date=9 December 2014}}</ref> In 2016, the [[Supreme Court of India]] | In December 2020, the Delhi court dismissed a petition filed by then BJP leader [[Subramanian Swamy]] seeking to summon Gandhi, 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. The Congress party, raised objections to the complaint filed by Subramanian Swamy, labelling it as “politically motivated”.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |title=WHAT IS NATIONAL HERALD CASE |url=https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-national-herald-case |access-date=19 May 2021 |work=Business Standard}}</ref> | ||
===General election (2019)=== | ===General election (2019)=== | ||
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Gandhi used the slogan "''[[Chowkidar Chor Hai]]''" as a jibe against Narendra Modi, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for the [[2019 Indian general election]].<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 favoritism 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> The said case was considered by the [[Supreme Court of India]] and after carefully going through all the evidence, the high court dismissed the case and exonerated the current government of India.<ref name="ttoi">{{cite news |work=The Times of India |title=Supreme Court dismisses pleas seeking review of Rafale judgm... |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-gives-clean-chit-to-modi-government-in-rafale-deal/articleshow/72050668.cms |access-date=18 March 2020 |date=14 November 2019}}</ref> | Gandhi used the slogan "''[[Chowkidar Chor Hai]]''" as a jibe against Narendra Modi, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for the [[2019 Indian general election]].<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 favoritism 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> The said case was considered by the [[Supreme Court of India]] and after carefully going through all the evidence, the high court dismissed the case and exonerated the current government of India.<ref name="ttoi">{{cite news |work=The Times of India |title=Supreme Court dismisses pleas seeking review of Rafale judgm... |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-gives-clean-chit-to-modi-government-in-rafale-deal/articleshow/72050668.cms |access-date=18 March 2020 |date=14 November 2019}}</ref> | ||
Gandhi led the election campaign of the Indian National Congress party. Under his leadership, the party improved its seat count from 44 out of 543 in 2014 to 52 out of 542 in 2019. It also boosted its vote from 19.3% to 19.5% in 2019. The [[Indian National Congress]] won 52 seats, failing to get 10% of the seats needed to claim the post of Leader of Opposition. After this poor performance in the election, Gandhi resigned as party leader and was succeeded by his mother, [[Sonia Gandhi]]. Gandhi contested the [[2019 Indian general election|2019 Lok Sabha election]] from two constituencies, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh<ref name="Amethi2019">{{cite news |title=Lok Sabha elections: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi | Gandhi led the election campaign of the Indian National Congress party. Under his leadership, the party improved its seat count from 44 out of 543 in 2014 to 52 out of 542 in 2019. It also boosted its vote from 19.3% to 19.5% in 2019. The [[Indian National Congress]] won 52 seats, failing to get 10% of the seats needed to claim the post of Leader of Opposition. After this poor performance in the election, Gandhi resigned as party leader and was succeeded by his mother, [[Sonia Gandhi]]. Gandhi contested the [[2019 Indian general election|2019 Lok Sabha election]] from two constituencies, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh<ref name="Amethi2019">{{cite news |title=Lok Sabha elections: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/uttar-pradesh/news/rahul-files-nomination-from-amethi/articleshow/68809016.cms |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=10 April 2019}}</ref> and [[Wayanad]], Kerala.<ref name="Rahul-Wayanad2019">{{cite news |title=Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019/kerala/news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-from-wayanad/articleshow/68718446.cms |access-date=10 April 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=4 April 2019}}</ref> Gandhi won the Wayanad seat in the 2019 general elections with over 60 percent 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}}</ref> However, he lost his existing seat of Amethi to the former soap opera actress [[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> | ||
===Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–2023)=== | ===Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–2023)=== | ||
{{main|Bharat Jodo Yatra}} | {{main|Bharat Jodo Yatra}} | ||
[[File:Suresh Gupta discussed issues of Indian Film Industry with Rahul Gandhi during Bharat Jodo Yatra.jpg|200px|thumb| | [[File:Suresh Gupta discussed issues of Indian Film Industry with Rahul Gandhi during Bharat Jodo Yatra.jpg|200px|thumb|Gandhi interacting with people during [[Bharat Jodo Yatra]]]] | ||
Bharat Jodo Yatra, literally a ‘unite India march’ was started by Gandhi on 7 September 2022. Starting from [[Kanyakumari]] to reach [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Kashmir]], the march covered {{Convert|4080|km|miles|abbr=off}} in nearly five months across 12 states and two union territories.<ref>{{cite news|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|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 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/discovery-of-congress-the-hindu-editorial-on-bharat-jodo-yatra/article65866600.ece|title=Discovery of Congress: On Bharat Jodo Yatra|newspaper=The Hindu |date=8 September 2022 }}</ref> During the march, the INC [[2022 Indian National Congress presidential election|elected a new party president]] and also won a majority in the [[2022 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]], its first majority it won by itself since 2018. | Bharat Jodo Yatra, literally a ‘unite India march’ was started by Gandhi on 7 September 2022. Starting from [[Kanyakumari]] to reach [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Kashmir]], the march covered {{Convert|4080|km|miles|abbr=off}} in nearly five months across 12 states and two union territories.<ref>{{cite news|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|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 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/discovery-of-congress-the-hindu-editorial-on-bharat-jodo-yatra/article65866600.ece|title=Discovery of Congress: On Bharat Jodo Yatra|newspaper=The Hindu |date=8 September 2022 }}</ref> During the march, the INC [[2022 Indian National Congress presidential election|elected a new party president]] and also won a majority in the [[2022 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]], its first majority it won by itself since 2018. | ||
=== 2023 conviction === | === 2023 conviction === | ||
On 23 March 2023, Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by a court in [[Surat, Gujarat]], under charges of defamation related to remarks he had made against Narendra Modi during the [[2019 Indian general election]] campaign.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2023 | {{main|Disqualification of Rahul Gandhi}} | ||
On 23 March 2023, Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by a court in [[Surat, Gujarat]], under charges of defamation related to remarks he had made against Narendra Modi during the [[2019 Indian general election]] campaign.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=23 March 2023 |title=Rahul convicted in defamation case, Congress scrambles to keep him in House |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/rahul-gandhi-surat-court-defamation-case-guilty-modi-surname-8513881/ |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The case was filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA [[Purnesh Modi]] who alleged he had defamed everyone who held the surname Modi. The judgement passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate H. H.Verma held Gandhi to be guilty and stated that the entire "Modi community" was defamed when he had asked "Why do all these thieves have the name Modi?" during a speech comparing Narendra Modi with economic offenders such as [[Nirav Modi]] and [[Lalit Modi]].<ref name=":2" /> Legal experts have 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 |language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
Gandhi's lawyers have stated that they would appeal at a higher court and have secured a one month stay on the | Gandhi's lawyers have stated that they would appeal at a higher court and have 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> The conviction's coming into force would disqualify him from holding any public office and make him ineligible to contest in the upcoming [[2024 Indian general election]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2023 |title=Rahul Gandhi has been convicted, but what happens to his MP status? Here's what the law says |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/rahul-gandhi-defamation-case-guilty-disqualification-explained-8514133/ |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> | ||
On 24 March | On 24 March, a notification was issued from the [[Lok Sabha Secretariat]] and affirmed by the speaker [[Om Birla]] which disqualified Gandhi as a member of Parliament effective 23 March, amidst differing views among legal experts on whether a stay on sentencing and conviction should lead to immediate disqualification.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 March 2023 |title=Rahul Gandhi disqualified as member of Lok Sabha |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-as-member-of-lok-sabha/article66656681.ece |access-date=24 March 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Day After Conviction, Rahul Gandhi Disqualified as Lok Sabha MP |url=https://thewire.in/government/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-lok-sabha-mp |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=The Wire}}</ref> | ||
==Electoral performances== | ==Electoral performances== | ||
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==Positions held== | ==Positions held== | ||
===Public offices=== | |||
Gandhi has held the following positions;<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> | Gandhi has held the following positions;<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> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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A land bill was introduced by the BJP government in the parliament in May which was criticized 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 criticized 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> | ||
===Women's and | ===Women's empowerment and LGBTQ rights=== | ||
Gandhi has | 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> 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 [[second Manmohan Singh ministry]], [[Women's Reservation Bill]] which would allow 33 per cent reservation of all Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women, was introduced in the [[Rajya Sabha]]. | ||
Gandhi backed the Women's Reservation 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 was passed the Rajya Sabha on 9 March 2010, stating that the reservation would no longer be in effect after 15 years from its implementation. To become a law, the Lok Sabha needed to pass the bill and it had to be ratified by at least half of India's legislative assemblies. The bill, however, never went to 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= 21 February 2014|access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref> In 2019, while addressing students in [[Chennai]], Gandhi has 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}}</ref> | |||
<!--Gandhi has publicly supported the [[Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code|decriminalization of homosexuality]] and has advocated for [[LGBT rights in India|LGBTQ+ rights in India]]. In 2018, he spoke out against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual same-sex relationships, and called for its repeal.--> | |||
On 6 September 2018, the Supreme Court of India revoked [[Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code]], an act which criminalized homosexual sex between adults. Gandhi had backed the repeal of [[Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code]] and the decriminalization 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> | |||
===Bharat Jodo Yatra=== | ===Bharat Jodo Yatra=== | ||
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=== Climate Change === | === Climate Change === | ||
Rahul Gandhi has been very concerned about the [[environmental degradation]] of the world and has said that unless they are not made a political issue,they won't 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=2023 | Rahul Gandhi has been very concerned about the [[environmental degradation]] of the world and has said that unless they are not made a political issue, they won't 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}}</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}}</ref> | ||
Rahul Gandhi criticized Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 draft by calling it "dangerous" and said that it's long term consequences will be harmful. Calling it a disaster, he said that it will silence the communities who will get directly impacted by environmental degradation.<ref>{{Cite news | Rahul Gandhi criticized Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 draft by calling it "dangerous" and said that it's long term consequences will be harmful. Calling it a disaster, he said that it will silence the communities who will get 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}}</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}}</ref> | ||
=== Economic Issues === | === 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.<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 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>{{Cite news |date=10 February 2023 |title=Rahul Gandhi attacks 'crony capitalism', BJP hits back with 'Congress graft' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rahul-gandhi-attacks-crony-capitalism-bjp-hits-back-with-congress-graft/articleshow/97708278.cms |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Calling the "crony capitalists" as best friends of Modi,<ref>{{Cite web |agency=Press Trust of India |date=15 December 2020 |title=For Modi govt, crony capitalists are 'best friends', Rahul Gandhi says |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/for-modi-govt-crony-capitalists-are-best-friends-rahul-gandhi-says-120121500382_1.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</ref> he has been critical of the privatization of government assets.<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>{{Cite web |date=2 March 2021 |title=RSS and crony capitalists colluding to control India, says Rahul Gandhi |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/rss-and-crony-capitalists-colluding-to-control-india-says-rahul-gandhi-957392.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> He has been specifically harsh on Indian Billionaire [[Gautam Adani]] and said that Modi Government has been very favourable towards Adani.<ref>{{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 privatization of [[Public sector undertakings in India|PSUs]], he said that Congress will not allow the privatization 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 |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}}</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}}</ref> | |||
==== Demonetization ==== | ==== Demonetization ==== | ||
Gandhi has been very critical of the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Modi government]]'s [[2016 Indian banknote demonetisation|demonetization]] 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 demonetization 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 monopolize 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> | |||
During his public speeches and political rallies, Gandhi has consistently criticized the demonetization move, claiming that it failed to achieve its intended objectives of combating black money and curbing corruption.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=Press Trust of India |date=22 September 2022 |title=Demonetisation was financial attack on traders, says Rahul Gandhi |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/demonetisation-was-financial-attack-on-traders-says-rahul-gandhi-122092201260_1.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</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, demonetization 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 |date=31 August 2017 |title='Own up that demonetisation was a colossal failure,' says Rahul Gandhi to PM after RBI report |work=The Times of India |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 |access-date=18 February 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
* [[National Students' Union of India]] | |||
* [[Indian Youth Congress]] | |||
* [[List of presidents of the Indian National Congress]] | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 275: | Line 297: | ||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
* {{cite book |last=Sardesai |first=Rajdeep |author-link=Rajdeep Sardesai |year=2014 |title=2014: The Election that Changed India |location=[Place of publication not identified] |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=9780143424987 |oclc=921981462 | * {{cite book |last=Sardesai |first=Rajdeep |author-link=Rajdeep Sardesai |year=2014 |title=2014: The Election that Changed India |location=[Place of publication not identified] |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=9780143424987 |oclc=921981462 |title-link=2014: The Election that Changed India }} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* {{Official|https://rahulgandhi.in/en/}} | * {{Official website|https://rahulgandhi.in/en/}} | ||
* [https://www.inc.in/en/leadership/shri-rahul-gandhi Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421232620/https://www.inc.in/en/leadership/shri-rahul-gandhi |date=21 April 2019 }} at [[Indian National Congress]] | * [https://www.inc.in/en/leadership/shri-rahul-gandhi Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421232620/https://www.inc.in/en/leadership/shri-rahul-gandhi |date=21 April 2019 }} at [[Indian National Congress]] | ||
* [http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4074 Biography Profile] at [[Lok Sabha]], [[Parliament of India]] | * [http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4074 Biography Profile] at [[Lok Sabha]], [[Parliament of India]] | ||
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| title = President<br />[[Indian National Congress]] | |||
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{{s-aft|after=[[Smriti Irani]]}} | }} | ||
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| title = Member of Parliament<br />for [[Amethi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Amethi]] | |||
| years = 2004–2019 | |||
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{{ | }} | ||
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| title = Member of Parliament<br />for [[Wayanad (Lok Sabha constituency)|Wayanad]] | |||
| years = 2019–2023 | |||
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{{s-end}} | {{s-end}} | ||
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