India News

Unchallenged in internal polls, Rahul Gandhi declared Congress president

Published

8 years ago

December 11, 2017

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Newly elected Congress president Rahul Gandhi replaces his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who had held the post for over 19 consecutive years since 1998

Expected as it was, Rahul Gandhi was declared the President of the Congress party on Monday in an internal organizational poll which saw no other party leader challenging him to the top post of the Grand Old Party.

The 47-year-old Nehru-Gandhi scion, who is currently busy campaigning for his party in Gujarat, is expected to officially take over the role of Congress president from his mother, Sonia Gandhi, onDecember 16. Sonia Gandhi had become the Congress president in 1998 and has held the post ever since, becoming the longest serving chief of the 131-year-old party.

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He is currently engaged in the party’s poll campaign for Gujarat – for all practical purposes he is actually leading the campaign against not the state-unit of the BJP but Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself – hoping that the Congress will finally win the western state that has stayed out of its reach for the past 22 years. But the result of the Gujarat assembly poll notwithstanding, the road ahead for the Nehru-Gandhi scion promises to be a challenging one.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]

Rahul takes over as Congress president at a time when his party has its lowest tally in the Lok Sabha since independence – just 45 seats – and has been wiped out of power in a majority of Indian States. The morale of the Congress workers has hit its nadir due to the party’s successive defeats at the hustings and though his elevation could provide momentary relief, even euphoria, the longevity of this predictable upswing will depend on Rahul’s performance and indeed the performance of the party under his leadership.

The new Congress president will not only have to steer his party’s campaign in over half-a dozen poll-bound states, including the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, over the next year but he will also have to forge new pre-poll alliances in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, in which he will face off against the formidable duo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

It is not immediately clear as to what role Sonia Gandhi will be offered within the party once her son takes over the mantle of the Congress president. The Congress constitution has no provision for appointing a person as ‘patron’, ‘guiding light’ or ‘mentor’ for the party. Senior Congress leaders say that the Congress Working Committee could, following Rahul’s elevation, meet to amend the party constitution and carve out a designation that “befitting of Sonia Gandhi”.

Congress sources said that a reshuffle of the party’s team of national office bearers will be carried out sometime in January to give the AICC a new look – one that addresses the concerns of the party’s Old Guard which sees its future uncertain in a Rahul Gandhi-led Congress while also promotes the younger generation of leaders to greater organizational responsibilities.

While Rahul is likely to continue relying on the advise and support of party’s senior leaders like former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, chief ministers Amarinder Singh, Siddaramaiah, Virbhadra Singh, senior party office bearers Mallikarjun Kharge, Ashok Gehlot, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel and other members of the Old Guard, he could also assign key tasks to leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Ashok Tanwar, Milind Deora, Shashi Tharoor and old confidantes like Jairam Ramesh and Anand Sharma.

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Shashi Tharoor warns US Iran tariffs could make Indian exports unviable

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Congress MP and chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Shashi Tharoor has expressed serious concern over the United States’ latest tariff announcement targeting countries that continue to trade with Iran, warning that such measures could severely impact Indian exporters.

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While noting that certain sectors such as pharmaceuticals may continue to export as they are not heavily impacted by sanctions, he warned that other key export categories would be hit hard. Tharoor described the situation as very serious and said it required urgent attention.

The Congress MP also expressed hope that the newly appointed US Ambassador could help facilitate progress on a bilateral trade agreement. He stressed that India could not afford to wait through the entire year for a deal and said an agreement should ideally be concluded in the first quarter of 2026.

Commenting on recent diplomatic engagements between India and the US, Tharoor underlined the need for faster consensus on trade issues. He said that at tariff levels as high as 75%, the idea of a meaningful trade deal loses relevance. According to him, a rate closer to what the UK enjoys with the US, around 15%, would reflect the respect due to a strategic partner.

Tharoor’s remarks come after President Trump announced that any country continuing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States, a move that has raised concerns among several trading partners.

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On the occasion of Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to the Indian Army, describing its soldiers as a symbol of selfless service who protect the nation with unwavering resolve, even in the most challenging circumstances.

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Air India, IndiGo flights disrupted after Iran shuts airspace amid US tensions

International flights operated by Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet were disrupted after Iran shut its airspace, forcing rerouting and cancellations.

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International flights operated by Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet were disrupted on Thursday after Iran abruptly shut its airspace to commercial aircraft, triggering delays and cancellations on several long-haul routes.

Iran ordered the closure of its airspace without providing an official explanation, as tensions remain elevated between Tehran and Washington and protests continue across the country against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Indian airlines issue travel advisories

Air India said its flights overflying the region are now operating through alternative routes, resulting in longer flight times and possible delays. The airline also confirmed that some services have been cancelled where rerouting is not feasible.

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and the subsequent closure of its airspace, Air India flights overflying the region are using alternate routing, which may lead to delays. Some flights are being cancelled where rerouting is currently not possible,” the airline said in a statement on social media.

Passengers were advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport, with the airline reiterating that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

IndiGo also acknowledged disruptions to its international network, describing the situation as a “sudden airspace closure” beyond the airline’s control. The carrier said it is working to assist affected passengers by offering alternative travel options.

Customers have been advised to use flexible rebooking options or claim refunds, depending on their preference.

SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, confirming that some of its flights have been impacted due to the closure of Iranian airspace.

Airspace shutdown linked to regional security concerns

According to official notices issued to pilots, Iran’s airspace closure is expected to remain in place until 7:30 am local time. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows earlier shutdowns during military confrontations involving Israel earlier this year.

Aviation risk monitoring platforms have noted that several international airlines are already avoiding Iranian airspace, citing concerns over possible military activity, air defence operations and the risk of misidentification of civilian aircraft.

The situation continues to be monitored closely, with further disruptions possible if the airspace restrictions are extended.