Sri Harbachan Singh, Secretary General, IOC USA, opened the event with greetings and remarks, “Congratulations to Sri Rajiv Gowda, today marks a momentous occasion as we embark on this journey under your capable leadership. Your ability to assemble such an outstanding team speaks volumes, and I am eager to witness the remarkable achievements that await us, especially with the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. The upcoming Elections are particularly important, and we will communicate with each other to ensure we are in sync with the voters of India and support their yearnings for a change in the status quo. We need every voter to participate and support the Indian National Congress so democracy can be saved for everyone today and future generations.“

Vice Chairman of IOC USA, Sri George Abraham, addressed the gathering and highlighted India’s dire current political situation and the apparent threat to democracy and free and fair elections. Sri Abraham introduced the new president of the Karnataka Chapter and said, “It is my distinct pleasure to have the Karnataka Chapter officially on board to help us in the people’s fight to retake our beloved country from those who want to foster and facilitate discrimination, division, and a blatant disregard for freedom in our motherland.“

In his address via Zoom, IOC Global Chairman Sri Sam Pitroda offered a heartwarming congratulations and introduction. He said this chapter’s presence marks a particular moment in our collective mission, “I stand with unwavering pride to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your team. Your dedication has formed a new bedrock for the INC and is poised to be a loyal advocate for democracy in India. The Karnataka Chapter will resonate as a powerful voice, upholding the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, freedom, equality, fraternity, and secularism, regardless of caste, language, or religion.” Sri Pitroda specifically commented on the crucial timing as the INC is poised to shape the future of India, particularly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He said, “the recent Supreme Court ruling on electoral bonds, farmer unrest, and encroachments on civil liberties serve as stark reminders of the challenges facing Indian democracy. Yet, united as a cohesive force, we possess the power to cause meaningful change. Through our collaboration, we will thwart any further attempts to erode the democratic fabric of India.“

In a taped video message, Dr. Arathi Krishna, charge secretary of the All-India Congress Committee IOC, offered a warm welcome and congratulated Sri Rajiv Gowda. She said, “You are bringing a unique experience to the IOC USA family, and we are confident that the newly organized chapter will soar to success under your leadership. Karnataka’s decisiveness in the state elections sent a powerful message to the nation under the leadership of CM Sri Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Sri D.K. Shivakumar. Our democracy is in crisis, and we must stand shoulder to shoulder to fight for a win in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.“

IOC USA President Sri Mohinder Singh Gilzian, who is in India on an important INC work via phone, congratulated Sri Rajiv Gowda and wished him and his team a successful inaugural event as you earnestly start working this election year.

Senior leaders Sri John Joseph- Sr. VP/IOC USA, Sri Baldev Randhav – VP/IOC USA, Malini Shah, VP/IOC USA, Sri Sharat Vemuganti- General Secretary/IOC USA, Rajeshwara Reddy – President Telangana Chapter, Ram Gadula -Chair Telangana Chapter, Amer Sing Gulshan- President Haryana Chapter, Leela Maret- President Kerala Chapter and Dr. Joshua Jaya Singh-President Tamil Nadu Chapter addressed the gathering and congratulated Sri Rajiv Gowda.

Sri Rajiv Gowda, the newly appointed president, thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve Indians everywhere and the tremendous responsibility he is ready for. In his remarks, Sri Rajiv Gowda said, “India is the largest democracy in the world and must stand as a beacon for all others who dream of living in a democratic country. As a democracy, we cannot be afraid of those who abuse the power given to them by the people. Instead, when they abuse that power, the people must take it back from them and give it to those that will strive to create a unified India, an India that can truly emerge on the global stage as a rights-respecting democracy.”

Yamuna Nagaraj and Thomas Matthews were appointed as General Secretary and Treasurer, while Manoj Mulki assumed the role of Joint Secretary. Abhishek Harish, Nivedita Chandrappa, and Mohammad Sahada were appointed as members of the Executive Committee. Newly appointed Nikhil Thagdur- Joint Secretary, Indira Reddy – President, of Mahila Congress, Govindaraj, and Madhu Iyer – executive board members were unable to attend the event.

The event was packed with senior party officers, Kannada Association leaders, and media outlets including Sakshi TV and TV Asia, progressed into lamp lighting, enchanting classical dance, Mysuru Jathi, and Varaha Roopam by Mayuri Karanth, the release of souvenirs and vote of thanks by Thomas Matthews.

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The AIBA said the decision was taken without referring the matter to the President of India under Article 103 as per the Constitution of India and the opportunity of being heard was also not provided to Rahul Gandhi.

The AIBA welcomes the Surat Chief Judicial Magistrate Court verdict in the case as it underlines the constitutional right concerning the right to speech. The order against Rahul Gandhi merely underscores the importance of liberty to speak, but with responsibility.

In a statement, Dr. Adish C Aggarwala, Senior Advocate and Chairman of AIBA said the Fundamental Right to speech is not unfettered and the right has been tempered by restrictions. Every common man in general, political parties and public figures like Rahul Gandhi in particular, should be aware of that. If speeches are made with restrictions and responsibilities in mind, it will save a lot of national resources.

The AIBA, therefore, on this occasion, urges all political leaders and public figures to deliver speeches with a sense of responsibility without offending the cherished feelings of anyone, said Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, who is also former Vice Chairman of the Bar Council of India and Supreme Court Bar Association.

However, while the court has done its duty by following the Constitution and legal precedents, the Lok Sabha Secretariat should have followed the procedure specified under Article 103 of the Constitution instead of summarily issuing a disqualification notification within a day of the judgment.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat had committed an error in disqualifying Rahul Gandhi from membership of the Lok Sabha without referring the matter to the President of India under Article 103 of the Constitution of India and the opportunity of being heard was not provided to Rahul Gandhi.

Hence, the Notification of the Lok Sabha Secretariat will not stand the scrutiny of a competent Court if this Notification is challenged by Rahul Gandhi.

Even if, the present Notification is quashed by the Court, it should be borne in mind that the Lok Sabha Secretariat is empowered to issue a show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi and then the matter be referred to the President of India and the President of India after obtaining the opinion of the Election Commission shall act according to such opinion.

Article 103 requires the matter of disqualification to be referred for the decision to the President of India and the President of India shall obtain the opinion of the Election Commission of India and shall act according to such opinion and the decision of the President of India shall be final.

AIBA feels that it is a fit case for Lok Sabha Secretariate to rescind Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification notification and instead to follow the time-tested conditional principles of routing it through the President of India for further action.

The AIBA respectfully points to the fact that the issue concerning the conviction and disqualification of Rahul Gandhi involves three constitutional limbs and issues: One, the judiciary, in this case, the subordinate judiciary; two, the Lok Sabha Secretariate which represents the Parliament itself; and, three; right to free speech and the restrictions therein.

The post AIBA HAILS ORDER AGAINST RAHUL; SAYS LS SECRETARIAT SHOWED UNDUE HASTE appeared first on NRI News.