NATIONWIDE customers are furious after the bank was hit by a major outage on Friday.

Customers are currently facing problems in transferring money between accounts.

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Customers nationwide have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration following the outage.

One user said: “I can’t make payments or transfers this morning, but your website says there are no service issues.”

A second wrote: “#nationwide banking is down! No payments in or out”

Nationwide is aware of the ongoing issues and is working to resolve the issue.

Speaking to X, a spokesperson said: “Hi, we are aware that some customers are experiencing difficulties transferring money between Nationwide accounts.

“We are working to resolve this as quickly as possible, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

What happened?

Customers are currently unable to transfer money between their national accounts or to someone else’s national account.

According to DownDetector, more than 990 users have reported problems with the construction company.

Payments to and from other mortgage banks and banks are also delayed as a result of the disruption.

Customers have been advised not to resend the money as it is in the queue and will arrive as soon as possible.

Direct debits and standing orders work normally according to the construction company.

Can I claim compensation for the malfunction?

Banks do not have to pay compensation to customers if services have declined, unlike how telecom companies must do that.

But if you’ve incurred costs due to service issues, there’s a good chance you’ll get your money back.

For example, if a bill payment was missed due to a glitch and you were charged a fee for missing it, you should be able to claim that money back.

If your credit rating has been affected by a service interruption, for example because you received a late fee after being unable to complete a transaction, you should also keep a record of this.

If you spoke to someone to resolve the issue, write down their name and when you spoke to them, as well as roughly what you discussed and what they advised you to do.

More information about how to file a complaint can be found on the bank’s website.

It’s worth gathering evidence of your problems so you can make a formal complaint directly to the bank.

What happens if my bank refuses to reimburse me?

If you are not satisfied with the way the bank has handled your problem, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman (FOS) free of charge.

It is an independent body that will consider the evidence you provide and make a fair decision about what action a bank should take.

The FOS can usually intervene 15 days after you report your concerns to the bank.

According to the FOS, in the event of an IT system failure at a bank, any compensation depends on your circumstances and whether you have suffered damage as a result.

If it believes this is the case, it has the power to tell the bank to refund any fees, charges or penalties, for example if you were unable to make a payment on a credit card statement or to your mortgage lender.

It can also tell a bank to pay you for money you haven’t received, such as interest, if you can’t deposit the money.

If your credit score has been affected, the bank may direct the bank to correct your credit file.

The FOS may also order the bank to reimburse you for any additional costs incurred, such as telephone calls or trips to your local bank branch, as well as compensation for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Switching bank accounts has long been an easy way to get free cash.

Currently, four major banks are offering new current account customers free cash worth up to £220.

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HSBC is offering new Advance and Premier account customers up to £220 towards switching – the highest offer in five years.

NatWest and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) are offering newcomers £200 to switch, while Lloyds Bank is offering new customers £175.

Switching bank accounts has never been easier thanks to the Current Account Switching Service (CASS).

Through CASS, customers can choose their transfer date and leave it to the banks to move any active direct debits to their new account.

We’ve listed the best bank accounts you can switch to right now to get up to £220 in free cash, and explain what you need to do to qualify for each account.

HSBC

• up to £220 free cash, including £10 per month cashback for a year. In addition, you get access to a linked saver who pays 5%

The current switching offer at HSBC means new customers can get up to £220 by switching from their current bank to an HSBC UK Advance or Premier account.

The money is paid out in separate amounts. You will receive one lump sum of €100 for switching, and after that you can earn €10 per month in cashback for 12 months.

Certain criteria must be met to get the full £220 and the switching process must be done through CASS.

CASS is a free service that allows you to easily exchange your old current account for a new one.

You just need to contact your new bank to apply for their checking account. If you are accepted, they will offer to transfer for you.

To receive the first payment of £100 you must meet the following criteria:

• Apply for an HSBC Advance or Premier bank account on or after March 11 and successfully open the account
• Change an existing account from another bank using the CASS within 30 days of opening the account
• The switch must include at least two direct debits or standing orders
• Deposit at least £1,500 into the account within 60 days, divided into one or more payments
• Make at least 20 transactions with your HSBC debit card
• Register and log in to mobile banking
• Open an Online Bonus Saver account and deposit a minimum of £50

If new customers complete all the steps above, they will receive €100 in their checking account within 30 days.

To get the extra £120, they must complete some of the above steps every month for a further 12 months.

Customers must continue to log into mobile banking, pay £1,500, complete a minimum of 20 transactions and keep their direct debit active each month, as well as making a monthly deposit of £50 into their online bonus savings account.

For each month they meet these criteria, €10 will be paid into their account up to a maximum of €120 or twelve monthly payments, before the 20th of the following month.

Please note that this extra money is dependent on meeting the monthly criteria, so if you miss a month you will miss out on the £10 bonus payment for that month.

NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland

• £200 free cash and up to £36 cashback per year. In addition, you get access to a linked saver who pays 6.17%

NatWest and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) are offering newcomers £200 to switch their current accounts to an Everyday, Reward or Premier account using the CASS.

To receive the money, you must deposit €1,250 into your new checking account and log into the mobile banking app within 60 days of switching.

Once you have done this, the money will be deposited into your account within seven days.

You cannot switch if you have received a switching incentive from the NatWest Group, of which RBS is part, since 1 January 2020.

Customers who switch to NatWest or RBS’s Rewards bank account can also earn up to £5 cashback when they use their card, but they will have to pay £2 per month.

This means that they can earn a total of € 36 cashback over the entire year.

The Everyday checking account from both banks does not offer cashback, but is free of charge.

Meanwhile, there are three Premier accounts to choose from: Premier Select, Premier Reward and Premier Reward Black.

There are no monthly fees for the Premier Select account, but there are £2 and £31 monthly fees for the Premier Reward and Premier Reward Black accounts respectively.

Lloyd’s Bank

• £175 free cash and a 12 month Disney+ subscription. In addition, you get access to a linked saver who pays 6.25%

Lloyds Bank is offering a £175 cash bonus to anyone who switches to one of three current accounts from another bank.

The Lloyds offer is only available to customers switching to a Club Lloyds, Club Lloyds Silver or Club Lloyds Platinum current account.

Customers must switch from a current account to Lloyds by Thursday, March 28 to avoid missing out.

They will then need to make two direct debits to qualify for the cash bonus, which will be paid out within ten working days of the start of the switch.

Customers can also choose from one of the following rewards:

• Disney+ free for a year (a saving of £79.90)
• Six movie tickets
• Membership of the Coffee Club and the Gourmet Society
• Magazine subscription

However, there’s a catch: the Club Lloyds bank account has a monthly fee of £3 unless you pay at least £2,000 every month.

Not interested in free money?

Switching checking accounts has long been an easy way to get free cash from banks luring new customers.

However, these lucrative deals may not be for everyone.

But other benefits, such as free travel insurance, interest-free overdrafts and cashback, can make switching providers worthwhile.

Best for overdrafts

Overdraft debt can easily add up, so if you tend to end up in the red, make sure you have an account with the lowest possible fees.

First Direct’s Free 1st Account offers an interest-free overdraft on balances up to £250.

New customers of Nationwide’s free FlexDirect account will receive an interest-free overdraft on balances up to £1,500 for the first year after account opening.

Keep in mind that an interest-free overdraft should only be used in an emergency or to save yourself during an expensive month.

The best for cashback

You can earn money for free from banks with great cashback benefits.

The Santander Edge account pays one percent cashback on selected household bills and travel expenses.

Please note that earnings are limited to £20 per month and the account has a monthly fee of £3.

The app-only Chase checking account also pays customers one percent cash back on most debit card spend.

You can get up to €15 per month cashback without monthly costs.

The best for savers

Switch current accounts and you’ll get access to the best savings rates.

For example, those who open a Santander Edge account will get access to a linked saver, which pays 7% interest on pots of up to £4,000.

And Barclays bank account customers can join the Blue Rewards program and apply for a linked Rainy Day Saver, which pays 5.12 per cent interest on up to £5,000.

Best for frequent travel

Virgin Money’s Club M account costs £12.50 per month or £150 per year, but you get free global travel insurance when you switch to the account.

Plus you get free mobile phone insurance, plus UK and European breakdown cover with AA, which typically costs over £150 a year.

The free services can save you money if you are a driver and travel often.

But do your amounts carefully to make sure it’s a good deal for your circumstances.

This month of February is particularly special because today is a leap day, making 2024 a leap year.

A leap year, which occurs once every four years, is meant to keep our seasons and months in line with the Earth’s rotation around the sun.

On February 29, Leap Year babies can officially celebrate their birthday on the right date – and you might be in for a host of deals as an extra treat.

In honor of the phenomenon, dozens of retailers, restaurants and tourist attractions are offering deals and discounts to Leap Day babies today.

Plus, those born on February 29 even have the chance to score some freebies, including Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a free ride on the London Eye and £50 to spend at The Real Greek.

Want to score a bargain and celebrate your birthday in true Leap Year style? Find out more about our full list of offers below:

Free ride on the London Eye

Anyone born on February 29 will be offered a free ride on the London Eye this year – but be quick as tickets will only be given out to the first 100 applicants!

To get panoramic views of the city for free, all you need to do is go to the London Eye ticket hall on the South Bank and show ID (passport or driver’s license) to prove you were born on land. Leap day.

The offer only applies to people born on February 29, so if you want to go with friends or family, it is wise to book online in advance.

Free Original Glazed Dozen Donuts at Krispy Kreme (nationwide)

Today is your lucky day if you’re a leap year baby, because not only will you be treated to birthday cake — you can score not just one, but a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts!

Customers whose birthday is on February 29 can receive a free Original Glazed dozen, with proof of identification.

Spend £50 for free at The Real Greek (national)

The Real Greek is offering £50 off your food bill if you visit one of their restaurants on your birthday today.

To qualify for the huge discount at the Mediterranean restaurant, visit your nearest branch, show ID and claim £50 off your meal.

Their website says: ‘If your birthday comes once every four years, you should make it an extra special party.’

Free pizza at Zizzi (national)

If you live near a Zizzi-restaurant, then you’re in luck, because if you were born today, you can claim a free rustic pizza.

To receive your free pizza, all you need to do is provide a valid photo ID at the nearest restaurant and spend £10 or more in a single transaction.

Free curry at Rosa’s Thai (national)

Rosa’s Thai Café is offering a free festive curry for Leap Day babies across all their branches across the UK.

To celebrate your first real birthday in four years with a free main course, just show your ID, buy a side dish and a drink and the curry is yours.

Free drink at participating Wadworth pubs (England)

A free Wadworth draft beer, regular soft drink or small glass of wine are on offer to Leap Day babies today.

The freebie is available at any participating Wadworth-run pub in England – you can find the nearest branch to you here.

Free burger at Almost Famous (England)

Almost Famous is offering a free delicious burger to anyone born on a leap day.

The burger chain has five locations across England, including Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

To claim your free burger, simply go to the nearest branch and show your ID.

Free pints at Society (Manchester)

If you live in the north of England and don’t fancy hopping on the train to take a free ride on the London Eye, fear not, because there’s an offer available in Manchester that might tempt you .

Enjoy a birthday drink and celebrate the day in true Leap Year fashion by picking up a free beer at Society.

Head to the food and beer hall in Barbirolli Square and claim your birthday treat by showing your ID at the bar.

Free pizza at Sambuca Forest Hall (Newcastle)

Sambuca Forest Hall in Newcastle is offering a free margherita pizza to those born on February 29.

To celebrate your birthday once every four years and claim your free pizza, all you have to do is show up and show your ID to the staff.

Win a £1,000 holiday voucher at LoveholidaysUK

LoveholidaysUK offers you a way to celebrate your birthday in a destination far away from the gloom of February in Britain.

The holiday company says: ‘It’s been four years since your last official birthday, and we think you deserve a day to remember. That’s why, for the first time ever, we’re giving away 5 vouchers worth £1,000 to those born on this unique date.”

To have a chance to win a dream holiday, simply fill in your details online herewith the winners being selected on March 6.

By Pranav Harish for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 06:09 EST, February 29, 2024 | Updated: 06:42 EST, February 29, 2024

A FAN favorite US fast food chain is introducing its 'so-so-good' breakfast menu to more UK branches in a boost for customers.

Popeyes, which opened its first UK restaurant just three years ago, is today launching 22 items in seven more locations.

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The Louisiana-based chain is introducing breakfast sandwiches, muffins, sweet snacks and sides after the initial menu reveal last March, with fans who've tried it already calling it “so, so good.”

Another said: “KFC literally doesn't come anywhere close to Popeyes”, while a third added that “it's (a) really nice breakfast”.

Fast food fans can buy a Big Cajun Roll from £4.99, which comes with a sausage patty, Cajun hash brown, a free-range egg and four smoked pork belly strips.

Meanwhile, customers can buy Popeyes' signature Louisiana Biscuit in cinnamon, Nutella, Hartley's strawberry jam and honey flavors, with prices starting from £1.50.

For those not keen on the biscuit, the chain is also selling an egg and cheese muffin for £3.50, as well as bacon and sausage variants.

Foodies looking for something lighter can opt for the English muffin with Hartley's strawberry jam for £1.99.

Between February 20 and March 20, foodies can also grab a bacon sandwich, hash brown and a drink for £1.99 instead of £2.99.

And with all the sandwiches and muffins on the menu, you can choose a meal deal, meaning customers can add on a hash brown and drink from an extra £1.

Shoppers looking for something McDonald's-esque can also pick up a hash brown or Cajun hash brown for £1.50.

Customers can now pick up the new breakfast menu items at 22 Popeyes locations until 11 a.m.

However, the chain's locations in Westfield Stratford, Chelmsford, Derby, Romford, Ilford, Leicester, Ealing or its delivery kitchens are not selling the new breakfast menu items.

The full list of sites offering breakfast as of today is:

• Metro Centre, Newcastle
• Oxford
• Richmond
• Rotherham Drive Thru
• Woolwich, London
• Northampton Drive Thru
• Cardiff Bay Drive Thru
• Barrhead Drive Thru
• Barnsley Drive Thru
• Kilburn, London
• Croydon, London
• Manchester Piccadilly
• Meadowhall, Sheffield
• Lewisham, London
• Hammersmith, London
• Nottingham
• Liverpool
• Brighton
• Cambridge
• Reading
• Cardiff
• Plymouth

In the meantime, this is the full list of available menu items:

Breakfast sandwiches:

• Large breakfast sandwich – plain/brown sauce/ketchup/cajun ketchup – £4.50
• Large Breakfast Sandwich – Plain/Brown Sauce/Ketchup/Cajun Ketchup Meal – £5.75
• Large Cajun Roll – £4.99
• Large Cajun Sandwich Meal – £5.99
• Bacon Roll – Plain/Brown Sauce/Ketchup/Cajun Ketchup – £1.99
• Bacon Roll – Plain/Brown Sauce/Ketchup/Cajun Ketchup Meal – £2.99

Breakfast muffins:

• Egg and Cheese Muffin Vegetarian – £3.50
• English muffin with Hartley's strawberry jam – £1.99
• Bacon, egg and cheese muffin – £3.50
• Bacon egg and cheese muffin meal – £4.50
• Muffin with sausage, egg and cheese – £3.50
• Muffin meal with sausage, eggs and cheese – £4.50
• Double Bacon, Egg and Cheese Muffin – £3.99
• Double Bacon, Egg and Cheese Muffin Meal – £4.99
• Double Sausage Egg and Cheese Muffin – £3.99
• Double Sausage Egg and Cheese Muffin Meal – £4.99

Sweet:

• Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit – £1.75
• Honey biscuit – £1.50
• Nutella Cookie – £1.99
• Hartley's Strawberry Jam Biscuit – £1.99

Sides:

• Hash Brown – £1.50
• Cajun Hash Brown – £1.50

It comes after Popeyes announced plans to open a further 30 locations across the UK before the end of 2024.

The US-founded chain, which fans say serves the 'best burgers in the UK', opened its first UK restaurant in November 2021.

Popeyes said the latest move will create around 2,000 jobs, with branches across the UK including in Birmingham, Aberdeen and Swansea.

When the chain made the announcement on Jan. 22, the quick-service restaurant chain was operating 38 locations, including five drive-thrus.

Popeyes first opened in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana and has 350 locations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company operates 3,400 restaurants in 25 countries.

Meanwhile, Popeyes isn't the first fast-food chain to announce a major update to its breakfast menu in recent weeks.

The home of the Big Mac McDonald's added eight new items to restaurant menus earlier this month, including its breakfast box.

It came after fans had been crying for years for the iconic menu item to return.

Also included in the menu update were the never-before-seen KitKat Ruby Chocolate McFlurry and Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie.

Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.

ANOTHER major bank is giving away £200 free cash to customers who make an easy switch.

NatWest is the latest lender to offer a bonus to those who switch to it.

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Banks and building societies regularly offer switching offers to attract new customers, but these are usually only valid for a limited time.

In most cases, the process can be carried out via the Payment Account Switching Service (CASS).

NatWest's offering requires the customer to transfer their checking account.

Your checking account is a bank account where you can store and withdraw money. Most people use these for everyday transactions.

All customers need to do is use the CASS, deposit £1,250 into the NatWest account and log into the mobile app within 60 days of switching accounts.

The €1,250 deposit can consist of multiple credits and must remain in the account for 24 hours

Once you have met these conditions, the bank will deposit €200 into your eligible account within seven days.

Customers can also get an additional €60 in Rewards back each year by signing up for a Rewards account.

Every month customers can get £4 back for two direct debits and a further £1 for logging into the mobile app.

Please note that the Rewards account has a monthly fee of £2.

However, it is important to note that if you have previously received a switching bonus from NatWest Group since January 1, 2020, you will not be eligible for the offer.

The last time NatWest offered a similar deal was in 2023, and 100,000 customers made the switch between July and September last year.

How do I switch?

The easiest way to switch banks is to use the Current Account Switching Service (CASS).

To date, more than nine million people have used the service to exchange their checking accounts.

Most major banks and building societies are affiliated. The full list is on the CASS website.

Through the service, you will need to contact your new bank of choice to apply for one of its accounts.

If you are accepted, they will offer to automatically transfer for you and ask you to choose a date to do so.

Your old bank will then have to talk to your old one and everything will be transferred, including your balance, direct debits and salary.

You will then receive your new cards, login details and any PIN codes.

Do other banks offer switching bonuses?

One other bank has announced a new switching offer so far this year.

Lloyds' switching incentive for new customers looking to open an account launched this week, but you'll have to be quick.

The bank is offering existing and new customers from another bank account £175 if they switch to a Club Lloyds account between now and March 28.

Three other banks – Co-op, TSB and First Direct – with switching bonuses all withdrew their offers in January this year.

HSBC and Nationwide also had offers for switching bonuses worth up to £200, but these offers expired last year.

As with the NatWest offer, the switching bonuses usually come with requirements, such as two regular direct debits into your account or a monthly amount.

It's worth keeping an eye on whether these offers come up again.

Meanwhile, a savvy saver told how he and his family made more than £7,000 thanks to a tip from Martin Lewis who encouraged a bank switch.

Plus, see our story for more information on the Lloyds offer.

Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) along with central trade unions have jointly called for a nationwide strike called 'Bharat Bandh' scheduled on February 16, 2024.

Bharat Bandh: Amid the ongoing farmers' protest and clamor for implementation of minimum support price (MSP) laws and other agricultural reforms, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) together with the central trade unions have jointly called for a national strike entitled 'Bharat Bandh,” scheduled on Friday, February 16, 2024. According to the protesting farmers, the Center promised them better crop prices after which they ended the 2021 protest. They demand that there be a law that guarantees a guarantee minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, in accordance with the Swaminathan Commission report. They also demand full debt forgiveness and a scheme to provide pensions to farmers and agricultural workers.

Named Gramin or Grameen Bharat Bandhthe strike is planned from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., because farmers will participate en masse chakka jam on main roads throughout the country from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The strike is likely to disrupt roads and transport, potentially leading to traffic congestion. At this time the school holidays have not yet been announced. Despite the persistent CBSE Board ExamsIt's a safe bet that the schools will close. However, students and parents should stay in touch with the relevant authorities for any new information or concerns. Read this article to know whether schools and colleges will be closed on February 16 due to a nationwide strike.

Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Schools and colleges will be closed on February 16 due to a nationwide strike

Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: Will CBE Exams Be Affected By Nationwide Strike?

Earlier today, the Central Council for Secondary Education (CBSE) has started the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations for the academic year 2023-2024. Speaking of CBSE High School Exam (Class 10th) date sheetCBSE will conduct the training courses Security, Automotive, Introduction to Fin.Markets, Introduction to Tourism, Beauty and Wellness, Agriculture, Food Production, Front Office Operations, Banking and Insurance, Marketing and Sales, Apparel, Multimedia, Physical Activity Trainer, Data Science, Electronics & Hardware, Design Thinking & Innovation on February 16 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Meanwhile, talking about the CBSE Senior School Certificate Examination 2024 (Class 12th) Date Sheet.the board will hold the Biotechnology Knowledge Tradition & Practices Of India Electronics Technology Shorthand (English), Shorthand (Hindi), Food Nutrition & Dietetics, Library & Information Science, Banking, Early Childhood Care & Education on February 16, 2024. will take place between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. The students may face difficulties while going to the CBSE exam center. Meanwhile, with the board exams set to begin on Thursday (February 15), authorities have advised students in Delhi to leave early for their centers as traffic movement will continue to come under pressure in several areas, especially in the city's border areas. ​due to restrictions in view of the farmers' protest.

“Due to the current situation in Delhi, it is expected that there will be traffic issues which may cause delay in reaching the exam center. Therefore, all students are advised to leave their homes early so that they can reach well in time as per CBSE instructions. It is advisable to use Metro services to reach the exam centers that are functioning smoothly,” CBSE said in an official release. “A request is also made to all students of CBSE across India and in other countries to plan their travel to reach the examination center on or before 10:00 am (IST) taking into account local conditions, traffic, weather conditions, distance etc. as students will be allowed access only until 10am. After that, no student will be admitted,” reads the official message. This year, over 39 lakh students from India and 26 other countries will appear for the exams. In Delhi, over 5.8 million students will take the exams at 877 centres.

Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Schools and colleges will be closed on February 16 due to a nationwide strike

Based on the latest developments, states have not announced plans to close schools. In fact, boards like CBSE and ICSE have already started their annual exams. Therefore, it seems unlikely that schools will be closed during the ongoing exams. If there are any uncertainties or questions, it is advisable to contact the school authorities for clarification. Meanwhile, central universities or colleges have not released any statement on the suspension of physical classes nor on the closure of the educational institutions so far.

The farmers have also urged scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Act 2020 and are demanding the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, guaranteeing farmers' consent and compensation of four times the collector rate.
They further demand that those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings be punished. The farmers have also appealed to provide 200 days of work per year and a daily wage of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), linking this to agriculture. They have also demanded compensation for the families of farmers killed during the 2021 protests and a job for every family member.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal alleged that ever since the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered Assam, “the most corrupt CM in India has been carrying out ruthless attacks on our convoys and properties”.

New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday announced that it will hold demonstrations at state and district headquarters over what were the 'planned attacks' on the convoys of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam.

In a late evening post on accomplices.”

“This is a matter that every Indian must take seriously as it exposes the fascism and hooliganism of the BJP. Across India, PCCs and DCCs have been instructed to hold massive protests tomorrow evening and expose how the Modi-led BJP is killing democracy in Assam through their corrupt CM,” Venugopal said.

“Our fight for justice – social, economic and political – will continue undeterred!” he said.

In his letter to all leaders of the Pradesh Congress Committee, heads of states, AICC secretaries, heads of frontal organisations, departments and cells, Venugopal said that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, which started in Manipur on January 14, has been successful traveled via Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and now entered Assam.

“Unfortunately, as you know, the BJP, especially its most corrupt Prime Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam, is desperately trying to disrupt this peaceful Yatra,” he said.

“In the last two days, we have seen planned attacks on Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra convoys and instances of pulling down of our Yatra posters by these agitators,” the Congress leader said.

Today, a deliberately gathered mob of BJP workers 'attacked' the convoy led by Rahul Gandhi, resulting in injuries to several party leaders including the Assam PCC president, Venugopal alleged.

Tonight there was a fresh attack on the Nyay Yatra by the “goons” backed by the BJP, he said.

“This is nothing but a desperate attempt to mask the administrative failure and corruption of the Chief Minister of Assam and the BJP government at the Centre,” he said.

“Faced with such blatant attempts to suppress our cause, it is imperative that we remain steadfast and united. Our collective resistance is not just a response to these attacks; it is a statement of our unwavering commitment to justice,” Venugopal said in the letter.

“We cannot allow the desperate actions of a few to deter us from our mission,” he said.

In view of these events, it is requested that the PCCs will hold massive protest demonstrations at the state and district headquarters on Monday evening, January 22, involving our senior leaders and party functionaries on Monday evening, January 22, Venugopal said.

“Let us come together to strongly oppose these heinous planned violent attacks on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,” he said.

Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah was allegedly attacked while general secretary Jairam Ramesh's car was targeted in Assam's Sonitpur district during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Sunday.

The party has demanded a judicial inquiry into the Borah attack, alleging the involvement of a BJP MLA and his supporters.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also harassed at a roadside eatery in Assam's Nagaon district on Sunday evening.

The crowd shouted slogans against the Wayanad MP and also displayed placards with messages like 'Anyay Yatra' and 'Rakibul go back', referring to Samaguri Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain.

(Only the headline was reworked by India.com staff. The copy is from an agency feed)