Page 1009 - Politics

Fighting in northwestern Syria strains truce, kills 13

Syrian government forces and insurgents exchanged a barrage of rockets on Sunday in the country's northwest that killed at least 13 people and hit a government-run hospital, activists and government media reported. The violence strained a fragile months-old truce negotiated between Russia and Turkey that averted a government offensive on Idlib and surrounding areas, the last major rebel stronghold in the country. The region is home to some 3 million people, including many displaced from other battles in the eight-year-old civil war. The head of the local hospital in government-held Massyaf said insurgent shelling killed a rescue worker and four other people. Maher Younis told the state-run Ikhbariya TV that five children who were arriving at the hospital and two dentists were wounded. The network aired footage of broken glass at the entrance of the hospital. One of the wounded told Ikhbariya from her hospital bed that the missile landed when she and her mother were arriving to do some

Netanyahu's annexation pledge condemned by election challenger

The main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's elections on Sunday condemned the premier's deeply controversial pledge to annex West Bank settlements, calling it an "irresponsible" bid for votes. Netanyahu said late Saturday he planned to apply sovereignty over at least parts of the occupied West Bank, a move that could prove the death knell for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His remarks were widely seen as an appeal to right-wing voters ahead of what is expected to be a close election on Tuesday. Benny Gantz, the former military chief whose centrist Blue and White alliance has posed a stiff challenge to Netanyahu, condemned the premier's remarks in an interview with Israeli news site Ynet. "Why not ask how in 13 years Netanyahu could have annexed and didn't?" said Gantz, in reference to Netanyahu's time as premier. "I think that releasing a strategic and historic decision in an election campaign bubble is not serious and (is) ...

PM Modi ridiculed MNREGA but had no courage to close it: Sachin Pilot

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Sunday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that he ridiculed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), but did not have the courage to close the scheme in the last five years."Prime Minister Modi criticised and ridiculed MNREGA but did not have the courage to close it in the past five years," said Pilot while addressing an election rally here. NREGA was first proposed in 1991 by then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. However, it was passed in the Parliament in 2008. It aims to provide 100 days of wage employment to enhance livelihood security in rural areas. Lambasting the BJP for offering attractive schemes but not implementing them, Pilot said: "The BJP is a government of jumlas. Its leaders are doing politics under the guise of our heroic soldiers and people have understood that.""They gave a dozen of slogans in five years but did nothing to bring them on the ground. Digital India, India Shine, Make ..

CRPF, Police clash during Bhopal I-T raids

In a high-level drama, CRPF personnel accompanying IT officials conducting raids at the premises of Ashwin Sharma linked to Chief Minister Kamal Nath clashed with the state police in scenes, which evoked memories of the face-off between Kolkata police and CBI earlier this year.Madhya Pradesh police personnel alleged that people inside the housing complex of Sharma, an associate of Praveen Kakkar, who is Kamal Nath's officer on special duty (OSD) had reached out to the Station House Officer (SHO) of the area seeking assistance."We've nothing to do with Income Tax and its ongoing raids. It is a residential complex, there are people inside who need medical assistance and they called the local SHO for help. They have closed the entire residential complex because of the raid," said City SP Bhupinder Singh.The CRPF, which is accompanying the IT officials in conducting the searches have alleged that the police was obstructing it from performing its duty."We have not done anything to anyone. .

Will never allow our soil to be used against Iran: Iraqi Army Chief

Iraq will never allow a third party to use its soil against Iran, said Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Othman al-Ghanemi on Sunday."My country's officials will never allow Iraq's soil to be used against Iran by a third country," affirmed General al-Ghanemi to his Irani counterpart Major-General Mohammad Baqeri.General al-Ghanemi is a part of a delegation headed by Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, which is on a three-day visit to Iran.Iran and Iraq are expected to sign agreements covering a wide range of common security issues such as human trafficking, combating terrorism and providing security for borders.The visit comes a month after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's maiden visit to Iraq.Iran, who has long-standing ties with US-ally Iraq, had faced a dilemma after Washington levied sanctions on Tehran.Iraq is Iran's second-largest market after China and purchases everything from food and machinery to electricity and natural gas from Tehran.Last year, United ...

Who is going to win #AbHogaNYAY or #IsBaarPhirModi? Twitter battles ahead of LS polls

With three days left before the country goes to 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the hashtag battle has begun on social media with the BJP and rival Congress slugging it out on twitter.With Congress tweeting its campaign, #AbHogaNYAY trended for over three hours on Sunday closely followed by #IsBaarPhirModi, which within a short time became the top tending trend on the microblogging site, according to twitter statistics.The hashtag #AbHogaNYAY was used by the Congress supporters while #IsBaarPhirModi was used by BJP followers.As the day progressed the trending hashtags kept going up and down but the two trends remained in the top five, each close on the other's heels according to trends24.inThe Congress on Sunday unveiled its campaign song as well as election campaging tagline, 'Ab Hoga NYAY'. The campaign song highlights, the party's proposed minimum income guarantee scheme, titled 'NYAY'."Poverty will be struck, we will fulfill the dream. In Congress rule, the poor will be empowered. ...

UN-backed Libya govt announces counter-offensive against self-styled Libyan National Army, foreign forces evacuate Tripoli

The army aligned to Libya's United Nations-backed government on Sunday announced a counteroffensive and vowed to reclaim all areas seized by the self-styled Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.Addressing media, Al Jazeera quoted Colonel Mohamed Gnounou, spokesperson of Government of National Accord (GNA), as saying that the counteroffensive, dubbed as "Volcano of Anger", was aimed at "purging all Libyan cities of aggressor and illegitimate forces".The announcement came after Haftar's forces claimed that they had conducted the first air raid on a Tripoli suburb as part of their aim oust the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) and control Tripoli.The alleged strike came after GNA forces conducted air raids on Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) around 50kilometers south of Tripoli on Saturday, reportedly killing one person.Meanwhile, the US military on Sunday said it had temporarily pulled some of its forces out of Libya amid the ...

Mayawati's election speech at Deoband under EC scanner

The election speech of former chief minister Mayawati at Deoband on Sunday where she called upon Muslims to vote for SP-BSP alliance, and not for the Congress party, has come under the scanner of the Election Commission.The office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Lakku Venkateshwarlu here is believed to have taken cognisance of Mayawati's speech where "she appealed to Muslim voters to vote for the BSP-SP alliance and not for the Congress, which cannot fight the BJP.""The CEO has sought a report in this regard from the local administration," said official sources.Addressing a public rally at Saharanpur district Deoband town earlier in the day, Mayawati said: "I appeal to Muslims that the Congress is not capable of defeating the BJP.""Only the alliance parties are capable of doing it. Congress does not want the alliance to win. I appeal to Muslims that vote for alliance only. Do not vote for the Congress," she said.Samajwadi Party (SP) president and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav .

Trump mocks Democrat Omar, says 'I forgot she doesn't like Israel'

President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) took a jibe at Senator Ilhan Omar, a day after a man from New York, was arrested for threatening to kill the Minnesota Democrat.Addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition at Las Vegas, the US President said, "Special thanks to Representative Omar of Minnesota.""Oh, I forgot. She doesn't like Israel. I forgot. I'm so sorry," The Washington Post quoted Trump as saying.According to a statement issued on Friday by the US attorney's office for the Western District of New York, the accused, named Patrick W Carlineo Jr, allegedly called Omar a "terrorist" and vowed to put a "bullet in her [expletive] skull" during a telephonic conversation with a member of her staff in Washington D.C."Do you work for the Muslim Brotherhood?," Carlineo questioned the staff.President Trump's attack on Omar was a part of his wide-ranging speech in which he even declared that the US-Israel bond "has never been stronger." He argued that Democrats "aren't fighting ...

Congress manifesto stands more for Pakistan than for India: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a jibe at Congress for its manifesto, alleging that it seems to be blowing Pakistan's trumpet more than that of India."For the first time, India carried out attacks across the border against the terrorist hotbeds. But Congress is asking for proof. People trust the armed forces but not Congress leaders. Congress is taking forward the propaganda which Pakistan want to spread across the world," he said at a rally here."Congress' fraud document seems to be blowing the trumpet for Pakistan more than that of India. Congress has said that nobody can touch Article 370 (special status for Jammu and Kashmir) of the Constitution. The government in Pakistan has also been taking the same stand. What is the connection?" Modi asked.Congress has promised in its manifesto that it will not allow any change in Article 370 and will review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) if voted to power.Modi made a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, .

RLD chief takes on BJP for not increasing sugarcane rates

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh on Sunday attacked BJP-led government at the Centre and in the state for not increasing the sugarcane rate."He (PM Modi) promised to implement Swaminathan report and to give 150 per cent of input cost. He promised to fix sugarcane rates at Rs 400 per quintal (one quintal is 100 kg). Its rates were increased in the previous governments of Mayawati ji and Mulayam Singh ji," Singh said while asserting that the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government did not increase sugarcane rates even by a single penny."SC says that farmers should get their payment but the government is not taking any steps against the owners of sugarcane mills. The economy of western UP heavily relies on sugarcane. BJP is anti-farmer," he said.The RLD chief also alleged that if the BJP wins this Lok Sabha election, it will never allow any elections to take place in the future."If Modi wins now, Amit Shah says he will win for the next 50 years. BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj says ..

If Pakistan fires a bullet at India, our party will fire it back: Amit Shah

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that if Pakistan fires a bullet at India, their party will fire it back.Addressing a gathering at Vijay Sankalp Samavesh Programme here, Shah said: "If they fire a bullet at us, we will fire it back, unlike Rahul Gandhi and his confidant Sam Pitroda, who suggested us to have a dialogue with Pakistan."The BJP president also claimed that the counter-attack launched by the country in response to Pulwama terror attack could not have been done by anyone other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.Shah also made a pitch for his party's commitment towards creating employment and reiterated its promise of providing employment to the youths of the state.Earlier today, after releasing the manifesto for the state, Shah promised to fill vacant positions within two years of the formation of their government in the state. He also promised to provide free education to all poor students from pre-primary to the post graduation ...

Israel denies hackers' voter registry breach claim

The claim by hackers that they had broken into the database of Israeli voters, just days before the parliamentary elections, has been dismissed by Israeli officials, a media report said.

LS polls decisive battle against Modi govt: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah Sunday said the Lok Sabha elections are significant since this time the country is fighting a decisive battle against the Modi government. He said the people of the country have suffered in the last five years due to the "imprudent and ill-conceived" policies of the BJP government. "Farmers, unemployed youth, artisans, minorities, everyone has been at the receiving end. Every vital sector is in shambles. People across the country are beseeching for respite from this BJP government. Whatever PM Modi had promised to the people during his 2014 election campaign turned out to be a damp squib," Abdullah said in a series of election rallies here. He said the farmers are distressed in most parts of the country while the petrol prices have skyrocketed in the last five years. "The claims of Modi on providing jobs turned out to be a mere slogan. The prices of commodities are soaring. Perhaps the biggest ever failure of this government is its sheer ..

Maldives ruling party celebrates landslide win

The ruling party in the Maldives celebrated on Sunday a historic victory as preliminary results showed its candidates secured a landslide win in the parliamentary elections.

Maldives leader's party declares sweeping election victory

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's party declared a sweeping victory Sunday in the country's parliamentary elections that could give him a free hand in efforts to restore political freedoms and tackle corruption. Local media reports said Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party was leading in 60 of the 87 seats in parliament following Saturday's vote. Official results were expected late Sunday, but there was no announcement yet. It could be the first time a single party wins a majority in parliament since the Indian Ocean archipelago nation became a multiparty democracy in 2008 after decades of autocratic rule. Afshan Latheef, the campaign spokeswoman for Solih's party, told The Associated Press that it was a "resounding victory" that "undoubtedly reflected the people's desire for reform and implementation of policies outlined in the president and government's manifesto." As his party began celebrating after the vote counting started Saturday night, Solih said the people should not .

MP I-T searches: One of the targets claims he is 'BJP man'

One of the persons whose house was searched by the Income Tax Department Sunday morning claimed that he was a "BJP man". The Income Tax Department Sunday launched pre-dawn searches on at least 50 locations in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh (Indore and Bhopal) against people linked to Chief Minister Kamal Nath on charges of alleged tax evasion, officials said. The searches are linked to suspected movement of hawala money during the ongoing polls season and tax evasion, they said. Locations in Indore, Bhopal and Delhi (Green Park) were being raided and those being searched included Nath's former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Pravin Kakkad, former adviser Rajendra Miglani and executives linked to his brother-in-law's firm Moser Baer and his nephew Ratul Puri's company, the officials said. Bhopal-based businessman Ashwin Sharma, whose residence was searched as part of the I-T raids, on being asked about his connection to Nath and Kakkad, told reporters, "I am a BJP man". He also said the money .

Patnaik calls BJP leaders "hypocrites"

Calling the BJP leaders as "hypocrites", BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Sunday accused the NDA government at the Centre of neglecting Odisha. Patnaik said this while addressing election meetings in Rayagada and Gajapati districts where the first phase polling is scheduled to be held on April 11. "These people (BJP leaders) have no sympathy for the poor, women and Odisha as a whole. These are all 'Biradi Baishnab' (hypocrites)," Patnaik said while addressing an election rally in Rayagada. Patnaik also conducted road shows in both the districts. Launching a scathing attack against the BJP, Patnaik alleged that the Centre has never been cooperative towards Odisha even during calamities and also in case of welfare schemes. "The BJP government has no remorse for the poor people. We have launched Aahar scheme for feeding poor people visiting urban area and hospitals, but the Centre refused to fund it. The state government has been funding the programme from .

Vote to Cong will strengthen terrorrism, naxalism,separatists:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Sunday alleged that a vote given to the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections would only strengthen terrorism, naxalism and separatist forces and obstruct development. Likewise, votes to the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi in Telangana would strengthen the hands of Asaduddin Owasi, heading the party's ally AIMIM and his brother, he said. In contrast, if voters chose BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they could be assured that the party led government would ensure the country's comprehensive development, prosperity and establish India as a superpower, he said. Addressing a public meeting at Peddapalli in support of BJP's candidate, S Kumar, Adityanath said both Congress and TRS are with the 'anti-nationals' and supporting activities which were dangerous' to national security. The BJP-led government through its 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' principle was committed to development of all sections of people and

Rahul Gandhi again challenges Modi to debate on corruption

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday again challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a debate on the issue of corruption. Gandhi shared a clip of Modi's interview to a TV channel on Twitter in which the prime minister is seen asking the reporter if she believed the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale fighter jet deal with France. "You can run Mr Modi but you can't hide. Your karma is about to catch up with you. The country can hear it in your voice," Gandhi tweeted. "Truth is a powerful thing. I challenge you to a debate on corruption," he said. Gandhi had first challenged Modi for a debate on national security, corruption and foreign policy on April 2 while addressing a gathering at Congress's manifesto release event at the party headquarters here. The opposition party has repeatedly criticised the new Rafale deal signed by the Modi government, claiming it is costlier than the one negotiated by the UPA and there is corruption involved. The Congress has also accused Modi of helping ...