Page 1014 - Politics
BJD fields Sarojini Hembram from Baripada Assembly seat
The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha on Sunday announced the candidature of its Rajya Sabha MP Sarojini Hembram from Baripada Assembly seat in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district. The nomination of Hembram, a former minister in Odisha, was announced by BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here. Daughter of former minister Chaitanya Prasad Majhi, Hembram replaces sitting MLA and deputy Speaker in the state Assembly, Sananda Marandi. The state is going to simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. Hembram was first elected on a BJD ticket from Bangiriposi Assembly seat in 2009 and became the minister for textile, handlooms and handicrafts in the Odisha Government. She was nominated as the partys Rajya Sabha member in 2014. Her tenure in the Upper House of Parliament will expire in April 2020. With this, the BJD has fielded six Rajya Sabha members to contest from Lok Sabha and Assembly seats. While Prasanna ...
Highway ban causes inconvenience to civilians
Ghulam Mohammad Bhat started off from his home here to reach a hospital where his daughter is admitted, but cannot find any means of transport to get there due to the ban on civilian traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. "I have been walking for the past 15 minutes, but there is no public transport in sight. I have to reach JVC hospital (SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina), where my daughter is admitted," Bhat told PTI near Tengpora bridge as he braced himself for another hour of walk. The government has ordered the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla highway for all kinds of civilian traffic from Udhampur to Baramulla on every Sunday and Wednesday in order to facilitate movement of large number of security forces for election duty. Concertina wires and barricades have been put on roads connecting the highway in order to prevent the movement of civilian vehicles. The Army, police and CRPF personnel have been deployed in strength to ensure that the ban in implemented in ...
'Chants of Modi, Modi' giving sleepless nights to Mamata: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday claimed that "chants of Modi, Modi" were giving sleepless nights to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even as he vowed to free the state from Trinamool Congress led by her."The chants of Modi, Modi are giving 'speed breaker Didi' sleepless nights," he said, addressing a rally here.The Prime Minister accused the TMC government of creating hurdles for people in getting benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana as well as for farmers in taking advantage of Centre's financial assistance schemes."We will make a TMC and Left-free Bengal. In this election, each vote for BJP will strengthen the country and the chowkidar," he said.Modi attacked Banerjee for entering into an alliance "with those people who say that India should have two prime ministers", in a veiled reference to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's statement that there should be a separate Prime Minister and President in Jammu and Kashmir.He had earlier described the West Bengal ...
PM takes 'speedbreaker didi' jibe at Mamata Banerjee, says "didi is the speed breaker of WB"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday claimed that "chants of Modi, Modi" were giving sleepless nights to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even as he vowed to free the state from Trinamool Congress led by her."The chants of Modi, Modi are giving 'speed breaker Didi' sleepless nights," he said, addressing a rally here.The Prime Minister accused the TMC government of creating hurdles for people in getting benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana as well as for farmers in taking advantage of Centre's financial assistance schemes."We will make a TMC and Left-free Bengal. In this election, each vote for BJP will strengthen the country and the chowkidar," he said.Modi attacked Banerjee for entering into an alliance "with those people who say that India should have two prime ministers", in a veiled reference to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's statement that there should be a separate Prime Minister and President in Jammu and Kashmir.He had earlier described the West Bengal ...
Analysis: China's Ballistic Missile Defence and Hypersonic glide vehicle program
On March 27, India conducted its first successful ASAT missile test, storming into an elite club of 3 nations- the United States, Russia and China, with a capability to disarm and disable enemy satellites.However, countries like China have had a head start in this technology propelled by a robust Ballistic Missile Defence program and heavy investment and development into hypersonic propulsion programs that have worried countries with similar designs, particularly the United States.Reports published by the United States Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), with "China Military Power" being the latest one shed light on the secretive development of these projects greenlit by Beijing.The report asserted that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has formed military units trained for space attacks. Other missiles may be tested for attacks in geosynchronous orbit at ranges of up to 23,000 miles. The DIA also warned, "The PLA unit responsible for conducting signals intelligence has supported ...
Iran leader says Iraq should demand US withdraw troops
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on Iraq to demand US troops leave "as soon as possible" during a meeting with the Iraqi prime minister in Tehran. "You should take actions to make sure the Americans withdraw their troops from Iraq as soon as possible because wherever they have had an enduring presence, forcing them out has become problematic," Khamenei said on Saturday according to his official website. "The current government and parliament in Iraq and the political figures are not what the US desires; they plot to remove them from the political scene of Iraq," he told Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. Abdel Mahdi, on his first official visit to Iran, also met Saturday with President Hassan Rouhani, who visited Iraq last month. Baghdad is under pressure from Washington to limit ties with its neighbour, particularly after the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal last year and hit Tehran with sanctions. Iran has close but complicated ties with ..
I am a 'loyalist' who doesn't do things in 'josh' but 'hosh': Shatrughan on joining Cong
Asserting that joining the Congress was not an overnight decision, Shatrughan Sinha has said he is hopeful of a long-term association with the party as he is a "loyalist" who doesn't do things in "josh" (impulsively) but "hosh" (consciously). Sinha also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for decisions such as demonetisation, implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and asked him to come clean on the Rafale deal issue. "Why don't you (Modi) come out and give a clarification (on Rafale). If you come forward and answer the questions raised on the Rafale deal, will your 56 inches chest become six inches," he told PTI in an interview after joining the Congress. On being fielded by the Congress from Patna Sahib, Sinha said he has the blessings of the people who fondly call him "Bihari babu". Asked if the "Bihari babu" will make hat-trick of wins from Patna Sahib, the actor-turned-politician said: "Hope, wish and pray." Asked about his impending electoral battle with senior .
Cong requests EC to take action against chief Secy, officials
Congress in Telangana has requested the Election Commission to take action against the Chief Secretary and government officials for allegedly violating the model code of conduct for the April 11 Lok Sabha polls by releasing a report here on the governments achievments. In a complaint to the EC on Saturday, G Niranjan, Convener,Election Commission Coordination Committee of state Congress, said Chief Secretary S K Joshi and other officials released the report on April 5, "just five days before the elections, which is against the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)." He alleged that the report was delibarately released at this point of time just to benefit the ruling TRS. When contacted for his reaction, Joshi said "it is for the Election Commission to decide on the matter.
No talks with AAP for alliance in Haryana, Punjab: Congress
The Congress Sunday said it was not in talks with the AAP or any other party for alliance in Haryana and Punjab, and will soon declare its candidates for the two states. Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party is yet to reach a decision on stitching an alliance with the AAP in the national capital. On Saturday, an AAP leader said the party will firm up an alliance with the Congress in Delhi only if Rahul Gandhi's party agrees to fight the Lok Sabha polls jointly in Haryana and Chandigarh too. "There's no talk on alliance with any party, including the AAP, either in Haryana or in Punjab. We are soon going to declare our candidates (for the two states)," Surjewala said Sunday at a press conference where the Congress unveiled its campaign slogan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls -- "Ab Hoga Nyay". "The party is yet to reach a decision on forging an alliance with the AAP in Delhi," he added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had Saturday discussed the issue again with his ..
Mayawati takes on BJP, Congress in first joint rally
BSP leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday urged people to defeat the BJP as well as the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections, saying both had betrayed the electorate.
'Political parties need not teach Collectors the model code'
"Political parties need not teach District Collectors the model code of conduct",Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena said Sunday in response to issue of notice to Thrissur NDA candidate Suresh Gopi allegedly seeking votes in the name of Lord Ayyappa. He was responding to the state BJP leadership terming as 'utter nonsense,' the action of Thrissur District Collector V T Anupama issuing notice to the actor-turned-politician. Anupama had on Saturday sought an explanation within 48 hoursfrom actor turned politician Suresh Gopi for allegedly invoking Lord Ayyappa during his speech after a roadshow campaign on Friday. "I am seeking votes in the backdrop of Sabarimala. My Ayyan (lord Ayyappa), our Ayyan, if our Ayyan is an emotion for us, this brutal government will be given a befitting reply by the people of Kerala," Gopi was seen saying in a video. However he also said he would not discuss the Sabarimala issue during his campaign. Sabarimala had witnessed intense protests .
Up against 179 farmers, Kavitha says she has full faith in the community
Sitting TRS MP K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is up against 179 farmers who are contesting en masse, but she is not ruffled as she confidently says, "I have full faith in my farmers." The 179 farmers entered the fray for the April 11 Lok Sabha elections as a mark of protest, alleging that the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had failed to ensure Minimum Support Price for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) produce and in getting the Turmeric Board established in Nizamabad. There are a total of 185 candidates in the seat, prompting the Election Commission to arrange for jumbo EVMs. Kavitha says the farmers who are protesting and contesting are supporters of the BJP and the Congress. "Let them be in the fray." Farmers in general, she says, are benefiting from the state's welfare schemes like Rythu Bandhu. Asked if she is tensed with farmers contesting en masse, Kavitha replies, "Not at all, wait till results. You will get to know." She says the ..
Triangular contest on cards in Odisha's Berhampore LS seat
Once a pocket borough of the Congress, Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency, with its seven assembly segments, is poised for a triangular contest in the upcoming polls. While the Congress seems to be struggling to regain its lost glory, the ruling BJD is leaving no stone unturned to score a hat-trick in the seat in south Odisha. The BJP, which had demolished the four-decade-long Congress dominance in the seat in 1999 riding on the Kargil euphoria and its alliance with Biju Janata Dal (BJD), is going all out to stage a comeback in the constituency, fuelled by the much-hyped Balakot air strike. Election in the constituency is slated to be held on April 11. The state is going to simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The electoral history of Berhampur shows that the Congress never suffered a poll debacle here before 1999. The grand old party had even waded through the anti-emergency wave in 1977 and emerged a winner in the ...
Qureshi claims India planning another attack against Pakistan
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sunday claimed that his government has reliable intelligence that India is planning another attack against the country between April 16-20, according to a media report. Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an IAF pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. Qureshi during a press conference in Multan said that the government has "reliable intelligence that India is devising a new plan", Dawn newspaper reported. "Preparations are being made, and there are chances of another attack against Pakistan. According to our ...
Goa govt extends retirement age of its doctors from 60 to 62
The Goa government has extended the retirement age for doctors working in its institutions from 60 to 62, a senior official said Sunday. A government employees' outfit has, however, opposed the move. "The order was issued recently by the under-secretary of the Labour department. Doctors working in ESI hospitals, Goa Medical College and Hospital besides various other government institutions would benefit from the order," said state Labour Commissioner Jayant Tari. Among those who will benefit reportedly is the brother of deputy chief minister Manohar Ajgaonkar. The Dy CM's brother, Dr Shrikant, is employed in the ESI hospital in South Goa. "We have taken cognisance of media reports that the extension will benefit the minister's brother. We have asked for details of the case. We are against the government extending retirement age in any of its services," said Prashant Devidas, president of the Goa Government Employees Association (GGEA). While Dr Shrikant could not be ...
Trump calls US asylum programme a 'scam'
US President Donald Trump labelled his country's asylum programme as a "scam," during an address to the Republican Jewish Coalition here on Saturday (local time)."The asylum programme is a scam. Some of the roughest people you've ever seen. People that look like they should be fighting for the UFC," he said, attracting a round of laughter from the crowd.He claimed that lawyers allegedly coached asylum seekers as to what to say to get asylum in the United States."They read a little page given by lawyers that are all over the place - you know lawyers, they tell them what to say. You look at this guy, you say, wow, 'that's a tough cookie'," he said.Apparently emulating an asylum seeker, Trump read out the hypothetical instruction: "I am very fearful for my life, I am very worried that I will be accosted if I'm sent back home."Trump has been a vocal critic of immigrants entering the United States through its Southern border with Mexico. He has repeatedly called for the construction of a ..
NTR's dynasty remains at the centrestage of Andhra politics (DYNASTY POLITICS)
When it comes to political dynasties in the country, few can match the charisma and the melodrama associated with Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao's personality.
Mamata lashes out at Modi, questions Andhra chief secretary's
Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters, while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission. She sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't removing his own Cabinet secretary or the Union home secretary, if he was so "fond of making last-minute changes". "Why is the Centre intervening in state matters? Why was Andhra Pradesh chief secretary removed?" Banerjee asked at an election rally here. "Why don't you (Modi) remove your own cabinet secretary," she asked. The Election Commission on Friday removed Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha from the post and appointed senior-most IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam in his place. Reacting to the poll panel's move of removing four IPS officers in West Bengal, including Kolkata and Bidhanagar police commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister Saturday wrote a letter protesting its decision. The letter said the ...
Lucknow seat will be cakewalk for Rajnath Singh: Sharma
Winning the Lucknow seat will be a "cakewalk" for Home Minister Rajnath Singh as the opposition is yet to find a suitable candidate for the seat that was once held by former prime minister A B Vajpayee, according to UP Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma. As per my information Mira Talwar, Dauji Gupta, SP Singh, Alka Das (wife of former Union minister Akhilesh Das), a railway leader and Jitin Prasada were approached by the SP and Congress but all have refused to contest from this seat," Sharma said. "A new name (of Poonam Sinha) is doing the rounds now as opposition candidate. This is because people here are sensitive and have an emotional attachment with BJP candidates, Sharma, who was Lucknow's mayor for 10 years, told PTI in an interview. The opposition, he said, "is unable to find a suitable candidate from this seat held by former PM Atalji, who had emotional connect with people of the state capital. Over half a dozen candidates have refused to contest from here. The seat will be .
US attorney general pressed for evidence clearing Trump
- Two weeks after he exonerated President Donald Trump in the Russia meddling investigation, Attorney General Bill Barr faces mounting pressure to show the full evidence behind his decision. Allegations this week that the US Justice chief downplayed serious evidence of illegal obstruction by Trump in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's final report are fueling demands that he release the entire, unexpurgated document to Congress. News reports, citing unnamed members of Mueller's staff, said Barr ignored the summaries Mueller's team prepared for public release, and instead issued his own on March 24, in which he peremptorily cleared the president of any wrongdoing. And Barr now says he will not release key evidence given to Mueller's grand jury, a special panel used by prosecutors in politically-sensitive cases. Democrats suspect the evidence could be damning to the president -- setting up a legal and political showdown. The Democrat-led House Judiciary Committee this week prepared to ...