Page 1064 - Politics
JB's son unwilling to contest, Congress names new candidate
Hours after fielding Prithvi Ballabh Patnaik, son of three-time chief minister J B Patnaik, from Begunia Assembly seat, Congress Wednesday changed his candidature as he was unwilling to contest the election. Patnaik's name figured in the list of candidates for nine Assembly seats in Odisha released by the Central Election Committee (CEC) of AICC late on Tuesday night. However, Prithvi changed his mind and expressed unwillingness to contest from Begunia, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Niranjan Patrnaik said. Therefore, it became necessary to nominate another candidate, he said. While announcing Pradeep Sahoo as it candidate from Begunia in place of Patnaik, the party also declared nominees for eight other assembly seats in a fresh list. Announcing candidates for three Lok Sabha seats in two separate lists, Congress has fielded former Odisha minister Panchanan Kanungo from the Cuttack and former Balangir MP Sarat Patnaik from Sambalpur parliamentary ...
If Muslims have 'first right' on resources, where will Jats and Gujjars go: Yogi
Questioning a statement years back by then prime minister Manmohan Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday said if Muslims have the first right over the country's resources what happens to the Scheduled Castes, Jats and Gujjars. Adityanath recalled Singh's 2006 statement at a rally here in western Uttar Pradesh, a region where, some estimates say, about 25 per cent of the voters are Gujjars and Jats. "Former prime minister Manmohan Singh had said that the first right over the resources of the country is of Muslims. If Muslims have the first right, where will the Scheduled Castes, Jats, Gujjars and other people go," Adityanath said. Singh had made the remark while addressing a meeting of the National Development Council. "We will have to devise innovative plans to ensure that minorities, particularly the Muslim minority, are empowered to share equitably the fruits of development. These must have the first claim on resources," Singh had said. Adityanath also ...
J-K govt keeps 2 days a week only for movement of security forces' convoys on highway
There will be a "complete ban" on civilian traffic on most part of the 300-km long National Highway on Sundays and Wednesdays from 4 AM to 5 PM.These restrictions would remain in force till May 31, 2019, a press release issued by the state government said.The state government said the decision has been taken in view of the possibility of terror attack on security forces' convoys during their movement for the Lok Sabha elections.The prohibition on movement of civilian traffic on these two days of each week would be from Baramulla through Srinagar, Qazigund, Jawahar-Tunnel, Banihal and Ramban till Udhampur, the statement said.In the event of any requirement for local traffic movement for any emergency or for other purpose, the local administration and police would evolve necessary procedures for this as is done during curfew days, the government said.On February 14, a CRPF convoy, on its way from Jammu and Srinagar, was attacked by a suicide car bomber on the National Highway in Pulwama
NaMo TV: EC seeks details from I&B Min, Cong alleges Modi trampling upon democratic norms
The Election Commission has issued a notice seeking a report from the I&B Ministry on NaMo TV, launched just weeks ahead of the general elections, after opposition parties including the Congress asked the poll body to direct the ministry to suspend the channel as it was violative of the model code of conduct. Sources said the Commission has issued the notice to the Information & Broadcasting Secretary on Tuesday evening giving time till Friday evening, as per the ministry request, to submit a report on the channel and its launch. The EC will take a call on whether it violates the model code after going through the documents the ministry files, sources added. Hours after the EC issued notice to I&B Ministry, the Congress accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of mocking and trampling upon democratic norms by "brazenly" running NaMo TV and asked the poll watchdog to put a stop at this "misuse" of media that seeks to disturb the level-playing field during elections. The channel
Cong demands case of treason against Modi, Shah, Jaitley for removing AFSPA in parts of Arunachal
The Congress demanded on Wednesday that a case of treason be registered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP chief Amit Shah, and accused them of being "traitors" as they had removed AFSPA from parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said while on one hand, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was targeting the Congress over its manifesto promise of reviewing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, on the other, the government itself was removing the law from certain states. "BJP leaders Amit Shah and Arun Jaitley are the biggest traitors as they themselves removed AFSPA from parts of Arunachal Pradesh only yesterday. What can be more double-speak than this," he told reporters after Jaitley's criticism of the Congress for promising to review AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir. Surjewala said it was the same Narendra Modi, who had in 2018 removed AFSPA from Meghalaya, 27 years after it was
Ukraine bans chartered flights to Russia also
The Ukrainian government on Wednesday banned chartered flights between Ukraine and Russia, but for those required by UN missions, the Red Cross and the Organisation for Security Cooperation of Europe (OSCE).
Last 5 years spent rectifying UPA mistakes: Modi in Maha rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the last five years of the BJP-led government were spent in "rectifying mistakes" of the UPA regime. Addressing a poll rally here, Modi also said he never claimed to have completed all the works (promised in 2014) in five years, but added several important ones have been completed. "I have come here to thank you for your trust and blessings in the last five years and to seek them for the next five years," Modi said. Recalling the action against terror camps in Pakistan, Modi said, "People have not forgotten the Balakot air strike, despite many saying that they have as months have passed after the action". Modi termed the Congress poll manifesto a "hypocrisy document" which was "full of lies". Attacking Congress over its sedition law or Section 124A removal promise, Modi said, "Is Congress with country or traitors?" "Will you give a chance to those who seek to scrap sedition law," Modi asked the crowd at the rally. This was ...
JMM supremo Sibu Soren's daughter to contest LS polls from
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo Sibu Soren's daughter Anjali Soren would contest the Lok Sabha polls from Odisha's Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha constituency. She was declared as the party's candidate on Wednesday. The party also announced the names of candidates for five assembly segments, party sources said. While four Assembly segments are within the Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha constituency, one assembly segment is under the Sundergarh Lok Sabha seat. Anjali, who lives along with her in-laws at Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, would be contesting for the first time. The party's Central Working president Hemant Soren had said earlier that Anjali's candidature was finalised from Mayurbhanj. The JMM has entered into seat adjustment with the Congress in Odisha. Assembly polls in Odisha will be held along with Lok Sabha elections in four phases from April 11.
Pb govt not involved in demolition of 'Darshani Deodi', says Amarinder
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Wednesday said his government had no role in the demolition of a portion of the historic 'Darshani Deodi' at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Tarn Taran. Terming the incident as an "unsavoury and unfortunate", the chief minister said in a statement that the religious issue fell in the exclusive domain of the Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC)- the mini parliament of Sikhs. Three days ago, activists of the Sikh outfit 'Kar Sewa' led by Baba Jagtar Singh had allegedly demolished a portion of the 200-year-old 'Darshani Deodi' prompting political outfits to demand the resignation of the SGPC chief for failing to protect the site. "As a secular party, the Congress did not believe in any sort of religious interference," he said in a statement, adding that his government was completely aligned to the party principles and did not stand for interference of any kind in matters of faith. The SGPC alone could take any decision on the issue, which was a ...
Algerians demand sweeping change as Bouteflika era ends
Flag-waving Algerians have celebrated the resignation of veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, but vowed Wednesday to keep protesting to demand sweeping change to the country's political system. The 82-year-old's departure, announced on state media late Tuesday, followed weeks of massive demonstrations that have shaken the North African nation. Car horns sounded on the streets before jubilant crowds converged in the centre of the capital Algiers to cheer his departure. Many Algerians have never known any president other than Bouteflika, who held power for two decades but was rarely seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013. Protesters in Algiers welcomed his departure but said they were determined to continue demonstrating, rejecting any transition that leaves power in the hands of the "system". "I want my daughter to remember this historic day. Bouteflika's gone, but it's far from over," said 35-year-old Amal, who wore a T-shirt with the slogan "I am against the system" and ..
Go drown yourself in a pool of water: Amit Shah to Cong leaders on AFSPA promise
BJP chief Amit Shah Wednesday lambasted Congress leaders over the party's promise of reviewing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and withdrawing the anti-sedition law, saying they should "drown" themselves in a pool of water, as he pledged his party's support to the forces and sanctity of the AFSPA. Addressing a rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur, the BJP chief also slammed former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti for advocating a separate prime minister for the state and threatening secession of J&K from India. Shah hit the campaign trail in J&K in support of party candidates -- Union Minister Jitendra Singh and sitting MP Jugal Kishore -- addressing rallies at Udhampur and Sunderbani in Rajouri districts. Earlier in the day, he also addressed a gathering in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, where all five constituencies will go to polls in a single phase on April 11. "Congress and its leaders should be ashamed of it (announcing dilution of AFSPA and removing ..
AAP seeks Congress support for Delhi's full statehood
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has sought the support of the Congress party in realising Delhi's dream of full-statehood.In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said the Congress manifesto seemed to have incorporated the issue of statehood but without doing any "homework or research.""Your manifesto states that Congress promises to amend the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 to make it clear that the Lieutenant Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers except in matters concerning the three reserved subjects," writes Rai in the letter."This is factually incorrect. These four lines do not convey anything. Firstly, aid and advice have nothing to do with the GNCTD Act. It is extremely disappointing that after having promised statehood for Delhi for decades, your party has now gone back on its promise," reads the letter."It is time for a fresh Constitutional amendment to provide Delhi with full ...
American tourist, driver kidnapped in Uganda safari park
Ugandan security forces are searching for a U.S. citizen and a local driver who were abducted in a wildlife park and their kidnappers demanded a ransom, authorities said Wednesday. The missing people were taken in an ambush by four gunmen on Tuesday in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a protected area near the porous border with Congo, according to Ugandan police and a government spokesman. The kidnappers held up a group of foreign tourists at gunpoint, grabbed two of them and disappeared into the bush. Later the kidnappers, using the phone of one of their victims, demanded a ransom of $500,000, said a statement issued by police. "We strongly believe this ransom is the reason behind the kidnap," the statement said. "Their vehicle was left parked and the kidnappers went away with the key." The kidnapped American is a 35-year-old woman, police said. The four other tourists were "left abandoned and unharmed" and later were taken to safety after reporting the incident to authorities, ...
NDA candidate Surendran to file nomination papers afresh
BJP state general secretary and NDA candidate from Pathanamthitta, K Surendran will file his nominations papers afresh tomorrow after reports emerged that the Kerala government had informed the state High Court that over 240 cases were registered against him. Surendran had filed his nomination on March 30, stating that there are 20 cases against him. However, news reports emerged Wednesday that the state government had on March 29 submitted an affidavit in the High Court saying there were over 240 cases registered against him. The BJP leader, who is contesting in Pathanamthitta constituency, where the party has pinned its hopes to bag more votes owing to Sabarimala agitation, alleged that the state government was trying to eliminate him from the poll fray. "This is a clear case of political vendetta. I will be filing fresh nomination papers and affidavit after rectifying errors," Surendran told reporters. The charges against Surendran include criminal conspiracy, attempt .
Turkish FM says no turning back from Russia arms deal
Turkey will not turn back from a major arms deal with Russia despite the US suspension of Ankara from the F-35 fighter-jet program, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday. "The S-400 deal is a done deal and we will not step back from this," he told a think-tank forum in Washington, where he is taking part in 70th anniversary celebrations of NATO. The US said Monday that it was halting shipment of F-35 parts of Turkey as well as joint manufacturing work due to Ankara's purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia. Cavusoglu said Turkey turned to Russia as it could not buy US Patriot missiles and quoted President Donald Trump as saying in an unspecified phone call that his predecessor Barack Obama had made a "mistake" not to sell the system to Ankara. However, the Trump administration has since made clear that it is ready to sell Patriot missiles to Turkey -- if it drops the S-400 system. The Turkish foreign minister said the S-400 deal did not signal a warming ...
Funds for NYAY will come from pockets of 'chor' businessmen favoured by 'chowkidar' Modi: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday that funds for the ambitious 'NYAY' scheme would come from the pockets of "chor" businessmen favoured by 'chowkidar' Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its benefit would be directly transferred to bank accounts of women members of poor families. Gandhi addressed two rallies in Assam on Wednesday in support of Kaliabor MP Gaurav Gogoi and Congress candidate from Lakhimpur constituency Anil Buragohain. Each of the 20 per cent poor families will get Rs 72,000 annually and Rs 3.6 lakh in five years, Gandhi said, adding that funds for the scheme will coming from the pockets of 'chors' (thieves) like Anil Ambani in whose accounts 'chowkidar' Narendra Modi has deposited money during the last four years. "Modi had promised four years ago that he would deposit money in the accounts of the people but he has done it only in the case of some rich people like the Ambanis. It is the rich who keep chowkidars, which Modi has become for them. We will ...
Maken confident of Congress-AAP tying up in Delhi
Congress's former Delhi unit chief Ajay Maken on Wednesday expressed confidence that his party and the Aam Aadmi Party will form an alliance for the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital to defeat the BJP.
UK Army probes 'Jeremy Corbyn target practice' video
The British Army on Wednesday said that it was investigating a video showing soldiers using an image of opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn for target practice.
Turkey recounts Istanbul votes after Erdogan's party appeals loss
Turkish electoral authorities on Wednesday recounted votes in more than a dozen Istanbul districts after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP challenged results giving the opposition a narrow victory in a weekend election. The AKP won most votes nationwide in Sunday's municipal ballot, but tallies also showed the party lost the capital Ankara and the country's economic hub Istanbul in one of its worst setbacks in a decade and a half in power. AKP officials on Tuesday filed a challenge with electoral authorities saying they had found irregularities in ballots in both Ankara and Istanbul. "The district branches of the electoral board in Istanbul decided to recount the ballots in eight districts after the appeals yesterday," Supreme Election Board chief Sadi Guven told reporters. Anadolu state news agency later said officials were recounting votes in 18 Istanbul districts, including in three where every vote was being verified. In the other districts, officials were checking only .
Rising unemployment is key poll issue: Jakhar
Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar Wednesday said "growing" unemployment under the BJP regime is one of the key poll issues ahead of the general elections. Jakhar accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of paying no heed to the Punjab government's request to set up a central industrial project in Gurdaspur constituency, from where he is seeking re-election. "Growing unemployment is going to be one of the biggest issues in the general elections as the youth have failed to get jobs as promised by the BJP government," said Jakhar, who was renominated by the Congress from the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat. "We have been demanding a central industrial project in Gurdaspur constituency to generate employment opportunities for our youth. We have earmarked 1,200 acres of land in Kalanaur (in Gurdaspur district)," he added. "We had even written to Modi government to give us one big project but nothing has happened," Jakhar said further. Jakhar had wrested the Gurdaspur seat from the saffron party .