Page 1122 - Politics
Congress observers hold review meeting in Maharashtra
A team of Congress observers led by party general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal met Maharashtra Congress leaders here Saturday, as the state unit is plagued by discontent and defections ahead of Lok Sabha polls. Venugopal was accompanied by general secretary in charge of the state Mallikarjun Kharge and Madhusudan Mistry, the party's election observer for Maharashtra. A senior leader who attended the meeting said Venugopal asked state leaders to support state Congress chief Ashok Chavan, and warned that party president Rahul Gandhi will not tolerate any indiscipline. A few senior state Congress leaders were asked to talk to Manikrao Gavit, who is fuming over the party's decision to give Lok Sabha ticket to K C Padvi from Nandurbar and not to Gavit's son. Manikrao Gavit was a nine-time MP from the seat. State leaders were also asked to speak to Abdul Sattar who has raised a banner of revolt in Aurangabad. When contacted, Ashok Chavan said it was a routine meeting
BJD MP resigns after son denied ticket for LS polls
A sitting Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP resigned on Saturday after his son was denied a ticket to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Odisha.
Badal praises Modi for his decisive nature
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supremo Prakash Singh Badal on Saturday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decisive nature and also on BJP President Amit Shah for his extraordinary organisational abilities.
I-T raids a shameful attempt to threaten party workers: H D Kumaraswamy
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday accused the Income Tax department of "harassing" Congress and JD(S) workers in the state and sought the "immediate intervention" of the Election Commission in the matter. In a pre-dawn raids on Thursday, I-T sleuths had carried out coordinated searches at many locations across Bengaluru, Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan and Shivamogga, triggering an angry backlash from leaders of the ruling Congress-JD(S) alliance. He termed the raids a "shameful attempt" to threaten and generate fear among party workers. Kumaraswamy on Saturday wrote on Twitter, "IT officials continued their raid. They raided the rice and sugar mills run by Congress and JDS workers till 4am today and put spy cams on their premises. Disguising themselves as railway officials, they borrowed vehicles and are now staying at CFTRI Mysuru (sic)." "A shameful attempt to threaten and generate fear among our workers! We request the election commission to ...
Assam, rest of Northeast suffering from infiltration due to Cong policies: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that Assam and the rest of the Northeast were suffering from infiltration due to the policies of the Congress government in the 1970s. Addressing a BJP rally in Gohpur, his second in the state on Saturday, Modi said the youth should ask the elderly to find out how the Congress betrayed Assam time and again. "Will people of Assam support those that are working against the interests of the country? They do not favour progress of our country, will they care about Assam's development?" he asked as he sought support for his party in the April-May Lok Sabha election. Congress always cheated people, but the 'Chowkidar' will fight against infiltration, terrorism and corruption, Modi said. In the interest of the nation, it was the Jan Sangh and tall leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had raised their voice in support of Bangladesh during its independence movement, the prime minister said. Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India in 1971
Congress fields Ulhas Patil from Raver against BJP's Khadse
The Congress announced the candidature of Ulhas Patil from the Raver Lok Sabha seat where he will take on sitting BJP MP Raksha Khadse. Raver is with the NCP, as part of the alliance between the two principal opposition parties in Maharashtra, but has been given to the Congress, NCP state unit chief Jayant Patil said. Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan said Patil's name was announced by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal and general secretary in charge of Maharashtra Mallikarjun Kharge here. Last week, the Congress and NCP decided to contest 26 and 22 seats respectively in Maharashtra. Both parties decided to leave two seats each from their quota for other allies. Accordingly, the Congress was to contest 24 and NCP 20 Lok Sabha seats. With Raver coming into the Congress' fold, the party will now contest 25 seats against the NCP's 19. In another development, Praveen Gaikwad, who was earlier associated with the Maratha outfit Sambhaji Brigade and .
If you scrap Article 370, your relation with J-K will be over: Mufti warns Centre
People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday warned that if the central government scraps Article 370, its relationship with the state will come to an end.Article 370 of the Indian Constitution grants special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.Mufti also said new conditions would emerge if Article 370 is scrapped."If you break that bridge (Article 370)... Then you will have to renegotiate the relationship between India and Jammu and Kashmir. There will be new conditions... A Muslim majority state, would it even want to stay with you? If you scrap Article 370, your relation with Jammu and Kashmir will be over," she said.Demands have surfaced time and again to revoke Article 370 along with Article 35 (A), which grants special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
Maratha leader Pravin Gaikwad joins Congress
Maratha leader Pravin Gaikwad on Saturday joined Congress party in the presence of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Maharashtra Congress unit president Ashok Chavan and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal.As per the seat-sharing arrangement, the Congress party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are fighting on 24 and 20 seats respectively.Their other allies--Bahujan Vikas Aghadi will contest one seat, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana two seats and Yuva Swabhimani Paksha one seat.Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11. Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.
Congress indulged in corrupt practices while in power, alleges Haryana CM Khattar
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday slammed Congress party for allegedly indulging in corrupt practices while being in power for several years.Addressing an election rally in Bhiwani, he said, "Several scams were exposed such as 2G spectrum scam, 3G spectrum scam. They looted public money and did nothing for the development of the country."Khattar also took a jibe at former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda of the Congress over the rise in his income within a span of 15 years."While filing nominations for the elections, each candidate has to fill a form disclosing his assets. In 2004, Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated in his affidavit that he possesses assets worth 95 lakh," he said."In 2009 Hooda's assets were worth Rs 3.3 crore and in 2014 he had assets worth Rs 8.5 crore. These are only disclosed assets. He must be having more in the names of others," the Haryana Chief Minister said.Chief Minister Khattar listed out his government's achievements in Haryana and said
Maharashtra Congress releases booklet listing '100 mistakes' of PM Modi
The Maharashtra State Congress Committee on Saturday stepped up its attacks on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it released a booklet containing "100 Mistakes" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to him as the BJP's 'shishupal' (mythological character).In its booklet, Congress stated that the dream of 'Acche Din' collapsed fatally in every sector and aspect. The common man was taken for a ride on the pretext of false promises, it added."Though the BJP government was in clear majority in 2014, they were unsuccessful in governing with diligence. Now is the time, the common man must elect their representatives on the basis of truth. For this, the mistakes done by the Modi government should be accounted for," the Congress stated in its booklet.Elaborating on the term 'shishupal', the Maharashtra Congress said: "Narendra Modi often quotes from ancient Indian epics. One such important character is Shishupal from Mahabharat. Lord Shri Krishna had promised his aunt (mother of ..
Will emerge as single biggest party in UP, claims Shivpal Singh Yadav
Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) president Shivpal Singh Yadav on Saturday claimed that his party is in direct contest with the BJP in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha polls and will emerge as the single largest party in the state."In UP, we are in direct contest with the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls," he said, while talking to ANI before filing his nomination papers. "We are going to emerge as the single largest party in the state," he said.Shivpal Singh Yadav was here to file his nomination papers for the Lok Sabha election. He is in the fray against his nephew Akshaya Yadav, son of Samajwadi Party general secretary Prof Ram Gopal Yadav. Akshaya is also the sitting MP from the seat.When asked if he would convey his "good wishes" to his nephew, he said: "I am not seeing relations anymore. I am here to contest the election on the people's demand. I just have to see the people of Uttar Pradesh and Firozabad.""Those who seek my blessings may do so after elections are over. I am in the ..
India killed enemies in their home, but Congress is stressed: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Congress was stressed about the fact that India for the first time killed its enemies in their territory.In what was an apparent reference to India's air strike at Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) training camp in Pakistan's Balakot in February in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack, he said: "For the first time, India killed its enemies inside their territory but the Congress is still stressed about it.""The whole world got united and stood by India but the Congress has lost its sleep over it. You are all happy about these developments, but there is an atmosphere of unhappiness in two places. One of the places is the Congress family and the other is terrorists' homes," said he while addressing an election rally here."Congress party created an image of India as a nation which is suffering," he said. "It is for you the people to decide if you want a strong government or a tainted government. They hate chowkidaar; they have a problem with .
Congress forced Ashok Chavan to contest LS polls, claims BJP leader Vinod Tawde
Taking a pot shot at the Congress in view of internal clashes within the opposition party, BJP leader and Education Minister Vinod Tawde on Saturday said that Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan has been forced to contest the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. "Congress' internal clashes have escalated to such a level that their convenor came here to intervene from the Centre. Ashok Chavan was trying to field his wife for the Lok Sabha poll as he was willing to take part in the state politics. However, the party has given him the ticket to contest the elections," Tade told ANI. Congress has fielded Chavan from Nanded Lok Sabha constituency.Tawde claimed that Former Maharashtra chief minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan was filled with happiness after the party announced Ashok's name for the general elections."The happiest person is Prithviraj Chavan as Ashok Chavan has gone to Delhi. VK Patil has been sidelined. So, now he will have single-handed leadership in ...
BJP's mission in Arunachal Pradesh is 60+2: CM Khandu
Exuding confidence in the BJP's poll prospects in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Saturday that voters will help the saffron party accomplish its mission of "60 plus two" in the state. "We have a target of winning all the seats and the BJPs mission is 60 plus two," Khandu said while addressing an election rally here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP has already opened its account in the state with three candidates declared elected unopposed in the 60-member Assembly. "Overwhelmed with the development trajectory initiated by the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and the state government, the voters will help the party to accomplish its mission of 60 plus two in the state and vote the BJP to power again," he said. Arunachal Pradesh is going to simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls on April 11. Mentioning that the BJP had weakened the base of the Congress in Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu said, "The Congress, which had ruled ..
'Nationalism alright if looked at broadly, not narrowly'
: Nationalism is alright if it is looked at broadly but it may not be good if it is seen narrowly, former chief of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) A S Dulat said Saturday. "The larger point I am making is that what is sufficient is patriotism. We need not stress on nationalism. Because, the indications worldwide are, in the past also, that nationalism can lead to war," he told reporters here. Dulat, who was speaking on the sidelines of the annual Asian Arab Awards 2019 organised here by the Indian Economic Trade Organisation, was asked about his comments that nationalism is unbalancing the world. Dulat quoted a former president of France as saying that "we should shed our prejudices. Otherwise, it leads to nationalism and nationalism means war." Another foreign leader had said, "nationalism is wrecking my patriotism." "The point I am trying to make is that if you look at nationalism broadly, it is alright. If you start looking at it narrowly, then it starts affecting ...
It will be dangerous for country if Modi isn't re-elected: Hema Malini
BJP MP Hema Malini has said it will be dangerous for the country if Prime Minister Narendra Modi doesn't return to power as he alone has the courage to do what is right for the country. The actor-turned-politician, who is recontesting from the Mathura Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh once again this year, also hit out at the Opposition, saying that it is "desperate" as Modi has ensured that there is no corruption in the country. "There is no other choice. Modiji has to come back. It will be dangerous for the country if someone else wins. That's why we all (BJP members) are working hard to bring him back," Hema Malini told PTI Bhasha in an interview. Referring to the various schemes and initiatives launched by the central government, she claimed that the previous dispensations did not have the courage to do what Modi has done. "It's sad to see the way the Opposition ridicules everything the prime minister does. Whatever he felt was right for the country, he did it bravely," the .
Multi-disciplinary monitoring group will help end terrorism in J&K: Governor
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday said the newly set up multi-disciplinary terror monitoring group (MDTMG) would help put an end to the menace in the state. "Terror funding and terrorist organisation sympathisers are everywhere... Unless they are dealt with, terrorism cannot be wiped out," Malik told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. The Centre Friday set up the MDTMG to ensure synergised and concerted action against terror financing and related activities in the state. When asked whether government employees were under the scanner, Malik said, "I am not talking about employees. I am talking about all those people who are connected with them (terrorists), who are supporting them and who are their sympathisers." The governor refused to make a comment on alleged reports of certain politicians making pro-terrorist slogans. According to an official order, the terror monitoring group will have representatives from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Intelligence ...
UP deputy CM describes Nyay as 'anyaay yojana'
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Saturday described the Congress' Nyay scheme as "anyay (injustice) yojana", saying that the scheme is "laughable" when compared to the welfare schemes implemented by the BJP. "The public is able to see all the 'anyaay' done by them (Congress) in their Nyay scheme. This is a type of 'anyaay yojana', as in the period of more than 70 years of Independence, you (Congress) ruled the country for almost three-fourths of the period, but never thought about the betterment of the people, especially the poor," Sharma told PTI. "The worst impact of the 'anyay yojana' will be visible in Amethi (Rahul's constituency), where the 'raj gharana' (royal family) will lose the parliamentary election this time by a margin of few lakh votes for the first time, and the flag of the BJP will fly high," the minister said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had on Monday announced that Rs 72,000 per year will be given as minimum income to 5 crore poor families if
PM attacks oppn parties at Arunachal rally, says they are 'disheartened by India's growth'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked the people of Arunachal Pradesh to vote for a 'chowkidar' (watchman) who would provide security to the country even as he attacked Opposition parties, claiming they were "disheartened" by India's growth and success. Kicking off his campaign here for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh, the prime minister said the state is a "shield for the country with the people zealously guarding the border as sentinels". Targeting the Congress, he said the grand old party is "synonymous with corruption" and has the habit of taking people of this country for a ride". "When the country makes significant achievements, don't you feel happy? Everyone, irrespective of their social and financial status, regales at India's success stories. There are, however, some who feel disheartened by India's growth and success," Modi said. "When India hit terrorists in their houses, what was the stand of opposition parties you have all seen. ...
India, US seek meaningful and irreversible action from Pakistan on terror
India and the US have underlined the need for Pakistan to take "meaningful, irreversible and verifiable" action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil as Washington backed the people and Government of India in the fight against terrorism. The two countries exchanged views on threats posed by international terrorist organisations during the US-India Counter-terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue that concluded here Friday, weeks after the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF personnel, prompting the international community to ask Islamabad to rein-in all terror groups on its soil. While the US delegation was led by State Department Coordinator for Counter-terrorism Ambassador Nathan Sales, the Indian side was headed by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Mahaveer Singhvi. "Both sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible, and verifiable ..