Page 1160 - Politics
UP: Hardoi MP Anshul Verma joins SP, hands over resignation to 'chowkidar' at BJP state office
Disgruntled after being denied poll ticket for the ensuing Lok Sabha election, sitting MP from Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi seat, Anshul Verma on Wednesday joined the Samajwadi Party in the presence of party president Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow.What gives the story an interesting twist is the fact that Verma said he had submitted his resignation to a chowkidar (watchman) of the state BJP headquarters here. This gesture comes amidst the BJP's "Main Bhi chowkidar" campaign that is being endorsed by all leaders and workers of the paty."I'm hurt with the BJP's decision to deny me a party ticket. When I asked for a reason nobody from the party responded to it, no responsible BJP leader gave me time to meet".The BJP has fielded Jai Prakash Rawat as its candidate from Hardoi parliamentary constituency.Verma accused BJP of having built grand offices in the national capital and every district of Uttar Pradesh, spending crores of rupees. He mocked the BJP by terming it 'Sabka saath, BJP ka vikas' a .
Indian defence industry keen to support African countries: Rawat
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said here Wednesday the Indian defence industry was keen to support African countries in the acquisition of latest military hardware. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019 (AFINDEX-19) at Aundh Military station. Referring to an equipment display organised under the aegis of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) after the exercise, Rawat said it was a "humble attempt to showcase the emerging Indian defence industry". "The defence industry is keen to support African nations in aquiring the latest military hardware, aimed at capacity enhancements in tune with emerging trends," the Army chief said. India's relations with African countries were based on a development partnership, on common strategic convergences and economic interests, he said. "India is one of the largest contributors to peace-keeping operations in Africa and has participated in nearly all the peace-keeping operations .
DRDO achievement pride for nation, let us not play politics on it: Ram Madhav
With the Opposition accusing Prime Minister Modi of trying to get electoral mileage by announcing amid the poll process the successful testing of India's anti-satellite missile ability, the BJP Wednesday cautioned political parties against playing "politics on the issue". Terming DRDO scientists achievement as a "pride" of the nation, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said "let us not play politics" on the issue. Modi announced Wednesday that India demonstrated its anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, and described it a "rare achievement" that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. "Let us not play any politics (on the achievement). The whole country takes pride in the achievement of our scientists," Madhav told reporters here. Replying to a question on a reported Congress' claim that the country developed this capability way back in 2012, the BJP leadersaid,"If it was developed in 2012, I don't know why it was never tested
UP guv takes exception to Akhilesh's tweet
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik Wednesday lodged a strong objection over Akhilesh Yadav's tweet calling him a "campaigner for the BJP", saying the SP chief "disrespected those occupying constitutional posts". A Raj Bhawan statement said Naik has written a letter to Yadav over his Tuesday's tweet. Referring to reports in a section of the media, Naik said Yadav has been quoted as saying "governor and government agencies were campaigning for the BJP and today itself the governor has gone to visit some people involved in an incident in Lucknow". Naik said he had visited the family of an accident victim in the state capital which he considers as his duty. The governor said he has not visited any public programme nor issued any statement since the announcement of elections. "I think that such a talk at election time is not appropriate and is not expected of you," the governor said. The SP president had tweeted on Tuesday: "BJP's election issues: Opposition and chowkidar. BJP's campaigners: .
Had I been PM, I would have retaliated Pulwama terror attack within seconds, says SP leader Azam Khan
Had I been the Prime Minister of India, I would have attacked Pakistan after the killing of 40 CRPF jawans in terror bombing in Pulwama, said senior SP leader Azam Khan here on Wednesday."Had I been the Prime Minister of India, I would not have waited even for 40 seconds in ordering the attack (on Pakistan) after the suicide bombing without caring about its possible consequences," Khan told reporters at a press conference here.Forty CRPF jawans were killed after a suicide attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their convoy on Srinagar-Jammu highway in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had claimed the responsibility for the deadly attack.Azam Khan is contesting the Lok Sabha poll from Rampur constituency in Uttar Pradesh on the Samajwadi Party ticket. Uttar Pradesh goes to polls in seven phases, from April 11 to May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Hardoi MP Anshul Verma quits BJP to join SP
Miffed over being denied a ticket from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, outgoing Lok Sabha member Anshul Verma on Wednesday resigned from the BJP to join the Samajwadi Party (SP).
ASAT missile: Jaitley slams Opposition for claiming credit
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday slammed Congress for claiming that the process to develop anti-satellite (ASAT) missile began during previous UPA government, saying that Manmohan Singh government had refused to give permission for the testing of its capability."All process started after 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved it," the Union Minister said terming today's test of ASAT missile as "monumental" and "historic" day for the country."Our scientists wanted this (test to be conducted) earlier too. They had even said that we have this capability but Government of India is not allowing us and that is why we are not able to develop it," Jaitley said addressing a press conference here.He cited media reports published on April 21, 2012 to enforce his point that previous governments withheld permission for this test to be conducted."The Congress leader patting their backs should remember that VK Saraswat (then DRDO chief) said we now have the capacity to ...
Delhi BJP requests its central leadership for four rallies by PM Modi in the national capital
The Delhi BJP has requested its central leadership for four rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost its campaign in the national capital ahead of the lok Sabha elections. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said five locations have been short-listed as venues for the rallies for which permission has been sought from the central leadership. "We have requested for four public rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. I believe, we will get nod for at least two of them," he said. The possible venues which have been short-listed for the prime minister's rallies are Sant Nirankari Ground in Burari, Shastri Park, Dwarka and Mehrauli. The list of candidates for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, currently held by the party, is expected to be released in the first week of April. Party sources claimed that the announcement of candidates was getting "delayed" due to uncertainty over a possible tie up between the Congress and the AAP. However, Tiwari rejected this saying the party
SKM promises govt jobs for unemployed youths of Sikkim
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), the main opposition party in the state, on Wednesday promised government jobs for unemployed youths if voted to power. The SKM also said it will provide a subsistence allowance of Rs 10,000 per month to those unemployed youths who somehow don't land a government job. "We will provide government jobs to all unemployed youths in Sikkim within 100 days of coming to power in the state," SKM president P S Golay told a press conference here, while releasing the election manifesto of his party. Golay, who is not contesting the upcoming assembly polls in Sikkim despite the fact that his party has projected him as the chief ministerial face, said all ad hoc teachers will be regularised in service if it comes to power. In its manifesto, the SKM said private companies in Sikkim will be required to deposit salaries of its employees with the state government for distribution by the latter. On political issues, Golay said his party will ensure that ...
Only Cong is capable of defeating country's communal forces: J-K unit chief
The Congress is the only unifying force in the country, capable of defeating the "communal and fascist forces" who want to "divide" the people for the sake of power, chief of the party's J-K unit G A Mir said Wednesday. Addressing a function organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Mir described the party as the only political organisation which has served the people of the country and would continue to do so to the best of its ability. "The Congress party will continue to remain committed to the cause of serving the people," hew said. "Congress is the only party which is capable of defeating the communal and fascist forces and will continue to fight against those forces who want to divide the country and people for the sake of coming to power," he added. The JKPCC chief said the Congress party represented the peoples' movement and would continue to safeguard the secular character of the country. Speaking to reporters later, Mir said the Bharatiya Janata .
A great achievement for India, will act as deterrence: DRDO Chief on anti-satellite missile test
India's anti-satellite missile test is a reflection of the country's growing capability to develop critical technology and it will act as a good deterrence, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Wednesday. Reddy said clearance for the project was given over two years back. "It is a great achievement for India," he told PTI after India shot down a satellite in space with a missile, catapulting the country into an elite club of space powers. Reddy said the technology used for the test has been completely developed indigenously. The shooting down of the satellite with a missile reflected that "we have matured to develop technology which could achieve accuracy in terms of centimeters". "The anti-satellite missile test has reflected our capability and will act as a good deterrance," the chief of Defence Research and Development Organisation said. The project was implemented in the fastest way possible and it showed the DRDO's capability in doing such programmes, he added.
Denied nomination, Congressman carts away office chairs
If no Lok Sabha seat, then office chairs are fine.
CPI(M) objects to appointment of K K Sharma as special police observer for Bengal
The CPI(M) has written to the Election Commission against the appointment of former BSF Director General K K Sharma as special police observer for the April-May parliamentary election in West Bengal and Jharkhand, alleging he was present at an RSS function a year ago. The Election Commission Tuesday appointed four special observers, two retired IRS and two retired IPS officer, to spearhead its efforts to check the abuse of black money and illegal inducements to voters and monitor deployment of security forces in select sensitive states during the Lok Sabha polls. Sharma is one of them. "It has been widely reported that the DG, who has now retired, participated in a two-day event in Kolkata which was organised by Seemanta Chetna Manch, part of the RSS-backed Seema Jagran Manch, a pan India body which aims to instil 'patriotism' in the border areas across the country. "The ECI's appointment, therefore, is patently questionable and would raise the question of political partisanship. We ..
Apprehension, excitement in Kerala over Modi address
When television channels flashed news that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be making an important address to the nation, apprehension and excitement was galore in Kerala. Sixty-two-year-old Padmavathy, who works as a domestic help in various flats in the heart of the capital city, said even after eking out a living working in various homes, she found it difficult to make two ends meet. After Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced the minimum Income Guarantee scheme two days ago, she said she was hoping that the BJP government would come out with a similar announcement for people below the poverty line. But the announcement by Prime Minister turned out to be totally different, she said. "I do not have a own house and am a widow. What do the governments do for people like us except empty promises ?", she asked. A research student Aswathy said "My friend asked me to withdraw money before the Prime Minister announces something like demonetisation. Then I checked the ...
Anti-satellite missile a shot in the arm for India's defence capability, say industry
Industry and experts Wednesday said 'Mission Shakti', under which India demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, has dramatically strengthened the country's strategic defence power. "This success speaks laurels for our scientific community which have done the nation proud and enhanced our strategic defence capability," Ficci President Sandip Somany said. He added that the emergence of India as a major defence and space power while keeping in place its commitments to non-proliferation of weapons in space and not against any nation, speaks volumes of its stature as a responsible world power in the comity of nations. "This demonstration is significant in that the technology is indigenous. For decades, India has been denied foreign technology under nuclear and missile control regimes, forcing the country to research and develop the technology at home," Dr. Chaitanya Giri, Fellow, Space Studies, Gateway House said.
Congress can't pat its back for A-SAT success: Jaitley
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday dubbed India's "Mission Shakti" as "historic" and said the achievement is a "milestone" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to advance country's security doctrine.
Egypt's opposition decries move to extend president's term
Opposition parties are urging Egyptians to vote against constitutional amendments that would potentially allow President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to remain in power until 2034. Several political parties, including many born out of the 2011 pro-democracy uprising, took part in a press conference Wednesday decrying the amendments. El-Sissi has presided over an unprecedented crackdown on dissent since leading the military overthrow of an elected but divisive Islamist president in 2013, rolling back freedoms won in the uprising eight years ago. Parliament is packed with el-Sissi supporters who back the amendments, which would have to be approved in a nationwide referendum. The referendum is expected to be held in the coming weeks.
China sacks ex-Interpol chief from ruling CPC for graft
China on Wednesday sacked former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei from all his official positions and expelled him from the ruling Communist Party, accusing him of corruption, serious disciplinary violations and encouraging his wife who is settled abroad to campaign against his detention. Meng, 65, who was once a rising political star among officialdom of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held the powerful post of vice-minister of public security before being appointed as China's first official to head the Interpol -- a global organisation that facilitates worldwide police cooperation. He was expelled from the CPC and removed from office for serious disciplinary violations and suspected graft crimes, the Party's disciplinary watchdog and national supervisory commission announced, state-run China Daily reported. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said the Central Committee of CPC had also approved an investigation into Meng, who was a member of the committee and ...
Modi to address a dozen rallies in Rajasthan ahead of polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address at least a dozen public meetings in Rajasthan ahead of the national polls, and BJP's state unit has been asked to identify the regions where these rallies can be held. The party's central leadership has asked for information about the regions where the prime minister did not hold public meetings during last year's state elections. The meetings will be held in those areas, a party leader said. He said the state BJP has provided the required information and prime minister is likely to address at least 12 public meetings. "We will be giving special focus on the areas where sitting MPs are contesting elections," he added. The BJP had won all 25 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and considering the defeat in the state elections, the party is preparing a "cautious plan" to make a comeback, he said. After the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot, the prime minister held a public meeting in Churu of Shekhawati region. Before that he addressed a ...
Former Nepal Prime Minister visits Kerala CM
: Former Nepal Prime Minister and communist leader Jhala Nath Khanal called on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and held discussions here Wednesday. A delegation led by Khanal met the Chief Minister athis official residence in the city. Khanal, who was here to participate in a private function, explained to the hief Minister the present political developments in his country and the projects which Nepal was planning to implement in various fields, an official statement said here. The efforts to mechanisethe agriculture sector was gaining momentum in Nepal, the leaderadded. The Nepalese leader accepted Vijayan's suggestion that his country co-operate with Kerala in various sectors like tourism and Ayurveda, it said. Besides youth and student activists from Nepal, Khanal's wife Ravilaxmi Chitrakar also accompanied him. CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and the left party's politbureau member M A Baby also took part in the discussion, it added.