Page 1166 - Politics
Polarisation a key factor in Bengal with BJP's big entry (Dangal 2019)
West Bengal could be on the threshold of a new chapter in its post-independence political history with the coming Lok Sabha polls likely to throw up a new political polarisation between the opposition BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress, pushing the Left Front and Congress further into the margins.
Stock market sees heavy volatility during PM's address
Benchmark indices witnessed heavy volatility amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, reflecting nervousness of the investor community over the subject. The 30-share benchmark index dived by over 100 points but recovered sharply to 38,402.35 at 1234 hrs as Prime Minister announced that India had shot down a live satellite in space with an anti-satellite missile in a major breakthrough in space programme. The markets, which opened higher in the morning over Tuesday's close, sharply dipped following the twitter message as it wasn't clear what the subject of the address to the nation was. The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 200 points on Wednesday during Modi's announcement that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. The 30-share index was trading at 38,443.5, up 212.98 points at 12.24 hrs. The benchmark index had jumped over 200 points in the opening trading session. Meanwhile, buying was also seen in defence ...
A very critical, crucial step in space: Former ISRO chairman
Former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan said he was proud that the country successfully demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability and termed it a crucial step in the space. "All I can say is it's a very, very great event," Kasturirangan told PTI Wednesday. "And we are all proud that we have taken the next step in the space, a very critical, crucial and probably a very difficult step to have taken successfully," he said. In an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media, Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. He described it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. "India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti," the prime minister tweeted later.
BJP leader likens Rahul-Priyanka to Ravan-Surpanakha
Rajasthan BJP vice-president Gyan Dev Ahuja said Congress president Rahul Gandhi is taking help at this "hour of need" from his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, just like Ravan sought Surpanakha's help in the Treta era.Addressing a public gathering at Munda in Alwar district on Tuesday, Ahuja said "According to Hindu mythology, the first era was Satyug in which Hiranakashyap took the help of his sister Holika after getting into trouble. In the Treta era, Ravana sought Surpanakha's help. Similarly, in Kalyug, Baba Rahul Gandhi is taking the assistance of his sister Priyanka in the hour of crisis. I don't need to say much but we all know what happened to Holika and Surpanakha."Continuing his tirade against the Congress, Ahuja claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created such a situation that Rahul and Priyanka are being forced to visit temples. "The family which was completely atheist is now becoming a believer for the sake of politics but the public will not fall for their ...
Naidu condemns EC decision on transfer of officials 'without any reason', appeals it to remain 'neutral'
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday condemned the Election Commission's (EC) decision to transfer three officials "without any reason", while appealing it to remain "neutral, impartial and autonomous".Terming the EC's decision as one-sided, he said, "We will fight against Chief Election Commissioner's decision at the national level. CEC taking one-sided decisions is not good for democracy.""Election Commission transferred three officials without any reason. We condemn it. How can you take action based on YSRCP complaint?" he questioned while addressing a press conference.Naidu threatened legal action against EC's decision, saying: "EC neither gave any notice nor did it ask for any explanation but directly transferred the officials. We will fight legally (against the decision).""DG intelligence looks after the security of CM. He is not concerned about elections," the Andhra Chief Minister added.Naidu questioned as to why EC did not
BJP MP Anshul Verma joins SP
BJP MP Anshul Verma joined the Samajwadi Party on Wednesday after he was denied ticket by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Lok Sabha polls. "I have joined the SP without any conditions. My fault for denial of ticket might be that I had raised voice against distribution of liquor in a temple premises at a conference of the Pasi community, to which I belong," Verma said. "I was hurt by this and had also written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath," Verma told reporters at the SP headquarters in presence of party supremo Akhilesh Yadav. Verma said his other fault might be that he did not prefix the word 'chowkidar' to his name in Twitter profile. He was denied ticket by the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections and the party has fielded Jai Prakash Rawat from the Hardoi seat, held by Verma.
Narendra Modi a big menace for country, Jagan for Andhra: CM Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy a "big menace" for the country and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.Addressing his party workers via teleconference, he said,"(Prime Minister)Modi is a big menace for the country. Same is Jagan for Andhra. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana CM) and Jagan Mohan Reddy are hatching conspiracies as they are afraid of defeat."Naidu claimed that his "rivals" were taking revenge as they were not able to stop development in the state in the last five years."KCR and Jagan Mohan Reddy are unable to digest the development in Andhra Pradesh in the past 5 years. As they cannot stop the development, they are indulging in wrong practices," he saidAccusing the BJP of misusing and damaging institutions in the country, Naidu said: "BJP is a potential danger for the existence of institutions. This is a question of life ...
Week after being sworn-in, Goa Deputy CM Sudin Dhavalikar dropped from cabinet
Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Sudin Dhavalikar was dropped from the Goa cabinet on Wednesday, about a week after being sworn-in to the post.Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recommended the sacking of Dhavalikar from the cabinet, which was accepted by Governor Mridula Sinha.Soon after being dropped from the cabinet, Dhavalikar said that "splitting MGP at midnight is the biggest dacoity done by Chowkidars"."I will not respond to any questions, but what I have in my mind I will speak. Today I am free. MGP is a party of the people. At night, the chowkidars have committed dacoity on MGP which has shocked the people of Goa. People of Goa are watching this and they will decide on the course of action," he said.Earlier in a late night dramatic development, two MLAs from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) merged their party's legislative wing with the BJP, said Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.The support of the MGP was crucial for the stability of ...
New Gaza rocket threatens truce after Netanyahu warning
Palestinian militants fired a rocket at Israel late Tuesday prompting further retaliation strikes from the Israeli army, with the late-night exchanges threatening claims of a truce. It comes hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was prepared for further military action in Gaza, at a highly sensitive time ahead of Israel's April 9 elections. The latest severe flare-up began early Monday when a rare long-distance rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house north of Tel Aviv, wounding seven Israelis. The Israeli military hit back with a series of air strikes across the enclave and Palestinian militants launched a barrage of new rockets. No casualties have been reported. Calm prevailed throughout Tuesday, with Hamas claiming Egypt had brokered a ceasefire, but as night fell Israel said a projectile was fired from Gaza around 8:00 pm (1800 GMT). Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and other groups said "the rocket that hit near Ashkelon was the work of an individual and the factions .
Former PDP Minister joins Shah Faesal's party
Former Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Mustafa Mir on Wednesday joined the Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement (JKPM) led by former IAS officer Shah Faesal.
Rahul wishes PM 'happy World Theatre Day' after his address to nation
Mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday wished him "happy World Theatre Day" after his address to the nation during which he announced that India had shot down a live satellite using anti-satellite missile technology. Gandhi also congratulated the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). "Well done DRDO, extremely proud of your work. I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day," he said on Twitter. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. "In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today," he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media. His address came as ...
PM got himself hour of free TV, diverted nation's attention: Akhilesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi got himself an hour of free TV and diverted nation's attention away from issues on the ground, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav Wednesday said, shortly after Modi addressed the nation on India's anti-satellite missile capability. "Today @narendramodi got himself an hour of free TV & divert(ed) nation's attention away from issues on ground #Unemployment #RuralCrisis & #WomensSecurity by pointing at the sky," he tweeted. Akhilesh also said, "Congratulations @drdo_india & @isro this success belongs to you. Thank you for making India safer." In an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media, Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. He described it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. "India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the ...
Cong congratulates ISRO and govt, credits Nehru and Indira Gandhi for space achievements
The Congress on Wednesday congratulated ISRO and the government for acquiring anti-satellite missile capability but extended credit to former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, while a senior party leader said the 'ASAT' programme was initiated during UPA rule. Deflecting attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced in an address to the nation that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, the Congress and several of its leaders focused on giving credit to India's space scientists. "We congratulate @isro & the Govt on the latest achievement for India. The Indian Space Programme established in 1961 by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru & the Indian Space Research Organisation set up under Smt. Indira Gandhi has always made India proud with its ground breaking achievements," the party tweeted from its official handle shortly after Modi's announcement. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel credited the United ...
PM got himself an hour of free TV: Akhilesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi got himself an hour of free TV and diverted nation's attention away from issues on the ground, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav Wednesday said, shortly after Modi addressed the nation on India's anti-satellite missile capability. "Today @narendramodi got himself an hour of free TV & divert(ed) nation's attention away from issues on ground #Unemployment #RuralCrisis & #WomensSecurity by pointing at the sky," he tweeted. Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. Akhilesh also said, "Congratulations @drdo_india & @isro this success belongs to you. Thank you for making India safer.
Modi should stop taking credit for achievement of space
The TMC Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for trying to "take the credit" of the achievement of space scientists in shooting down a live satellite. The Trinamool Congress said this would not have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections. "Narendra Modi should stop taking credit for the achievement or job done by others. Shooting down a satellite is the credit of our scientists. The Modi government in the last five years has failed to provide any relief to the people of the country," senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said. "So ahead of the elections, the BJP and Modi should stop these tricks to fool the masses. It won't have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections," Hakim said. His statement came after the prime minister announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. Modi said the action was not directed against any country and the
EC notice to BJP member for sharing 'Main Bhi Chowkidar Hoon' video
The Election Commission Wednesday issued a show cause notice to a member of the BJP's National Election Committee for sharing an audio-visual advertisement titled "Main Bhi Chowkidar Hoon" on social media without complying with the directions of the poll body, an official said. He said Neeraj has been directed to submit a reply within three days. The poll body said its Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) had issued a certificate dated March 16 to the BJP leader "in respect of the said advertisement subject to the exclusion of the clips depicting Army personnel". Earlier this month, the EC had directed political parties to keep the country's defence personnel out of election campaigning and not use their photographs in advertisements.
Algerian Army Chief demands removal of President Bouteflika
Algeria's army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah has demanded the removal of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, saying the incapacitated 82-year-old leader should be declared unfit to rule, following weeks of violent demonstrations against him.Salah, in a televised address, said on Tuesday that he made the decision after considering the demands of the people."We must adopt a solution that helps us out of this crisis. A solution that respects and adheres to the constitution so that it's a suitable one for all sides. This solution is stipulated in Article 102 of the Constitution," Salah was quoted by Al-Jazeera as saying.Under Article 102 of the Algerian Constitution, the Constitutional Council could ask the Parliament to declare a President to be unfit to rule the country if he or she is unable to fully exercise his functions due to ill-health.Bouteflika has rarely made public appearances since suffering a stroke in 2013.If a two-thirds majority of the upper and lower houses of the Algerian ...
Target destroyed by India's A-SAT missile was an out of service Indian satellite
New Delhi [India], March 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Wednesday at 12:10 PM announcing that India has entered an elite space club by successfully testing A-SAT, an anti-satellite missile. India is now an entrant in a club of three nations -- United States, Russia and China -- with anti-satellite weapon capabilities, informed Prime Minister Modi.Government sources revealed to ANI that the A-SAT weapon was launched around 11:16AM on Wednesday and targeted an Indian satellite which had been decommissioned and was orbiting on a 'Low Earth Orbit' at a height of 300 KM from the earth's surface. The entire test, with confirmation of target elimination, took 3 minutes.The project announced by Prime Minister Modi in a televised address as "Mission Shakti" was coordinated by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman G. Satheesh Reddy and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval along with officers of the National Security Council.The missile was
BJP bats for early Assembly polls in J and K
BJP on Wednesday batted for holding early Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir while charging National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with being "happy" with the Lok Sabha polls."We have asked the Election Commission to hold Assembly elections in the state as early as possible," BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav told reporters in Srinagar."Farooq Abdullah (of NC) and Mehbooba Mufti (of PDP) are contesting the Lok Sabha elections and they are happy with that. But we want early Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir," Madhav added.Mehbooba will contest from the Anantnag parliamentary constituency while Abdullah from the Srinagar seat.Madhav slammed PDP and NC for boycotting urban local body and panchayat polls, saying, "Mehbooba and Omar Abdullah do not want peace in the Valley. They were not concerned about Article 35-A or Article 370 during the polls, rather they are afraid of BJP's win and their defeat in the state.""I must tell you that after BJP ...
NYAY will cost about 1.8 per cent of India's GDP: P Chidambaram
Former Finance Minister and Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday asserted that complete rollout of party's promised minimum income guarantee initiative, NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana), will cost about 1.8 per cent of India's GDP."When NYAY scheme is fully rolled out and all the five crore families are covered, it will cost us about 1.8 per cent of GDP," said Chidambaram while addressing a press conference here.Stating that the details of this scheme will be announced in the manifesto, he said: "it will be fully explained when Congress comes in the government"."We will identify the poorest 20 crore families of India. There would be about 5 crore such families with an average size of five members per family. Hence, this scheme will be benefiting 25 crore people of India. The scheme of this kind could not have been implemented 20 years ago. Today, thanks to liberalisation that was launched by the Congress government in 1991. We believe that the Indian economy has the capacity to ...