Page 1167 - Politics
Thailand elections: 7 pro-democratic parties form coalition against ruling junta
Thailand's Pheu Thai Party, which was ousted in a 2014 coup by the military junta, on Wednesday announced that it formed a seven-party coalition, claiming that it won a majority of Lower House seats in the March 25 General elections.The Pheu Thai Party-led coalition claimed the right to form the government, saying it has got 255 seats in the 500-seat House of Representatives, pipping pro-military Palang Pracharath Party, The Straits Times reported.At a press conference here, leaders of Future Forward Party, Pheu Chart Party, Prachachart Party, Seri Ruam Thai Party and Thai People Power Party joined the Pheu Thai Party and signed a joint statement as a symbolic protest against the ruling junta.However, a seventh party, the New Economics Party, did not make it to the presser. However, the Pheu Thai Party said that the party had agreed to be a part of the alliance.While junta-backed Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha won the most votes in the polls, Pheu Thai Party bagged the highest .
India enters elite International club, successfully tests anti-satellite weapon
In a major defence achievement, India on Wednesday successfully tested an anti-satellite missile by shooting down its own decommissioned satellite that was on a 'Low Earth Orbit' at a height of 300 KM from the earth's surface. Making the announcement about the test, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's feat is only for its own defence needs and not for use against any country.Prime Minister Modi also assured the international community that this test does not violate any international treaties or law and that India remains committed against the arms race in space.India has now entered the elite international club of four countries having such a capability."India has successfully registered its name as a space power. Till now three countries of the world- America, Russia and China had this feat. India is the fourth country to have achieved this feat. There could be a no bigger moment of pride. A short while ago our scientists have shot-down a live satellite in low earth orbit
Andhra govt moves lunch motion in HC over transfer of IPS officers
The state government on Wednesday moved a 'Lunch Motion' petition in the Andhra Pradesh high court challenging the transfer of 3 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.This comes a day after the Election Commission transferred three IPS officers in Andhra Pradesh after YSRCP leaders accused them of working in favour of ruling Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP).The EC issued transfer orders for Intelligence Director General (DG) AB Venkateswara Rao, Kadapa Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Dev Sharma and Srikakulam SP Venkata Ratnam.The EC, in its order, also stated that their immediate subordinates will take charge.The three officers have been ordered to report to the police headquarters and not take-up any election-related duty.The election to 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly is scheduled to be held on April 11 simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
I don't answer sheikhchillis: Maneka Gandhi on Rahul's minimum income scheme
"I do not answer sheikhchillis (day-dreamers)," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Maneka Gandhi said in response to a question on the minimum income guarantee scheme introduced by Congress president Rahul Gandhi."No comments on Minimum Income Guarantee Scheme. I do not answer 'sheikhchillis' (a person who does not understand the law of gravity)," Maneka told reporters here on Wednesday.When asked if Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance will pose a challenge for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi, who will contest the upcoming polls from Sultanpur, exuded confidence in the BJP's victory."Every single election brings its own challenges. But in the last five years, the BJP has done a lot of work across the country. We will fight these elections as an organised army. I am sure that we will again emerge victorious," she added.Polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases, starting April 11. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.While Maneka will ...
Priyanka Gandhi arrives in UP for three-day visit
With less than 15 days to go for the Lok Sabha elections to begin, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday arrived in Uttar Pradesh to start her three-day campaign.
Goa Deputy CM Sudin Dhavalikar dropped from cabinet
Goa Deputy Chief Minister and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) leader Sudin Dhavalikar, who held the Public Works Department Ministry, was dropped from the Pramod Sawant-led cabinet on Wednesday.
BJP's decision to not field Joshi doesn't mean his era over: UP min
The Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister has said that denial of a ticket to BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi in the Lok Sabha polls does not mean his era was over as he, along with L K Advani, will continue to guide the party. The party respects and honours them, Surya Pratap Shahi told reporters on the sidelines of 'Vijay Sankal Rally' here Tuesday night. "The BJP has denied ticket to Joshiji because of certain circumstances but this does not mean that the era of Joshiji and Advaniji is over... They still remain the inspiration and guiding leaders for the party," Shahi said. The party Tuesday dropped its former president Joshi as its candidate from Kanpur for the Lok Sabha polls. To a question on the proposed visit of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi to Ayodhya, Shahi quipped "better late than never". "The BJP has no objection to her visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple or Ayodhya... It's good that she has started believing in Lord Ram," he said, adding "if the Congress, which ...
Rahul Gandhi to address three rallies in T'gana on April 1
Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address three election campaign meetings in Telangana on April 1. Gandhi will address rallies at Zaheerabad, Wanaparthy (Nagarkurnool Lok Sabha constituency) and Huzurnagar (Nalgonda seat), state Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said. Reddy himself is the party candidate from Nalgonda. The Congress nominees in Zaheerabad and Nagarkurnool are Madan Mohan Rao and Mallu Ravi respectively. The Congress is going it alone in the Lok Sabha polls. The CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), who are only contesting in a couple of seats, have extended support to the Congress in seats where they have not not fielded candidates. TDP, which decided not to contest Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, has also decided, in principle, to support the Congress. Telangana goes to the polls in the first phase on April 11.
India demonstrates anti-satellite missile capability, stands tall as space power: PM
Prime Minister Narendra 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. "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. "India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti," the prime minister tweeted later. He said the action was not directed against any country and the satellite was a pre-determined target orbiting at an altitude of 300 km. The prime minister did not say who owned the satellite but added that India does not breach any international laws or treaties. Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development ...
Goa CM drops Dy CM after 2 MGP MLAs break away from party
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Wednesday dropped deputy CM Sudin Dhavalikar after two MLAs of the latter's MGP broke away and joined the ruling BJP. Dhavalikar was the lone MGP MLA who did not break away from the party. In a communication addressed to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, Sawant informed her about dropping Dhavalikar. "I have dropped Sudin Dhavalikar from the cabinet. The decision on filling up the vacant seat will be taken very soon," Sawant told PTI. Dhavalikar was allotted portfolios of Transport and Public Works which would be now looked after by Sawant. Governor Sinha, who is in New Delhi now, has cut short her visit and would be arriving in Goa later during the evening to administer the oath to the new minister replacing Dhavalikar. During the wee hours Wednesday, two of the three Maharashrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLAs-- Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar-- gave a letter to officiating Speaker Michael Lobo, merging their party's legislative wing with ...
Addressing fake news problem a must: Poll campaign consultant
With India readying for elections and parties trying all means to reach out to voters, a poll campaign consultant says if the core problem of fake news is not addressed, it might eventually turn into a virtual arms race. Shivam Shankar Singh, who headed data analytics and campaigns for the BJP for the Manipur and Tripura Legislative Assembly elections before resigning from the party, claims every party will work to create fake news on WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages and as many media to reach a voter as possible. Party workers would use these media to spread misleading and false content that supports the narrative they are trying to frame, maybe even without realising that the content is false, just because of the amount of engagement that such content ends up getting on social media, he argues. Singh has come out with a book How to Win an Indian Election: What Political Parties Don't Want You to Know which provides an insight into the inner workings of politics, political parties and
India demonstrates anti-satellite missile capability, now a space power: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. Addressing the nation, the prime minister said India's action was not directed against any country. Shooting down a low earth orbit satellite is a rare achievement for the country, he said. The satellite was orbiting at an altitude of 300 km, he said, describing India as a space power. Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India's overall security, he said The prime minister had advertised his address to the nation on Twitter, calling it an important message. "Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he said, setting off speculation across the country on what the topic was likely to be. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security had met at the prime minister's residence.
Thai anti-military parties say they have seats to form govt
Seven Thai political parties led by one ousted from power in a military coup said Wednesday that they believed they won enough seats in the recent general election to form the next government. The announcement came amid concerns about potential irregularities in Sunday's vote, the first since a 2014 coup, and before a full preliminary vote count has even been released. Official results aren't due until May. The leader of the Pheu Thai party, which headed the last elected government, and the leaders of five other parties held a news conference to say they believed they had won more than 250 seats in the 500-seat lower house. They said another smaller had also agreed to join their potential government. "Today, we hold the fact that parties on the side of democracy have received majority support from the people, although figures are not stable yet," Pheu Thai's Sudarat Keyuraphan said. The Election Commission, appointed by the ruling junta's hand-picked legislature, delayed the release ..
BJP wants early Assembly polls in J&K: Ram Madhav
National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Ram Madhav on Wednesday said the party wants early elections to the state Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Setback for TRS in MLC pollsin Telangana
In a setback to the ruling TRS in Telangana,candidates backed by the party have lostthe Legislative Council elections held for three constituencies in the state. Senior Congress leader and former minister T Jeevan Reddy emerged victorious in the Karimnagar-Medak-Nizamabad- Adilabad Graduates constituency, officialssaid Wednesday. Jeevan Reddy's win means that Congress would have representation in the Council. The Congress was staring at having no representation in the Council as the tenure of two of its members is coming to an end soon. In Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teachers constituency, PRTU nominee Raghotham Reddy won, while TRS- supported Pathuri Sudhakar Reddy lost. In the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers constituency, A Narsi Reddy, who had the backing of Left parties, was victorious. Poola Ravinder, supported by the TRS, was defeated in the election. The poll was held on March 22.
Miffed over being denied ticket, Abdul Sattar takes away 300 chairs from Congress's Aurangabad office
Congress lawmaker Abdul Sattar took away about 300 chairs from the Gandhi Bhawan (party office) here on Tuesday after he was denied a ticket for contesting the Lok Sabha elections.Following this, no meetings of the party could be conducted in Gandhi Bhawan due to the scarcity of seating arrangements. Chairs had to be brought in from the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Congress (ABKC) office."Today we got to know that someone has taken chairs from the Gandhi Bhawan and hence there were no seating arrangements here so we brought these chairs from the ABKC office so that meetings can go seamlessly," Mohammed Usmani, ABKC chief told media.The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held from April 11 and will go on till May 19. Maharashtra will go to polls in the first four phases, beginning April 11.Results of the polls will be declared on May 23.
Big opportunity created for peace in Afghanistan, says President Ghani
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that a big opportunity has been created for peace in the war-torn country."A big opportunity has been created for peace in the country and this opportunity can only be used by the elected government of Afghanistan," Ghani said in a joint press conference along with Federica Maria Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Kabul on Tuesday.Ghani noted that stability in Afghanistan will have a positive impact in the region and the world, TOLONews reported.Ghani underlined that the country was suffering from violence due to consequences of internal, regional and international conditions. He said that the nation's foreign policy is creating a positive vision among the international community towards Afghanistan.Ghani's comments came as Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad is on a seven-nation visit which began on March 25, in a renewed effort to restore peace .
BJP, Congress are 'birds of the same feather', says Mayawati
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday said the BJP terming the Congress' Nyunatam Aay Yojana (Nyay) scheme a bluff is true but added that the two parties are "birds of the same feather.""Ruling BJP calling Congress slogan of Garibi Hatao 2.0 as bluff is true. But is poll bluff & reneging of poll promises the sole domain of the BJP? In fact BJP & Congress party are both birds of the same feather in betraying the interests of the poor, labourers, farmers & others," she tweeted.This comes two days after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed Congress President Rahul Gandhi's Nyaya scheme, which provided income support of Rs 72,000 per annum to the poorest 20 per cent families of the country, was a "bluff announcement"."The amount promised by the Congress is less than two-thirds of the existing Direct Benefit Transfer under Modi government, which averages Rs 1.068 lakh annually. So what is being claimed by the Congress Party - a bluff announcement," Jaitley said
Sensing LS defeat, Shinde making BJP offer claim, says Tawde
The Maharashtra BJP Wednesday refuted senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde's claim that he was made an offer to join the ruling party. Senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde said Shinde's claim may have come after he sensed the little chances he had of winning from Solapur in the April-May Lok Sabha polls. "We have not made any offer to him. It only shows how eager he is to join the BJP. He may have sensed there is little chance of him winning from Solapur so he may have made such a claim," Tawde, also state Education minister, told reporters. Shinde, who has been Maharashtra chief minister and Union minister earlier, lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Solapur to the BJP's Sharad Bansode. This time, Shinde is up against BJP's Jaysiddheshwar Swami, a Lingayat spiritual leader, and the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh's Prakash Ambedkar. Speaking on the BJP not announcing a candidate for the Mumbai North East Lok Sabha seat as yet, Tawde said a list of names had been submitted to the
BJP to reward ex-MGP MLA with cabinet berth
Deepak Pauskar, one of the two MGP MLAs, who split and merged the legislative unit of their regional party and joined the BJP in the early hours of Wednesday, is likely to be sworn-in as a cabinet minister.