Page 120 - Politics
Naidu holds teleconference with senior TDP leaders
In the backdrop of four TDP MP's recently joining the BJP, TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with senior leaders of his party on Saturday from Europe.Naidu who is on a tour to Europe discussed a host of issues with the senior functionaries of his party including the recent developments encompassing the shifting of guards by 4 of Rajya Sabha MPs of TDP. The senior leaders assembled at his residence in Amaravati.In what can be called a major blow to TDP, four Rajya Sabha MPs -- YS Chowdary, C M Ramesh, T G Venkatesh, all from Andhra Pradesh, and G Mohan Rao who hails from Telangana joined the BJP in presence of its Working President J P Nadda on Thursday. The move is seen as a major setback to N Chandrababu Naidu-led party which suffered massive losses in the recent elections. The party lost power to YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh and could manage to win a meagre three seats in Lok Sabha.TDP leaders opined that their party MPs joining BJP is a "clear cut ..
Others shouldn't worry about who will be next CM: Uddhav
Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan's comment that the next chief minister is expected to be from the BJP drew a sharp response from Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Saturday. The alliance between the two parties was forged after he held discussions with BJP chief Amit Shah and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis (before the Lok Sabha polls), Thackeray said. "We formed the alliance after BJP's national president Amit Shah, chief minister Fadnavis and I reached a mutual understanding. No one else should poke his nose into the issue of who will be the next chief minister," Thackeray was quoted as saying in a Sena statement. The two saffron parties, partners in the ruling coalition, decided to continue the alliance for the Assembly polls (due in October) as well when they decided on seat- sharing formula for the recent Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to reporters, Mahajan, senior BJP leader and state Water Resources Minister, had said everyone expected that the next chief ...
Media group says Egypt suppressed coverage of Morsi's death
A media advocacy group says Egypt has suppressed media coverage of the death of former president Mohammed Morsi in a Cairo courtroom this week. Reporters Without Borders, orF, said Friday that Morsi's death was barely mentioned in the country's media. Morsi was Egypt's first democratically elected president and hailed from the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood Most Egyptian daily newspapers only carried brief reports of Morsi's death, buried in inside pages of Tuesday editions. The exception was Al-Masry Al-Youm, which had a front-page report. RSF said most Egyptian media used "the same 42-word government statement" on Morsi's collapse and death on Monday during his trial on espionage charges. RSF urged Egypt to "allow freedom to the media ... rather than seek to lock the debate and minimize the spread.
Modi interacts with economists, industry experts ahead of Budget
Ahead of the next month's Union Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday interacted with economists and industry experts on current economic situation and took note of their suggestions. In the interactive session organised by Niti Aayog on 'Economic Policy - The Road Ahead', over 40 economists and other experts participated. "During the session, participants shared their views, in five distinct groups, on the economic themes of macro economy and employment, agriculture and water resources, exports, education and health," said a release issued by the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister thanked all participants for their suggestions and observations, on various aspects of the economy. The meeting was also attended by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State (independent charge) for Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjeet Singh. Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and senior government officials were also present. Finance Minister ...
Amethi: Woman falls at feet of Smriti Irani alleging land grabbing by family members
After running from pillar to post for justice, a local woman on Saturday fell at the feet of Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, alleging land grabbing by her family members.Irani, who is the newly-elected Member of Parliament from Amethi, assured the woman that action would be taken against anyone at fault.Earlier in the day, Smriti Irani, along with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had visited a village adopted by late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar, in Amethi.The duo met the family members of Surendra Singh, the former village head of Barauli, who was shot dead last month.Addressing a public meeting, Irani thanked the people of the constituency for electing her. "No one had imagined that a woman from a simple family will be given the opportunity to be your representative," she said.In a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi, who had held the seat in the constituency prior to her, she said: "In a region which was the stronghold of 'Naamdaar', where it was believed that even if MP ...
Vijayvargiya compares Mamata with Imran Khan for boycotting 'Yoga Day'
BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Saturday equated West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Pakistani's Prime Minister Imran Khan, contending that they both did not perform yoga on the International Day of Yoga."Even when the whole world celebrated the Yoga Day with enthusiasm, Mamata Banerjee and Pakistan boycotted it. There is no difference between her and the Prime Minister of Pakistan," said Vijayvargiya.On the matter of "One Nation, One Election," the BJP general secretary requested the people of the nation to rise above the politics to support the idea.He further said that according to a survey conducted in England, Prime Minister Modi is one of the most powerful men in the world.Vijayvargiya also called Congress president Rahul Gandhi "mentally unsound" for courting controversy by sharing a picture of Army's dog squad doing yoga along with their trainers, with a sarcastic jibe -- New India -- on the top of his post.
INLD writes PM, says 'Grossly unfair' that we were not invited for discussion on 'one nation, one election'
Miffed over not being invited at the all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss 'one nation, one election' proposal, The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has sent a letter to the Prime Minister.Terming it as "grossly unfair", the INLD pointed out that the issue was discussed in the past and it was duly invited to participate in the exchange of views or asked to submit its views in writing."Being a responsible political party, it has without failure responded to such communications. However, this time when INLD learnt of such a meeting with the Prime Minister, we were surprised to note that even though other regional and state parties were invited, the INLD had not been extended the same courtesy," the party said in a statement on Friday.The INLD underlined that the party has held the view in the past that though 'one nation one election' proposal is a laudable and desirable because of logistics and financial implications, yet the broader details need to be ...
Will act tough on insurance cos if they fail farmers: Sena
Maharashtra Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam Saturday said farmers in the state are yet to receive the benefits of the state government's farm loan waiver scheme. He also said that the Shiv Sena would pull up those companies that have failed to settle the crop insurance claims of farmers in the state. Speaking to reporters here, the minister said that trees were fell down for expansion of highways in the state in the last five years. "We are not sitting like showpieces in the meetings of the state Cabinet. Farmers are yet to receive the crop loan waiver. Their (crop) insurance claims are still unprocessed. We would pull the insurance companies concerned for their failure to settle these claims," he said. Kadam also appealed to the state government to conduct a survey on the tress that were chopped while widening roads. Referring to the high court order which directed planting of three trees for chopping a single tree, Kadam questionned whether the government has planted
AIKSCC urges Madhya Pradesh CM to take action against cops responsible killing for 6 farmers in 2017
The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), a farmers' rights body, has approached Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath seeking action against police officers responsible for the killing of six farmers during a protest in Mandasaur in 2017. "A delegation recently visited Mandsaur on the second anniversary of the killings and found that the farmers felt betrayed by the state. No FIR has been registered against the police officers who were allegedly involved in the killings. "On one hand the Home Minister made a statement on the floor of the House that the killings were in self defense and on the other hand the CM tweeted earlier this month that action will be taken against the officers," a press statement by AIKSCC said. "We have written to the chief minister for an early appointment and sought his intervention into the inaction even after two years," it added. The farmers' body has also asked government to review the drought situation and initiate series of ...
TN water woes: AIADMK performs 'havan' seeking rain, DMK
As Tamil Nadu reels under the worst water crisis, the ruling AIADMK Saturday performed 'yagna' in temples across the state, while the Opposition DMK staged "empty pot" demonstrations, urging the government to take steps to address the issue. Senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar took part in a 'yagna' at a Shiva temple here and planted saplings in the premises of the shrine. He told reporters that performing yagnas was "an expression of faith", hoping that the Almighty will answer their prayers for rain. DMK leader and former city mayor Ma Subramanian, who led an agitation here, hit out at the AIADMK, saying executing plans with rationale alone could help address the situation. "Conducting such rituals have no utility," he told PTI. Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani took part in a 'yagna' at Patteeswaram temple in Coimbatore district. As Velumani took part in prayers, hundreds of DMK cadres staged a protest, seeking the minister's resignation for his
Delhi CM directs officials to complete devp works in 781 unauthorised colonies within 5 months
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday directed officials to carry out development works in over 750 unauthorised colonies on a "war footing" and complete those within five months. The direction was given by the chief minister in a high-level meeting with the Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Satyendar Jain and senior officials. It comes at a time when just a few months are left for the Delhi Assembly elections. "Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday directed that the ongoing developmental works in 781 unauthorised colonies should be completed on a war footing within five months by the irrigation and flood control department," the government said in a statement. People living in unauthorised colonies play a decisive role in deciding the fate of any political party in elections. According to the statement, the chief minister will personally monitor the developmental works on a weekly basis. "The chief minister directed the department to submit a weekly report on the ...
Indian airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, all flights to be re-routed: DGCA
Airlines in India in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday decided to avoid flying over Iranian airspace in view of the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.The Indian operators said they will re-route the flights suitably, the DGCA said.The move comes to ensure safe travel for air passengers in the backdrop of Iran shooting down a US military drone over the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman on Thursday.Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani said that there will be no substantial effect on Air India flights."Details being worked out for rerouting incoming flights," he said in a statement.Etihad Airways said it has suspended operations through Iranian airspace over the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.This comes two days after the US restricted its airline operations in Iranian-controlled airspace.The airline will now use alternative flight paths on a number of routes to and from Abu
Queen is not 'performing formal duties' to solve Britain political crisis: Putin
Questioning Britain's "strange system" to select its new leader after the serving Prime Minister steps down, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said the head of the state, Queen Elizabeth, is not "performing formal duties" to solve the political crisis in her country."The only thing I would like to draw your attention to is that all the time they point their finger at us with regard to the democratic processes in Russia, voting rights and so on. The queen, as we know, does not solve any issues and performs formal duties of the head of state, while the prime minister has all powers," Sputnik quoted Putin as saying."A prime minister resigns. Its Mrs. Theresa May now. How does a new [prime minister] get elected? Through a general election? No. It happens through a 'party get-together," he added.The relations between Russia and the UK strained last year after London accused Moscow of the Salisbury poisoning, in which ex-GRU operative Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were .
4 TDP Rajya Sabha members joining BJP "immoral& undemoractic"
: The Telugu Desam Party Saturday asserted that four of its Rajya Sabha members joining the BJP clearly amounted to defection and called it "immoral and undemocratic". The YSR Congress, on the other hand, reiterated that the four MPs' action was "100 per cent match-fixing" between the TDP and the BJP. TDP senior leaders met at the residence of party president N Chandrababu Naidu and discussed various developments. The party's Andhra Pradesh unit president K Kala Venkata Rao chaired the meeting, a release said. Naidu, who is on a vacation in Europe, also spoke to the leaders over phone and discussed the political developments in the state, it added. The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said the so-called merger of four MPs with the BJP was "immoral and undemocratic" and it only amounted to defection. The BJP was resorting to such devious acts as it lacked a majority in the Council of States, he said. That the four MPs were listed .
Over 10k people get Rs 106 cr medical help from Maha CM fund
The Maharashtra Chief Ministers Relief Fund has disbursed Rs 106 crore to 10,582 people for medical requirements in the past 10 months, a senior official said Saturday. The official added there was no dearth of money in the CMRF but those wanting to donate were welcome. "A total of 10,582 needy people have been given a sum of Rs 106 crore in the past 10 months for various medical procedures. Since Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took over in 2014, the total amount disbursed is Rs 553 crore and the number of people benefitted stands at 56,000," a senior functionary of the CMRF's medical assistance cell said. The official pointed out that the total amount disbursed between 2009-14, when the Congress-NCP government was in power in the state, was Rs 40 crore to 16,000 people. The Fadnavis government had also raised the amount of financial help from Rs 25,000 initially to Rs one lakh and further to Rs three lakh, the official said. "The present government has incorporated a ..
Senior DMK leader vouches to ditch Cong, go solo in local body polls
Seems like all is not well between coalition partners DMK and Congress, senior leader of the former party K N Nehru on Saturday called for contesting the upcoming local body elections alone in Tamil Nadu.Nehru said that DMK is carrying Congress in a "palanquin" on its shoulders."It will be good if we contest the local body polls alone. How many days should we carry the palanquin for them," Nehru said here.However, he said that last word in the matter will be of DMK chief M K Stalin.The leader said, "It is my opinion but I will agree with what my leader says. If he asks us to carry Congress on our shoulders, we are ready."DMK president Stalin, however, shares a cordial relationship with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. At the time of Lok Sabha elections, he had advocated that the Gandhi should be made prime minister if UPA came to power at the Centre.Local body elections are due in 2016 Tamil Nadu and have been delayed owing to various reasons.DMK had filed a case in the Madras High Court .
Hurriyat Conference ready for dialogue: J&K guv
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Saturday the situation in the valley had vastly improved over the past year and the Hurriyat Conference was willing to enter into a dialogue with the government. "The Hurriyat Conference was not willing to talk. Ram Vilas Paswan was standing at their door (in 2016), but they were not ready to talk, Malik said at a funtion here. "Today, they are ready for talks and want to hold dialogue. There is a change in everyone." Malik said the situation in Kashmir had improved ever since he took over as the governor last August, adding that recruitment of militants had almost stopped and stone-pelting incidents on Fridays had ended. "I feel good that the temperature (of the situation) has come down significantly since the day I arrived here," he said. "We do not feel good when a youth is killed, we want to bring him back. There is a lot of thought being given as to what kind of scheme is needed to bring them back," Malik said. "But when someone .
Indian airlines to avoid 'affected part of' Iranian airspace, will re-route flights: DGCA
Amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, India's aviation regulator DGCA Saturday said Indian airlines have decided to avoid the "affected part of the Iranian airspace" and reroute their flight "suitably". On Friday, the American aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating "in the overwater area of the Tehran Flight Information Region until further notice, due to heightened military activities and increased political tensions". "All Indian operators in consultation with DGCA have decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian Airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers. They will re-route flights suitably," the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) tweeted on Saturday. After the DGCA's decision, Air India's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said,"No substantial effect on Air India flights. Details being worked out for rerouting on incoming ...
Sudan protesters, Ethiopia envoy discuss talks with military
Sudan's protest leaders say they are meeting with an Ethiopian envoy over proposals to resume negotiations with the ruling military council. The leaders say they've received Ethiopia's initiative for the transition from military to civilian rule, and would declare their position during Saturday's meeting with Ethiopian diplomat Mahmoud Dirir. The protesters are represented by a coalition of political groups, the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change. Transition talks collapsed over the military's crackdown against a protest sit-in earlier this month that killed dozens. The protesters are calling for an international probe into the crackdown, as well as for restoring all previous deals they'd made with the military council before resuming talks. These deals would include a three-year transition period, a protester-appointed Cabinet and a FDFC-majority legislative body.
Smriti Irani, Pramod Sawant visit village adopted by Manohar Parrikar
Union Minister Smriti Irani and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the village that was adopted by late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar on Saturday in Amethi.They also met with the family members of Surendra Singh, the former village head of Barauli, who was shot dead last month.Sawant, while talking to the media said, "In 2014 elections I came to Amethi as an MLA when I met Surinder Singh. And so, I wanted to come here personally to meet his family. It is very unfortunate what happened. Bhartiya Janata Party has lost a hardworking and a good party worker. The BJP party stands with his family."On questioning whether the Goa government's role for this village, Sawant said, "I would definitely do some development either in the agriculture sector or in the development sector in the memory of late Parikar Ji if given a chance.