Page 1212 - Politics
Hamid Ansari expresses worry over functioning of Parliament
Ruing that not much time is allotted for debates and discussions in Parliament, former vice-president Hamid Ansari Saturday expressed worry over its functioning, terming it "inefficient". Speaking at the launch of 'Every Vote Counts' by former chief election commissioner Navin Chawla, Ansari said that while during the 1950s and 1970s Parliament would meet 90 to 100 days a year, today it was meeting 60-65 days. He said the end product of elections is reflected in a set of institutions, which he and many other citizens worried about. "These institutions are elected bodies...headed by Parliament, state assemblies and down the line village panchayats...are they functioning is the question? My answer is that they are functioning very inefficiently," Ansari said. "The time available for Parliament of India to do its assigned work has been reduced by 80-90 per cent. The job of Parliament is to hold the executive accountable...on a daily basis," he said. He said accountability is through ...
Soldiers, farmers, Dalits dying under Chowkidar's watch: Congress
The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, saying soldiers, farmers, Dalits and minorities were dying under the watch of the 'chowkidar'. He also raised the issue of demonetisation and alleged that thousands of small businesses were ruined due to the flawed policies of the Union government. Modi and his partymen have launched the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am a watchman) campaign to blunt the Opposition's, especially the Congress's, 'chowkidar chor hai (watchman is a thief) slogan. Addressing a press conference here, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said as many as 6,351 farmers committed suicide in 2016 while the number of protests by farmers increased from 628 in 2014 to 4,837 in 2016. "As many as 52 per cent of farming families are indebted today with an average outstanding loan of Rs 1 lakh. From July to December 2018, the minimum support price (MSP) increase merely covered the input cost and was way below the ...
Chorus grows for Rahul to contest from South, Smriti Irani takes potshots
As the clamour for Congress President Rahul Gandhi to fight from a seat in southern India grows, Amethi district Congress and its various units on Saturday passed resolutions that he should accept the offer like his mother Sonia Gandhi and grandmother Indira did in the past. It seemed a trifle contrived and perhaps orchestrated in the face of Union minister Smriti Irani rising heft in Amethi.
LS polls: Rajnath to address BJP rally in Delhi on Tuesday
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will address a rally in northeast parliamentary constituency on Tuesday as part of the BJP's 'Vijay Sankalp' rallies for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. BJP president Amit Shah will launch the party's poll campaign after the Lok Sabha election schedule was announced with a rally in Agra in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, and its top leaders will hold rallies in every constituency across the country till Tuesday. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, J P Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani and other party leaders are scheduled to address are scheduled to address rallies on Sunday and Tuesday. Delhi BJP General Secretary Rajesh Bhatia said the party's Delhi wing will organise two Jan Sabhas on March 24 and five jan sabhas on March 26 as part of the election campaign. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will address the rally in northeast parliamentary constituency on Tuesday and ...
RSS-BJP channelises bigotry, hatred for political power: Rahul on attack on Gurgaon family
The Congress on Saturday hit out at the BJP government in Haryana after a video purportedly showed members of a Muslim family in Gurgaon being beaten up by a group of men, with party president Rahul Gandhi alleging the BJP-RSS combine "channelises bigotry and hatred for political power". "Every Patriotic Indian is disgusted by the video of a family in Gurugram being mercilessly beaten by hooligans. The RSS/BJP channelises bigotry and hatred for political power. This incident serves as a warning of the dangerous consequences and the dark side of that strategy," Gandhi tweeted. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also accused the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana of spreading hatred in society and creating a division among people on the basis of caste and religion. He said the BJP government in Haryana is a "habitual offender" in spreading hatred and dividing people in society. "The humanity has been shamed once again... The Khattar government in Haryana is a habitual .
Only 8 candidates file papers in Assam for Phase-1
Although only 48 hours are left to file nominations for the five Assam Lok Sabha constituencies, which will go to polls on April 11 in the first phase, only eight candidates have, so far, filed their nominations.
Bihar Left parties slam Mahagathbandhan for keeping them out
Left parties of Bihar Saturday slammed the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) for excluding them in the seat-sharing formula saying the decision was not in sync with the ground realities in the state. The CPI(ML) Liberation, the major Left party in Bihar, said it would now contest in five seats and extend support to the CPI and the CPI(M) which have declared their nominees for two Lok Sabha constituencies. "Had the Left been taken aboard, it would have added to the credibility of the challenge that the anti-BJP parties seek to pose to the NDA. It seems the Grand Alliance has not learnt its lessons from the betrayal of mandate," CPI(ML) Liberation state secretary Kunal said in a statement. He was referring to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who heads the JD(U), walking out of the Mahagathbandhan in 2017 and returning to the NDA. The opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' Friday announced its seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, half of which will be fought by the ...
Attack kills 50 in Peul village, Mali: military, mayor
Traditional Dogon hunters killed at least 50 people in an attack on a Peul community village in central Mali on Saturday, military and local officials said. "At least 50 Peul civilians have been killed Saturday in the village of Ogossagou by traditional hunters, said a military source. Cheick Harouna Sankare, the mayor of neighbouring Ouenkoro, confirmed the toll.
BJP will give befitting reply to terror attacks, will not be
Slamming Congress leader Sam Pitroda over his remarks on aggressive action against Pakistan, Union Minister Piyush Goyal Saturday said the BJP would give a befitting reply to terror attacks and not be 'apologetic' as the opposition party leaders. If the Congress-led UPA government had given a strong response to the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the situation would not have been like today, he said at the Main bhi chowkidar (I too am a watchman) event here organised in support of BJP candidates in the Lok Sabha elections. If any terror forces look at this country with a bad eye, then like Congress leaders, like Sam Pitroda, we will not be apologetic. We will give a befitting reply, Goyal said. The BJP leader was referring to comments of Pitroda, chief of Indian Overseas Congress, asking the government to come out with "more facts" on the Balakot air strikes and saying one cannot "jump on entire nation" (Pakistan) just because some people from there "came here and ...
Congress to come out with list of candidates: Jitin Prasad
Congress leader Jitin Prasada on Saturday said the Congress party will come out with a list of candidates after the party's Central Election Committee, which will clear all the claims of him joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the constituency he is going to contest for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.Prasada's remarks come after reports that he was upset with his party as he wanted to be Congress candidate for Lok Sabha elections from Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh but was instead asked to contest from Lucknow against BJP leader Rajnath Singh.On being asked from where he will contest polls, Prasada told ANI "These are all speculation; the party will come out with a list of candidates after the CEC and then you will come to know. I don't know anything about differences."On Friday, when quizzed by journalists over the news about him switching over his loyalties to BJP, Prasada had termed these reports as hypothetical. On Saturday, he said 'the rumour is on' regarding ...
ED set to start questoning separatist leaders in terror funding case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to begin questioning in the terror funding case involving Kashmiri separatists and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.On Wednesday, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court allowed the ED to question Altaf Shah, son-in-law of Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, besides Zahoor Watali and Naval Kishore inside Tihar jail here for three days in connection with a terror funding case.A total of 12 people have been named in the charge-sheet filed by the NIA in the terror funding case.Altaf Ahmad Shah alias Altaf Fantoosh, founder member of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) and member All Party Hurriyat Conference (AHPC) is the son-in-law of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of Geelani faction of Hurriyat.He is an important fundraiser and had direct contact with various business houses and hawala operators from whom he used to collect funds for the Hurriyat Conference.For long, Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali has been acting as one of the major financial ...
BJP alleges Rahul's income jumped from Rs 55 lakh in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014, questions his on 'source of income'
The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) on Saturday questioned Congress president Rahul Gandhi about his source of income while alleging that his assets have grown from Rs 55,38,123 in 2004 to Rs 9 crore in 2014."In 2004, Rahul declared in election affidavit that his income is Rs 55,38,123. This became 2 crore rupees in 2009 and 9 crores in 2014 elections. Rahul Gandhi, please tell us what is this model of development? What is the ostensible source of income that from a mere Rs 55.38 lakh in 2004, your asset grew to Rs 9 crore in 2014?" Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said while addressing a press conference here."BJP would like to know, what were those factors which led to an extraordinary jump in Rahul's income from mere 55 lakhs to 9 crore?" the Union Minister added.Taking a jibe at the Gandhi family, Prasad said, "There is a lot of discussion on development. We have seen a Vadra model of development where you invest 6-7 lakhs and become the owner of 700-800 crore in two-three years. ..
Jaitley on Yeddyurappa 'diary' row: Documents are 'self-serving forgery'
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday rubbished the Congress allegations that former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had paid Rs 1800 crore to some top BJP leaders, including him, and said the documents cited by the Opposition party appeared to be "self-serving forgery".The senior BJP leader said the Congress came out with these allegations on Friday to "distract from the self-goal created by Sam Pitroda (a confidant of the Gandhi family)" who raised questions over the air strikes in Balakot."The 'caravan' of falsehood was ready for a 'Rahul Bailout'," Jaitley wrote in a blog, while also targeting the news magazine 'Caravan' which had carried the report about the alleged payment cited by Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday.Surjewala, at a press conference, had displayed some pages, claiming that those were of a diary which had mention about the purported payments made."The documents appear to be a self-serving forgery of the Congress Party and its ...
PDP not to field candidates from Jammu, Udhampur seats
PDP President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti told reporters here that the decision has been taken keeping in mind the "larger interest" of the state.She said the party will field its candidates from Srinagar, Anantnag and Baramulla constituencies but had not decided yet about Ladakh constituency.Mehbooba, who resigned as Chief Minister in June last year after the PDP-BJP coalition broke up, will contest from the traditional Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, which she represented earlier.The state has six Lok Sabha constituencies in all.The decision of not fielding PDP candidates from Jammu and Udhampur constituencies has been taken to ensure that "secular votes are not divided" and that "secular forces are strengthened".The announcement comes days after National Conference and Congress announced a poll alliance under which the former party will not field its candidates from Jammu and Udhampur seats.Replying to questions, Mehbooba said the 'maha gathbandan' ..
Militant hideout busted in Pulwama
Security forces on Saturday busted a militant hideout in Banderpora area of Pulwama.In a joint operation conducted by the police and security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, a huge quantity of incriminating materials and other items were seized from the hideout.A case has been registered and investigating in the matter is going on. More details are awaited in the matter.
J-K: Two terrorists killed in Baramulla encounter
Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists on Saturday in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.Identities and affiliations of the terrorists are yet to be ascertained. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from Warpora area, the site of the encounter.Deputy inspector general of police, North Kashmir, Mohammad Suleman Choudhary said: "The operation went on for two days. Two terrorists were neutralized. Incriminating materials including two AK-47 have been recovered"Police have registered a case and a probe has been initiated.An exchange of fire had taken place between the security forces and terrorists in Warpora on Friday after which two terrorists were killed.
'Upset' alliance leaders meet Fadnavis, decide to stay with NDA
A group of 'upset' leaders from different allies of BJP on Saturday met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and decided to stay with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).Sources said that these leaders discussed the issues related to seat sharing in the state. They were not happy with the seat-sharing as finalised by BJP and Shiv Sena.The leaders who met Chief Minister Fadnavis included Ramdas Athawale of the Republican Party of India, Mahadev Jankar of the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, Sadhabhu Khot of Rayat Kranti Sanghtana, and Vinayak Mete of Shiv Sangram.After meeting the Chief Minister, the leaders agreed to stay with the NDA."We discussed what we can do to bring NDA government back in the country. Chief Minister Fadnavis has assured that no injustice will be done to the alliance," State Cabinet Minister Mahadev Jankar."All the parties in the alliance will work together to form the government at the Centre. Fadnavis told us that he would accommodate us in the State Assembly. He has ...
Lookalike of PM Modi surprises people at BJP headquarters
A lookalike of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the BJP's central office here and shared his good wishes for the party with the workers present for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.Jagdish Modi, housekeeping staff at a restaurant, and BJP sympathiser, said: "I want Narendra Modi to become the next Prime Minister of our country."When asked about the secret of his looks, he said: "I have been like this much before Prime Minister Modi came into the limelight."Talking to ANI, he said: "For long, I have been campaigning for the BJP during elections. I have been to places like Uttar Pradesh and other states for campaigning.""Even though the party hasn't asked me to campaign, I love campaigning," he told ANI in a voice that too bears the resemblance to that of PM Modi.The General Elections will be held in seven phases for 543 Lok Sabha seats on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Maharashtra's 56-party alliance ready to take on BJP-Sena(Lead)
A 56-party strong 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) finalised in Maharashtra on Saturday, is all set to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-led ruling alliance in the Lok Sabha elections due in April-May.
Modi to campaign in Assam on March 30
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in Assam on March 30, BJP leaders said.