Page 1250 - Politics
Sudin Dhavalikar, Vijay Sardesai appointed Goa Deputy CMs
Sudin Dhavalikar and Vijay Sardesai were Wednesday appointed deputy chief ministers in the BJP-led government in Goa. A notification issued by Varsha Naik, Under Secretary in the General Administration department, said the two are being appointed as deputy chief ministers with immediate effect. Dhavalikar belongs to the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Sardesai is chief of Goa Forward Party (GFP). The two parties are part of the BJP-led state government, formed yesterday.
BJP asks EC to take strong deterrent action against AAP for violating poll code
A delegation of Delhi BJP Wednesday met Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and demanded "strong deterrent action" against the Aam Aadmi Party for violating the model code of conduct by allegedly playing the religious card to disturb communal harmony. The delegation comprising the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly Vijender Gupta, party MP from South Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri and other leaders including Subhash Arya, Subhash Sachdeva and Rajiv Babbar submitted a memorandum against the "misinformation campaign" by the AAP through its call centres. "We submitted a memorandum against efforts of the AAP to disturb communal harmony, peace and goodwill by playing the religious card. More than a dozen complaints and three CDs against call centres were also submitted. "We demanded a strong deterrent action against AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders," Gupta said. He claimed that the Election Commission has assured necessary action. Gupta said the BJP will ...
Malaysian PM to visit Pakistan
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will visit Pakistan this week during which he will hold talks with the country's top leadership to strenghten ties, beside attending the Pakistan Day parade. The Malaysian Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several leading businessmen, on the visit from March 21-23 for which he was invited by Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to the Foreign Office. "The focus of the interest is on enhancing economic, trade, investment, and defence ties, for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries," it said. During his stay in Islamabad, Prime Minister Mahathir would be the Guest of Honour at the Pakistan Day parade on March 23. His bilateral engagements include call on the President of Pakistan, one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Khan followed by delegation-level talks. The two Prime Ministers will also speak at the round-table meeting of the CEOs of Industries, who desire to invest in automobile and .
Former NCP leader Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil joins BJP
Former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil on Wednesday joined Bharatiya Janata Party citing "disappointment" with the NCP top leadership.He was inducted into the party in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state president Raosaheb Danve.Son of former minister Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Ranjitsinh told media, "Since the last five years, the Chief Minister has worked hard for the welfare of the state and has delivered results."He added, "BJP's objective of 'vikas' (development) has always impressed me. Politics is on one side, but if you are working towards the development of the state and country, you have to be recognised."Ranjitsinh, who is likely to contest from the Madha Lok Sabha seat in Solapur district, said: "I have always admired Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's work and this has led me to join the party."He also underlined that his joining the BJP is more of a "friendly" move than political.
'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign is to insult watchmen: PM Modi
Hitting out at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Opposition party's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' campaign had insulted all the watchmen of the country as the task of the 'naamdaar' (dynast) is to spread hatred.In a unique outreach with about 25 lakh security via an audio conference, he said vested interests were indulging in a misinformation campaign targeting the watchmen as they "want to abuse me"."I want to apologise as some people in last few months for their vested interests have run a disinformation campaign against 'chowkidars'. It is unfortunate that the language of these people has hurt you," Modi said."They are saying 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' (watchman is a thief). They want to abuse me. The job of these 'naamdaars' (dynasts) is to spread hatred. Even if a 'kaamdar' (worker) becomes a Prime Minister, these people will continue abusing," the Prime Minister said during in the programme during which he took questions also."However much they call us thieves, ..
AAP slams Union Minister Hardip Puri for his "anti-Delhi" stance
Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday hit back at Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri questioning him his "anti-Delhi" stance.This came after the Union Minister accused AAP of being desperate for an alliance while claiming that AAP's support base has been eroding.AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said, "Hardeep Puri need not worry about the Aam Aadmi Party, he should tell the people of Delhi about his anti-Delhi approach. Puri, who has nothing worthwhile to show in his performance as a minister, is now venturing into the arena of electoral political analysis."Puri reportedly had stated that AAP is desperate for an alliance with Congress, craving for political power. Questioning its credibility, Puri apparently wondered whether seven MPs of the capital city can get full statehood for Delhi in a House of 545 MPs.Reacting to Puri's comment, Bhardwaj said, "AAP was born out of a movement for the creation of Lokpal, which Mr Puri's party promised in the run-up to 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and was ...
Stalin hits campaign trail from father's birthplace
A day after releasing the party's Lok Sabha election manifesto, DMK President M.K. Stalin on Wednesday hit the campaign trail from Tiruvarur, his father and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's birthplace.
Who let Nirav Modi escape, Priyanka asks BJP
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for describing the arrest of absconding PNB fraud case accused Nirav Modi in London as an achievement, asking who let him flee.
Army's Chinar Corps celebrates 78th raising day
The Indian Army's Chinar Corps, responsible for guarding the Line of Control in Kashmir, Wednesday celebrated its 78th raising day at Badami Bagh cantonment here. A function was held at the Chinar Corps headquarters here to mark the raising day. Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon paid tributes at the war memorial by laying a wreath, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said. He said the Corps was raised during World War II at Barrackpore on March 20, 1942. As part of 14th Army, it participated in the Burma Campaign at Arakan during the World War II. Subsequently, the Corps was shifted to Karachi. In October 1947, the Corps got tethered to Kashmir for the first time when its 161 Infantry Brigade was tasked to fight the invading Pakistani regulars and tribal raiders, Kalia said. "All operations during 1947-48 Indo-Pak conflict were controlled by HQ Jammu and Kashmir Force. Later, on January 4, 1955, at Udhampur, the Corps was entrusted with the role of complete security of J&K ..
India should focus on neighbours first: Ex-IAF chief
Stressing that world peace will depend on how India and China manage their relations, former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Arup Raha on Wednesday said both the countries ignore each other but India should focus on a "neighbours first" policy.
Former BJP MP joins Cong
Former BJP MP Uday Singh, alias Pappu Singh joined Congress here Wednesday ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and said he did not understand why the saffron party "surrendered" to Nitish Kumar's JD(U) by agreeing to the allocation of 17 of the 40 parliamentary seats in Bihar. Singh had resigned from BJP in January alleging that it has surrendered before the discredited JD(U) headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Grand Alliance, of which Congress is a member is likely to announce its seat sharing among its partners for 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state after Holi. Singh, a former two-time Purnea MP, joined Congress along with his supporters at the party's headquarters here in the presence of Bihar PCC president Madan Mohan Jha and Bihar Congress Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman and MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh. Asked to comment on the BJP leaving 17 out of the 40 seats in Bihar for its NDA partner the JD(U), which had won just two seats in 2014, he said it was "beyond" .
Rahul urges people to wage 'ideological battle' against BJP
Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday urged people to wage an "ideological battle" against what he called was "politics of division and hatred" unleashed by the BJP. Addressing a public rally at the Khumpui Academy Grounds near Agartala in Tripura, Gandhi said that unlike the BJP, the Congress follows the policy of love, unity and solidarity. "There are two things going on in the country simultaneously. On one hand, there is politics of division and hatred of the BJP and on the other, there is the policy of love, unity and solidarity of the Congress. "I call upon all party supporters and people to wage this ideological battle against the BJP and help form a Congress government at the Centre by voting for the party in the Lok Sabha elections," he said. Identifying unemployment as a major issue in the country, the Congress chief said 30,000 people were losing jobs on an average everyday. "One crore people lost jobs in 2018 alone. In Tripura, there are 7.5 lakh unemployed youths. ...
PETA India urges people to be 'chowkidar' for distressed animals
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India Wednesday urged people to guard distressed animals as "chowkidars", a terminology which got currency due to the political slugfest over it. The organisation, in its latest tweet, called on people to look out for animals in distress and to protect them from abuse by reporting cruelty. "Be a #chowkidar for animals and help guard them against abuse. Here's how: http://petain.vg/4gc ," the PETA tweeted Wednesday. The organisation gave a weblink to contact on to report about cruelty to animals. It also gave an emergency contact number -- 98201 22602-- to help distressed animals. PETA India associate director Sachin Bangera said, "Animals need all the chowkidars they can get and of course, it's our fundamental duty as Indian citizens to ensure that animal-protection laws are followed and to have compassion for animals, as mandated by our Constitution." The word 'chowkidar' went viral on social media shortly after Prime Minister ...
1 crore jobs lost while Modi was busy marketing himself: Rahul
Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday lacerated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for "destroying" one crore jobs and unleashing "politics of division and hatred", insisting while these were happening the PM was busy "marketing" himself. Addressing election rallies in Manipur capital Imphal and Khumulwng in Tripura in the Northeast, where his party's last standing citadel fell to rival BJP's ally Mizo National Front in Mizoram in November 2018, Gandhi accused the saffron party of abandoning its 'act east policy' and attacking the culture and ethos of the people of the region. Unsparing in his assault on Modi, Gandhi also wondered whether the prime minister ever studied at a university, and alleged educational institutions were undergoing saffronisation under his watch. Attacking Modi over alleged loss of employment opportunities, the Congress leader said the prime minister had claimed on taking over the reins of the government that two crore jobs will be ...
'Chowkidar Chor Hai' slogan defamed watchmen: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hit out at Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his "Chowkidar Chor Hai" (watchman is the thief) jibe, saying some people in the last few months have run a disinformation campaign against "chowkidars" (watchmen) for their "vested interests".
Cong has surrendered to pro-separatist agenda of NC: BJP
The Jammu and Kashmir BJP Wednesday alleged that the Congress had conceded to the National Conference's (NC) pro-separatist agenda after the two parties announced a pre-poll alliance in the state. The Congress and the NC finalised arrangements for the six Lok Sabha seats of the state earlier in the day. "The NC-Congress alliance is an eye wash and a wake up call for Jammu," BJP spokesperson Brig (retd) Anil Gupta told reporters. "The Congress has not only surrendered to the National Conference but also conceded to the pro-separatist, Kashmir-centric, communal and divisive agenda of that party," he said. He added that the "opportunistic" alliance was aimed at promoting "Kashmiri hegemony". With the NC insisting on contesting from all the three seats in Kashmir, the party's couldn't-care-less attitude towards Jammu is obvious, Gupta said. The BJP spokesperson claimed the Congress, like the NC, will oppose granting citizenship to West Pakistan refugees and inheritance rights to the ...
BJP files complaint against TMC leaders for 'threatening' voters
The BJP Wednesday filed a complaint with the Election Commission against four Trinamool Congress leaders, including two state cabinet ministers, for allegedly threatening and intimidating voters. "We have filed a complaint against ministers Firhad Hakim, Rabindranath Ghosh, and senior TMC leaders Jitendra Tiwari and Anubrata Mondal. They have violated the model code of conduct by trying to threaten and intimidate voters," BJP general secretary Jai Prakash Majumdar said. "These four leaders should be kept out of election campaign and other poll-related procedures," he said. Hakim's comment that "central forces will come and leave after the elections but the voters will stay under the protection of the state police" is a veiled threat to the voters, Majumder said. "North Bengal Development Minister Rabindranath Ghosh and Anubrata Mandal's comments are intimidating in nature. This is nothing but violation of the model code of conduct. The Commission should look into it to ensure free and
Terror-funding case: Delhi court allows ED to quiz Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law in Tihar
A Delhi court Wednesday allowed ED to quiz Altaf Shah, son-in-law of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, and others in connection with a terror-funding case involving LeT chief and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Special judge Rakesh Syal allowed the agency to question Shah, Zahoor Watali, an influential businessman who has allegedly friendship with Pakistani leaders and Kashmiri separatists, and Naval Kishore Kapoor, a UAE-based businessman. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), through Special Public Prosecutor Nitesh Rana and lawyer A R Aditya sought three days between March 24 and April 5 to interrogate Shah, Watali and Kapoor, who are currently lodged in Tihar jail, which the court allowed. Rana, who is representing the agency pro bono (without charging any money), had earlier told the court that the accused were required for "interrogation and recording of their statement to proceed further in the investigation". ED has filed the case on the basis of an FIR lodged ..
Indo-Bangladesh Army cycling expedition flagged off
In yet another step towards cementing bonds between the two neighbours and their armies, the third joint Indo-Bangladesh Army Cycling Expedition 2019 is being conducted under the aegis of Indian Army, officials said. The expedition consists of six officers, one JCO and seven others from the Indian Army, and six officers and six others from the Bangladesh Army, they said. The expedition was flagged off from Binnaguri Military Station in North Bengal on Wednesday by Brigadier Pankaj Singh, deputy GOC, Kripan Division of Eastern Command. The team paid homage to the martyrs of 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War at the Bogra War Memorial situated in the military station, the officials said. The team will traverse a total distance of 401 km, out of which 264 km will be covered along the Dhubri-Tura-Dalu route as part of the Indian leg and 137 km along the Haluaghat-Jamalpur-Dhanbari-Madhupur in Bangladesh. Various cultural events showcasing respective cultures and traditions are ..
Pawan Kalyan's brother joins Jana Sena, to contest LS poll
: Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan's elder brother Konidela Nagendra Babu joined the party Wednesday and was named the candidate for the Narsapuram Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh. Admitting his brother, Kalyan described his brother as his "political guru", saying he had a clear understanding of politics. Nagendra Babu, popularly known as Nagababu, is the younger brother of Telugu film star and former Union Minister K Chiranjeevi while Kalyan is the youngest. "On my invitation, he has joined the Jana Sena. He will be available whole time to serve the people," Kalyan said. Kalyan and Nagababu were the pillars of support for Chiranjeevi when he launched Praja Rajyam Party in 2008. The party was later merged with the Congress in 2012 and both of them stayed away from politics for a while before Kalyan floated the Jana Sena two years later. Like his two brothers, Nagababu is also a film and television actor, besides being a producer. "Kalyan is my younger brother whom I .