Page 1278 - Politics
Oppn has no knowledge of Indian traditions:Yogi on criticism over renaming Ardh Kumbh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has attacked his rivals for criticising the government for renaming this year's Ardh Kumbh as Kumbh, saying the opposition does not have an "iota of knowledge" about Indian traditions. The state government had renamed the Ardh Kumbh as Kumbh and the Kumbh as Maha Kumbh in 2017. The Kumbh was held in Allahabad from January 15 to March 4 at the Sangam -- the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga and the mythical Saraswati rivers -- and as per government data, it was attended by over 24 crore people. "When the entire country feels proud about the valour and heroic deeds of the armed forces, they (opposition) seeks evidence of surgical strikes and air strikes. "When the entire world praises the divya (divine) and bhavya (grand) Kumbh, then they do not feel proud and express sadness as to why Ardh Kumbh was made Kumbh," Adityanath told PTI in an interview on Saturday. The chief minister attributed the success of the recently culminated Kumbh to Prime .
BJP looks at smaller parties to consolidate position in UP
Hoping to capture a big victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh's ruling BJP is working to keep its team of small parties together by offering them tempting deals where it can and lending a sympathetic ear to their demands. With the Lok Sabha elections beginning next month, the ruling party in the state plans to challenge the SP-BSP-RLD with help from its allies Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) and Apna Dal (S). Smaller parties with sizeable vote banks are gaining traction in the politically-crucial state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, explained a party insider. It was keeping this factor in mind that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently gave minister of state (MoS) rank to 75 leaders of his party and allies to keep them in good humour. "The backing from smaller parties will prove to be the icing on the cake. These parties have considerable vote banks that can help our party in consolidating its position," a party functionary, requesting anonymity, said. Although ...
Iran's Rouhani urges Iranians to 'put all your curses' on US
Iran's president is urging Iranians to put a curse on the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia blaming the US and its allies for his country's ailing economy. Monday's televised remarks by Hassan Rouhani were meant to deflect criticism of his administration's performance amid a spiralling economy after the Trump administration pulled out of the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran last year, targeting Iran's vital oil sector. Rouhani urged Iranians to "put all your curses on those who created the current situation" and added that "the United States, the Zionists" and Saudi Arabia were to blame. He didn't say what kind of curses the Iranians should invoke. The crisis that s gripping Iran has hurt ordinary Iranians and emboldened Rouhani's critics to openly call for his ouster.
Elections are 'picnic' for Gandhi family, says BJP on Priyanka's UP visit
Every election is a "picnic" for the Gandhi family, the BJP said on Monday while seeking to downplay Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's three-day Uttar Pradesh visit during which she will cover 100 km by boat in the river Ganga. "For the Gandhi family, every election is a picnic. They come, they see and resort to rhetorical speeches. After the elections are over, they head towards Switzerland or Italy," senior BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma told PTI here Monday. "As soon as a new election is announced, a new member of the family emerges and assumes magical leadership," he said, adding, "The respected leader (Priyanka) has campaigned for the Congress in earlier elections as well and despite campaigning, her party suffered defeats at the hustings." The Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh kicked off her party's campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in the state on Monday by offering prayers at the Lette Hanuman temple near ..
PM Modi pays last respects to Manohar Parrikar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid last respects to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar here on Monday.Parrikar, four times Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister died on Sunday after fighting a long battle with cancer.The Prime Minister also met with the bereaved family and conveyed condolences.BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani also paid last respects to her party colleague.Parrikar was born in Mapusa in the coastal state of Goa in 1955 when it was under Portuguese control.Parrikar was also one of those leaders who rose in ranks from RSS to BJP. Parrikar had joined RSS even during final years of his school days and later became the Sanghchalak at the age of 26.Often referred to as the 'Chief Minister of the Common' by many, Parrikar was known for his simple style of living and for being easily approachable by the people.
If voted to power, Rahul assures direct transfer of minimum wages
Reiterating his promise of minimum basic income, Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced on Monday that if voted to power his party will deposit money directly into the bank accounts of poor."Chowidar waived loans of Rs 3,50,000 lakh crore but he did not waive farmers' loans. We have taken a decision that after elections, Congress party is ready to give money directly to bank accounts of the poor. A minimum income limit will be fixed. Those who will be under the minimum income limit, money will be given to bring them on that limit," he said addressing a public rally in Kalaburagi.He further hit out at Prime Minister saying, the latter wants to end the ideals of the constitution in the same way he ended Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations."Wherever Mr Modi goes, he spreads hatred and communal disharmony. Dalits are beaten and exploited. His main goal is to end the ideals of the constitution. We will never let him do that," Rahul alleged emphasizing that Congress will not let anyone to ..
Congress playing opportune politics in Goa after Parrikar's demise: Ram Madhav
It is sad that Congress is finding Manohar Parrikar's demise as an opportune moment to play politics in Goa, said BJP leader Ram Madhav here on Sunday."It is so sad that Congress party is finding this as an opportune moment to play politics in Goa. We all can wait for the politics but right now, here is a person whom not only his friends, followers and colleagues but also the adversaries always respected and liked as an individual," Madhav said while reacting on the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.Ram Madhav's statement came after, the Congress party today for the third time in two days staked claim to form a government in Goa.He added that the demise of the former Defence Minister is a great loss. "It's a great loss not only to party or his family but it's a great loss to the whole nation," the BJP leader said."Until his last breath Parrikar lived the life of an honest politician," he added.Parrikar, a senior BJP leader died on Sunday evening after a prolonged battle ...
I challenge PM Modi for an open debate with Rahul, says BK Hariprasad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has not addressed even a single press conference during his five-year-long tenure, should have a debate with Rahul Gandhi on an open platform, said senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad on Monday."When the watchman becomes a thief, then who will protect your belongings. I challenge that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courage, then he should debate with Rahul on an open forum," said Hariprasad."Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not addressed any press conference till date. If he has the courage, then he should do an open press conference," added the Congress leader.
Karnataka Congress leader quits, joins BJP
Karnataka Congress leader A. Manju resigned from the party over the alliance with the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) for the Lok Sabha elections.
Denied ticket from Nawada, Giriraj goes into a sulk
Firebrand BJP leader and union minister Giriraj Singh was on Monday apparently left sulking after the Nawada Lok Sabha seat, which he represents, went to NDA ally LJP. "Compulsions of seat-sharing may be there. But I wish to underscore that no other union minister from Bihar may have to give up his sitting seat," the veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader told media persons here. "This is despite the fact that I have worked so much to nurture my constituency," Singh added. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had on Sunday announced the list of candidates and their respective seats to be contested by its three constituents-- the BJP, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP. As per the announcement the BJP and the JD(U) will contest 17 seats each and six seats were allotted to the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Asked whether he had expressed his wish to seek re-election from Nawada to state BJP president Nityanand Rai, Singh said: "I must have ...
Giriraj upset over being shifted to Begusarai
A day after the BJP gave Bihar's Nawada Lok Sabha seat to the LJP, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday expressed unhappiness and hinted he may not contest from Begusarai where he is being shifted.
Oppn in disarray, Cong confident of winning all 13 seats in Punjab
The ruling Congress in Punjab is confident of winning all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state as it faces a "faction-ridden" and "divided" Opposition in the hustings. Congress will be firing on all cylinders to take on the SAD-BJP alliance and AAP in the parliamentary polls beginning April 11. "We are seeing the opposition the way it is. Akali Dal has disintegrated and AAP has also broken into groups. BJP, within its cadres, has a lot of infighting," said Asha Kumari, Congress Punjab affairs in-charge. She exuded confidence that Congress will win all 13 seats in the state. To accomplish its 'Mission 13', Congress will highlight the achievements of its two-year regime and target the BJP-led Centre for its "failures" at the national level. Both Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will highlight the "non-performance" of the Punjab government on poll promises like farm debt waiver and smart phones for youths etc. It is going to be interesting to see how SAD fares in the ...
KPCC formally asks Rahul to fight polls from state
Karnataka Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday formally invited Congress President Rahul Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections from the state.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to contest from Hinjili, Bijepur assembly seats
Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik will contest the Odisha assembly polls from two seats, Bijepur and his home turf Hinjili. Patnaik Monday announced the first list of BJD candidates for nine of the 21 Lok Sabha and 54 of the 147 assembly seats in the state. The chief minister said he will contest the state polls from Hinjili in Ganjam district and Bijepur in west Odisha's Bargarh district. Simultaneous polling will be held in Odisha for the 21 Lok Sabha seats and the 147 assembly constituencies in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. Elections in Hinjili and Bijepur will be held in the second phase of polling on April 18. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief's announcement came a day after he had hinted at contesting the upcoming assembly election also from a constituency in west Odisha. "Leaders as well as farmers, women and students from western Odisha have requested that I stand from an assembly constituency in western Odisha .. I am considering the proposal very ...
Stalemate on next Goa CM continues, says GFP chief Sardesai
The Goa Forward Party, an alliance partner in the state's BJP-led government, Monday said a stalemate persisted on the selection of the next chief minister following the death of Manohar Parrikar. The GFP and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party's three MLAs each, an equal number of Independents, and BJP legislators have been meeting since late Sunday night to reach a consensus on Parrikar's successor. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had flown into the state early Monday to lead the discussion. "The stalemate over the issue (next CM) continues," GFP chief Vijai Sardesai said. He said he, along with other coalition partners, had raised certain apprehensions with Gadkari but was yet to get answers on them from the BJP. "We are yet to receive any response from them. We can understand that the BJP is busy with final rites of Parrikar," Sardesai said. Earlier during the day, BJP MLA and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Michael Lobo had claimed Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant and .
China, Pakistan to discuss Pulwama fallout
The recent India-Pakistan tensions after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF troopers, will figure in the talks between the Chinese and Pakistani Foreign Ministers which will begin on Tuesday.
Goa LoP meets Governor, stakes claim
The Congress on Monday met Governor Mridula Sinha and staked claim to form the government in Goa, as it is the single largest party in the Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar said.
On getting caught, Modi turned whole country into chowkidars: Rahul
Mocking the prime minister's "main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Monday said Narendra Modi has turned the whole country into "chowkidars" after getting caught. Gandhi, who had been repeatedly taking the "chowkidar chor hai"(watchman is the thief) jibe at Modi to claim irregularities and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal, said the prime minister never said he would make the whole country "chowkidars". Addressing a public rally here in north Karnataka, he said Modi had told the people to make him a "chowkidar" and not prime minister, but was now turning the whole country into "chowkidars." "Whose chowkidari has he done?" the Congress president asked, alleging Modi had only helped Anil Ambani, Mehu Chowksy and Nirav Modi, a charge vehemently being denied by the BJP and the government. Modi had on Saturday urged his supporters to take the 'main bhai chowkidar' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft
Cong should not create confusion, SP-BSP alliance in UP capable of defeating BJP: Akhilesh endorses Mayawati
Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday endorsed Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati's statement that the BSP-SP alliance can alone defeat the BJP without Congress' support in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections."SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh is capable of defeating BJP. Congress should not create any confusion," tweeted Akhilesh.On the one hand, Mayawati in a clear message to the Congress said in a series of tweets that Rahul Gandhi-led Congress should feel free to contest in all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh.On the other hand, the Congress on Sunday had announced its decision to leave seven Lok Sabha seats for SP, BSP and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Uttar Pradesh where 80 seats are at stake."Congress is fully free in Uttar Pradesh and should field its own candidate for contesting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats. Our alliance (SP-BSP) alone is capable of defeating the BJP. Congress should not forcibly spread rumours by leaving seven seats in UP for the SP-BSP ...
Congress will prove majority in Goa to form govt: Chandrakant Kavlekar
Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar led Congress delegation on Monday told Governor Mridula Sinha that the party will prove majority to form the government in the state."We met the Governor and staked claim to form the government as we are the single largest party in the state. We have 14 MLAs and we should be given the chance to form the government. We have told that we will prove majority. We are saddened by the demise of Goa Chief Minister," Kavlekar told media after meeting the Governor.The Congress communicated their claim to form the government hours after the death of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's death. The opposition Congress is the single largest party in the 40-member Goa assembly.However, BJP MLA Glenn Ticlo on Monday said that one among the 12 BJP MLAs should lead Goa since the demise of Parrikar.Ticlo's reaction came after the Congress wrote to the Governor for the second time in the last two days staking claim to form the government.The ...