Page 1346 - Politics
Telangana: TRS wins 4 seats, AIMIM one in biennial elections
Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) on Tuesday bagged four MLC seats out of five while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won the fifth seat in biennial elections to the Telangana Legislative Council.Seri Subhash Reddy, Yegge Mallesham, Sathyavati Rathod and Mohammed Mohmood Ali from TRS registered a victory. AIMIM's Mirza Riyaz Ul Hasan secured one seat in the biennial elections.On Monday, Congress leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy stated that the party will boycott the biennial elections to state Legislative Council as a mark of protest against the ruling party TRS.
Rahul Gandhi to address rally in TN on Wednesday
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday will begin the campaign for the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu from Nagercoil.
Telangana Home Minister among 5 elected to Council
Telangana's Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali was among the five candidates elected to the state Legislative Council on Tuesday.
AAP in talks with breakaway SAD outfit for alliance in Punjab: Kejriwal
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a breakaway outfit of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are in talks for an alliance in Punjab for the Lok Sabha election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Tuesday. The AAP chief said the final decision on whether an alliance with the SAD (Taksali) would be formed or not would be taken in a couple of days. "Bhagwat Mann (convener of AAP Punjab) is in talks with the Akali Dal (Taksali) over an alliance and a decision would be taken soon," Kejriwal told reporters here. The move came after talks for an alliance between the SAD (Taksali) and the Punjab Democratic Alliance (PDA) failed over the sharing of seats. Earlier, the SAD (Taksali) had been holding talks with the PDA that comprises former AAP leader Sukhpal Khaira's Punjab Ekta Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Lok Insaaf Party and the Punjab Manch. The SAD (Taksali) wanted to field its candidate, Bir Devinder Singh, from Anandpur Sahib seat, while the PDA insisted to give this assembly seat to the
Country safe under Prime Minister Modi: Jaitley
Asserting that the country is safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday accused the Congress of weakening the fight against Jehadi terrorists, and wondered if the party could be trusted by voters in the upcoming general elections. In a blog, Jaitley said the Congress party is one with the government on condemning Pulwama terror attack resulting in death of 41 CRPF jawans, but is disturbed about air strikes in Balakot, Pakistan. He said the Congress has repeatedly rubbished the surgical strikes of September 2016 and contends that they have either taken place in the past also or alternatively they never took place under Prime Minister Modi. "On the air strikes, their conduct is even more dubious," the minister said. While giving "lip sympathy" to the Indian Air Force for the first two days, the Congress started a multi-pronged attack and questioned the success of the strikes. The grand old party, Jaitley said, started demanding proof that terrorists .
Brexit backstop legal risk 'unchanged': UK attorney general
The legal risk of Britain being stuck in EU trade arrangements after Brexit fundamentally "remains unchanged", the UK government's chief legal advisor said Tuesday. Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said last-minute new agreements "reduce the risk" of Britain being "indefinitely and involuntarily" held in the so-called Irish border backstop. However, "the legal risk remains unchanged" that Britain, without being able to prove bad faith on behalf of the European Union, would have no legal means of exiting the backstop without the agreement of Brussels. Prime Minister Theresa May rushed to Strasbourg on Monday for last-minute talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in a bid to salvage the Brexit deal, with British MPs set to vote Tuesday on whether to accept the withdrawal agreement. The two sides then announced a three-part package of legally-binding changes to the old deal. T he backstop, designed to keep the land border between the UK and Ireland free-flowing after .
BJP asks ticket-seekers in U'khand to exercise restraint
The ruling BJP in Uttarakhand appealed to ticket aspirants in the party on Tuesday to exercise restraint while issuing public statements. "Those wanting a party ticket to contest the forthcoming polls must choose their words carefully while issuing a public statement, Pradesh BJP president Ajay Bhatt told PTI. "Irresponsible remarks made by ticket-seekers in public against party leaders might ruin their their own prospects of getting a ticket," he said. The pradesh BJP president's note of caution follows party MLA from Khanpur Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion's recent remark in which he had described party MP from Haridwar Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who hails from Pauri district, as a "migratory bird". Champion wants a party ticket for his wife Rani Devyani Singh from Haridwar on a plea that she is a local. Though Bhatt did not name anyone, he said every party worker has the right to seek a ticket, but there should be no breach of party discipline. Elections to the five Lok Sabha ...
BJP asks ticket-seekers in U'khand to exercise restraint
The ruling BJP in Uttarakhand appealed to ticket aspirants in the party on Tuesday to exercise restraint while issuing public statements. "Those wanting a party ticket to contest the forthcoming polls must choose their words carefully while issuing a public statement, Pradesh BJP president Ajay Bhatt told PTI. "Irresponsible remarks made by ticket-seekers in public against party leaders might ruin their their own prospects of getting a ticket," he said. The pradesh BJP president's note of caution follows party MLA from Khanpur Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion's recent remark in which he had described party MP from Haridwar Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who hails from Pauri district, as a "migratory bird". Champion wants a party ticket for his wife Rani Devyani Singh from Haridwar on a plea that she is a local. Though Bhatt did not name anyone, he said every party worker has the right to seek a ticket, but there should be no breach of party discipline. Elections to the five Lok Sabha ...
Pictures of PM, ministers taken down from most govt websites
Following the imposition of the model code of conduct, several government websites, including that of the Prime Minister's Office, have taken down pictures of the prime minister and other union ministers, but some ministries are yet to comply. The Lok Sabha elections will begin from April 11 and the announcement of the date for polling means the Model Code of Conduct comes into immediate effect. It remains operational till the process is concluded. The code states that the party in power - whether at the Centre or in the states - should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning. Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form. No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter in favour of the party in power can be announced, and ministers cannot use official machinery for campaign purposes. In a letter written to the cabinet secretary and chief secretaries of states, the EC had asked them to ensure ..
Pictures of PM, ministers taken down from most govt websites
Following the imposition of the model code of conduct, several government websites, including that of the Prime Minister's Office, have taken down pictures of the prime minister and other union ministers, but some ministries are yet to comply. The Lok Sabha elections will begin from April 11 and the announcement of the date for polling means the Model Code of Conduct comes into immediate effect. It remains operational till the process is concluded. The code states that the party in power - whether at the Centre or in the states - should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning. Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form. No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter in favour of the party in power can be announced, and ministers cannot use official machinery for campaign purposes. In a letter written to the cabinet secretary and chief secretaries of states, the EC had asked them to ensure ..
SC asks Centre why it has not created mechanism to monitor assets of lawmakers
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to explain in two weeks why it has not set up a permanent mechanism to monitor the undue accretion of assets by elected representatives as directed by it last year. On Feb 16 last year, the apex court had said the undue accretion of assets by lawmakers was a "sure indicator" of the beginning of a failing democracy, which if left unattended, would lead to the destruction of democracy and pave way for "rule of mafia". It had then asked for a permanent mechanism to monitor the undue accretion of wealth by lawmakers. On Tuesday, hearing a contempt plea filed by NGO 'Lok Prahari', it said it was not issuing any notice but seeking a reply from the secretary of legislative department of the Union of India why the court's directions were not complied with. The NGO has claimed that certain directions issued by the court on Feb 16 last year have not been complied with. The court also asked the secretary to explain what his department has done with ..
SC asks Centre why it has not created mechanism to monitor assets of lawmakers
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to explain in two weeks why it has not set up a permanent mechanism to monitor the undue accretion of assets by elected representatives as directed by it last year. On Feb 16 last year, the apex court had said the undue accretion of assets by lawmakers was a "sure indicator" of the beginning of a failing democracy, which if left unattended, would lead to the destruction of democracy and pave way for "rule of mafia". It had then asked for a permanent mechanism to monitor the undue accretion of wealth by lawmakers. On Tuesday, hearing a contempt plea filed by NGO 'Lok Prahari', it said it was not issuing any notice but seeking a reply from the secretary of legislative department of the Union of India why the court's directions were not complied with. The NGO has claimed that certain directions issued by the court on Feb 16 last year have not been complied with. The court also asked the secretary to explain what his department has done with ..
Now demand in Tamil Nadu to reschedule LS poll in view of Chithirai festival
Close on the heels of some leaders expressing concern over the Lok Sabha poll schedule clashing with the holy month of Ramzan, political leaders here have sought change in poll dates in view of Chithirai festival.An all-party delegation on Tuesday demanded the postponement of Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu, which is scheduled to take place on April 18, in view of Chithirai festival from April 8 to 22 in the state.The representatives of different parties met District Collector S Natarajan on Tuesday, demanding the rescheduling of the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held on April 18 in a single phase.Responding to the demand, the Collector said that the voting time can be extended due to festivities, but there's no scope for rescheduling the polling.This comes a day after TMC leader and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the staggered LS poll schedule in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, which may coincide with month-long fast, ...
Candidates selection a tightrope walk for BJP & Cong in Rajasthan
The selection of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls may turn out to be a tricky affair for both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP in Rajasthan. The northern state has 25 Lok Sabha seats, out of which 23 seats are with the BJP and two with Congress. For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), there are about ten seats where the party may face dissidence after dropping sitting MPs. BJP state president Madan Lal Saini said the party was at a comfortable position on 13-15 seats from the point of view of candidates selection. "Two meetings for candidate selection will take place soon. For the candidates selection task, we are comfortable on more than half of the total seats. Some of the sitting MPs have to be dropped due to certain equations and on the basis of their performance and party workers' feedback," he told PTI. Saini said the party has fixed the target of winning all the 25 seats. Jaipur is among such seats where sitting MP Ramcharan Bohra, who had won the 2014 elections .
Polls will sound "death knell" for BJP, end Modi's "reign of
The 2019 Lok Sabha polls will sound the "death knell" for the BJP and bring an end to Narendra Modi's "reign of fear", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted Tuesday. The Trinamool Congress supremo said the electoral battle will be between a "united India and some isolated people", as she mounted a scalding assault on the BJP and the prime minister. "The 2019 Lok Sabha polls will sound the death knell for the BJP and give people freedom from the reign of fear of Narendra Modi. It will be a fight between a united India and some isolated people," she told a press conference after releasing a list of TMC candidates for all the 42 LS seats in the state. She also claimed she had information that "VVIPs" were using helicopters and chartered flights to transport money to bribe voters ahead of the polls. The West Bengal leader assailed the Centre over a host of issues including the Rafale deal, farm distress and shrinking employment opportunities. Backing Congress .
BJP to torch symbolic bonfire of Kejriwal govt's 'failures and unfulfilled promises'
The BJP hit back at the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi over its demand for full statehood to the city, on Tuesday, with Union minister Vijay Goel saying he will lit a symbolic bonfire of "unfulfilled promises and failures" of the Kejriwal government. Goel slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the issue of full statehood, saying there was "no possibility of statehood owing to antics and drama of Kejriwal." Earlier Tuesday, Kejriwal charged BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "betraying" people on the issue of full statehood to Delhi. He said he and other senior party leaders will burn the BJP manifesto which promised full statehood to Delhi, at AAP office on Wednesday. Another BJP leader, its Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari, said Kejriwal has "strongly damaged" the cause of full statehood by "trying to stop" the Republic Day parade in 2014 and by repeatedly "attacking" constitutional institutions. During his "dharna" near Rail Bhawan in January 2014, Kejriwal had ...
'NDA the only strongest,viable,inclusive alliance for LSpolls'
The NDA was now the strongest, viable, largest inclusive alliance in the country, compared to the opposition, which was ridden with contradictions, BJP National General Secretary P Muralidhar Rao said here Tuesday. "It is clear that no other leader other than Modiji is acceptable to the entire country and our alliance, whereas no leader is acceptable to the opposition nationwide," he told reporters here. He said the narative of the polls would be a stable and decisive government at the centre, led by a decisive clear leader, development, welfare of the poor and farmers, national security and the challenges posed by terrorism. Rao recalled that doubts had been expressed in some quarters about three months back about many of NDA's traditional allies distancing themselves from the alliance. However the situation now was that it was very strong,he said. On the other hand, the Congress had not been able to stitch up a national level alliance, he said. The NDA was now the ...
Opposition using Ramzan as alibi to justify 'imminent defeat': UP deputy CM
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Tuesday accused the Opposition parties of using the Ramzan as an alibi to justify their imminent defeat in the Lok Sabha polls. "Most of the Hindus observe fast on Tuesdays, while the Muslims hold special 'jumma' (prayer) on Friday. Does that mean there should be no voting on Tuesdays and Fridays? Sharma asked. "Elections are also a type of 'ibadat' (worship). It is a type of puja. And it is the 'ibaadat' and 'aradhana' (worship) of the 'rashtra' (nation). If the elections are held in the period of Ramzan, then people will go out to vote with a pure mind and heart," the Bharatiya Janata Party leader (BJP) told PTI. Sharma's statement comes in the backdrop of the Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party claiming that holding elections during Ramzan would inconvenience Muslims and help the BJP as the community is largely seen to be backing the Opposition parties against the ruling alliance. "This is a political stunt of some people .
Pak acting against terrorism under NAP: Qureshi tells German FM
Seeking to downplay global pressure on Pakistan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Tuesday told his German counterpart Heiko Maas that Islamabad was acting against terror groups under a national plan formulated after a horrific terror attack in Peshawar in 2014. Qureshi's statement comes at a time when the international community, especially the US, alarmed by the India-Pakistan tensions after the Pulwama terror attack, is pressing Pakistan to take "sustained and irreversible" actions against all terror groups operating on its soil with impunity. The Pulwama terror attack by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. "Fighting terrorism is a global and regional challenge and Pakistan has taken a lot of action, political steps to eradicate this menace. "The evolution of National Action Plan (NAP) and the horrific incident of Army Public School was a .
Expelled TMC MP Anupam Hazra joins BJP
Expelled TMC MP Anupam Hazra joined the BJP here on Tuesday. Hazra had won the 2014 election from Bolpur in West Bengal. He joined the BJP at the party's headquarters here in the presence of BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya. The TMC leadership had expelled the Bolpur MP for anti-party activities on January 9.