Page 1432 - Politics

New alliance in the making for LS elections in Telangana

Unlike in last year's Assembly elections in Telangana, the CPI and CPI(M) have decided to forge an alliance for the Lok Sabha polls in the state. Leaders of the two Left parties met here on Saturday and it was agreed to contest the Parliamentary elections unitedly, CPI(M) State secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram told PTI. In the December 7, 2018 Assembly elections, CPI was part of the Congress-led alliance, "Prajakutami" (People's Front) which also had the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) as its partners. The CPI(M) had fought the elections then under the banner "Bahujan Left Front" with several smaller parties. Veerabhadram said the CPI has also agreed to include BLF partners in the alliance for the Lok Sabha polls due by May. Sources in the two Left parties said the CPI already had a discussion with TJS on its inclusion in the alliance. Sources claimed Jana Sena led by actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan or the TDP led by Andhra Pradesh Chief

VCK-DMK alliance: VCK to contest on 2 seats in LS polls

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder-leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Monday announced that his party has reached an agreement with DMK for two constituencies for the forthcoming General elections.Thirumavalavan told ANI, "We made an agreement with DMK for two constituencies in forthcoming parliamentary elections. We will decide on what are those constituencies after a couple of days. Now we fixed only on the numbers, peacefully and happily."Thirumavalavan gave the information after his talks with the seat-sharing committee of the DMK at its headquarters Anna Arivalayam.

UK urges India, Pak to look for "peaceful diplomatic solution"

The United Kingdom on Monday expressed concern over the current India-Pakistan tensions and said that both sides should look for a "peaceful diplomatic solution".British Minister for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field said, "I am delighted to be here in India to build on strong ties with a key partner. I was pleased to meet Indian Foreign Secretary (Vijay) Gokhale at a difficult time in regional relations between India and Pakistan. I expressed the UK's concern about the current tensions, discussed the importance of creating greater regional stability, including the urgent need to tackle terrorism, and encouraged both sides to come together to look for a peaceful diplomatic solution."He said, "I repeated that the UK stood shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terrorist attack in Pulwama", according to a British High Commission statement.Field's three-day visit to India came after Indian Air Force's "non-military", "pre-emptive" strike at a Jaish-e-Mohammed ...

Person who solves Kashmir issue will be worthy of Nobel Peace Prize: Imran

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the person who solves the Kashmir issue will be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize, days after a resolution was submitted in Parliament endorsing him for the prestigious award, citing his "efforts to de-escalate" tensions with India. "I am not worthy of the Nobel Peace prize. The person worthy of this would be the one who solves the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and paves the way for peace & human development in the subcontinent," the premier tweeted. On March 2, a resolution was submitted in Pakistan's National Assembly Secretariat stating that Khan's decision of releasing Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has de-escalated the hostility between Pakistan and India. According to the resolution, Khan "acted responsibly" in the current tension and "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize". After the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what ..

TV producer Saurabh Tewari joins BJP

Well-known television personality Saurabh Tewari entered into active politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), an official said here on Monday.

TRS hits back at Cong over defection of 2 MLAs in T'gana

Dismissing the Congress' allegations that it "purchased" two of its MLAs, the ruling TRS in Telangana Monday asked whether the instances of other public representatives joining the Congress was also a "purchase". TRS working president K T Rama Rao, who responded to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy's allegation that the TRS has purchased two of its MLAs, referred to various instances of lawmakers joining the Congress. Two Congress MLAs -- Rega Kantha Rao (Pinapaka) and Atram Sakku (Asifabad) -- announced on Saturday night they decided to join the ruling TRS in the interest of welfare and development of STs, especially Adivasis. Rama Rao referred to media reports of a sitting BJP MP in Uttar Pradesh joining the Congress in the presence of its president Rahul Gandhi and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday. "One sitting BJP MP in Uttar Pradesh joined Congress in the presence of your (Congress) president and General Secretary. Have you

Not worthy of Nobel Peace Prize, says Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, addressing calls by his countrymen on social media and in his government to award him a Nobel Peace Prize for "de-escalating" tensions with India, on Monday said that he is not worthy of the honour.

Indian-Americans protest outside UN headquarters against Pulwama attack

Braving wintery weather, a large number of Indian-Americans held a protest in front of the United Nations headquarters here against the Pulwama attack and demanded that Pakistan take action against terror groups operating on its soil. On February 14, a terrorist of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The protesters from across this city gathered at the UN headquarters on Sunday, holding placards and raising slogans against the terror machinery operating on Pakistani soil and demanded swift action against the JeM and its leader Masood Azhar. Jagdish Sewhani, President of 'The American India Public Affairs Committee' and one of the organisers of the event, told PTI that Indian-Americans, including professionals and students, were expressing their anger at the "continued state sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan across the world". The ...

Will take measures to eradicate poverty in state: Manipur CM

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said his government would take "steps to eradicate poverty" in the state and work toward ensuring that the beneficiaries of welfare schemes receive their dues on time. Addressing people after inaugurating a revamped school in Imphal West district Sunday, Singh asserted that the "prevailing system of governance and administration in the state has to be rectified to achieve the target". "As a part of this endeavour, two important missions - 'Go to Hills' and 'Go to Village' - were launched by the government last year to redress the grievances of the people living in the hills and the valley," the chief minister said. Singh also said that the schemes will be reviewed every month to ensure that the benefits reach people on time. "The government will take steps to eradicate poverty from Manipur. It is sensitive to the needs of the people. "We have already taken measures to ensure that people get electricity and gas connections without ...

Will complain to Election Commission on data theft, says Chandrababu Naidu on IT raids

Condemning the IT raids at the company that provides app services to Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that his party will complain to the Election Commission of India on data theft issue."TDP data comprises the details of a welfare fund for party activists. Details of party activists' insurance are also there in that data. That data is a result of 24 years of hard work of our party. Party data is our asset. It is an offence to steal it. There is data of 70 lakh workers and no government has the right to steal that data. We will complain to the Election Commission of India on the theft of our data," said Naidu while addressing a teleconference with party leaders, public representatives and booth conveners.Condemning the raids, he raised the issue of state jurisdictions. "When the asset is in Andhra Pradesh, how can a theft case be filed in Telangana? How can cases be registered in Telangana against those who work for TDP in ...

Congress MLA Umesh Jadhav resigns, likely to join BJP

Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Dr Umesh Jadhav on Monday submitted his resignation to the Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly, K. R. Ramesh Kumar amidst rumours of him joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Reportedly, Dr Umesh Jadhav is likely to join BJP on March 6 at an event expected to be attended by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP is planning to field Dr Umesh against Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge from the Gulbarga seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.Calling Dr Umesh a "betrayer", Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, Dinesh Gundu Rao said: "His resignation was a foregone conclusion because he had already sold himself to BJP. He is leaving the Congress party for his selfish motives."Umesh, a two-time MLA from the Chincholi constituency, was reportedly upset with the party for not giving enough importance to the other leaders of the Gulbarga district in Karnataka.Umesh, along with three other MLAs- Ramesh Jarakiholi, ...

Will give evidence of air strikes on Pakistani terror camps at appropriate time: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said that the Centre would provide and release evidence of the Indian Air Force's air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan at the appropriate time.Puri also called "illiterate and stupid" those who are demanding evidence of the air strikes and those leaders who thanked Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for releasing fighter pilot Abhindan Varthaman.Puri who was addressing "Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat" programme in Kanpur told reporters that the "IAF targeted the locations in Pakistan because they were training ground for the terror groups and the ammunition used was precision guided and it is not upto us to tell them how many people were killed.""We have been repeatedly saying that Pakistan as a country uses its state for terror," the Union Minister also said adding that relatives of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Maulana Masood Azhar had come out and admitted that the Indian Air Force had hit their .

Karnataka Congress MLA Umesh Jadhav resigns

Karnataka's "rebel" Congress MLA Umesh Jadhav resigned from the state Assembly on Monday.

IAF doesn't count number of dead: Air Force chief Dhanoa

The casualty figure in the air strike on the Balakot camp will be given out by the government, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said on Monday while asserting that the Indian Air Force does not count the number of dead. Addressing a press conference here, he said the death toll depends on the number of people present at the target. The Rafale jet should come into India's inventory by September, the Air Force chief told reporters in his first comments since the February 26 attack on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot in Pakistan. When an adversary attacks you, every aircraft is used, Dhanoa said, adding that the MiG 21 jet used in the dog fight with Pakistan is an upgraded aircraft with advanced weapons system. Referring to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan on February 27 as tensions between the countries escalated, he said he can't comment on the politics but was happy the officer was back home. "We don't take chances with the medical fitness of a pilot," ..

Mayawati asks PM Modi to explain why no Rafale jet arrived during his government

BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain why "not a single Rafale" fighter jet got inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet since he came to power at the Centre.She tweeted, "Rafale fighter could have prove useful in fight against Pak, claims PM Modi in his rallies. Even then not a single Rafale inducted into IAF fleet during his govt. Better explain people why this kind of lapse and neglect even by the BJP on the issue of country's safety and security?"Her statement comes two days after Prime Minister Modi, while talking about the IAF strike at a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said the entire nation felt the absence of Rafale fighter planes.Addressing the India Today Conclave here, he said on Saturday, "Today, the entire nation has felt the absence of Rafale. Had we got Rafale, the result today could have been different. Initially, people were doing 'Swaarthneeti' on it. Today they are doing .

US, North Korea should continue talks: China

Describing the recent US-North Korea Summit as "constructive" China on Monday prompted that Washington and Pyongyang should continue to talk and stick to a political solution to resolve issues pertaining to the Korean Peninsula, reports Xinhua.Addressing a press conference, Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for the second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) said, "I hope for the DPRK and the United States to keep good faith, remain patient, and continue to engage in talks toward the right direction to seek further progress.""The recent meeting between the DPRK and the US leaders in Hanoi was constructive," he added.Meanwhile, the second session of the 13th NPC will commence in Beijing on March 5.The optimistic remarks by China came a day after Beijing announced that President Xi Jinping is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump later this month to ease tensions over trade and technology security.

Don't play politics with terror keeping LS polls in mind: Kapil Sibal to PM Modi, Amit Shah

Citing international media reports of "no proof of militants being killed at Balakot", Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday questioned BJP leaders how they could zero down on specific number of terrorists killed there and asked them not play politics with terror keeping Lok Sabha elections in mind."Your (BJP) ministers are saying '300 people have been killed', '400 people have been killed'. Where did they get this information from or is it with a particular thought in mind that the Lok Sabha elections are around the corner, so they have to say that 'x' number of people have been killed?" said Sibal while speaking to ANI.Sibal's statement comes a day after Amit Shah said that over 250 terrorists were killed in the air strike carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) against a terror camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakot, Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province."Who told Amit Shah this (number of terrorists killed)? Did the Defence services tell him that 250 people have been killed?

ECI team in J-K to review preparedness for coming Lok Sabha polls

A team of the Election Commission of India (ECI) arrived here on Monday on a two-day visit to review the poll preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir in the run-up to the upcoming general elections.The five-member team is being led by Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena and includes Director General (Expenditure) Dilip Sharma, ADG (SPS) Sheyphali B Sharan, Director Nikhil Kumar and Principal Secretary Standhope Yuhlung.The team is scheduled to meet 7 national parties and 3 state parties during its stay, according to the office of the state's Chief Electoral Officer.A presentation by the Chief Electoral Officer, Police Nodal Officer and other Nodal Officers is also scheduled.The Commission will hold meetings with state officials including Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), District Election Officers (DEOs) and Divisional Commissioners of twelve districts of the state.A press conference will be addressed by the team tomorrow.

South Korea's Moon calls for quick resumption of nuke talks

South Korean President Moon Jae-in says Seoul will actively try to get the nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang quickly back on track. Moon made the comments on Monday as he led a National Security Council meeting to discuss South Korea's diplomatic strategy following the breakdown of a high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week in Vietnam. Moon lobbied hard for the revival of nuclear diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang following a period of tension over the North's missile and nuclear tests and Trump's threats to bring down "fire and fury" on the North. But experts say the breakdown of the Trump-Kim meeting in Hanoi has put the credibility of Moon's role as mediator in doubt.

VCK, DMK finalise seat sharing for LS polls

The DMK and VCK on Monday inked an electoral pact by which the latter will contest from two seats in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.