Page 1438 - Politics

Trinamool forms panel for upcoming elections

Trinamool Congress on Sunday set the ball rolling for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal by announcing a 12-member committee to focus on the modalities of election campaign and screen the applications of aspiring candidates.

India, Pak must initiate 'result oriented' dialogue: Farooq Abdullah

NC chief Farooq Abdullah Sunday said India and Pakistan should start a "result oriented" and "time bound" dialogue for the "greater good" of both the nations, especially the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a meet of party functionaries here, Abdullah said National Conference (NC) founder and his father Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was of the opinion that greater Indo-Pak interaction would benefit the people of the state the most. "Our party still deems Indo-Pak friendship essential to a peaceful sub-continent. I impress upon the sane voices in both the countries to push their respective governments to initiate a result oriented dialogue process for the greater good of the two nations," he said. "The bonhomie between the two nuclear powered nations is the key to peace in J-K," the former chief minister of the state said. The NC took upon itself to emancipate the people of the state from abject poverty and shackles of feudal strife under the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Mohammad ...

Russian president Putin hopes AK-203 rifles will help Indian security agencies

The new joint venture between India and Russia to manufacture the Kalashnikov assault rifles' 200 series will be able to fulfil Indian security agencies' requirement for small arms, Russian President Vladmir Putin said in a message read out by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Sunday. Sitharaman read out the message during an event of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi where he laid the foundation stone of a manufacturing unit for the AK-203 assault rifles. "The new joint venture will manufacture world famous Kalashnikov assault rifles of the newest 200 series and eventually will reach full localisation of production. "Thus, the Indian defence-industrial sector will have the opportunity to fulfil the needs of national security agencies in this category of small arms, resting upon advanced Russian technologies," Putin said in his message. He said military and technical cooperation has traditionally been one of the key areas of the special and privileged ...

Dynasty's interest, commissions above national interest for Congress: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lashed out at the previous Congress governments, alleging that they kept the defence forces exposed to the enemy's bullets for several years at failing to get commissions in defence deals and to protect the "dynasty".

3 JeI leaders held, a dozen assets sealed during raids in Jammu region

At least six bank accounts linked to the group have been identified and the banks concerned directed to immediately freeze them

PM addresses his first rally in Amethi, lays foundation stone of rifle manufacturing unit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday addressed his first rally in Amethi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, since coming to power in 2014 and laid the foundation stone of a manufacturing unit for AK-203 rifles. Modi, who landed in the city after addressing a rally in Bihar's Patna, said Amethi, which has traditionally been loyal to the Gandhi family, was the best example of his government's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (together with all, development for all) motto. "We were not able to win the seat the last time but won your hearts. Smritiji worked for the development here and did more work than that done by the one who has won from here," he said, referring to Union Minister Smriti Irani who unsuccessfully contested the last election from Amethi. "Are you happy with the works we have done, have we not cared for you and tried honestly for your welfare...have we done any injustice to you," Modi told the rally. "Those who voted for us and those who did not, .

Opposition remarks on IAF action hurt national interest: Jaitley

In a sharp attack on the opposition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Sunday said statements by opposition leaders after the Indian Air Force's (IAF) counter-terror operation in Balakot had not only hurt India's national interest by giving "smiles to Pakistan" but also become an instrument in its hands to discredit India.

Amit Shah to visit Telangana on March 6

: BJP president Amit Shah will visit Nizamabad in Telangana on March 6 to take part in a meeting to review the party's poll preparedness for the coming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has divided the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state into four clusters. Amit Shah will attend the Nizamabad cluster meeting on March 6, a release from the Telangana BJP said Sunday. BJP leaders, office bearers from Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Zaheerabad, Medak Parliament constituencies, besides those who contested the December 2018 assembly elections would participate, it said. Senior party leaders have already said that the BJP would go it alone in Telangana in the Lok Sabha elections and contest in all the 17 seats in the state.

Khattar lays foundation stone, inaugurates development projects amounting to Rs 4,106 cr

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 211 development projects of different departments costing Rs 4,106 crore. According to an official release, the chief minister inaugurated projects and laid foundation stones in all districts of the state through video conferencing here. These included inauguration of 63 projects at a cost of Rs 408 crore and foundation stones of 148 projects at a cost of Rs 3,698 crore. On the occasion, Khattar said, "Inauguration and laying foundation stone of development projects in such a large number and that too in a single day would usher in a new era of development in the state." The chief minister said earlier also he had laid foundation stone of 22 government colleges simultaneously in different districts of the state through video conferencing "which was a huge step". Khattar said these projects would prove to be a milestone in ensuring uniform ...

TDP in dock over data theft, FIR registered against four

Police have registered a case after a complaint was received against the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for allegedly using the people's data illegally through 'Sevamitra App' to advance the party's electoral prospects in the coming Lok Sabha polls in the state. Police have named four persons in the case. The first information report (FIR) has been registered by the Madhapur police. The complainant Thummula Lokeshwara Reddy has stated in his complaint that "while studying about the practices of electioneering in view of the coming General Elections in Andhra Pradesh, he learnt about the use of certain mobile phone and tab-based software applications by the cadre of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), especially 'Sevamitra app' for advancing party's electoral prospects as reported in the national newspapers."He further alleged: "When browsed the website of TDP, that is, www.telugudesam.org and the official Facebook page of Telugu Desam Party, the details of 'Sevamitra App' are available, which was ..

Syria: 22 security personnel killed in encounter with Al-Qaeda linked group

At least 22 security personnel were killed following an encounter with a Syrian jihadist group linked to Al-Qaeda in Idlib province. The terrorist group attacked Army units deployed near al-Masasneh and Lahaya villages, reports SANA.The attack took place near the proposed demilitarised buffer zone.The demilitarised buffer zone was announced last year to separate government forces from rebel fighters in Syria's Idlib province.Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is trying to regain control over the last province in the rebel bastion -Idlib province. Turkey has deployed military troops in different locations across Idlib.

No bugs found in Wing Commander Varthaman: Source

No bugs have been found implanted in Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman during an MRI scan, a source said on Sunday.The security agencies were understood to have been checking for any bugs which could be present in Varthaman, who was returned by Pakistan on Friday.The scan also showed an injury in his lower spine which could have happened following his ejection from the MiG-21 fighter plane after a dogfight with Pakistani F-16 jets on Wednesday, the source said.He also has a rib injury due to an assault by the Pakistani locals soon after he landed on ground in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after his aircraft was shot down.Varthaman will undergo more check-ups and treatment at the Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantonment for the next 10 days, the source said.Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Air Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa had met the pilot on Saturday.On Wednesday, Varthaman, flying a MiG 21 Bison, was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had ...

Guaido calls for fresh protest against Maduro

Self-proclaimed Venezuelan President Juan Guaido on Saturday (local time) called for a fresh protest next week against President Nicolas Maduro's regime.Guaido has been travelling to various South American countries to muster support for his campaign for a new government. "I announce my return to the country and I call for mobilisations in all the national territory," Guaido tweeted. According to the Venezuelan government, Guaido might be arrested upon his return as Venezuelan Supreme Court had imposed a travel ban on him for after he invoked the country's constitution on January 23."He can come and go [but] he will have to face justice, and justice prohibited [him] from leaving the country. I will respect the laws," said Maduro.Venezuela has been in the throes of a political turmoil ever since Guaido proclaimed himself as the President of the nation on January 23. Protesters have called for Maduro's resignation, while a few international countries like France, Japan, Germany, amongst

Joining hands with Cong to revive secular forces: Deve Gowda

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda on Sunday said they have agreed to join hands with Congress to revive secular forces, adding that the two parties will finalise seat-sharing very soon."Our base is eroded now. If we sincerely, without any misunderstanding, take this as a challenge to fight parliament election, then we can bring down the influence of BJP in this coastal district. This is the reason because of which I have decided to join hands with Congress. We are going to share the seats, that is going to be finalised in next week or ten days, without giving any scope for differences to fight the battle to win down BJP's numerical strength. That's the main aim to fight," he told ANI.On being asked of his aspiration for the prime minister post, Gowda said, "Aspiring for the post of the prime minister is not important. Our country is facing problems today. The atmosphere of secularism is spoiled by BJP. I have an experience of 58 years in public life and I believe ...

AK rifle plant will become another symbol of friendship between India,Russia: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the launch of the India-Russia joint venture for Kalashnikov assault rifle production in India on Sunday, outlining that the plant itself will become "another symbol of friendship and constructive cooperation between our two countries.""The new joint venture will manufacture world-famous Kalashnikov assault rifles of the newest 200 series and eventually will reach full localization of production. Thus, the Indian defence-industrial sector will have the opportunity to fulfill the needs of national security agencies in this category of small arms, resting upon advanced Russian technologies," Putin stated.He highlighted that the agreement regarding the project was reached during the premier's visit to India in October last year."The respective intergovernmental agreement was prepared and signed in the shortest possible time. In this regard, I would like to express gratitude to Russian and Indian specialists, to all those who so promptly made this

I did not take credit, only stated truth: Salman Khurshid clarifies remark on Abhinandan

Remaining firm on his stance on Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman joining the Air Force during the UPA government, Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid clarified that he was only "stating the truth" and not "taking credit"."I did not say the attack happened during my tenure, I had said that the person who attacked was commissioned in the Air Force during our tenure. I had only stated the truth. I did not take credit," he told ANI.A day ahead, Khurshid had tweeted "Many kudos for Wing Commander Abhi Varthaman the face of India's resistance to enemy aggression. Great poise and confidence in face of adversity. We are proud that he received his wings in 2004 and matured as fighter pilot during UPA" and faced backlash for the same.On February 27, the MiG 21 Bison which was being flown by Abhinandan was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had transgressed into the Indian airspace, and in the process, was shot down after it crossed over to the Pakistani side.Abhinandan ejected safely ..

Ban on Jamat-e-Islami 'unacceptable', says Kashmir Traders Association

Kashmir Traders Association termed the ban imposed on Jamat-e-Islami by the central government "unacceptable."Bashir Ahmed, General Secretary of the association, told ANI: "Not acceptable. It's a religious organisation that worked for Kashmir even in difficult situations. They have 400 schools in areas where even the government hasn't been able to construct schools. They constructed mosques too."He questioned why the government is not banning the organisations which are actually dangerous for the nation.The central government had on Thursday banned Jamat-e-Islami under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for a period of five years.Both the mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir have disagreed with the decision. While National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah urged the central government to reconsider the decision, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti warned that banning Jamat-e-Islami will have dangerous consequences.

Chouhan seeks CBI probe into Chitrakoot twins murder case, writes to Kamal Nath

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has demanded a CBI probe into the abduction and killing of twins--Devansh and Priyansh--from Chitrakoot last month. "Keeping in view the demand of the family and the general public, I request the state government to facilitate a CBI probe in this case," Chouhan wrote to Chief Minister Kamal Nath.Senior BJP leader and former chief minister Chouhan also expressed grief and said that he met the family of the deceased children.The five-year-old twins were abducted at gunpoint from their school bus inside their school campus in Chitrakoot on February 12.The bodies of the deceased were found lying near a river in Uttar Pradesh's Banda district on Sunday. Police said the abductors killed the boys even after receiving the ransom.In the wake of the tragedy, protests erupted in Chitrakoot, following which prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC had to be imposed in the area to maintain peace and law and order.

Opposition's comments 'give smiles to Pakistan', says Jaitley

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday criticised the Opposition for raising questions over the credibility of the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force in Balakot and claimed that the Opposition's comments "gave smiles to Pakistan". In his blog titled, 'India's Opposition has a Lot to Learn', Jaitley cited three remarks- including one made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - asserted that the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014 ran a "terrible government" and from 2014 to 2019 ran an "even more terrible Opposition."Jaitley quoted the resolution passed by the 21 opposition parties and wrote, "Like its other friends in the Opposition, the Congress Party refuses to learn. In a meeting of the 21 Opposition Parties, a resolution was passed, accusing the Prime Minister of politicizing the Pulwama and Balakot incidents. The Government had twice taken the leaders of opposition parties into confidence. The statement was inappropriate. It gave a handle to the ..

Digvijaya Singh is not mentally fit: Kailash Vijayvargiya

BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday claimed that Congress leader Digvijaya Singh is not "mentally fit" after the latter questioned the air strike carried out by the Indian Air Force on February 26.Speaking to media here, Singh said, "I think Digvijaya Singh is mentally challenged, that is why he is saying such things. Earlier also he had shared the stage with Zakir Naik and had called him a messenger of peace. Zakir Naik used to get money from other countries and give it to terrorists here. Not only that; he is also involved in forcibly converting people."Substantiating his stance, the BJP leader added, "The same Digvijaya Singh is questioning and asking for proof from the security forces who risk their lives and sometimes at the cost of their lives protecting our country. This is a very shameful remark, he should be ashamed."Earlier in the day, Singh had said the central government should provide 'solid proof' of the IAF air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camp in ...