Page 1453 - Politics
Modi, defence deals at centre stage at Rahul's rallies
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he has consistently refused to answer pointed questions on high profile defence deals in Parliament.
Chidambaram asks PM to take steps to de-escalate tensions with Pak
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan and diffuse the crisis situation in the Kashmir Valley while trying to win hearts and minds of the people. Speaking at the India Today conclave here, he said Modi and BJP leaders and ministers should not try to take credit for the act of the Indian Air Force, which the opposition and the country have lauded. "Going forward, Mr Modi either by his inner counsel or by consulting the opposition parties, adopt a strategy that will diffuse tensions with Pakistan and bring some kind of reassurance to the people of the Kashmir valley. These are two separate objectives that have to be addressed," he said. "Calm the people of the Kashmir valley and reassure them that their interests will be protected," he said. The former Union minister said the Congress was among the first to congratulate the IAF for the air strikes and after that it and other parties behaved in an
After daylong wait, IAF hero Abhinandan returns home from Pakistan; says happy to be back to my country
After a suspenseful wait lasting hours, Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman finally returned home Friday night from his nearly three-day captivity in Pakistan, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation over Pakistan's continued support for terrorism. Hoping to give a hero's welcome to Wing Commander Varthaman, thousands of Indians gathered on the border carrying the tricolour and garlands since morning. But as the day wore on and night fell there was no sign of the pilot, who was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down. He finally emerged at 9.10 p.m(IST) at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani rangers, the Indian air attache posted in the High Commission in Islamabad. He was wearing a civilian clothes -- a dark jacket and khakhi trousers, walking proudly toward the gates that separated his captors' country from his ...
Documentation, procedural delays held up release of IAF pilot by Pak for several hours: Sources
Procedural delays and issues relating to documentation held up the release of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to Indian authorities by Pakistan for several hours Friday, official sources said. Initially the Indian authorities indicated that Wing Commander Varthaman would be handed over to India at around 4 PM and later they suggested that he would be released at around 6:30 PM. However, he finally emerged at 9.10 pm Indian time at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani rangers, the Indian air attache posted in the High Commission in Islamabad. The sources said Pakistan postponed the time of his release twice. Varthaman was captured by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after an air combat between the air forces of the two countries, a day after New Delhi had conducted counter-terror operations in Pakistan's Balakot. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressing a special joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday announced his release as a "peace gesture". ..
TL BJP leaders take Metro ride to ascertain people's views on
BJP Telangana unit president K Laxman and other party leaders Friday undertook a journey in the Hyderabad Metro to seek views from citizens for preparation of the partys manifesto for coming Lok Sabha elections. The initiative received "enthusiastic response" from youth, women and IT employees, a BJP release said. The Narendra Modi governments schemes, including 'Kisan Samman Nidhi', reservation for economically backward sections, and firmness towards Pakistan were welcomed by a large number of passengers, it claimed. The journey by metro rail was undertaken as an innovative way to know the pulse of the people, Laxman said.
Senior PDP leader Qazi Mohammad Afzal passes away
Former Jammu and Kashmir minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Qazi Mohammad Afzal died due to prolonged illness on Friday. He was 76. "With heavy heart we announce the tragic demise of our Senior leader & Ex-Cabinet Minister Qazi Mohammed Afzal Sahab," THE PDP announced on Twitter. Afzal was admitted at the SKIMS hospital here, where he breathed his last at around 8.00 pm, doctors said. Afzal shot to fame after he defeated then National Conference president Omar Abdullah from Ganderbal assembly segment in the 2002 assembly elections. "His contributions towards the party & the people of this state have been immense. We pray for eternal peace to his departed soul & strength to the bereaved family," the PDP said. Although he was a first-time MLA, Afzal was given a cabinet berth in the PDP-Congress coalition government that was headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Afzal unsuccessfully contested the 2008 and 2014 assembly elections as a PDP candidate.
Abhinandan's dignity, poise and bravery have made all in India proud: Rahul
Congress president Rahul Gandhi welcomed IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan, who returned to the country after almost three days of captivity in Pakistan, and said his dignity, poise and bravery have made all in India proud. "Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love," he said on Twitter. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "Great to have you back Abhinandan." He earlier said, "Welcome home Wing Commander Abhinandan. Your resilience and bravery is what makes India a great nation." Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, two days after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down. Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border.
BJP demands implementation of general category quota in C'garh
Opposition BJP created uproar in the Chhattisgarh Assembly Friday demanding implementation of the 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker sections in the general category. BJP members also trooped into the Well of the House, demanding a discussion on the issue. The government later assured that the 10 per cent quota will be implemented in Chhattisgarh. BJP's Ajay Chandrakar and some other party MLAs raised the issue, demanding that the Congress government clarify its stand on the issue. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced 10 per cent reservation in jobs and in educational institutions for general category poor. In other states, the quota has been implemented," Chandrakar said. "It is a big decision in the interest of people but the state government has been ignoring it. The law should be implemented in the state," he demanded. BJP MLAs sought a discussion on the issue. However, the Speaker pressed ahead with the day's business. The ...
Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan returns home from Pakistan
Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday, two days after he was taken into custody by Pakistan Army when his MiG 21 fell in PoK.Wearing blue blazer and grey khaki trouser, he crossed over into India from the Attari-Wagah border at 9:20 PM. He was handed over by the Pakistan Rangers to the BSF following paperwork.Abhinandan was accompanied by an officer of the Pakistan Foreign Office and Indian Defence Attache Group Captain Joy Thomas Kurien.Announcing the release, Air Vice Marshall RGK Kapoor said that as per standard operating procedures, Wing Commander Abhinandan will be taken for a detailed medical checkup as he had to eject after his plane was shot and his body would have suffered "deep stress." "Abhinandan has just been handed over to us. As per standard operating procedure of IAF, he will now be taken for detailed medical check-up, this is mandatory because the officer had to eject from an aeroplane which would have put his
Opposition's statements are helping Pakistan: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday came down heavily on the opposition parties for allegedly making irresponsible statements, which have apparently helped Pakistan in attacking India.Addressing a public meeting here, Prime Minister Modi said: "These people should introspect as to what they are saying that their names are being praised in Pakistan's Parliament. Not only that, it is their names that are being used to target India. Why are they doing such politics, which is benefitting Pakistan?"Prime Minister Modi also alleged that the entire world was seeking a reply from Pakistan while some politicians are giving out statements, "which can weaken the morale of our forces.""It is unfortunate that at a time when the entire world is demanding an answer from Pakistan, it is our people who are giving out statements which weaken the morale of our security forces. In their hatred for Modi, they have started hating the country," he said.His remarks come in the wake of some leaders ...
Pranay Kumar Verma named India's next Ambassador to Vietnam
The Ministry of External Affairs appointed Pranay Kumar Verma as the next Ambassador of India to Vietnam on Friday.Verma, a 1994 cadre Indian Foreign Services officer, is presently serving as the Joint Secretary at MEA.Furthermore, Nina Tshering La and Abhay Thakur were concurrently accredited as the respective Ambassadors of India to Gabon and Chad on March 1.La, presently serving as the Ambassador of India to the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be carrying out the additional duties with residence in Kinshasa.Meanwhile, Thakur - the current Ambassador of India to Nigeria - will be taking on the additional duty with residence in Abuja.All three diplomats are expected to take up their new assignments shortly.
PM Modi can't leave his PR exercise even for 5 minutes: Rahul Gandhi
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot leave his PR exercise even for five minutes, though the country is faced with a challenging situation following Pulwama terror attack and the aerial strikes by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Pakistan.Gandhi, who was addressing a public rally here, said: "We had decided to stop criticising the government as we wanted to stand united with all in the country after Pulwama attack. When the Prime Minister addresses the media, he says that India is united, but he attacks the Congress. He cannot even stop his PR activities for at least five minutes. That is the difference between me and him."Sharpening his attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre, Rahul claimed that Prime Minister Modi did not fulfill his promise of giving two crore jobs to the youth of the country and good prices for farmers' produces."I have been in politics since 2004. I have been addressing rallies. If I have made any false ...
Amit Shah to launch nationwide bike rally of BJP in MP on Saturday
BJP President Amit Shah will launch a nationwide mega bike rally in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to be held later this year. The party said in a statement on Friday that over one crore of its workers will reach out to people across the country and share the "achievements" of the Narendra Modi government with them. Shah will launch the exercise from Umaria in Madhya Pradesh during his one-day tour of the state on Saturday. The rally will be carried out in more than 3,500 locations in states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala, the party said.
Kejriwal welcomes Abhinandan back home
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday welcomed the return Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, lauding his bravery and the courage of his family. Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan Army after his fighter jet crashed in an air duel with a Pakistani F-16. He shot down the plane before his own went down, forcing him to eject. "Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan. I salute your bravery and the courage of your family. India is proud of you," Kejriwal tweeted. Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, two days after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down. Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced that the IAF pilot will be released. The fighter pilot is schedule to return to India after being released by Pakistan later tonight.
Pilot Abhinandan made to record video statement by Pak before being handed over to India
The handing over of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India at Wagah was delayed on Friday as he was asked to record a statement on camera by Pakistani authorities before he was allowed to cross the border, according to sources. It was not clear whether he was made to record the video under duress. The video also had several jump cuts indicating that it had been edited heavily, apparently to fit Pakistani propaganda. At 8.30 pm (local) time, the Pakistan government released the pilot's video message to the local media in which he said as to how he was captured. "Recording of his video message caused delay in his handing over," a source said. In the video message, Varthaman said he entered Pakistan's space to "find a target" but his aircraft was shot down. "I was in search of the target when your (Pakistan) Air Force shot me down. I had to eject the plane which had sustained damage. As soon as I ejected and when my parachute opened and I fell down, I had a pistol with me. "There were many .
Heartening to learn about Abhinandan's release: Ker CM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Friday said it was heartening to learn about the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who has inspired the country with his bravery and conduct. "He has inspired the entire country with his bravery and conduct," Vijayan tweeted. "It is heartening to learn about the release of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He has inspired the entire country with his bravery and conduct. On behalf of the people of Kerala, I welcome him," Vijayan tweeted. Pakistan had detained the pilot Wednesday following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed. The Pakistan government Thursday decided to release him as "a first step" to open negotiations with India to de-escalate tension after a terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed left 40 CRPF personnel dead.
IAF pilot Abhinandan returns to India
IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistanis two days ago after his MiG-21 crashed in Pakistani territory, returned to India on Friday night.
Canada's Trudeau shuffles cabinet amid scandal
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shuffled his cabinet to fill the role vacated by an ex-minister who accuses him and others of inappropriately interfering to avoid prosecuting a major Canadian company. Trudeau named a new veterans affairs minister Friday after Jody Wilson-Raybould resigned from the cabinet on February 12. Wilson-Raybould had been justice minister and attorney general before being demoted to veterans affairs minister in January. Wilson-Raybould testified Wednesday that Trudeau, his staff and other officials imposed pressure on her to avoid criminal prosecution of Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin in a case involving allegations of corruption in Libya. She said they pushed for an agreement that would let the company pay reparations but avoid a conviction. Trudeau maintains his government acted appropriately. He appointed Lawrence MacAulay as new veterans affairs minister.
Pilot Abhinandan made to record video statement by Pak before being handed over
The handing over of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India at Wagah was delayed on Friday as he was asked to record a statement on camera by Pakistani authorities before he was allowed to cross the border, according to sources. It was not clear whether he was made to record the video under duress. At 8.30 pm (local) time, the Pakistan government released the pilot's video message to the local media in which he said as to how he was captured. "Recording of his video message caused delay in his handing over," a source said. In the video message, Varthaman said he entered Pakistan's space to "find a target" but his aircraft was shot down. "The army personnel saved me from the mob. The Pakistani army is very professional and I am impressed by it," he said, while criticising the Indian media. India has maintained that Varthaman's plane was downed when IAF planes foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to target Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir on February 27, a day after ..
After daylong wait, IAF hero Abhinandan returns home from Pakistan
After a suspenseful wait lasting hours, Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman finally returned home from captivity in Pakistan Friday, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation over Pakistan's continued support for terrorism. Hoping to give a hero's welcome to Wing Commander Varthaman, thousands of Indians gathered on the border carrying the tricolour and garlands since morning. But as the day wore on and night fell there was no sign of the pilot, who was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down. He finally emerged at 9.10 p.m. India time at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani rangers, the Indian air attache posted in the High Commission in Islamabad. He was wearing a civilian clothes -- a dark jacket and khakhi trousers, walking proudly toward the gates that separated his captors' country from his homeland. "Wing Commander ...