Page 1521 - Politics
Attempts by some in Cong to block rise of Dalits: Parameshwara
Alleging that there were attempts by some in the Congress to block the rise of Dalit leaders, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara Sunday claimed that he has thrice been denied the chief ministerial post, as he belonged to the community. Speaking at a programme in Davangere, Parameshwara, a Dalit, said, "Basavalingappa missed the chief ministerial post and so did K H Ranganath. My elder brother Mallikarjuna Kharge also could not become the chief minister.. I missed it thrice.. Some how after much dilemma they made me the deputy chief minister." Parameshwara alleged that some people wanted to suppress him politically.
Cong aims to instal welfare govt at Centre in 2019, in UP in 2022
The Congress said Sunday it aims to install a welfare-oriented government at the Centre in 2019 and a similar government in Uttar Pradesh in 2022. Speaking to reporters in Jhansi during a brief stopover, party general secretary and in-charge of west UP Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "The Congress is going to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls with full strength in UP. We are going to win the faith of people." "Our mission is to establish a welfare government at the Centre in 2019, and at the same time, the party's endeavour in 2022 will be to install a welfare-oriented government in Uttar Pradesh.
J&K yet to define stand on Article 35A; SC hearing soon
With the hearing on the constitutional validity of Article 35A at the Supreme Court likely this week, the Jammu and Kashmir government is yet to decide its stand. It is the first time that hearing will be held on the provision when the state is under the Governor's rule.
Muslim scholars, leaders condemn Pulwama attack; blame Pak for dastardly act
Muslim religious leaders and scholars Sunday condemned the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed and blamed Pakistan for the dastardly act. At a convention, called 'Rashtriya Ekta Adhiveshan', held here under the aegis of 'Rashtriya Shia Sufi Sangh', prominent Muslim religious leaders and scholars condemned the Pulwama terror attack and held Pakistan responsible for the same, a release issued by the organiser said. They hailed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that India's fight was against terrorists and not against the Kashmiris. Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, a Shia leader, Akhtar ul Wasey, Vice Chancellor, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National University, Umair Iliyasi, President, All India Imam Organisations, Sarwar Chisti of Ajmer Shareif, among others, attend the meeting. A two-minute silence was also observed by the participants as a mark of respects to the CRPF jawans, the release said.
Attempts to scrap Article 35A aimed at bringing about demographic changes in J&K: Pak
Pakistan said Sunday that any attempt to scarp Article 35 A of the Indian Constitution, which provides special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was aimed at bringing about demographic changes and claimed that it was a violation of the international law. India's Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a bunch of petitions challenging Article 35A's validity soon. Article 35A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and bars people from outside the state from acquiring any immovable property in the State. It denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the State. Pakistan Foreign Office said it understands the Supreme Court of India is due to deliberate shortly on the petitions calling for scrapping of Article 35A of the Constitution. "Pakistan condemns any such attempts as these are clearly aimed at bringing about demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir," it said in
Pakistan will not understand without war, says Yoga Guru Ramdev
Pakistan does not understand any other language other than that of war, said Yoga Guru Ramdev on Sunday."We should war with Pakistan as Islamabad does not understand any other language," he said while speaking to media persons.Expressing dismay over the killing of 40 CRPF jawans in a terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit-Jaish-e-Mohammad, Ramdev said: "No one is purified without war.""We have no complaints against the people of Pakistan, but those in power are naïve and will not understand without a war. We have been talking to them for the last 70 years and we have lost over 50,000 people," he said."There is no point of sacrificing our jawans. There should be a war to solve the matter for once and all," he said, while stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "strong dynamic leader and the nation expects him to take a strong step.""The time, and the kind of war-all this will be decided by our Prime Minister Modi since he holds the ..
Goa: Former BJP Minister Mahadev Naik joins Congress
Former BJP Minister Mahadev Naik on Sunday joined the Congress party in presence of Goa Congress desk-in-charge Chellakumar.Naik on Saturday told ANI on phone from Shiroda that the Congress workers met him at his residence and requested him to join the party.Naik was a former minister in the Manohar Parrikar government. Since long, the Congress has been demanding that it should be allowed to form the government in the state, claiming that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's prolonged illness and inability to attend the office was taking a toll on administration and governance of the state.Chief Minister Parrikar is suffering from a pancreatic ailment and has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, New Delhi, and New York.
Disappointed at being ignored in BJP-Sena alliance: Athawale
Union minister and senior RPI (A) leader Ramdas Athawale Sunday said he was disappointed that his party was not considered when allies BJP and Shiv Sena formed an alliance for the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls. Athawale said he would have preferred to fight the Lok Sabha polls from Mumbai South-Central seat currently held by Shiv Sena's Rahul Shewale. The Union Minister of State for Social Justice also said that the BJP could give his party the Mumbai North-East Lok Sabha seat in case it could not get Sena to part with the South-Central seat. BJP's Kirit Somaiya is the Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai North-East but his candidature this time might be a problem since Somaiya is a bitter critic of the Sena leadership and the latter are opposed to him. Athawale said he would meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the issue of RPI being ignored in the BJP-Sena alliance. He also demanded that cases slapped against Dalits in connection with the ...
Separate functions to launch PM Kisan scheme in Kerala
Separate functions to mark the launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, an income support scheme for farmers, in Kerala Sunday, triggered a row with the ruling CPI(M) accusing the BJP of trying to brand all central projects as it own. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday launched the PM-KISAN scheme transferring the first instalment of Rs 2,000 each to over one crore farmers across the country. While the CPI(M)-led government had inaugurated the project at Kottayam district, Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam organised a function in the city. "The separate inauguration was a political move by the BJP to brand all the union government projects as its party programmes," Agriculture Minister Sunil Kumar said after inaugurating the state-level launch of the scheme in Kottayam. He also said that the Centre had not informed the state about the parallel inauguration. Kumar charged the Minister with turning the event into a party function by not involving the state government
India 'reluctant' nuclear weapon state, committed to no-first-use policy: Manmohan Singh
New proliferation risks and challenges can lead to "unintended escalations", increasing the "likelihood" of a nuclear strike, former prime minister Manmohan Singh said Sunday, asserting that India is a "reluctant" nuclear weapon state. He was speaking at the book launch of Observer Reserach Foundation's 'Nuclear Order in the Twenty First Century' authored by former diplomat Rakesh Sood. The existing nuclear global order is coming under strain with some of the old arms control agreements being consigned to history, Singh said. Noting that nuclear science and technology have matured over the last 70 years, the senior Congress leader said it is now easier to access and acquire them, generating new proliferation risks and challenges. Developments in artificial intelligence, growing space, and cyber vulnerabilities, have given rise to more uncertainties, he said. "Many leaders are concerned that these lead to greater unpredictability and compress the time lines for decision making. It can .
Truth of Pulwama attack will come out if Doval is probed: Raj
Calling the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack "political victims", MNS chief Raj Thackeray claimed Sunday that the "truth" will come out if National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was questioned. "If NSA Ajit Doval is investigated, then all the truth about the Pulwama terror attack will come out," Thackeray said in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. "At the time of the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was busy shooting for a film at Corbett National Park. Even after the news of the terror attack was flashed his shooting continued," he said, echoing an allegation made by the Congress. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief further said the 40 jawans killed in the Pulwama attack were "political victims", and "every government manufactured such things but it is taking place more frequently under Modi's rule". Asked for comments, state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, "Raj Thackeray has been doing mimicry all through his career. Now he is aping Rahul Gandhi by .
Nationalism is in soul of BJP, development its religion: Gadkari
Nationalism is in the soul of the BJP and development of the nation is the party's religion, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday. Addressing a meeting of BJP booth-level workers from Kangra Lok Sabha constituency here, Gadkari said, "For each BJP worker, unity and integrity of India is the sole objective. It is only due to the commitment of the BJP workers that it has become the largest political organisation of the world." "Nationalism is in the soul of the BJP and development of the nation is our religion," he added. The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways also took a dig at opposition parties over dynastic politics. "BJP is not a party of a mother and a son or of a father and a son. BJP is a democratic party where anyone can occupy the top post as the party belongs to common man," he said. He said the BJP-led government at the Centre has ensured that India emerges as a world power. Himachal Pradesh had only 1,706 km national highways before the BJP came .
My, Uddhav's announcement on alliance final: Fadnavis
The decision announced by him and Uddhav Thackeray on the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance formula was final, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Sunday. Fadnavis was speaking to reporters on the eve of the last budget session of the Maharashtra legislature here. After the alliance was announced Monday, senior BJP minister Chandrakant Patil and his cabinet colleague from the Sena Ramdas Kadam had sparred over who would become chief minister. While Patil said the party which wins more seats in the Assembly polls will get the CM's post, Kadam stated that the post will be divided between the two parties for equal period. Asked about it, Fadnavis said, "Any statement made by Patil or Kadam which differs from the decision announced by me and Uddhav Thackeray should not be taken into consideration." While announcing the alliance, Fadnavis and Thackeray had only said that all posts would be shared equally. The chief minister also said that 11 bills will be introduced in ...
Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher 'inaccessible' to people: Kejriwal
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday claimed that Chandigarh BJP MP Kirron Kher was "inaccessible" to the people of her constituency and that only an AAP MP, if elected, could ensure development. Addressing a rally here in support of former Union minister Harmohan Dhawan, who had joined the AAP recently and will be contesting from Chandigarh in the Lok Sabha polls, Kejriwal urged the people to vote for the AAP candidate. "You made Kirron Kher MP from here during last elections. She is an actress from Mumbai and keeps going there to earn money," said the AAP convener as he lashed out at the actress-turned politician, who is a first-time MP. "What did Chandigarh people get by electing her? They find themselves betrayed. Bhagwant Mann (AAP MP) tells me that she rarely comes to Parliament too and if she does, she hardly speaks," he added. "She was an actress and wanted to become MP only as a status symbol. But don't repeat that mistake and this time give your vote to Harmohan ...
Owaisi a "thankless" leader, says Telangana Cong
: The Congress in Telangana Sunday flayed AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks, asking Muslims not to vote for the party and accused him of being a 'thankless leader with no ethics' to speak against Congress. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Secretary Mohd Saleem in a release claimed that Owaisi and his party was recognised in the country only because of the Congress. "They are running so many educational institutes, sanctioned during Congress rule and only due to the favour of Congress party and its leadership. In fact, it is the AIMIM who are responsible for the backwardness in the old city of Hyderabad," Saleem alleged. Addressing a massive poll rally with Dalit leader and Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar in Mumbai Saturday, Owaisi had said Muslims should not support Congress as the party has only caused trouble for the community. Saleem said that Muslims in India cannot forget the welfare schemes undertaken by Congress for the upliftment of ...
Kejriwal making 'empty talks' on full statehood for Delhi issue: Sheila Dikshit
Congress leader Sheila Dikshit Sunday accused AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal of making "empty talks" on the issue of full statehood for Delhi in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Chief Minister Kejriwal has announced an indefinite hunger strike from March 1 over his demand for full statehood for Delhi. "Kejriwal is making empty talks about full statehood for Delhi and nothing will come out of his rhetorics. If he was serious about full statehood for Delhi, he should have taken up the issue four years ago. He is raking up the full statehood issue with an eye on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections," Dikshit, who is the Congress's Delhi unit president, said. She also reiterated the Delhi Congress's stand that it will not have any alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Lok Sabha polls. "Kejriwal was confusing people by talking about the Aam Aadmi Party's tie-up with the Congress in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. But, the Congress will contest the Lok Sabha ...
Trump's ex-campaign manager Manafort doesn't deserve leniency: Counsel
US Special Counsel Robert Mueller in a court filing has said Donand Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort does not deserve leniency.
PM-KISAN scheme launched in J-K, around 71,000 beneficiaries receive first installment
The ambitious Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was launched in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with around 71,000 farmers receiving their first installment in their accounts through the direct benefit transfer, an official spokesperson said. The state-level launch function of the PM-KISAN scheme was held at the Convention centre here in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah, Union minister Jitendra Singh, Members Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma , Shamsher Singh Manhas and Advisor to Governor, K Skandan, he said. The programme coincided with the formal launch of the PM-KISAN scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. "At the state-level in Jammu and Kashmir, around 71,000 farmers received their first installment Fund Transfer Orders in their accounts through DBT," the spokesperson said. During his address, the advisor to the Governor underlined the importance of the scheme and said with the committed efforts of the ...
Naidu welcomes senior Congress leader V Kishore Chandra Deo into TDP fold
Former Union Minister and Congress leader V Kishore Chandra Deo on Sunday joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who welcomed him into the party fold.A large number of tribal people from across north Andhra had gathered to mark the occasion. "It is not new for me to work with the TDP," said Deo, while recalling when he worked with Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, popularly known as NTR, for 10 years at the national level.Talking about the bauxite movement in north Andhra, Deo said that even though the Congress was ruling in the state and at the Centre, he could only stop the mining but failed to cancel the licenses.Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: "BJP is creating divisions among different communities in the region. Prime Minister Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won't even get 100 seats in the coming Lok Sabha seats."Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naidu lauded Deo for doing dignified politics throughout
Defence Minister, service chiefs to interact with India's defence attaches
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the three service chiefs on Monday will interact with India's defence attaches in 42 countries during which the Pulwama terror attack and the overall security challenges facing the country are expected to figure prominently, official sources said. The two-day conclave of the defence attaches is taking place in the backdrop of soaring tensions between India and Pakistan following the dastardly terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Days after the attack in which40 CRPF personnel were killed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the armed forces have been given free hand to respond to the strike. Islamabad said it will adequately respond to any action by New Delhi. "A range of issues, including situation along the border with Pakistan, will be discussed at the meeting. The government will also take feedback of the defence attaches on key security challenges," a military official said. India's defence attache to ...