Page 1574 - Politics

Patna HC strikes down provision for allotment of bungalows to former CMs for life

The Patna High Court Tuesday struck down provisions whereby former chief ministers of Bihar were allotted government bungalows for lifetime, holding that extension of benefits after demitting office reflects a government by the lawmakers "unto themselves". A division bench comprising Chief Justice A P Sahi and Justice Anjana Mishra passed the order with the direction that all the allottees under the aforesaid provisions vacate the premises allotted to them, unless they are otherwise entitled to retain the same under any other law of allotment in force in the state. "The apostle of modern India Mahatma Gandhi and one of his apostles, Lal Bahadur Shastri are examples who believed that democracy meant a government of the people, by the people and for the people. In the present case, the extension of benefits after demitting office reflects a government by the lawmakers unto themselves," the court remarked. "There is no provision in the Constitution that... an elected representative can

CPI(M) local leader held in Youth Congress activists' killing

In a setback to the ruling CPI(M), its local leader A Peethambaran was arrested Tuesday in connection with the killing of two Youth Congress activists in Kasaragod district, as the Governor sought an urgent report from the state government on the status of the police probe. Soon after Peethambaran's arrest was recorded by police, Kasaragod district committee expelled him from the party following directions from the state committee, a CPI(M) statement said Wednesday night. Stating that the CPI(M) never promoted violence, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the party state leadership had earlier said it had no role in the killings. The accused had instigated the killings of Kripesh (24) and Sarath Lal (21) on Sunday night, district police superintendent A Srinivas told reporters in Kasaragod. He would be produced before the court on Wednesday, Srinivas said, adding that the interrogation of six others, who were taken into custody, was going on. State Governor P Sathasivam ..

Guj vote-on-account: CM hails it, Cong calls it 'hopeless'

The Gujarat government and the Congress Tuesday sparred on the vote-on-account presented in the state Assembly today with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani calling it "progressive and sensitive" and the opposition party slamming it as "hopeless". The vote-on-account was presented for the next four months by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. "This vote-on-account has been prepared and presented keeping in mind the well-being of all sections of society, be it backward communities, tribals, Dalits, youth, women and minorities. This is a progressive and sensitive budget which takes care of even the last man in the last line," Rupani said. Listing schemes, he said, "This vote-on-account reflects our sensitiveness, transparency, progressiveness and decisive approach. There is something for everyone in this," the Gujarat CM claimed. Congress MLA and deputy leader of opposition Shailesh Parmar, meanwhile, said, "It is a hopeless budget. Farmers were expecting a farm loan waiver but .

Opposition's pre-poll anti-BJP front may be called Progressive Peoples Alliance

As the Oppositions bid to rustle up a united anti-BJP front for the Lok Sabha elections continues, there is speculation about the pre-poll coalition be named as Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).

Chitfund scam victims stage demonstration

Thousands of chitfund scam victims Tuesday staged a demonstration here demanding refund of their money and accused the Odisha government of delaying identification of the investors duped by ponzi firms. The agitators from across the state staged demonstration under the banner of the Chit Fund Khyatigrasta Milita Manch. They have decided to stage an indefinite sit-in dharna till their demands are met. "The chitfund victims will continue civil disobedience agitation till government refunds their money. The state is not serious about identifying the duped investors," Manch convener Jayant Das said. While the state government could identify the beneficiaries under the newly launched Kalia scheme within a month, it was over six years to complete identification of the duped investors, Das said alleging that the state has shown gross apathy towards the chit fund investors. Though the state government announced creation of Rs 300 crore corpus fund in 2013 to refund money to ...

For Sidhu, Imran Khan's friendship takes precedence over India: Kejriwal

Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu was more concerned about his friendship with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan than the well-being of India, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed Tuesday. Slamming the Congress leader for his "utterances" in the wake of the Pulwama attack, in which around 40 CRPF personnel were killed, Kejriwal said Sidhu's statement had "hurt the sentiments" of the nation. Following the audacious attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the cricketer-turned-politician had said that an entire nation could not be blamed for the actions of "a handful of people". "Sidhu's statement has hurt the sentiments of entire nation," Kejriwal, who arrived here to attend the marriage reception of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Baljinder Kaur tld media persons. "It seems for Sidhu, friendship (with Khan) comes first and then the nation," the AAP national convener said as he condemned Sidhu for the "irresponsible" statement.

Piyush Goyal calls on DMDK chief Vijayakanth

After firming up an alliance with the ruling AIADMK for the Lok Sabha polls, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal Tuesday met with DMDK founder-president Vijayakanth at his residence here. Goyal, also the BJP in-charge for Tamil Nadu, said the visit was to enquire about the actor-turned-politician's health. "Everything in life is not about alliances and politics. There are some personal human relationships also," he told reporters after the meeting when asked if there was any alliance talks with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). Goyal, flanked by senior DMDK leader Sudeesh and Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, said "It was not about alliance or politics and the visit was to enquire about Captain's (as Vijayakanth is popularly known) health and for wishing him good health and long life." Goyal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah wanted him to convey their regards and best wishes for Vijayakanth's good health and long ...

AIADMK clinches LS poll deals with BJP, PMK

Stealing a march over arch rival DMK, the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Tuesday cobbled an alliance with the BJP and the PMK for the Lok Sabha elections, describing it as a "mega and victorious" combine amid indications some more parties are set to be roped in. As per the understandings reached separately, BJP and PMK would contest five and seven seats respectively out of the total 39 Lok Sabha constituencies at stake in the state, AIADMK Coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam announced on a day of fast paced political developments. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the BJP election-incharge for Tamil Nadu who led the saffron party in the negotiations, said the alliance would sweep all 40 seats in the state and Puducherry "as a mark of reverence to late chief minister Jayalalithaa." The alliance would be under AIADMK in Tamil Nadu while at the national level the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will steer the NDA coalition, he told reporters. While the ..

Naga political issue will be solved after LS polls: Paswan

Senior BJP leader Sanjay Paswan Tuesday claimed that the vexed Naga political issue will be resolved on priority basis under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Lok Sabha polls. Responding to queries from media persons during a press conference here, the BJP Manifesto Committee member and former Union Minister, said "Naga issue though not simple will be sorted out in the second regime of the BJP led NDA government." Our special team of the party, which includes BJP national general secretary of North East, Ram Madav is studying the issue and the issue will be resolved after the election, he said. On the assurance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the Naga issue, Paswan said "Nobody can blame our Prime Minister for any such lapses because he is trying honestly and sincerely and it will be sorted out in the next regime of Modi ji." He said the Kashmir and Naga issues are two great concerns and claimed both will be "resolved on priority basis

Despite BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, suspense continues on Maharashtra CM's post

A day after the NDA constituents, the Bhartiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena, finalised a pre-poll deal for the 2019 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections, suspense continued over the latter's demand on Tuesday for the Chief Minister's post.

Indian armed forces ready for counter attack, says Sitharaman

The Indian armed forces were ready to counter-attack as their morale was high despite the terror blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, said Defence Minister Niramala Sitharaman on Tuesday.

Arun Mishra, Renuka Murmu join BJP

Educationist Arun Kumar Mishra and Sahibganj Zilla Parishad chairperson Renuka Murmu Tuesday joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Jayant Sinha and partys state unit president Laxman Gilua. "Impressed with BJPs policy and programmes, I have joined the party. Whatever tasks the party entrusts with me, I will discharge them," Mishra said after joining the ruling party along with his supporters. Sinha, the Union Minister of state for Civil Aviation, claimed that the people were connecting with the BJP because of its developmental programmes. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being hailed not only in the country but also at the international level. We have to form a strong government under his leadership again," Sinha said. Speaking on the occasion, Gilua, an MP, said that the party has set a target to surpass 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Attacking the opposition, Gilua alleged that it has neither leadership nor any policy and its leaders were struggling .

HC notice to Delhi government for not implementing NFSA provisions

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a notice on contempt petition against the Delhi government for its failure to comply with the court directions regarding implementation of grievance redress and accountability measures under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Digvijaya responsible for Congress not coming to power in Goa: Faleiro

Former Goa Chief Minister and Congress MLA Luizinho Faleiro on Tuesday blamed former AICC general secretary in-charge of Goa, Digvijaya Singh for the inability of the party to form a government in the state in 2017.

BJP and RSS trying to create division in society: Chatterjee

Senior TMC leader and West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee Tuesday alleged that the RSS and BJP are trying to create division in the society in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. The BJP and RSS denied the allegations of Chatterjee and termed them as baseless. Chatterjee, the secretary general of the Trinamool Congress also urged the people of the state to resist "attempt" by the RSS and BJP to "create division" in the society by flaring up communal tensions using the Pulwama attack. "The entire nation stands united in the fight against terror. But what BJP and RSS has been doing in the name of Pulwama attack is condemnable. The people of the state should resist any such attempt to divide the people on communal lines. There are reports that BJP-RSS cadres are threatening people from specific communities," Chatterjee told reporters. Our government will not tolerate any such attempt to create rift in the society in the name of fighting terror, he said. His

Pulwama attack: CRPF's 'Madadgaar' helps 250 Kashmiri students reach home

The CRPF's Srinagar-based helpline 'Madadgaar' has helped 250 students studying and working in various cities of the country to safely reach their homes in the Kashmir Valley, in the wake of purported threats made to them after the Pulwama terror attack, a senior official of the force said Tuesday. The students largely hail from towns in south Kashmir and were brought home by CRPF personnel after they gathered in Jammu Monday night, he said. More than 250 Kashmiri students from Dehradun, Chandigarh, Delhi and others, who had reached Jammu on Monday, were provided food and then transported to Kashmir, the helpline posted on its Twitter handle. The helpline has received 60-70 calls since the February 14 Pulwama terror attack. The calls made by Kashmiri students and other professionals based in major metropolitan cities are largely about concerns of their safety and to seek help, the official said. A call was received on Monday about some protests being planned in a Gurgaon-based ...

Sena-BJP tie-up is unholy, will benefit grand alliance: Cong

The Congress Tuesday termed as "unholy" the BJP and Shiv Sena's alliance for the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, pointing out that they had openly levelled allegations of corruption against each other in the past. The alliance, announced by the two parties Monday despite their strained relations, came as a disappointment to Shiv Sena workers, Maharashtra Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant claimed. "It is an unholy alliance...The Shiv Sena had become helpless and desperate for forging ties...the anti-(Narendra) Modi mask (of the Sena leadership) has fallen off," Sawant told reporters here. The Sena and BJP coming together will benefit the grand alliance the Congress is building with other like-minded parties such as the NCP, he claimed. "They have come out with a film of betrayal (of people). So we will try to get Oscar nominations for the chief minister (Devendra Fadnavis) and (Shiv Sena president) Uddhav Thackeray for acting," Sawant said. Fadnavis had once alleged .

Rahul meets small and medium traders; discusses GST, other issues

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday met traders of small and medium-sized businesses from various parts of the country over lunch and discussed implementation of the Goods and Services Tax along with a host of other issues. The interaction was part of Gandhi's outreach initiative 'Apni Baat Rahul ke saath' ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. He started the outreach earlier this month when he met a group of seven youngsters from Delhi, Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. As continuation of the initiative, Gandhi met the traders at Andhra Bhavan here. According to sources, the traders discussed problems related to GST with Gandhi, who assured them that in states where there is a Congress government, their concerns will be addressed. Gandhi has been attacking the government over the implementation of the GST, terming it "Gabbar Singh Tax". Speaking at a convention of tribals in Chhattisgarh last week, he had said, "After the note ban, Gabbar Singh Tax (GST) was brought at ...

M N Rao's appointment as interim CBI chief not illegal or unauthorised, says SC

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed the plea challenging the appointment of M Nageswara Rao as the interim CBI Director saying it was not "unauthorised and illegal" in any manner. Besides, it said, since the regular director has been appointed the main prayer of the petitioner NGO Common Cause stands satisfied and there is no justification to continue with the petition. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Navin Sinha said that from the records it is apparent that Government of India was authorised by High Powered Selection Committee (HPSC) under Section 4A of Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act to post a suitable officer as interim director of CBI. "It is clear from the resolution passed by the Committee on January 9/10th, 2019 that the appointment of interim Director had been authorised by the Committee under section 4A. Thus, it cannot be said to be unauthorised and illegal in any manner whatsoever," it said. The court said that HPSC has authorised the government to ...

National Urdu Council withdraws conference invite to 9 Pakistani litterateurs

The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language has withdrawn its invitation to nine Pakistani litterateurs for the World Urdu Conference in wake of the Pulwama attack, officials said Tuesday. The NCPUL, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD), was set up to promote, develop and propagate Urdu language. "The coward attack which has taken place in Pulwama has left the entire country furious. A country which is involved in such acts, it is not a wise thing to invite their writers to the celebrate literature here," said NCUPL Director Aquil Ahmed. "We have withdrawn our invitation to nine Pakistani writers for the conference to register our protest against the attack and keeping the sentiments of the country in mind," Ahmed added. The Wold Urdu Conference, an annual event organised by NCPUL, is scheduled to be held next month and will witness participation of Urdu scholars from across the globe. Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel ...