Page 1577 - Politics
Scrap Aramco deal over Saudi crown prince comments: Maha Cong
The Maharashtra Congress Tuesday demanded the Centre scrap an agreement with Aramco for a proposed refinery project in the state alleging that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's comments in Pakistan after the Pulwama attack had "rubbed salt on the wounds of Indians". Saudi Aramco and an Indian consortium consisting of IOCL, BPCL and HPCL had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April last year to jointly develop and build Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals (RRPCL), an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex, in the Maharashtra's Konkan region. The USD 44 billion project is, however, popularly known as Nanar (proposed site) refinery in Maharashtra's political discourse. Maharashtra Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant made the demand even as the crown prince is scheduled to reach India Tuesday night and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The crown prince, colloquially known as MBS, was in Islamabad on February ...
BJP to contest 5 LS seats as part of AIADMK-led alliance in TN
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and the BJP Tuesday sealed an alliance for the coming Lok Sabha elections under which the saffron party would contest five of the 39 seats in the state. The announcement was made by AIADMK coordinator and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam and Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal, party election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, with both describing it as a "mega alliance and a victorious coalition". The coming Lok Sabha polls is the first major electoral battle for the AIADMK after the demise of its charismatic leader J Jayalalithaa in December, 2016. Goyal expressed confidence that the alliance would win all 40 seats, including the lone constituency in neighbouring union territory of Puducherry, "as a mark of respect to late Jayalalithaaji, the honourable Amma." The pact was reached after the second and final round of discussions held here by leaders of the two parties that also involved Chief Minister K Palaniswami. "I am ...
Fuel outlets to be shut for 20 mins on Feb 20 in wake of Pulwama attack
The Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD), representing 56,000 fuel outlets in the country, has called for a 20-minute shutdown of fuel stations at 7 pm Wednesday in memory of the 40 CRPF personnel killed as a result of a terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. Banners and photos of the martyrs would be placed in fuel outlets and lights turned off from 7 pm to 7:20 pm across the country, said CIPD General Secretary In-Charge K Suresh Kumar. He requested the public to cooperate and express solidarity with the defence forces. Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.
Security forces' ops against Pak-sponsored terror groups, not against Kashmiris: JK Guv
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Tuesday said the ongoing operations by security forces were against Pakistan-sponsored terror groups and their masters and "not against Kashmiris", who are equally determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism. Talking to PTI during his brief visit to the national capital, Pal said the situation in the militancy-hit state was fast returning to normal. "Things are improving in Jammu and Kashmir and those responsible for the February 14 dastardly terror act have been punished by the security forces," he said. Malik thanked various state governments who have stepped in at a crucial time and are helping is protecting the lives and property of Kashmiris residing in those states. "I have always maintained that Kashmiris also want to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the state," he said. He maintained that it was a fight against Pakistan and its policy of supporting terrorism. He pointed out that liaison officers of the Jammu and Kashmir ...
AAP govt has been a stumbling block in regularisation of unauthorized colonies: Puri
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri Tuesday hit out at the Delhi government and said the AAP dispensation has been a "stumbling block" in regularisation of unauthorised colonies in the national capital. The Union housing and urban affairs minister said the Delhi government adopts one position in public, but takes a complete opposite stand when it comes to doing something. "I am deeply pained to have to say to you... I find that elected representatives sometimes, you know who I am referring to, adopt one position in public to say... "We must reach out to the people because those are the vote bank and then, when it comes to doing something for them, they follow policy and take measures completely opposed to them," Puri said. He was speaking at a two-day international conference organised to discuss the 'Master Plan for Delhi-2041'. The event witnessed detailed deliberations on 'MPD- 2041' on a range of issues. Last week, Puri had written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that ...
US Senator Bernie Sanders launches second presidential bid
US Senator Bernie Sanders announced on Tuesday that he is again running for President in 2020 with a vow to finish what he started in his last race for the White House.
Britain's May in Brussels for Brexit talks Wednesday
The president of the EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker will host British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday for talks on the Brexit crisis. Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters that the pair would meet at the European Union's headquarters at 6:30pm (1730 GMT). The news Tuesday came a day after Britain's minister for Brexit talks Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox met EU negotiator Michel Barnier. Barclay's office said they had "held a productive meeting... on resolving the outstanding issue of the backstop," holding up a divorce deal. The backstop is a clause in the withdrawal arrangement that keeps Britain in the EU customs union until a way is found to ensure there is no return to a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. May hopes that if Cox is able to tell British MPs that the backstop would not be permanent under an updated deal it might pass a sceptical House of Commons. But the EU spokesman reiterated that the other 27 EU member ..
Bernie Sanders announces he is running for US president
Senator Bernie Sanders announced Tuesday he is running for president, launching a second bid for the White House after a surprisingly strong run for the Democratic nomination in 2016. Sanders, 77, made the announcement in a radio interview in his home state of Vermont. "I wanted to let the people of the state of Vermont know about this first," Sanders said on Vermont Public Radio. The self-described Democratic socialist joins an already crowded field of candidates seeking to take on President Donald Trump and the Republicans in 2020. Sanders gave an outline Tuesday of how he will campaign. "And what I promise to do is, as I go around the country, is to take the values that all of us in Vermont are proud of -- a belief in justice, in community, in grassroots politics, in town meetings -- that's what I'm going to carry all over this country," he said. He called Trump a national embarrassment and a pathological liar. "I also think he is a racist, a sexist, a homophobe, a xenophobe, ...
NDA seat allocation in Bihar to be finalised in a week
Seat allocation among Bihar's ruling NDA constituents is likely to be finalised by next week and would be announced ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state on March 3.
Security agencies have strong evidence on Pak's involvement in Pulwama attack: Rathore
Security agencies have "strong evidence" on Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack and this has clearly been conveyed to the neighbouring country, Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said on Tuesday. His remarks came after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan assured India that action would be taken against the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack if New Delhi shared "actionable intelligence". In a video message to the nation, Khan responded to India's assertion of Pakistan's involvement in the attack and warned against any retaliatory action targeting his country. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Rathore said: "The security and investigative agencies have strong evidence regarding this (Pakistan's involvement in the attack) and it has been clearly conveyed to them." He said this in response to a question on Khan's remarks seeking evidence. "Now, as the prime minister has said, the security forces have been given full freedom, they will work ...
Will expose anti-Delhi character of BJP in Lok Sabha elections: AAP
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday said that it will expose the "real anti-Delhi face of the BJP" in the coming Lok Sabha elections by presenting the facts and lies of the Central government before the public.
India, Spain discuss cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism
India and Spain on Tuesday discussed cooperation in trade, defence and counter terrorism as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with her Spanish counterpart Josep Borrell. On behalf the government, Swaraj also accepted the prestigious Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit conferred by Spain in recognition of India's support in evacuating 71 Spanish nationals during April 2015 Nepal earthquake. Swaraj was warmly received by Borrell at the Viana Palace, his official residence, ahead of the meeting. This was their third meeting in five months. "EAM Swaraj and Spanish Foreign Minister held detailed talks over a working breakfast. Took stock of relationship across the spectrum, specially in trade & investment, defence & security, counter terrorism, culture and tourism," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Swaraj, who arrived in Spain on Monday, also interacted with the Indian community in Spain and thanked them for their contribution in ...
Sushma Swaraj holds talks with her Spanish counterpart
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday held detailed talks over a range of issues including trade, defence and counter-terrorism, with her Spanish counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles over a working breakfast.
Athawale launches RPI-A Nagaland unit
The Nagaland unit of the Republican Party of India - Athawale (RPI-A) was launched on Tuesday by party president and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. The RPI(A) will contest the next Nagaland assembly election and will make efforts to win some seats, Athawale said. He said RPI(A) supports all the weaker sections of the society. The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment said he would take up the issue of the Chiethu greenfield airport near state capital Kohima with the concerned Central authorities. Mughata Aye was appointed the president of the RPI(A) Nagaland unit.
Saab hopeful of bagging India's order for Gripen E fighter
Swedish defence major Saab on Tuesday exuded confidence of winning an order from India for its single-engine fighter jet Gripen-E, saying it offers a roadmap for affordable air power among many other factors. Saab was the only company in the world which has the potential of upgrading the fighter jet and believed India wants Gripen-like aircraft, its Vice-President (Industrial Partnerships Business Area Aeronautics) Mats Palmberg told reporters here. "We are confident that we would be able to win order from the Indian government for Gripen E as it offers a roadmap for affordable air power, which sets it apart from any competitor," Palmberg, who is here in connection with the Aero India show beginning Wednesday, said. Besides Saab, US defence major Lockheed Martin has emerged as a major contender for the multi-billion dollar contract to supply a fleet of the single engine combat aircraft to Indian Air Force. In September, 2017 Saab and the Adani Group had announced a ...
TDP sets up 15-member panel to draft party manifesto
The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh Tuesday constituted a 15-member committee, headed by politburo member and Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, to draft the party manifesto for the coming elections to the Lok Sabha and the state Assembly. While Ramakrishnudu will be the committee convenor, Information and Public Relations Minister Kalava Srinivasulu will be the co-convenor. Five other ministers, four legislators, a retired IAS officer and three other party functionaries will be part of the manifesto committee. Elections to the Lok Sabha and state assembly are due in May. The committee is expected to complete the manifesto drafting exercise by March, though no timeline has been set. The TDP, on the other hand, is also preparing to announce the first list of its candidates before the notification for the elections is issued, according to party sources. The party is currently busy choosing candidates for the Legislative Council election scheduled for ...
Pak PM 'deserves a chance', says Mufti post Khan's statement on Pulwama attack
Following Imran Khan's televised statement on the Pulwama terror attack, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti opined that the Pakistan Prime Minister "deserves a chance" as he has "recently taken over."However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief noted that it was time for Khan "walk the talk" with regard to taking action against the spurt of terrorist activities.Khan, in his brief address to the nation earlier today, warned India that any action taken by it will be met with retaliation by Pakistan, but was quick to add that "war is not the solution."In response to this, Mufti said the war rhetoric has "more to do with the impending elections than anything else.".
Imran Khan on Pulwama: Will take action if 'actionable intelligence' given
Breaking his silence on the February 14 attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, Khan made a televised address, claiming that there was "no evidence" about Pakistan link and that India was being "judge, jury and executioner".Khan, without condemning the ghastly attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, said Pakistan is ready to discuss the issue of terrorism as insisted by India and that a war is no solution."I want to tell India, we are ready for any kind of investigation. If there is any actionable intelligence, give it to us, I guarantee that we will take action," the Pakistan Prime Minister said.His statement came against the backdrop of the US and several other countries demanding that Pakistan must take action against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan. Khan claimed that his government will take action, "not because Pakistan is under pressure" but "because if anybody is using Pakistani soil for terrorism, they are our enemies" ..
Major bureaucratic reshuffle in Jammu and Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir administration Tuesday ordered transfers and postings of 10 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and 24 Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officers, replacing 11 Deputy Commissioners across the state. Director (Information) was among others who were transferred with immediate effect, an order issued by the General Administration department said. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary (IAS), Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, was transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, replacing Abid Rashid Shah (IAS), who was transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama. The Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal, Kupwara, Baramulla and Anantnag in Kashmir valley and Udhampur, Kathua, Doda and Reasi in Jammu region and Kargil in Ladakh were also replaced. Kumar Rajeev Ranjan (IAS), Director, Area planning and ex-officio special secretary to the government, Planning, Development and Monitoring department, was transferred and posted as Additional Chief Executive Officer, ...
BJP, AIADMK to jointly contest LS polls in TN, Puducherry
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) will contest Lok Sabha elections together in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.The BJP will contest on five out of the 39 seats in the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and 1 seat in Puducherry. Speaking to media here after holding talks with the BJP, AIADMK leader and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said the BJP-AIADMK alliance will be a winning one."For the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, AIADMK and BJP have agreed to form a mega alliance. This alliance will be a winning alliance in both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In this alliance, BJP is allotted five seats," he said.Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who was also present at the media briefing, said the BJP will support AIADMK in the by-elections on 21 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu."We will support AIADMK in the by-elections on 21 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. We have agreed to contest elections under the leadership of O Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. ..