Page 1668 - Politics
Hooch case: Uproar in UP Assembly; Opposition asks CM to quit
Alleging that laxity on the part of the Uttar Pradesh government led to a large number of deaths after consumption of spurious liquor, opposition members Monday created chaos in the assembly and led to adjournment of the entire Question Hour. Opposition members demanded resignation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the wake of the hooch tragedies that struck Saharanpur and Kushinagar districts. As soon as the House met, opposition SP, BSP and Congress members tried to raise the matter terming it one of utmost importance. SP and BSP members trooped into the Well of the House, raising anti-government slogans. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the state government has taken stern action in the matter and those involved will not be spared. The opposition members also raised slogans "CM istifa do" (CM should resign). Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit repeatedly pleaded with the angry opposition members to resume their seats, but they did not relent. He then adjourned the
Dharma Porata Deeksha: Kejriwal likens Narendra Modi to Pak PM
The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi treats the governments of non-BJP ruled states seems like he is the Prime Minister of Pakistan, not India, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday. "When a person becomes Prime Minister, he becomes Prime Minister of the entire country and not just of a particular party. The way Narendra Modi treats the governments of the non-BJP ruled states, it seems like he is Prime Minister of Pakistan, not India," Kejriwal said while speaking at the day-long hunger strike called by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan here.Naidu is observing 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (a day-long protest for justice) demanding special category status for Andhra and other promises made by the Centre under the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014.As per an official statement, Naidu will be submitting a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday.While addressing the gathering, Naidu, whose party pulled out of the NDA last year, on ...
Jitendra Singh vs Farooq Abdullah over 'duplicacy stand' on Pak
A war of words erupted between Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, after Singh said that Kashmir-based politicians have a tendency to "speak in the language of Pakistan" when they were out of power.Singh also took a jibe at Mehbooba Mufti's People Democratic Party (PDP), claiming that along with Abdullah's National Conference (NC), they shared the same character in heaping praises on Pakistan."I have said this before that since decades, it has been the tendency of Kashmir-based politicians that they call Kashmir an integral part of India when in power and raise questions on the identity of Kashmir and begin seeing positivities in Pakistan when their governments are out of power," he told ANI.Questioning Abdullah's duplicity stand over Pakistan, Singh added: "This is not restricted to only one party PDP, National Conference has shown the same character. When Farooq Abdullah was the ...
Uttarakhand govt insensitive to families affected by hooch tragedy: Congress
Opposition Congress in Uttarakhand Monday demanded the dismissal of the Trivendra Singh Rawat government, accusing it of being insensitive to the plight of families which had lost their kin in the hooch tragedy. Claiming that number of deaths due to the hooch tragedy in the state and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh had already climbed to 130, state Congress chief Pritam Singh said those who were behind the tragedy were yet to be brought to books. "Despite such a large number of people killed in both Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh after drinking spurious liquor not a single minister has gone to see the victims or commiserate with their families. It shows the state government's insensitivity," Singh told reporters outside the state Assembly, which saw a walkout by party MLAs over the issue. "This is the biggest ever hooch tragedy in the state after its creation but the government is yet to wake up from its sleep," he added. Earlier, Singh led a protest by opposition MLAs in the Assembly over .
Farooq Abdullah lauds Imran Khan, slams BJP govt for not developing India
After PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday lauded Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for sharing his ideas of developing a nation at the Dubai Summit recently."I agree what Imran Khan said in Dubai. He said that in order to develop a country there is a need to uplift all sections of the society rather than a particular class," Abdullah said.A day earlier, Mehbooba too had hailed Khan's decision for announcing to rename Baloki Forest Reserve in Pakistan after Guru Nanak, the Sikh community's holy figure and expressed his wish to build a university in his name.Continuing with his appreciation to what the Pakistan Prime Minister said at the Dubai Summit, Abdullah noted, "This government (BJP) has failed to develop the country after coming to power in 2014. They are not able to fulfil their promises"."The government claims that each and every village of India now has electricity. I urge you all to please visit my state. We don't have ...
Gujjar Quota Stir in Rajasthan: Bhanwar Lal urges protesters to not to resort to violence
Rajasthan Minister Bhanwar Lal on Monday urged the protesting Gujjar community, demanding five per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes, to not to resort to violence and protest peacefully.The protest launched by the Gujjar Community entered its fourth day today.Lal stated, "Would like to appeal to Gujjar community that please do not resort to violence, protest peacefully. I would also like to appeal to Bainsla Ji to send his team for dialogue, and we will discuss as to how their demands can be met within limits of Constitution."He also urged the protesters to pressurise the Centre to give the reservation. "Would like to appeal to the Gujjar community that they pressurise the PM to give five per cent reservation, the way they gave 10 per cent reservation to General Category. Our government is 45 days old, we're not saying no. If they will block roads then the government will also do its work," he said.Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, on Monday, said: "We .
As Indian election looms, Facebook steps up fact-checks
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the U.S.-based social media giant said on Monday.
Budget Session of U'khand Assembly begins amid uproar over hooch tragedy
The Budget Session of the Uttarakhand Assembly began Monday amid sloganeering and walkout by the opposition over the hooch tragedy that has claimed over 70 lives in the state and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Barely five minutes into Governor Baby Rani Maurya's address, the opposition members led by Pradesh Congress president and Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh rushed into the well of the House with placards, demanding dismissal of the state government and stern action against those responsible for the tragedy. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Indira Hridayesh also objected to the governor's address beginning ahead of the scheduled time and termed it an insult to parliamentary norms. The governor, who had begun her address a little early, was hardly audible as the Congress members continued to raise slogans. A little later, the opposition members staged a walkout in protest and accused the government of being insensitive to the sufferings of the families which had lost their ...
Committee of secretaries formed to ensure justice with Kargil: J-K Guv
Amid ongoing protests by people of Kargil over their demand for rotational divisional headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said a committee of secretaries has been formed to ensure justice with the district. Hundreds of Kargil residents, including women and children, took out a rally in the winter capital Jammu Monday and chanted slogans in support of their demand for equal share in the recently created separate division for Ladakh and rotational divisional headquarters. "The divisional status for Ladakh was a long-standing demand (of the people of the region). We have formed a committee of secretaries which will look into the issue so that Kargil gets justice," the Governor told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Katra township of Reasi district. In a major decision on February 8, the Jammu and Kashmir administration sanctioned creation of a separate administrative and revenue division for Ladakh, with its headquarters at Leh. Cutting across party ...
Kargil observes shutdown over setting up of administrative hq in Leh
The town of Kargil and adjoining areas observed a shutdown Monday to protest against the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government to set up the permanent headquarters of the newly-created Ladakh division in Leh. "Shops and business establishments are closed, while roads are deserted due to the shutdown called by local leaders in Kargil," officials said. Cutting across party lines, residents of Kargil marched in thousands on Sunday against the administration's decision to permanently post the divisional commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) offices for the newly created Ladakh division in Leh town. The people of Kargil are demanding that divisional commissioner and IGP offices function on rotational basis -- in Kargil during summers and in Leh during winters. The elected leaders of Kargil in panchayats, municipal committees and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Kargil) have threatened to resign en masse if the government does not modify its order. The ...
Iran slams US as huge crowds mark 40 years since revolution
Iran's president on Monday blasted a US "conspiracy" against the country as vast crowds marked 40 years since the Islamic revolution at a time of heightened tensions with Washington. "The presence of people today on the streets all over Islamic Iran... means that the enemy will never reach its evil objectives," Rouhani told those thronging Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) square. Chador-clad women, militia members in camouflage fatigues and ordinary citizens marched through the capital in freezing rain to mark the day in February 1979 that Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ended millenia of royal rule. Life-size replicas of Iranian-made cruise and ballistic missiles lined the route in a statement of defiance after Washington last year reimposed sanctions after pulling out of a deal on Tehran's nuclear programme. A pre-prepared resolution was read out that proclaimed "unquestioning obedience to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei" and called US President Donald Trump an "idiot". The event ...
Separatists-backed strike in Kashmir hits normal life
Normal life in Kashmir was affected Monday due to a strike called by separatists to mark the 35th death anniversary of JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, who was hanged on this day in 1984 in Delhi's Tihar jail. Shops and other business establishments remained closed while public transport was off roads due to the shutdown, officials said. Separatists' Joint Resistance Leadership, consisting of both factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF, have called the shutdown to demand that Bhat's mortal remains be returned for burial in Kashmir. The authorities have placed Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and several other separatist leaders under house arrest to prevent them from holding protest marches, the officials said. Adequate security personnel have been deployed at vulnerable places in the Valley, they said. Movement of people has been restricted in some areas of Srinagar, including Maisuma, the JKLF stronghold, the officials added. Bhat was hanged and buried inside Tihar ...
Priyanka Gandhi's UP visit triggers poster war between BJP-Congress
Even before Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could step her foot for the first time in Uttar Pradesh since after being appointed as general secretary of eastern UP, a poster war has started between her supporters and opponents with both going overboard in their portrayal of expressions.While posters by Congress workers installed in Lucknow portrayed Priyanka as Goddess Durga, the BJP workers took a jibe at her state visit by putting a flex reading that Congress general secretary is here to rob the state.The BJP poster had a large smiling picture of Priyanka Gandhi with a caption written in Hindi in big bold fonts, roughly translated to "I am coming here to rob the Uttar Pradesh."On the other hand, the Lucknow poster by Congress supporters portrayed Priyanka as Goddess Durga, with a declaration that "Sister Priyanka Gandhi is a form of Mother Durga", written largely beside the image.Another poster that is turning heads in the state capital is also posted at different locations of the city by the .
Rahul, Priyanka, Scindia recieve grand welcome in Lucknow
Drum beats, loud cheers and thousands of supporters are what greeted eastern Uttar Pradesh Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Western Uttar Pradesh general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia here on Monday.Scores of Congress supporters thronged the streets of the state capital to welcome the leaders. Party supporters were seen dancing, sloganeering and cheering ahead of Priyanka's maiden visit to Lucknow after assuming office earlier this month. Despite Priyanka being accompanied by her brother and officials from the party, most of the slogans raised were in praise of Priyanka, with Rahul finding only a few mentions once in a while.Soon after their arrival at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, the senior leaders embarked on their road show atop a white bus. The leaders were greeted with great zeal by supporters who lined themselves on either sides of the road. In addition to the the brother-sister duo and Scindia, UP ...
SC junks WB BJP's plea challenging ban on loudspeakers' use
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea of the West Bengal unit of BJP that set aside the Calcutta High Court's 2013 order, which had put a ban on use of loudspeakers in the residential areas in the state, stating that studies of children were more important than election campaigning.The West Bengal unit of BJP had filed the plea, claiming that it was an attempt by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to "muzzle" its voice and "violated" the party's constitutional right to garner public support ahead of the coming Lok Sabha elections. The elections are slated to be held in April-May, according to reports.The setback by the BJP comes amid the party's bitter fight with the TMC in the run-up to the general elections.The ruling BJP-led central government and Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government were recently locked in a legal battle in the top court over the former's proposed 'rath yatra' in different parts of West Bengal. The BJP's rallies were not given permission by the state ...
Deve Gowda urges Centre to discourage 'Operation Kamal'
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Monday urged the Centre to shun 'Operation Kamal' being conducted allegedly at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to topple the ruling JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka. "In 2009, in Karnataka, first-time 'Operation Kamala' started. I request this government that this type of operation should not happen. Such a situation should not arise," the 86-year-old JD(S) leader stated in Lok Sabha.The statement from Gowda came just days after JD(S) MLA K Srinivasa Gowda alleged that the BJP offered him Rs 30 crore to resign from the party.Addressing media in Kolar on Sunday, Gowda had stated that out of the aforesaid sum, BJP leaders paid Rs 5 crore as an advance, which, he said, he accepted."BJP's CN Ashwathnarayan, SR Vishwanath and CP Yogeshwara came to my home, offered Rs 30 crore and gave Rs 5 crore in advance. They wanted me to resign from JD(S). I told them I am loyal to the party and will never do it. I spoke to HD Kumaraswamy and .
US, China resume trade talks in Beijing
The United States and China have resumed trade talks here on Monday, in efforts to reach a deal before March 1.Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish is leading the US delegation here for the working-level discussions, reports NHK World-Japan.Previously, ministerial meetings were held in January in Washington, where US President Donald Trump pushed for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.Until now, Beijing has proposed to purchase larger quantities of farm produce from the United States during the ministerial-level talks.Furthermore, the next round of ministerial meetings is scheduled for February 14 and 15, accelerating current efforts to reach a deal before increased tariffs are slapped on Chinese imports by the United States.The meetings are a part of the agreement of a 'temporary truce' reached by Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their dinner on December 1 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.
Well-nourished children a key asset for strong nation, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the central government is committed to ensuring quality food to children while highlighting that well-nourished children are a key asset for a country's strength.Speaking at the 'Akshaya Patra' mid-day meal programme, where Prime Minister Modi served the third billionth meal to the children, he said that the Centre stressed on the health of the mother and child in the last five years, adding that vaccination has been a priority for his government for eradicating diseases. "I am fortunate that I am serving the 300th crore thali. We are committed to ensuring quality food to our children. The first thali was served during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's regime. For a strong nation, we need well-nourished children," the Prime Minister said.Prime Minister Modi underlined that the Centre is committed to ensuring a healthy childhood, adding that quality food, vaccination and cleanliness are the aspects for a child to be well-nourished.Noting that the ..
National interest can be ignored for sake of 'chowkidar': Mayawati on PM and Rafale
BSP president Mayawati on Monday cited a newspaper report to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, saying honesty, national interest and national security can be compromised and ignored for the sake of the "chowkidar". Mayawati's attack came after The Hindu claimed the Rafale fighter jet deal between India and France involved "major and unprecedented" concessions from the Indian government, with critical provisions for anti-corruption penalties and making payments through an escrow account dropped days before the signing of the inter-governmental agreement (IGA). "Corruption & corrupt defence deal, No problem! Chowkidar is important for the BJP/RSS, not his honesty?" she asked on Twitter, referring to the prime minister as watchman, an epithet often used by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to describe Modi. People of the country have to decide as what to do with the "chowkidar and his so-called honesty", Mayawati said. "Corruption, honesty, national ...
'Anti-Modi posters not endorsed by TDP'
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Monday claimed that the party has not endorsed any anti-Modi posters at the venue of the ongoing protest at Andhra Pradesh Bhawan."We don't endorse it. It is not correct and it should not be done. It must not have been put by our party people," TDP MP Jayadev Galla told ANI.Later, the posters which read: "In whose hand the used teacups were supposed to be given, people gave him the country" were removed from the venue of the dharna.Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu began his day-long hunger strike in Delhi on Monday.Dressed in black as a mark of protest, Naidu and his party members and ministerial colleagues paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat before starting his protest. Naidu is observing a hunger strike or 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (a day-long protest for justice) against the central government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh.The chief minister is accompanied by his ...