Page 170 - Politics
New executive of Public Relations and Allied Services Association of Rajasthan constituted
The new executive body of the Public Relations and Allied Services Association of Rajasthan (PRASAR) of the Department of Information and Public Relation was constituted here on Sunday. M Mustafa Sheikh was elected the president. Motilal Verma was elected senior vice president, Gajadhar Bharat as vice president, Mahesh Chandra Sharma as vice president (regional), Veer Sain as general secretary, Hari Shankar as secretary and Asha Ram Khatik as treasurer of PRASAR. "PRASAR will work with commitment for the welfare of information service cadre employees, besides further strengthening propagating mechanism of the state government," Sheikh said. Election officer Alok Anand said that the election was held through paperless mode. From filing nomination to voting and result declaration, the process was done electronically.
Opposition parties gearing up to corner Fadnavis over poor drought relief works during Monsoon Session
The opposition parties will take on the state government for the absence of drought relief works during the coming Monsoon Session of the Assembly, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde said here on Sunday."The Monsoon Session begins on Monday and will continue till July 2. The opposition will target the state government on the absence of drought relief work in the state and the corruption cases which have taken place in the past five years," said Munde said at a joint press conference here.NCP leader Ajit Pawar and other prominent opposition leaders were also present at the press conference here.Munde also targeted Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for his visit to Ayodhya and said the BJP ally was more interested in outside affairs than helping the people of the state."Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray went on a foreign trip without showing any concern over the difficulties being faced by the people. Their ministers have corruption charges against them. Prakash Mehta
Allocation of additional portfolios: Cong hails Goa CM
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's recent move to allocate specific portfolios to his ministerial colleagues seems to have found support from the most unlikely quarter--the Congress. The allocation was done last week amid rumours that many ministers are not happy with the additional portfolios. "It is appreciated that the chief minister has shown that no blackmail would be tolerated by being firm on distribution of portfolios," Congress' Goa Spokesman Trajano D'Mello said in a tweet. "These were the same blackmailers who opposed him (CM) to be the CM allowing the state administration to be run from the ICU (Intensive Care Unit)," he said in an apparent reference to initial opposition to Sawant's name as predecessor to late Manohar Parrikar. "It is time for the CM to deliver," he added. All the ministers in the BJP-led dispensation, except Vinod Palyekar of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) were given additional portfolios which were till now handled by Sawant, who as CM, was ..
Kyrgyzstan President gifts traditional hat, coat to PM Modi
Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov has gifted a traditional Kyrgyz hat and a coat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit here for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. President Jeenbekov, who met Prime Minister Modi on Friday ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting, also presented him a 'Samovar', a traditional container to heat or boil water. Prime Minister's Office shared pictures of Modi wearing the Kyrgyz hat and coat on Twitter. "In Bishkek, President Jeenbekov presented PM @narendramodi a Kalpak, the traditional Kyrgyz hat, a Chapan, a traditional coat from Kyrgyzstan and a Samovar, a container to heat or boil water," it tweeted. It said that Prime Minister Modi was "grateful" to President Jeenbekov for this gesture. Modi was in Kyrgyz capital on Thursday and Friday to attend the SCO Summit, the first multilateral engagement post his re-election. Prime Minister Modi and President Jeenbekov on Friday held one-on-one restricted meeting ...
Britain warns of 'great risk' of escalation in Gulf
British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt warned Saturday there was a "great risk" of escalation in the Gulf, adding that Washington wanted the situation to end in negotiations. A Japanese-owned tanker, the Kokuka Courageous, and a Norwegian-operated one, the Front Altair, were attacked on Thursday and left ablaze as they were passing through the Gulf of Oman. Britain has concluded that responsibility "almost certainly" lies with Iran. Asked on BBC television about the possibility of escalation, he said: "This is the great risk of the situation that we are in. "Both sides in this dispute think that the other side wouldn't want a war. We are urging all sides to de-escalate. "Having spoken to President Trump, I am absolutely clear that for America they want this to end in negotiations. "Let's see Iran stop its destabilising activities in Lebanon through Hezbollah, in Yemen where they are firing missiles into Saudi Arabia, on the Gulf as we have seen. That is the long-term solution." The ...
GSM seeks CM's apology over his statement on casinos
Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) leader Subhash Velingkar Sunday threatened to launch protests against the BJP-led government over Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's statement "in support of" the casino industry. Sawant had last week said the casinos could not be shut down as setting them up needs investment, and that they provide employment. "We demand that Sawant withdraw his statement and tender a public apology within ten days, failing which the GSM will launch agitation against the BJP-led government's evil plans to support the casino industry," Velingkar said. The former Goa RSS chief also said that Sawant had no right to "destroy" the socio-cultural values of Goa. Currently, six offshore casinos and a dozen onshore casinos operate from the Mandovi River and five-star hotels, respectively, in Goa.
TMC for Women's Reservation Bill, electoral reforms
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) here on Sunday demanded passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the upcoming parliamentary session and use of ballot papers in elections.
Is Vikhe Patil's induction a bid to suppress DP scam, asks
Taking aim at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar Sunday alleged that former Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil was inducted into the cabinet to ensure that he keeps mum on the "multi-crore Mumbai Development Plan scam" raised by him last year. Vikhe Patil, a former Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly, was sworn in as a minister as Fadnavis expanded his Cabinet on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature. Last year, Vikhe Patil had alleged that the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had struck a deal of Rs 10,000 crore with some builders in lieu of introducing some favourable changes in the Mumbai DCPR-2034. The CM had rubbished the allegations and threatened to file a defamation suit against Vikhe Patil, who was then in the Congress, if he fails to tender unconditional apology. On Sunday, when Congress group leader in the Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, was speaking to reporters who asked him about ..
Kashmiri Pandits remember educationists killed in 1997 by Hizb terrorists
The displaced Kashmir Pandits Sunday paid tributes to the three educationists killed by Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) militants in Gool belt of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district in 1997. The Daughters of Panun Kashmir (DoPK) organised the Gool 1997 martyrs' 'shradanjali divas' programme at Jammu. Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Girdari Raina, who was the chief guest, in his speech, lauded the efforts made by the community and said "the sacrifices of the martyrs will never go waste as they remain pious and sacred". He said the present political ecosystem is favourable for Kashmiri Pandits. Raina said it was time "immoral" political structures like Articles 370, 35-A were scrapped. State BJP spokesman Ashwani Chrungoo said the struggle of Kashmiri Pandits contributed in consolidating nationalist forces in the country. He said Kashmiri Pandits have helped in the global narrative against terrorism. Senior member of Daughters of Panun Kashmir Ritu Bakshi said she awaits the day Panun ...
Rameswaram fishermen go on indefinite strike over fish price
Fishermen here Sunday went on an indefinite strike protesting against the low prices offered by export companies for prawns and fishes. Though the boat owners had spent huge money towards fuel, wages for fishing labourers and other costs, the companies offered very low prices for prawns and fishes, Rameswaram Fishermen Association President P Sesuraja told reporters here after an urgent meeting of 11 fishermen associations. The price of prawn per kg would be around Rs 550, but the export companies offered just Rs 300, he claimed. The meeting sought the intervention of the Tamil Nadu government in the matter and to ensure they got a fair deal. Otherise, the state government should set up procurement centres to buy fish directly from fishermen, he added.
N Korea slams US for 'deceptive' attitude towards Iran
North Korea's official news agency slammed the United States for its "deceptive" attitude towards Iran, according to reports in South Korean media on Sunday.The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that fresh sanctions were slapped on an Iranian firm by the United States, shortly after Washington offered to hold talks with Tehran with no preconditions.The United States recently sanctioned the Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC) -- Iran's largest petrochemical group -- accusing the organisation of providing support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) which was listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) by Washington in April.Citing an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, KCNA also claimed that USA's offer of dialogue was not "genuine," according to Yonhap News Agency.North Korea is currently stuck in an impasse with the United States, especially after the breakdown of the Vietnam Summit between the leaders of the two nations in February this year. ..
K'taka CM offers to hold talks with oppn, BJP leaders court arrest during 'siege' protest
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Sunday offered to hold talks with opposition BJP on issues raised by it even as the saffron party workers courted arrest while attempting to proceed towards his official residence despite police barricades. As the state BJP, led by its chief B S Yeddyurappa, intensified its two-day sit-in over issues, including sale of land in Ballari to JSW Steel at a "throw away" price, drought and farm loan waiver, Kumaraswamy, in a letter to the opposition leader, said he was prepared to discuss all matters. "I am always ready to discuss with you. Steps will be taken to seek your time as per your convenience," the chief minister said in the letter to Yeddyurappa, a copy of which was released to the media. However, the BJP went ahead with its plan as the leaders and workers, who were on a round-the-clock sit-in at Anand Rao circle here since Friday, attempted to proceeded toward the chief minister's residence despite heavy police presence and barricades in ..
Kyrgyz President gifts hat, coat to Modi
Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov has gifted a traditional hat and coat of his country to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Cong needs 'major surgery', Rahul must quell infighting with 'iron hand': Moily
Asserting that the Congress needs a "major surgery" in the wake of the Lok Sabha polls debacle, senior leader M Veerappa Moily says Rahul Gandhi must carry out a complete overhaul of the party by holding elections at every level and quell internal bickering with an "iron hand". Emphasising that Gandhi alone can lead the party, he said it is the AICC in-charges and chiefs of states, where the party has done badly, who should be held accountable and not the Congress president. Moily asserted that Gandhi continues to be the AICC president and he has not stepped down. "He (Gandhi) said that owning moral responsibility he will step down. (The Congress) Working Committee (CWC) has been unanimous to say that he has to continue. That holds good even today," he told PTI in an interview here. Moily said it was not fair that Gandhi, who took over the reins of the Congress in 2017, quits as president after being at the helm only for about one and a half years and asserted that he must be given a .
First Parliament session of 17th LS to commence on Monday
The first session of the brand new Lok Sabha after the general elections commences its business on Monday with the BJP-led NDA coming back to power with an improved majority and a massive mandate to rule the country for the next five years.The first two days of the session will be completely devoted to oath-taking by 542 members of the 17th Lok Sabha. The election for Vellore constituency in Tamil Nadu was cancelled on charges of money power playing a huge role in the election there. Two more MPs will be nominated by the government from the Anglo Indian community.The oath-taking by the new members will be overseen by the protem Speaker. Seniormost MP Virendra Kumar elected from Tikamjarh in Madhya Pradesh. A former Union Minister, Kumar was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 1996 and has been winning all the six elections that have followed. Kumar will be sworn in as protem Speaker tomorrow morning by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the start of ...
BJP leaders arrive for parliamentary party executive committee meet
BJP leaders on Sunday arrived for the party's parliamentary party executive committee meeting ahead of the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha on Monday (June 17).Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari were among the party leaders who arrived at the Parliament for the meeting.The parliamentary party executive committee meeting comes after an all-party meet was convened by the Centre.The committee was reconstituted on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah as its members.Singh was appointed the Deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha while Thawar Chand Gehlot has been appointed as the Leader of the Party in Rajya Sabha with Piyush Goyal as his deputy, according to a statement released by the party.Prahlad Joshi has been appointed as the government's Chief Whip while Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Murleedharan will be the Deputy Chief Whip of the ...
Disruptions bad for Parliament, Modi tells MPs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told floor leaders of different political parties in the Parliament to keep political differences aside and not disrupt the functioning of the two Houses.
Allow state governments to function smoothly: TMC after all-party meet
In the backdrop of political violence and doctors' strike in West Bengal, the TMC on Sunday said the State governments should be allowed to carry out their duties without any intervention from the Centre."In a true federalism structure, stop interfering in states. The elected state governments must be allowed to run the states and institutions independently," TMC's Parliamentary Party leader in the Rajya Sabha Derek O'Brien told reporters after the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Sunday.Sudip Bandyopadhyay, who is the TMC's Parliamentary Party leader in the Lok Sabha, was also present in the meeting.The political temperature in West Bengal continues to be high ever since the BJP made deep inroads in the state after winning 18 seats and limiting TMC to 22 seats in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.Widespread violence involving the BJP and the TMC workers was witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections in the state, with both parties trading ...
Keep political differences aside for smooth functioning of Parliament: PM Modi
In the all-party meeting here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament."We are for the people. We cannot win hearts by disrupting the functioning of the Parliament. All parties must keep political differences aside and commit themselves to tirelessly work in the direction of the nation's progress," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting.Modi also urged the leaders to introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfill the people's aspirations as their representatives or not. In the meeting, while the government put forth its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties raised other issues including the problems related to farmers and water supply.The Budget Session, beginning Monday, would also see the tabling of many important ...
Budding Panchayati Raj system will be 'harbinger of change' in J-K: Guv Malik
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said that the budding Panchayati Raj system will be the "harbinger of change" in the state as the empowerment of people through grassroots democracy has been one of the biggest achievements. The common citizens in the state are getting tired of turmoil, and focusing on development and efficient governance, Malik said while addressing the dignitaries at the fifth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. The governor said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landslide victory has given hope to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that steps would be taken by the Centre to restore peace and normalcy and put the state back on the path of rapid development, growth and prosperity. He said that there is a sense of "fatigue and a yearning for change" all around the state. "One of the biggest achievements of the state has been the empowerment of people through grassroots democracy," Malik said. After a long ..