Page 1730 - Politics
Tejashwi, Kanimozhi visit Mamata at dharna site, express solidarity with her
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK MP Kanimozhi Monday arrived at the venue of dharna of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed solidarity and support to her after she began a sit-in protest over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief. Tejashwi and Kanimozhi spoke with Banerjee and enquired about the incidents since Sunday evening. Both of them also expressed solidarity with Banerjee. The development comes against the backdrop of Banerjee beginning a sit-in protest at a Kolkata landmark on Sunday night over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, insisting it stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism". "It is political conspiracy to use the CBI against political opponents. Narendra Modi is elder to us and he should understand that PM comes and goes but the institutions of this great country remains. Whoever will not compromise with BJP they will be harassed by the CBI and other agencies," ...
Priyanka returns to India, meets Rahul
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Monday returned from abroad and met Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his Tughlaq Road residence. Party sources said Priyanka Gandhi would be present at a meeting of AICC general secretaries and in-charges of various states, called in Delhi on Thursday evening to plan the strategy for the Lok Sabha election due by May. Rahul Gandhi has also called a meeting of state chiefs and Congress Legislature Party leaders on Saturday in the national capital, to review preparedness for the general election. Priyanka Gandhi is learnt to have also met other Congress leaders with whom she discussed the strategy for Uttar Pradesh-East, of which sha has been the general secretary. Congress general secretary for UP-West Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present during Priyanka Gandhi's meeting with Congress leaders.
India welcomes UK decision on Mallya extradition, awaits early completion of legal process
India on Monday welcomed UK government's order to extradite fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya and said it awaits "early completion" of the legal process in the matter. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered the extradition of Mallya on charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering offences, the British Home Office said in London. "We have taken note of the decision of the UK Home Secretary to sign on the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India," a top government source said. "While we welcome the UK government's decision in the matter, we await the early completion of the legal process for his extradition," the source said. The 63-year-old businessman had been found to have a case to answer before the Indian courts by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on December 10, 2018. Javid, UK's senior-most Pakistani-origin minister, had two months from that date to sign on that order. The UK Home Office confirmed on Monday the minister signed Mallya's extradition order .
SKM chief claims party will sweep Sikkim assembly polls
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) president Prem Singh Tamang on Monday asserted that his party will "sweep" the upcoming state assembly elections, as people are fed up of the "corrupt" Sikkim Democratic Front government. "We will sweep the upcoming assembly polls in Sikkim, as the people have become tired of a corrupt government being led by Chief Minister (Pawan Kumar) Chamling for more than two decades," he said at SKM's seventh foundation day function here. Tamang, popularly known as P S Golay, also hit out at Chamling, his one-time mentor, for "dividing" the society on caste and communal grounds for "vote bank" politics. The SKM chief had to bear with the ignominy of being disqualified from the membership of the Sikkim legislative assembly in 2016, following his conviction for a year in a corruption case. "I had to serve a year in imprisonment for a crime which I did not commit," he said, referring to the conviction in a cattle distribution scam during his stint as a .
Mamata vs CBI escalates into Oppn against Modi Govt; BJP calls it 'alliance of corrupt'
A political firestorm raged Monday as Mamata Banerjee's sit-in protest against CBI's bid to question Kolkata police chief in chit fund scam cases entered the second day, with the West Bengal Chief Minister declaring her agitation to save the "Constitution and country" will go on and she was ready to face the consequences. Virtually all opposition parties rallied behind Banerjee's direct confrontation with the Modi government, even as the BJP called it an "alliance of corrupt" and Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that developments in West Bengal were indicative of a "breakdown of the Constitution". Trinamool workers took to streets burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah and blocked trains, while the BJP lined up its top leaders to step up the counter-offensive against Banerjee and other opposition leaders. The ripple effect of political tremors in West Bengal were felt in several state capitals, as Banerjee's combative posturing on the issue
Decision to extradite Mallya shows Modi govt delivering on its promise: BJP
The BJP Monday said the UK government's decision to extradite Vijay Mallya, who is accused of defrauding banks in India, underlines the Modi government's commitment to ensure that every rupee looted of the public money is returned to the exchequer and the guilty brought to book. The extradition of Mallya has been approved by UK Home Secretary, in a major blow to the liquor baron and boosting India's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman. "The extradition order is a result of persistent efforts by Indian authorities to ensure that fugitives like Vijay Mallya who fled the country after defrauding banks is brought to justice. It shows the Modi government's commitment to ensure that every rupee of the public money looted is returned to exchequer and the guilty brought to book," BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member G V L Narasimha Rao said. BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said the Modi government is delivering on its promise thatthose who looted public money will be brought to ...
One more step cleared to extradite Mallya: Jaitley
With the UK government ordering extradition of Vijay Mallya, Union minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said the Modi government has cleared one more step to get the embattled liquor baron back. "Modi Government clears one more step to get Mallya extradited while Opposition rallies around the Saradha scamsters," Jaitley tweeted. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered the extradition of Mallya on charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering offences, the British Home Office said in London. The 63-year-old businessman had been found to have a case to answer before the Indian courts by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on December 10, 2018. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently sitting on dharna in Kolkata against the CBI's attempt to question the city Police chief in chit fund scams, including Saradha.
Sudan protesters chant 'freedom' as police fire tear gas
Crowds of Sudanese protesters chanted "freedom, freedom," as riot police fired tear gas on anti-government rallies in the capital and its twin city of Omdurman on Monday, witnesses said. They said protesters took to the streets in two districts of Khartoum and in Omdurman, across the Nile. Riot police swiftly moved in to disperse the protests, firing tear gas at one of the rallies in Khartoum and in the twin city, according to witnesses. Even as police fired tear gas, protesters kept up the "freedom, peace, justice" rallying cry of an anti-government campaign that erupted in December, witnesses said. Monday's demonstrations came after campaigners called for new rallies this week against the government of President Omar al-Bashir. Deadly protests have rocked the east African country since December after cash-strapped Khartoum cut a vital subsidy on bread. The protests quickly escalated into anti-government demonstrations across cities and towns, with protesters calling on Bashir to ...
Fadnavis confident of BJP's pre-poll alliance with Shiv Sena
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday said the BJP's alliance with the Shiv Sena for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is "certain" and all internal differences will be resolved by the two parties. He said there are differences of opinion in every home, but they are ultimately resolved. Fadnavis said it is "certain" that the BJP will have an alliance with the Shiv Sena for the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, which sends 48 members, the second highest, to the Lower House of Parliament. The CM was talking to reporters after the concluding programme of an animal fair held here in the Marathwada region of central Maharashtra. Early last year, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray had declared that his party will fight all future elections on its own. The Sena is a constituent of the BJP-led ruling coalitions in Maharashtra and also at the Centre, but it routinely criticises its alliance partner's leaders and government policies. Minister of State for Diary ...
CBI-police standoff: Tejashwi lauds Mamata's 'bravery'
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday reached Kolkata to support Mamata Banerjee's 'Save the Constitution' dharna.Speaking to the media here, he said, "I am here to save the democracy. I laud Mamata didi's bravery and thank her for taking this step in order to save our constitution. We have been saying time and again that our constitution is in danger."Hitting out at the central government Yadav added, "The people in power today are the ones who worked as slaves for the British. Moreover, they are leaving no stone unturned to destroy our constitution. All agencies should be allowed to work."The RJD leader also alleged that the former CBI director Alok Verma had confessed that he is under pressure."CBI director Alok Verma confessed that he is under pressure when he is saying it himself who are we then? " he addedBanerjee is sitting on her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata since Sunday night, in protest against the CBI's move to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner .
Cong activists protest against right-wing group in Jammu
The Congress staged a protest here Monday against the alleged firing at an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary by suspected members of Hindu Mahasabha in Uttar Pradesh. The activists led by state congress president G A Mir raised slogans like "Bapu Ka Apmaan Nahi Sahega Hindustan (India will not tolerate insult to the father of nation) and Bapu Amar Rahe" (long live Gandhi) before dispersing off peacefully. Talking to reporters, Mir said the "act of the members of Hindu Mahasabha" hurt the sentiments of the people of the country which supports and follow the ideology of Gandhi. "The forces who are bent upon to break the country are raising their ugly head after 70 years and openly targeting the ideology preached by Gandhi under BJP rule in UP and at the Centre. "They want to convey that the act of Nathuram Godse (assassin of Gandhi) was not a mistake," he said. The Congress leader said, "The savage act of the Hindu Mahasabha which is an ally of BJP would not to tolerated
Grouping us with others for statement on CBI V Mamata is misleading: BJD
Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Monday asserted its statement backing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her tussle with the CBI should not be used to club it with any political party or grouping. "The Biju Janata Dal would like to clarify that the statement given by BJD on CBI is in relation to Odisha and the overall issues confronting CBI at the national level. "Grouping BJD with some political parties because of this statement is incorrect and misleading," it said in a tweet hours after its statement on the issue was released. The BJD, headed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has been claiming that it maintains equidistance from both the Congress and the BJP, besides not becoming part of the Mahagathbandhan of non-NDA parties. Party sources said its statement on the CBI should not be considered as its support to the TMC or any other parties on the issue relating to CBI. The party has issued a statement on the functioning of the CBI and not in support or ...
Cong for cyber probe to unmask peddlers of anti-Priyanka posts
The Congress Monday approached the cyber police and the Maharashtra State Women's Commission seeking arrests of those behind circulation of "insulting and obscene" social media posts on the party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The complaint is a part of the All India Mahila Congress' drive to lodge FIRs through all state bodies to counter the "obscene political attack" against Gandhi Vadra. Gandhi Vadra, the sister of party chief Rahul Gandhi, was recently appointed as the general secretary of politically crucial eastern Uttar Pradesh. "We submitted a memorandum to the cyber police and the Commission seeking immediate arrests of unknown perpetrators concerned who have been making insulting and obscene remarks against Priyanka Gandhi. We will intensify protests in case there is no action taken," said Maharashtra state Mahila Congress chief Charulata Tokas. Tokas was accompanied by office-bearers of the Mahila Congress. A party statement alleged that BJP leaders .
India welcomes UK's decision on Mallya extradition, awaits early completion of legal process
India on Monday welcomed the UK government ordering the extradition of embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya and said it awaits "early completion" of the legal process in the matter. UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered the extradition of Mallya on charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering offences, the British Home Office said in London. "We have taken note of the decision of the UK Home Secretary to sign on the order for Vijay Mallya's extradition to India," a top government source said. "While we welcome the UK government's decision in the matter, we await the early completion of the legal process for his extradition," the source said. The 63-year-old businessman had been found to have a case to answer before the Indian courts by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on December 10, 2018.
Cong condemns alleged firing at Mahatma Gandhi effigy
Congress activists Monday staged a protest here against the alleged firing at an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary by suspected members of Hindu Mahasabha in Uttar Pradesh. The party also condemned the rampage of its city and district offices in Agra and observed Monday as "Black Day" demanding arrest of the accused. Former leader of Congress Legislature Party Pradeep Mathur led a demonstration from Holi Gate that terminated at Vikas Bazar here. "The incident is a witness that law and order in the state has miserably failed," Mathur told a gathering comprising Congress activists in front of the Gandhi statue at Vikas Bazar. "Congress activists know how to deal with goons. However, they are disciplined and watching how the Yogi government takes the incident," he said, adding that the party is observing Monday as "Black Day since it is the murder of democracy". In a purported video circulated on social media, alleged members of Hindu Mahasabha were seen enacting Mahatma .
'Mahayaga' to be held after temple renovation work is over:CM
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Monday directed the Yadadri Temple Development Authority officials to carry out the renovation works of Lord Narasimha Swamy temple at Yadadri near Nalgonda in a grand fashion. The Chief Minister suggested to the Authority that the renovation and reconstruction works of the shrine should be carried out in such a way that it reflects the spirituality as well as greatness of the temple from time immemorial, a release from his office said. Rao, who held a meeting with officials on the temple renovation works, said adequate budgetary provision would be made to see there is no dearth of funds for the construction work. He said a Maha Yaga would be performed after renovation works are completed. The President and Prime Minister would be invited for the event. "He (Rao) announced that once the renovation works are completed, there would be a Maha Yaga spanning over 11 days known as 'Sahasrastaka Kundayaga' (with 1008 Yaga ...
Hry govt to double monthly honorarium of Lambardars to Rs 3,000
The Haryana government on Monday decided to double the monthly honorarium given to 'Lambardars' (tax collectors) from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. The state cabinet, which met here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, approved the proposal of enhancement of the honorarium of tax collectors in the villages, according to an official release. The cabinet also approved the proposal of providing mobile phones to them, it stated. In another decision, the cabinet approved the policy for allotment of government land for social/religious/charitable/community purposes to the charitable trusts/private institutions. The policy has been framed to provide land of any government department for social, religious, charitable trusts or institutions for the construction of worship places, dharamshalas and community centres. The government department concerned will consider allotment of land only at places where the land is available and can be spared for the purpose after meeting the ..
CBI row: Kharge responds to Jaitley, says dissent on flouting procedure, not on integrity of officer
Criticised by Union minister Arun Jaitley for his "dissent" note on appointment of CBI Director, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has written to the BJP leader that the objections raised by him were on flouting of the procedure and not on the integrity of the officer. In a letter to Jaitley after his blog "Has Mr. Kharge Brought Down the Value of Dissent?", the Congress leader in Lok Sabha demanded that the government put in public domain the minutes of the meeting of the panel headed by the prime minister on CBI Director's appointment. Kharge said he "is pained to say the value of the Prime Minister's Office has been brought down" by the way the government has conducted itself in the matter of CBI Director's appointment. The Congress leader said Jaitley, who is in the US for medical treatment, had himself penned "the strongest dissent note" against CBI and its functioning after which the agency transferred its officers and stopped investigations, an apparent reference to the ...
Cong slams TRS govt for not protesting against Union Budget
The Congress' Telangana unit hit out at the TRS government for allegedly not registering its strong protest over the raw deal meted out to the state in the Union Budget. Telangana did not get its due share in all the union budgets presented by the BJP government, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Gudur Narayana Reddy said in a release. "None of the promises made with Telangana in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act have been fulfilled..Railway Coach Factory at Qazipet, Steel Plant at Bayyaram or other Central projects remained a non-starter. Despite the recommendation by the NITI Aayog, Telangana was denied funds for Mission Bhagiratha, Mission Kakatiya and Kaleshwaram project. But KCR never gathered courage to register strong protest against Modi Government," Reddy said. Meanwhile, Congress leader and former MP Vijayashanti, a popular actress of yesteryear, thanked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for appointing her as the chairperson of TPCCs campaign ..
EU fears for Brexit deal after meeting British MPs
One of the European Union's most senior officials warned that a no deal Brexit looks ever more likely Monday, after an "inconclusive" meeting with British MPs. Members of the House of Commons Brexit steering committee came to Brussels to meet Martin Selmayr, EU president Jean-Claude Juncker's powerful right-hand man. The talks had been meant to explore ways to secure an orderly divorce after the British parliament rejected the deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May. Instead, Selmayr was left more pessimistic than before. "The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017," Selmayr tweeted after the British delegation left the talks. Some British officials have suggested May might be able to get a deal through parliament if the EU make "legally binding" changes to the withdrawal agreement. In particular, London wants to see a promise that Northern Ireland can stay in the EU customs union indefinitely, known as the backstop, changed or .