Page 1739 - Politics
There may be constitutional breakdown in West Bengal: Rajnath
Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said there may be a constitutional breakdown in West Bengal in the wake of the Kolkata Police-CBI face-off and asserted that the Centre has power to take action. Amidst din in the Lok Sabha, he also termed as "unprecedented" the move to stop the probe agency from performing its duty. An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams. Making a statement in Lok Sabha on the prevailing situation in Kolkata, Singh described the action against the CBI probe team, which went to question Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, as "unprecedented" and a threat to the federal political system of the country. "There may be constitutional breakdown in West Bengal... under the Constitution, the central government has been vested with the power to maintain normalcy in any part of the country," he ...
Venezuela slams Trump for suggesting military intervention to oust Maduro
Venezuela on Sunday slammed United States President Donald Trump for saying that US military intervention was under consideration to oust the President Nicolas Maduro regime.TASS news agency quoted Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez while addressing the media, as saying, "We don't accept these statements by the US president," she said at a briefing for Russian journalists."The hidden motive behind them is the desire to get hold of Venezuela's rich resources," Rodriguez added.The remarks by the Venezuelan Vice President came after Trump in an interview to CBS News stated that deploying US armed forces was an "option" to put a quick end to the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela."Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said.Terming the 2018 Presidential elections in Venezuela as rigged and blaming Maduro for initiating a humanitarian crisis in the nation, Trump said he had declined a meeting with the Venezuelan leader "a number of months ago.""I've ...
Chaudhary Birender Singh hints at President's Rule in WB
Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said states should function keeping President's Rule in mind, in light of the developments in West Bengal. "It will be best if states function under the ambit of the Constitution, else they should keep Article 356 (President's rule) in mind," Singh told ANI.A face-off between the Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre erupted on Sunday after a CBI team moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar at his residence in Kolkata. The team was later unceremoniously denied entry to Kolkata Police chief's residence and then detained.Escalating her confrontation with the Centre, Banerjee started a sit-in to protest, in what her Trinamool Congress party called a "coup" by the Modi government.Meanwhile, TMC leader Saugata Roy demanded an answer from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ongoing turmoil in West Bengal."Satyagraha by West Bengal Chief Minister is against the misuse of CBI by the central government. We strongly protest ...
TMC, 21 other Opposition parties to move ECI over EVM tampering issue
For voicing their concern against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, 22 opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will visit the Election Commission on Monday. Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission against the use of EVMs in order to "save constitution and federal structure.""We have spoken to all opposition parties, we all will go forward. We have to save the Constitution, the country and the federal structure. Later today, all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission," the TMC leader told media here. Earlier on Friday, Opposition parties had announced that they would approach the ECI over the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs.Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Satish Chandra Mishra, DMK's Kanimozhi, Trinamool Congress' Derek O'Brien, CPI's D Raja were among those who ...
Raj Thackeray backs Mamata in her fight against Centre
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has backed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dharna in Kolkata against the "autocracy and tyranny" of the Central government.Mamata Banerjee is on a Save the Constitution" dharna amid an ongoing faceoff between the Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "We applaud and support the stand taken by Mamata Banerjee against the autocracy and tyranny of the Central government. We firmly stand behind her and the fight against this tyranny," read a statement issued by Raj Thackeray on Sunday.On the other hand, AAP MP Sanjay Singh has given notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 for suspension of business, demanding discussion on 'misuse of CBI'.Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav are slated to visit West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to lend their support.A full-blown showdown between the West Bengal government and the Centre erupted as a CBI team moved .
CBI-Kolkata police showdown much worse than Emergency: Deve Gowda
Former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) supremo HD Deve Gowda on Monday said that the mega-showdown in Kolkata where CBI went to arrest the city's police commissioner Rajeev Kumar is a "misuse" of the central investigative agency and termed the development as much worse than the Emergency period.In a scathing attack, Gowda asserted that the events which followed after the unprecedented development showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "overacted by using the CBI", which in turn will not help him for gaining political benefits."CBI went to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner yesterday, this is a misuse of CBI. It is much worse than Emergency. The way the events have unfolded (in West Bengal) since last night shows the Prime Minister has overacted by using the CBI. This won't help him," he told ANI.Echoing similar resonance, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah backed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegation that the country is in danger
Success of Kolkata opposition rally behind BJP's 'revengeful actions' against Mamata: Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said the success of the opposition rally in Kolkata last month has resulted in the BJP-led central government resorting to "revengeful actions" against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.Addressing party leaders via a teleconference, Naidu expressed solidarity with Mamata and said, "Everyone should condemn the incidents in West Bengal. The Kolkata rally was successful, that is why these revengeful actions are being done against Mamata Banerjee". His comments come in the wake of a full-blown faceoff between the Centre and the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal on Sunday, as a CBI team moved to arrest Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. They were unceremoniously denied entry to the Kolkata Police chief's residence and then detained.Mamata started a 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata, in which the city Police Commissioner was also present.A number of opposition leaders, including
Rishi Kumar Shukla takes charge as CBI Director
Senior IPS officer Rishi Kumar Shukla on Monday took charge as the new Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).Shukla, a 1983 batch IPS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, was appointed on Saturday. He will have a fixed tenure of two years, according to a decision taken by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.Earlier, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is part of the Selection Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had opposed Shukla's appointment contending the officer has no experience of anti-corruption investigations.The Congress leader said the Committee, which met at the Prime Minister's residence last week, shortlisted Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, Sudeep Lakhtakia, S Javad Ahmad, A P Maheshwari besides Shukla.Interestingly, Kharge had even opposed the appointment of Alok Verma as CBI Director in 2017. Verma was ousted from the CBI on January 10. Since then, M Nageshwara Rao was serving as the Interim Director.
Save Hazare's life, Sena tells govt as fast enters sixth day
The Shiv Sena Monday appealed to the BJP-led government to save the life of social activist Anna Hazare whose hunger strike entered its sixth day. The 81-year-old anti-graft crusader has been on hunger strike in his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar, over 240 kilometres from here, since Wednesday. Hazare, the face of the Lokpal movement, has been demanding the appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issue. Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, the Sena said, "Anna faces criticism for being adamant and stubborn. It is said to be the trait of selfless people. Similar characteristics are found in Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well, but it is portrayed as his greatness," In its editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana' on Monday, the Sena said, "First you should save Anna's life and then we can see what is to be done later." "If the government is wishful of Anna losing his life in ...
AIADMK starts distribution of nomination forms for Lok Sabha polls
Amid speculation that it will tie up with the BJP, the ruling AIADMK on Monday started distribution of applications to members aspiring to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Raj Thackeray meets Anna Hazare
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray on Monday called on anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the sixth day.
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon
The Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon on Monday after Trinamool Congress (TMC) members created ruckus over the alleged misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation in West Bengal.
Trump campaign takes steps to prevent a challenge within GOP
Worried about a potential Republican primary challenge, President Donald Trump's campaign has launched a state-by-state effort to prevent an intraparty fight that could spill over into the general-election campaign. The nascent initiative has been an intense focus in recent weeks and includes taking steps to change state party rules, crowd out potential rivals and quell any early signs of opposition that could embarrass the president. It is an acknowledgement that Trump, who effectively hijacked the Republican Party in 2016, hasn't completely cemented his grip on the GOP and, in any event, is not likely to coast to the 2020 GOP nomination without some form of opposition. While any primary challenge would almost certainly be unsuccessful, Trump aides are looking to prevent a repeat of the convention discord that highlighted the electoral weaknesses of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter in their failed re-election campaigns. To defend against that prospect, Trump's campaign ...
CBI vs Mamata: WB chief minister's protest gets support from opposition leaders
Support from opposition leaders poured in for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee whose sit-in over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police commissioner in connection with chit fund scams continued on Monday. On Sunday, an all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning her dharna in front of Metro Cinema in Kolkata over the issue. Support for Banerjee, who also the Trinamool Congress chief, poured in even as the CBI moved the Supreme Court accusing Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar of destroying evidence related to the case and him of indulging in contempt of court. "Distressed by the news out of Bengal. A complete breakdown of trust in institutions under an authoritarian Modi Govt obsessed with regaining power at all costs. Mamata Ji is resisting & has the support of all those who understand the agenda behind these moves," tweeted Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) vice-president Jayant ...
CBI-WB issue: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm
Slogan shouting by Trinamool Congress members over alleged misuse of the CBI by the Centre led to adjournment of the Rajya Sabha till 2 PM on Monday. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asked agitated members to raise the issue during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address but TMC members did not heed to the suggestion and started raising slogans like "Save the Constitution" and moved towards the Well. Naidu then adjourned the House till 2 pm. As soon as the ministers laid listed papers on the table of the House, some opposition members were on their feet. Naidu said he has received several notices, including from Derek O'Brien of the TMC on the CBI issue. "I have not admitted any one of them (notices)," Naidu said, adding members will get an opportunity to raise the "important matter at length" during the debate on the President's address. However, TMC started raising slogans and some members started moving towards the Well leading to adjournment. In an ...
LS adjourned till noon following protests by TMC members
The proceedings of Lok Sabha were adjourned for nearly 45 minutes on Monday morning amid protests by Trinamool Congress members over alleged "misuse" of the CBI by the central government. As soon as the House paid obituaries to former members who had died in the recent past, members of the TMC raised the issue, saying they have given notice for an adjournment motion to discuss the issue. When Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said they can raise the issue after Question Hour, TMC members rushed to the Well of the House and started raising slogans against the BJP. Members of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) were also in the Well supporting the TMC. Later, Congress members entered the Well holding placards about the Rafale jet deal and unemployment figures. They, however, did not shout slogans. The Speaker continued with the Question Hour for 15 minutes and later adjourned the House till noon. The treasury benches were largely empty with only a few members present in the ...
Nayib Bukele declares victory as new Salvadoran president
Nayib Bukele, the popular former mayor of San Salvador, claimed victory Sunday in the Central American country's presidential elections. "At this moment we can announce with total certainty that we have won the presidency," the 37-year-old Bukele told supporters. A few minutes before his declaration, the country's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) awarded him 52.93 percent of the vote with almost 70 percent of ballots counted. Bukele's primary opponents -- Carlos Calleja of the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA), and Hugo Martinez of the leftist Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation (FMLN) -- recognized the win. The result upends the nearly 30-year grip that their parties -- the country's largest -- have had on Salvadoran politics. "We recognize the results of these elections. We are going to call the president-elect to wish him luck in facing the challenges in this country," said Calleja, the runner-up with 32.08 percent of the vote. Martinez took third place ..
BJP delegation to meet EC on Bengal
A high-level BJP delegation will approach the Election Commission on Monday on issues related to West Bengal, including on blocking of rallies of its party leaders in the state.
Kanimozhi extends support to Mamata's sit-in
Tamil Nadu MP Kanimozhi on Monday extended her support to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's sit-in protest over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with a ponzi scheme scam.
Nilambar Acharya appointed Nepal's envoy to India
Nilambar Acharya, Nepal's former law minister, has been appointed as the country's ambassador to India. The position of the Nepalese ambassador to India was vacant for more than a year after Deep Kumar Upadhyay resigned to join politics. President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday administered oath of office to Acharya at Rastrapati Bhawan at Sheetal Niwas. Bhandari congratulated Acharya for being an ambassador to a very close neighbour of Nepal. Acharya is the first Nepalese ambassador to take oath of office and secrecy from the president under a new provision. Earlier, ambassadors were administered oath of office by Supreme Court chief justice. A Moscow University graduate, Acharya was initially left-leaning but later joined the Nepali Congress party. He was minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Labour and Social Welfare in the interim government of 1990.