Page 1755 - Politics
Grandson of Lalit Narayan Mishra joins Congress
Ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Rishi Mishra, who is veteran Congress leader and former Railway Minister Lalit Narayan Mishra's grandson, joined the Congress here on Saturday.
Modi to visit Assam, Tripura, Arunachal next week
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh next week to launch several infrastructure projects and is also slated to address at least two public rallies, a BJP official said here on Saturday.
Turnout here shows why Didi resorted to violence: PM Modi in Thakurnagar
Kickstarting his poll campaign in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday enthused by the large turnout, couldn't resist taking a jibe at Mamata Banerjee stating that he now understood why the Chief Minister had to resort to violence in the state. "I saw the crowd and thought this is the reason why didi resorts to violence. Thank you for turning out in large number. Those who advertise to be democratic kill innocent people" the Prime Minister said a public rally in Thakurnagar.Prime Minister Modi's remark comes less than a week after vehicles used to ferrying audience for BJP chief Amit Shah's rally in East Midnapore were vandalised by miscreants when these were parked outside the rally venue.Continuing his tirade against the Mamata Banerjee government, the Prime Minister said it is unfortunate that the villages of the state have been ignored even after so many decades of independence."It is extremely unfortunate that the villages of West Bengal have not been given ...
Twitter suspended over 2000 accounts linked to Iran over election interference
Twitter revealed that it suspended 2,617 accounts since September which were linked to Iran and allegedly attempted to meddle with the US elections.Some of the accounts claimed to be American news outlets and discussed social and political issues. Overall, the microblogging social network observed that there was less foreign platform manipulation than around the 2016 elections.In its 2018 U.S. midterm elections review report, Twitter further stressed that the majority of dubious accounts were proactively suspended in advance of Election Day.Not only foreign-linked accounts, but Twitter also pulled down content that originated in the United States and attempted to influence the election by deterring groups of eligible voters. Twitter identified nearly 6,000 tweets as attempted voter suppression.
Ex-Jammu Kashmir Teachers Forum president joins PDP, will contest LS polls from Baramulla
Former Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) president Abdul Qayoom Wani on Saturday joined the PDP. He will contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency in North Kashmir.Addressing the media here, Wani said: "Today, I renounce my 28-year long trade union career where I have struggled a lot, fought many battles and served selflessly and with commitment. My friends urged me to consider this (politics) and after their request, (Mehbooba Mufti) madam's request, and considering PDP's political vision, I have decided that PDP is the only organisation that can help me contribute".He hailed former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, saying that his decision was greatly influenced by the latter's contributions towards development in the state, towards resolving the political issues in the state, the atmosphere he helped create to advance talks between India, Pakistan and the Hurriyat Conference, among others.On Friday, Wani resigned from ...
Turkey denounces Israel's decision over Hebron monitoring
Turkey has "strongly" condemned Israel's decision not to renew the mandate of an international monitoring group in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. "We strongly condemn Israel's unilateral termination of the mandate of the 'Temporary International Presence in Hebron' (TIPH) ... and expect this political decision to be reversed," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday. The Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) was established after a massacre of Palestinians in 1994. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he would not extend its mandate, accusing it of bias. Ankara, however, dismissed the Israeli claim. "We decisively reject the allegation that the TIPH has been working against Israel, which is presented by Israel as a justification for its decision." Turkey has observers in the Norway-led team tasked with promoting security for Palestinians in Hebron, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the ...
Security in J&K heightened ahead of PM visit
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's daylong visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, security across the state was beefed up on Saturday.
Kerala: 11 DSPs demoted in massive restructuring
In a massive restructuring exercise, that comes ahead of the general elections, Kerala Police has demoted 11 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) officers to Circle Inspectors.The state government conducted the reshuffle noting that the officers were being transferred temporarily."The state police chief shall take urgent necessary steps to accord them posting orders in the cadre of Inspector of Police," Kerala Government said in a statement.The demotions were made after the recommendations of state police chief Loknath Behra.Disciplinary action was also initiated against officers who were facing internal inquiries and allegations. On the other hand, 26 circle inspectors were promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).53 officers of DSP rank were also transferred ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls."The above officers shall join the stations to which they are posted immediately and furnish the reports of the transfer of charge to the government without fail. The ..
Will lodge FIRs in all state capitals over 'malicious campaign' against Priyanka Gandhi: Mahila Cong
The Congress women's wing will file FIRs in all state capitals on Monday against the "malicious campaign" targeting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra following her entry into active politics, the party unit's president Sushmita Dev said Saturday. The Congress has alleged that BJP leaders have made several "derogatory" statements targeting Priyanka Gandhi following her being named AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh (East). Dev, in a video message posted on Twitter, said one of the reasons why few women join politics was that they are not treated well. "I am saddened that Mrs Priyanka Gandhi has also been targeted with such behaviour. Since she has become general secretary, many BJP leaders have made such comments that have saddened me," the All India Mahila Congress president said. "I will lodge an FIR in Delhi against this malicious campaign. I want my state presidents to lodge FIRs in the capitals of their respective states so that we can reach those who are running this dirty ...
Amit Shah to address BJP workers in Goa on Feb 9
BJP chief Amit Shah will address booth-level party workers in Goa on February 9, a party leader from the state has said. Shah will address around 30,000 workers from 1,642 booths near Panaji, Goa BJP chief Vinay Tendulkar told reporters after addressing the state executive meeting of the party on Friday. Apart from the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Goa is gearing up for the bypolls to Shiroda and Mandrem Assembly constituencies. The by-elections were necessitated after the then Congress MLAs Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte resigned as MLAs from Shiroda and Mandrem respectively in October last year and joined the ruling BJP.
Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq placed under house arrest ahead of PM visit
Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest on Saturday, a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The Mirwaiz has been put under house arrest for maintaining law and order as separatists have called for a complete shutdown on Sunday, officials said. A posse of police personnel has been deployed outside the main gate of his residence in Nigeen area of the city. The Mirwaiz said on Twitter that the government had gotten into panic mode ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. "Ahead of @narendramodi visit, panic buttons pressed by the authoritarian state and control tightened as searches and CASO conducted even in Lal Chowk! Today morning I was put under #HouseArrest !" he tweeted. Modi is scheduled to visit all three regions of the state on Sunday during which he will lay foundation stones for several projects.
BJP, TMC activists clash in West Bengal ahead of PM's visit
Clashes broke out between BJP and TMC activists in Durgapur town in West Burdwan district over the alleged removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's posters near the venue of his proposed rally on Saturday. Activists of the BJP were injured in the incident that took place on Friday night, the party's state general secretary Sayantan Basu told PTI. Basu also alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers threatened the BJP activists and tore apart posters and placards bearing pictures of the PM, who is scheduled to kickoff the saffron party's campaign in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. "They took out our posters and pasted photos of TMC leaders. Our workers were also roughed up," he said. The local TMC leadership denied the allegations, and instead, claimed it was the BJP that sprayed black paint on posters of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Both the parties claimed that few of their activists were injured in the incident. Police said it has received complaints and are .
We want Oommen Chandy in Assembly: Congress
The Congress party in Kerala has made it clear that none of the legislators want former chief Minister Oommen Chandy to be fielded for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Venezuela's Guaido extends olive branch to China
Venezuela's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido has promised China he will honour bilateral agreements and said he was ready to start a dialogue with Beijing "as soon as possible". Guaido's comments to the South China Morning Post, published Saturday, appear aimed at laying to rest questions over whether his political challenge to President Nicolas Maduro would disrupt ties with Venezuela's main creditor. Maduro visited China in September, striking energy and gold mining deals as he sought Beijing's support for his crisis-hit nation. "China's support will be very important in boosting our country's economy and future development," Guaido, the 35-year-old opposition leader, said in the email interview with the newspaper. "Given its competitiveness and market, China is a fundamental global player with whom we would like to re-launch our relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation." "We are ready to begin a constructive relationship and dialogue with China as soon as ...
Rival rallies set up tense standoff in Venezuela
Tens of thousands of protesters were set to pour onto the streets of Caracas on Saturday to back opposition leader Juan Guaido's calls for early elections as international pressure increased on President Nicolas Maduro to step down. Major European countries have set a Sunday deadline for Maduro to call snap presidential elections. Failing that, they will join the United States in recognizing National Assembly speaker Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. "Maduro's tyranny must end and must end now," US Vice President Mike Pence told a rally of exiled Venezuelans in Miami on the eve of the protest. Guaido's call for a massive show of popular support coincides with a huge pro-Maduro demonstration. The ruling Socialist party celebrates the 20th anniversary of the rise to power of Hugo Chavez, Maduro's deceased predecessor, on Saturday. The "clear goal" of the march was "to accompany the ultimatum given by members of the European Union," Guaido said ahead of the march, which will begin
A coalition again at the centre this summer? (Column: Political Circus)
If the opinion polls are to be believed, India is heading for another period of coalitions.
Caught on cam: JD(S) leader, Cong MLC engage in war of words
Public Works Departments minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Revanna and Congress MLC Gopalaswamy engaged in a war of words during a meeting held on Saturday.The quarrel broke out minutes after Revanna stated that no developmental works took place in Hassan district during the tenure of Siddaramaiah as chief minister between 2013 to 2018.Responding to Revanna's claim, Gopalaswamy asserted, "How can you blame Sidharamaiah, he has allocated so many funds for carrying out developmental work. Don't blame Sidharamaiah."Cabinet Ministers Krishna Byregowda and UT Khader also attended the meeting.This is the second time that the coalition government in Karnataka faced a major blow.On January 31, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had threatened to step down as he got infuriated over certain remarks made by some legislators of the Congress. He also stated that the legislators were "crossing the line".However, the chief minister clarified that the remark was made as select individuals made .
Former Railway Minister Lalit Narayan Mishra's grandson quits JD (U)
Former Railway Minister Lalit Narayan Mishra's grandson Rishi Mishra who was an MLA of JD (U) quit the party.Speaking to ANI on Friday, Mishra said, "Now it has become very difficult to work in JD (U). People of my constituency had voted against the BJP in the previous election. How will I answer my voters? I do not have any problem with Nitish Kumar but working with BJP is an entirely different thing." However, a source in JD (U) asserted that the reason for Mishra's exist is different from his claim. He asserted, "Mishra is leaving the party because this time that seat will go to BJP, as they already have a sitting MLA there, so there is absolutely no chance for him."Mishra is likely to join the Congress party later today.More details awaited.
Crab fishing boat seized by Russia: Japan official
A Japanese crab fishing boat with 10 people on board has been seized by Russian authorities, a Japanese official said Saturday. The number 68 Nishino-maru was taken to Russia's eastern port of Nakhodka, where the crew members are expected to be questioned, said an official of Shimane prefecture, western Japan. "We are asking the Russian side, through diplomatic channels, to release them as soon as possible," he told AFP, adding that the fishermen were in good condition. Local media said the boat left Shimane on January 26 to fish for snow crabs, also known as spider crabs, in the Sea of Japan, but lost contact on Wednesday. The area is surrounded by Japan, Russia and both North and South Korea, and there are frequent disputes over fishing rights as well as claims for possession of small islands and rocky outcrops. Russia often accuses foreign vessels of illegally catching crabs in its exclusive economic zone.
FIR lodged against Azam Khan
An FIR was lodged against Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan on Friday for allegedly defaming the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).The complaint was filed by social worker Ullema Zamir Naqvi.Khan was also accused of insulting religious leader Qlbe Jawad and his secretary Imran Naqvi.Along with Khan, the complainant alleged that Wasim Rizvi, Chairman of Shia Central Waqf Board, was involved in the matterKhan had allegedly misused the government letterhead and stamp for 'maligning' the RSS when he was a minister in the previous government.