Page 1792 - Politics
CEO reviews election preparedness in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Shailendra Kumar Tuesday interacted with the district election officers through video conferencing and reviewed the progress of preparations for the impending Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. The CEO had detailed briefing from every Deputy commissioner about the steps initiated for the smooth conduct of elections and implementation of various instructions and advisories conveyed to them by the CEO office in previous meetings, an official spokesperson said. He called for putting in place all election-related arrangements well in advance in their districts and plugging the gaps, if any, in time. The CEO stressed on the need for stepping up of awareness campaign to educate people about the importance of exercising their franchise. He sought initiating training programme for all stakeholders about operation of EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) and educating the masses about the reformative measures taken .
In Venezuela, Russia risks losing an ally and billions
As President Nicolas Maduro's rule hangs in the balance in Venezuela, Russia risks losing its long-cultivated main ally in Latin America and billions invested in oil and arms contracts. Russian President Vladimir Putin spent years building up an alliance with Venezuela's late populist leader Hugo Chavez and his successor Maduro, often playing host to the two in Moscow. As pressure has built on Maduro from self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido and his Western allies, Russia has stood firm behind its man in Caracas. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday vowed Moscow would "do everything" to protect its ally. Behind this support, analysts say, is an understanding that if it loses Venezuela, Moscow will have few allies to speak of in Latin America. "Venezuela is practically the last thing that Vladimir Putin has left in Latin America," said Vladimir Rouvinski, a Russian international relations specialist at Colombia's Icesi University. Moscow likes to present itself as an ...
Rahul visiting Parrikar shows Congress believes in politics of compassion, says GPCC chief Girish Chodankar
Rahul Gandhi's gesture of visiting the ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is in consonance with his politics of love and compassion where there is no place for any ill-will even against adversaries, said GPCC president Girish Chodankar on Tuesday.Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Chodankar in a statement said: "It is not just a courtesy call but one of care and concern, which mirrors our party's ideology of believing in politics of compassionate behaviour with humanity. He (Rahul Gandhi) extended a hand of care and compassion and called on Parrikar to share his concern and wish him a speedy recovery.""Congress party has always done the politics that believes in human values and has social welfare at the heart. We never believed in the politics of vindictiveness and vengeance, which is reflected through the visit of our national president," said Chodankar.Congress president Rahul Gandhi had met Chief Minister Parrikar here on Monday. "You may recall that our ...
BJP orchestrated attack on vehicles parked near Amit Shah's rally venue, claims TMC
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday said the BJP allegedly hired goons to vandalise the vehicles parked near the rally venue of Amit Shah in East Midnapore.TMC leader Madan Mitra told ANI that the BJP hired goons to conspire against his party and denied to have any role of his workers in what happened in East Midnapore on Tuesday. "Beginning of the end of BJP as a whole has already started. It has started in Bengal. BJP has hired some hooligans from Jharkhand. They are doing this because they have no other issues," said Mitra.The vehicles used for ferrying audience for Shah's rally in East Midnapore on Tuesday were vandalised by some miscreants when these were parked outside the rally venue.BJP supporters also staged a demonstration, condemning the attack on the parked vehicles. Police said the miscreants lobbed stones on the vehicles and also torched some vehicles.BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha alleged that the attack was the handiwork of TMC supporters. He alleged ...
Burdwan blast case: Accused sent to 14-day NIA custody
A special court on Tuesday sent two accused in Burdwan Blast Case to 14 days NIA custody.Kador Kazi and Sajjad Ali were arrested by NIA on Monday from an under construction three storey building in Borodongal area of the state.Kador Kazi was earlier charge-sheeted in connection with the Burdwan Blast Case for his direct involvement in the conspiracy of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) to wage war against Government of India and Bangladesh in 2015 and was declared a proclaimed offender with a reward of Rs. 5 lakhs. Second accused Sajjad Ali was an associate of Kador Kazi and was in touch with the other accused of JMB through encrypted communication of protected text, as revealed by him during initial questioning, said NIA.Incriminating articles like battery, wires, electronic circuit, electronic clocks and watches to be used for the preparation of IEDs were seized from Ali's possession, added NIA. On October 2, 2014, an explosion occurred in a house in the Khagragarh locality of
Maharashtra CMO to come under jurisdiction of Lokayukta
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) of Maharashtra will come under the jurisdiction of Lokayukta, said Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan here on Tuesday.Talking to media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Mahajan said: "It has been decided that the Chief Minister's office will come under the ambit of the Lokpal Bill that we are going to bring in. This will be a step towards greater transparency and reducing corruption."The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here. Maharashtra was the first state to introduce the Lokayukta through the Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act in 1971.It is worth mentioning that anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has announced to start his fast for the formation of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states from January 30, also the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which is observed as Martyrs' Day.Hazare said on Tuesday that he decided to sit on a fast at his village Ralegan Siddhi as Prime ...
Trump confidant Roger Stone, indicted by Mueller, pleads not guilty
Longtime Donald Trump advisor Roger Stone pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges stemming from the ongoing investigation into whether the US president's campaign colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. Stone, 66, is charged with lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstruction in relation to his contacts with WikiLeaks, whose publication of embarrassing Russian-hacked communications from Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign gave a boost to Trump. Stone, a veteran Republican consultant who prides himself on his reputation as a political dirty trickster, entered a not guilty plea to the seven charges during a brief appearance in federal court in Washington. He did not speak to reporters following the arraignment and is to appear in court again on Friday. Following his arrest last week, he said he was the victim of a "politically-motivated investigation" and said he would not testify against Trump because he "would have to bear false witness against him." Stone is the sixth ...
India, China ties to remain tense in 2019: US spymaster
Relations between India and China is expected to remain tense this year, despite the efforts of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to improve ties between the two nations, a top American spymaster told lawmakers on Tuesday. National Intelligence Director Dan Coats said though Modi and Xi held an informal summit in April 2018 to defuse tension and normalise relations between the two nation post the 2017 military standoff at Doklam, they did not address border issues. "Misperception of military movements or construction might result in tensions escalating into armed conflict," he warned. "We expect relations between India and China to remain tense, despite efforts on both sides to manage tensions since the border standoff in 2017, elevating the risk of unintentional escalation," Coats told members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence during a Congressional hearing on World Wide Threat assessment of the US intelligence community. Coats said ...
U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil reverberate globally
CARACAS (Reuters) - The Trump administration's sanctions on Venezuelan oil, aimed at driving President Nicolas Maduro from power, sent shockwaves around the world on Tuesday, triggering higher global oil prices and angry responses from China and Russia.
Fernandes was my icon: Gadkari
Union minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday said former defence minister George Fernandes was a staunch patriot and his icon. Fernandes, who served as defence minister between 1998 and 2004, died Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 88. In his condolence message, Gadkari said, "George Fernandes dedicated his life to the nation and democracy." A staunch patriot, Fernandes fought for providing justice to workers, he said. He guided the National Democratic Alliance as its convener and worked with (then prime minister) Atal Bihari Vajpayee successfully, the senior BJP leader said. "We have lost a big leader... I considered him my icon. I am deeply saddened by his passing away," Gadkari said.
Lok Sabha polls: BJP starts holding division-wise meetings
With the Lok Sabha elections just months away, the BJP Tuesday started holding division-wise meetings here to assess the ground situation and prepare itself for the polls, a party functionary said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis started conducting the meetings with the party MPs and discussing the situation in their respective constituencies, the BJP leader said. "Most of the meetings held on Tuesday are related to the Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai region. The other segments will be discussed in the subsequent days," the office-bearer of the saffron party said. "The BJP has earlier carried out some surveys about the party's chances of winning the 2019 general elections. Based on it, we have given instructions to our MPs so that they should not lag behind on any front," the leader said. On the possibility of a pre-poll tie-up between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, another party leader said, "The BJP is keen on forging an alliance with the Shiv Sena, but the
Fernandes death irreparable loss, he stood steadfastly for democratic values: Shah
BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday said the death of George Fernandes was an "irreparable loss" to Indian politics and asserted that he stood steadfastly to protect the country's democratic values. Shah was among a host of leaders who visited the bereaved family at their residence in New Delhi's upscale Panchsheel Park to pay their last respects. "The most abiding memories of Fernandes ji are those of his fierce opposition to the Emergency in 1975. He stood steadfastly to protect India's democratic values. "His demise is an irreparable loss for Indian politics... He also fought for democratic values, whether he was in government or opposition," Shah told reporters after visiting his house. "Labourers from railways to airport authorities, all of them had a hope that 'George ji will raise their voice in Parliament'," Shah said. He also said that Fernandes' political persona had left an indelible mark on India's political history. Earlier, in a series of tweets, Shah said Fernandes' stint ..
Cong-JDS seat-sharing talks for LS polls soon: JDS leader
The formula adopted by the ruling Congress-JDS coalition in Karnataka during its cabinet formation and appointments to boards and corporations would be the basis of the discussion on seat-sharing for the coming Lok Sabha elections, the JD(S) said Tuesday. The party also expressed confidence about the coalition government under H D Kumaraswamy completing its five-year term. JD(S) secretary-general Danish Ali said preliminary discussions were already held on seat-sharing during the recent coordination committee meeting. "We are going to have more rounds of discussions and try to come out with a conclusion," he told reporters during the partys national executive here. "How many seats, which party will contest from where- is yet to be discussed. But, as you all know when this coalition was formed, I was one of the signatories to that... In the cabinet, in the board corporation nominations there will be one-third (for JD(S)), two-third (for Congress) formula, according to our
Eastern Command GOC-in-C calls on Sikkim CM
The GOC-in-C of the Eastern Command, Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane called on Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Tuesday at his official residence. This is the first meeting of Naravane with the chief minister since taking over as the General Officer Commanding- in-Chief of the Eastern Command on the October 1, 2018, an official statement said. After exchanging pleasantries, Chamling thanked the GOC for his visit to Sikkim. He said the state government has had a very cordial relation with the Army. Chamling also recorded his appreciation for the consistent help provided by the Army to the civilian population and tourists during the times of distress, natural calamities or adverse weather conditions. The GOC also expressed gratitude to the chief minister for providing support to the army at all times, the statement said. He lauded the environmental initiatives of the state and the emphasis laid on sanitation. The GOC-in-C said the Army would lend every possible support
DVAC to shortly start probe against TN Minister over graft charges: Govt to HC
Sanction has been accorded for a preliminary inquiry into corruption charges against Tamil Nadu Minister S P Velumani and it would begin shortly, the state government informed the Madras High Court Tuesday. Making the submission before a bench comprising Justices M Sathyanarayanan P Rajamanickam, Advocate General Vijay Narayan said the state government had decided to accord sanction for the probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Producing a January 8 letter of the principal secretary to the Public Department, he said the decision was taken after careful perusal of a petition filed by DMK organising secretary R S Bharati seeking a probe against Velumani over alleged corruption in award of contracts. The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) by non-governmental organisation "Arappor Iyakkam", which has also sought an investigation into alleged flouting of laws in awarding of tenders for government projects among others by the minister. The counsel for the NGO said .
Amit Shah says chit fund owners bought Mamata's paintings, TMC hits back with defamation notice
In a scathing attack, BJP chief Amit Shah Tuesday claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's paintings were bought by chit fund owners for crores of rupees, drawing a sharp response from the ruling Trinamool Congress, which issued a defamation notice against him. Vowing to uproot the Trinamool government in state, he said if the BJP comes to power, it will ensure that each and every defrauded investor in the chit fund scam get their money back. Making pointed attacks against Banerjee, Shah, at a rally in East Midnapore's Kanthi, said, "Are you all aware of Mamata Banerjee's qualities? She is a very good painter. Even if someone is a great painter, how much would his/her paintings cost? (Rs) 10,000, (Rs) 20,000, (Rs) 1 lakh or (Rs) 10 lakh. But her paintings were brought by chit fund owners for crores of rupees." "So, will the chit fund owners ever be arrested if the person, whose paintings they had brought, is the chief minister?" he asked, claiming that over 25 lakh people of the state
EC full bench arriving on 3-day visit to Bengal on Wednesday
The full bench of the Election Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora is arriving here Wednesday on a three-day visit to review the preparedness of the Lok Sabha election in the state, officials said Tuesday. The team will arrive here at 9 pm from Ranchi. It will hold a series of meetings with officials of the state's chief electoral office and political parties on Thursday. On the same day, the team will also meet districts magistrates and superintendents of police of all the districts to review law and order and preparation for the polls, the officials said. The full bench would meet the chief secretary, home secretary, director general of police and other senior officials of the state the next day. The bench will also hold a press conference thereafter, the officials said.
France debates riot bill after 'yellow vest' unrest
French MPs on Tuesday began debating a controversial anti-rioting bill which aims to crack down on the sort of street violence that has marred "yellow vest" anti-government protests since November. The bill notably aims to ban individuals identified as habitual hooligans from taking part in demonstrations, and force protesters involved in acts of violence to pay for the damage. Some MPs also want more severe penalties for organisers of unauthorised demonstrations as well as people who cover their faces during violent protests. But the bill has drawn fire -- even within President Emmanuel Macron's own centrist party -- from critics who say the proposals represent a threat to civil liberties. Announcing the draft law earlier this month, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said some of the anti-Macron "yellow vest" protests had led to unacceptable violence. "In many towns in France, demonstrations have been peaceful -- but we cannot accept some people taking advantage of these demonstrations
IS still has 'thousands' of fighters, seeking comeback: US intel chief
The Islamic State group maintains a force of thousands of fighters who pose a potent threat in the Middle East as its leaders continue to encourage attacks on the West, a top US intelligence official warned Tuesday. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats added that the jihadists, who once held vast swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq but are now reduced to a shrinking enclave, would exploit any reduction in counter-terror pressure to stage a comeback. President Donald Trump last month announced he was ordering a full withdrawal of the 2,000 US troops from Syria. Senior US officials have since given contradictory statements about US intentions, but the Pentagon said it had begun the withdrawal, although how long it would take remained uncertain. "ISIS still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and it maintains eight branches, more than a dozen networks, and thousands of dispersed supporters around the world, despite significant leadership and territorial losses," ...
Macron holds surprise talks with Egypt's Sisi, meets top clerics
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday held a surprise second meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after talks with the country's top clerics, ending a three-day visit aimed at boosting ties while raising human rights concerns. Before travelling on to Cyprus for a summit of southern EU countries, Macron and Sisi held an unscheduled 45-minute meeting at Cairo airport. Earlier, Macron met with Pope Tawadros II at St. Mark's Cathedral, seat of Egypt's ancient Coptic Orthodox Church. They both stressed the need for "dialogue between religions". "I decided that a new conference will be held in Paris to see how to act more effectively," he said, without giving details. A diplomatic source said the French capital would host a forum on religious minorities in the Middle East, but without giving a date. Macron visited the church adjacent to the cathedral that was the site of a December 2016 jihadist attack which killed 29 people. He also met in Cairo with Ahmed ...