Page 1799 - Politics
Mortal remains of George Fernandes to be cremated and ashes buried: Jaya Jaitley
The last rites of former defence minister George Fernandes, who passed away early Tuesday morning, will be conducted at Lodhi crematorium and his ashes buried as per his wishes, his close associate Jaya Jaitly said. The former Samta Party president said Fernandes had earlier wished to be cremated but later had stated that he wanted to be buried. "It will be at Lodhi crematorium. We are following two things which he liked. First he wanted a cremation and then during his last days he was saying burial. So we are going to cremate the body and bury the ashes which will fulfil both his wishes," Jaitly told reporters. Fernandes, a lifelong socialist despite his political adventurism that included Cabinet posts in two ideological opposite governments where he ousted Coca-Cola in 1977 and oversaw the Kargil war in 1999, died Tuesday. He was 88. Fernandes was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, which had forced him out of the public eye for several years, and had recently contracted swine flu,
Fernandes fought for justice, was a distinguished parliamentarian: Former cabinet colleagues
George Fernandes was Tuesday remembered fondly by his colleagues in different governments who described him as a man of principles who fought for justice and a distinguished parliamentarian. Fernandes, a lifelong socialist despite his political adventurism that included Cabinet posts in two ideological opposite governments where he ousted Coca-Cola in 1977 and oversaw the Kargil war in 1999, died Tuesday. He was 88. BJP stalwart L K Advani describing him as a "fearless, forthright and forceful" leader who was a man of principles and believed in utmost simplicity. Expressing extreme sadness, he said Fernandes always fought for justice, took up the cause of the poor and was a very effective parliamentarian. "He was a man of principles and believed in utmost simplicity. In the passing away of George Fernandes, the country has not only lost a fire brand socialist but also a thorough gentleman," he said, noting that they were together in the governments headed by Morarji Desai and then ...
Mayawati takes swipe at Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise
BSP president Mayawati Tuesday took a swipe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his promise of providing minimum income on coming to power and wondered if it was another cruel joke like the promises of "garibi hatao" or "achchey din". The BSP leader advised Rahul Gandhi to first implement schemes relating to poverty alleviation and others related to welfare of people in Congress-ruled states especially in Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that people have faith that they can be implemented properly at the national level. "The promise of Congress just before the Lok Sabha elections of guaranteeing minimum income has led to surprise and created doubts among countrymen," BSP president Mayawati said in a party release issued here. Is this promise another cruel joke like the Congress' promise of "garibi hatao" or that of the present BJP government of depositing Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs in the account of all poor or "achchey din" which have only proved to be hollow ...
Yogi Adityanath announces tax exemption for film 'Uri' in Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government Monday decided to give state GST exemption to Bollywood blockbuster 'Uri: The Surgical Strike'. The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting held in Allahabad, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who presided over the meeting, told reporters. "This is a movie on the surgical strikes, the cabinet has decided to exempt it from state GST. This film is about the country's valour and will instil a feeling of nationalism and patriotism... This will help youth and all citizens of the country to see it," Adityanath said. 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', written and directed by Aditya Dhar, is based on the Indian Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan in 2016 as a retaliation for the Uri attack that claimed lives of 17 Army personnel. The film features Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Mohit Raina and Yami Gautam in lead roles.
Goa govt committed to make state ODF by Oct 2: Governor
Goa Governor Mridula Sinha Tuesday said her government was committed to make Goa open defecation free (ODF) by October 2 this year, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. During her customary address to the state Legislative Assembly on the first day of the Budget session, the governor also said that the overall tourist arrival in Goa has gone up by over 8 per cent. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was present on the floor of the House when the governor delivered her address in absence of the MLAs of the main opposition Congress who staged a walkout before the governor began her address. The Congress wanted the governor to resolve the issue of the "collapse of governance and administration" in Goa in absence of the ailing chief minister, before proceeding with her speech. In her address, the governor listed efforts being undertaken by the state government to make Goa open defecation free by October 2, 2019. "Awareness camps are being held in order to educate the .
Fernandes was a close friend, unflinching leader: Sharad Pawar
Describing former defence minister George Fernandes as an "unflinching leader" who gave new strength and direction to the workers movement in India, NCP president Sharad Pawar Tuesday said he has lost a "close friend". Fernandes, a lifelong socialist despite his political adventurism that included Cabinet posts in two ideological opposite governments where he ousted Coca-Cola in 1977 and oversaw the Kargil war in 1999, died Tuesday. He was 88. In a series of tweets, Pawar said Fernandes was one of the best parliamentarians, who made his mark as an able administrator first, as the minister of industry, and later as the minister of defence. "I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of George Fernandes, an unflinching leader who gave new strength and direction to workers' movement in India. "We have lost a leader who was a fighter and dedicated his life to the cause of workers, labourers and common people of India. He was my close friend, I have lost my senior colleague in public ..
Farmers may get interest-free loans, premium-free insurance
The Modi government has worked out a relief package for farmers including interest-free farm loans and premium-free crop insurance ahead of its interim Budget to be tabled on February 1, informed sources say.
Fernandes stood steadfastly to protect country's democratic values: Shah
Condoling the death of George Fernandes, BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday said he stood steadfastly to protect the country's democratic values and his political persona left an indelible mark on India's political history. In a series of tweets, Shah said Fernandes' stint in public offices saw him make some defining changes, particularly in the Railways. Fernandes, a lifelong socialist despite his political adventurism that included Cabinet posts in two ideological opposite governments where he ousted Coca-Cola in 1977 and oversaw the Kargil war in 1999, died Tuesday. He was 88. "His political persona left an indelible mark on several significant political events over decades. 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," Shah said. Terming the passing away of Fernandes an end of an era, Shah said may god give his family and followers the strength to endure this loss.
Fernandes was a fearless, forthright and forceful leader: Advani
Veteran BJP leader LK Advani Tuesday recalled his long association with George Fernandes and described him as a "fearless, forthright and forceful" leader who always fought for justice. Fernandes, a lifelong socialist despite his political adventurism that included Cabinet posts in two ideological opposite governments where he ousted Coca-Cola in 1977 and oversaw the Kargil war in 1999, died Tuesday. He was 88. In a statement, the BJP leader said, "Fernandes was a fearless, forthright and a forceful leader, who started his career as a trade union activist. He always fought for justice, took up the cause for the poor and was a very effective parliamentarian." Advani said he had had a long association with Fernandes and worked with him in the government under Morarji Desai and later under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Fernandes was a man of principles, who believed in utmost simplicity, he said. In his demise the country has not only lost a fire brand socialist but also a ...
11 northeastern political parties oppose Citizenship Bill
Eleven northeastern political parties came together here on Tuesday against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and decided to appeal to the Central government to scrap the legislation.
Rahul tweeted about Rafale audio as he is in Goa: Minister
Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted about the Rafale audio tape and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's possession of "explosive Rafale secrets" on Monday just because he is in Goa and wants to keep the issue alive, Agriculture Minister Vijai Sardesai said on Tuesday.
Maintain status quo in Ayodhya: CPI-M
The CPI-M on Tuesday expressed "strong disapproval" of the petition moved by the Central government in the Supreme Court to remove the status quo on the "non-disputed land", and said the status quo must be maintained.
George Fernandes exemplified simplicity&honesty in life; AP CM
: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Tuesday condoled the death of former Defence Minister George Fernandes and said the latter exemplified simplicity and honesty in life. In a statement, he said Fernandes was the best parliamentarian elected to the Lok Sabha for nine terms. "Fernandes was one of those who built the trade union movement in the country. He effectively echoed the working class' voice in Parliament.He also bravely fought the Emergency," the Chief Minister said. As Industries Minister in the first non-Congress government at the Centre and later as Defence and Railways Ministers in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, Fernandes rendered exemplary services, he added.
T'gana CM express grief over demise of George Fernandes
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of former Union Minister and veteran leader George Fernandes. Rao remembered the contribution of late Fernandes as a trade union leader and Union Defence Minister, a release from the CM's office said. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the near and dear of the departed soul, it said. Fernandes passed away Tuesday following a prolonged illness. He was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and had recently contracted swine flu. The socialist leader was the defence minister in the NDA government headed by late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Fernandes held the industry portfolio in the Jan Sangh government, which defeated Indira Gandhi in 1977.
Odisha remains backward due to inaction of Patnaik govt: Shah
BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday slammed the ruling BJD, saying Odisha remains backward despite flow of huge funds from the Centre due to "inefficiency" and "inaction" on the part of the Naveen Patnaik government. Addressing BJP workers at Kulia in Cuttack district, Shah said BJP will retain power at the Centre because the Narendra Modi government has sincerely worked for the welfare and development of the poor and people belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. He also said that the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) of opposition parties was devoid of leader and policy. How can they form a strong Govt? Shah asked.
Fernandes, a visionary with strong ground connect, recall
Former comrades of 'Bandh Samrat' George Fernandes who had worked with the veteran socialist during the historic railway workers' strike in 1974 Tuesday remembered him as a "dynamic" leader with "indomitable will" who always fought for the rights of workers. Fernandes, 88, who served as the Defence Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, died in Delhi Tuesday following a prolonged illness. As the president of the All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF), Fernandes had led the massive 20-day strike in which an estimated 17 lakh workers of the Indian Railways had taken part. "George Fernandes was a dynamic leader with indomitable will," reminisced veteran union leader J R Bhosale, currently an office-bearer of the AIRF and the general secretary of Western Railway Employee Union (WREU). He had worked with Fernandes from 1973 to 1976. Bhosale said Fernandes was a man of principles who never bowed before the authoritative mindset. He was not only the undisputed leader of ...
Ten NE political parties, JD(U) oppose Citizenship Bill
Ten political parties of the northeastern region, including BJP allies and the JD(U), on Tuesday unanimously decided to oppose the citizenship amendment bill, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the political parties convened by Sangma and AGP President Atul Bora here. "The meeting was a natural process, considering the opposition of the northeast states to the bill and it is not politically motivated," Sangma told reporters here. "Most political parties in the region were protesting against the bill in their own states and so we decided to come together and discuss measures to protect our people and the region," he added. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who was also present at the meeting, said that a resolution was taken to unanimously oppose the bill which was "dangerous and harmful for the people of the northeast." AGP President Atul Bora said that the meeting was "historic" as political parties have unanimously ...
Priyanka Gandhi may soon login to social media
Priyanka Gandhi, who has finally taken the plunge into politics, may soon log in to the world of social media through Facebook and Twitter from which she had stayed away all along.
Speaker Mahajan condoles demise of George Fernandes
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Tuesday condoled the demise of former Union Minister George Fernandes and said his life symbolized a constant struggle for preservation of the basic values of democracy.
Wife of jailed Taiwan activist condemns China visitation ban
The wife of a Taiwanese democracy activist jailed in China condemned Beijing on Tuesday after she was banned from visiting him in prison for three months in a case that has strained cross-strait ties. NGO worker Lee Ming-che was sentenced to five years in prison in November 2017 on charges of subverting state power by a court in central Hunan province, as activists face increased pressure from authorities under Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lee was arrested in March that year during a trip to the mainland and held incommunicado for months. Taipei has called his jailing "unacceptable" and a serious blow to relations with Beijing, while his wife Lee Ching-yu has called his trial a "political show". After visiting him in jail, Lee Ching-yu publicly criticised prison conditions last month saying her husband had lost weight because food was often rotten, that he was denied warm clothing and had to work over ten hours daily. On Tuesday she said she had since been temporarily banned from ...