Page 1832 - Politics
Is Rahul 'Chinese propagandist', asks BJP; wants details of his meeting with China's leaders during Kailash visit
Accusing Rahul Gandhi of acting as a "Chinese propagandist", the BJP Friday asked him to give complete details of his meeting with China's ministers and officials during his Kailash Mansarovar visit and questioned why he had not kept the Indian government informed. The BJP's attack on Gandhi came after the Congress president said at a meeting in Odisha that Chinese ministers told him during the trip in August-September last year that job creation was not a problem in their country. "When I had gone to Kailash, I met a couple of their ministers and they said job creation in China is not a problem at all," Gandhi said. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said his party had raised questions about Gandhi's meeting with Chinese officials when he had embarked on the holy trip but the Congress had rejected the claims and said he was on a personal visit. "The Kailash Mansarovar yatra was an excuse. He had gone to meet these ministers. Rahul Gandhi is not an ordinary citizen. Why did he not inform ..
Odisha CM remote-controlled by corrupt Chowkidaar: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was "remote-controlled by the corrupt Chowkidaar in Delhi", as he promised to waive farm loan if Congress is voted to power in Odisha.
Jt session of Karnataka legislature to begin from February 6
: The joint session of the Karnataka legislature is likely to begin here from February 6 Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Friday. The Chief Minister met Governor Vajibhai Vala at the Raj Bhavan and extended him an invitation to address the join session. "I met the Governor to discuss with him about the joint session and budget presentation. I have invited the Governor to address the joint session as per practise. The session is likely to commence from February 6," Kumaraswamy told reporters here. The Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, had earlier said that he would be presenting the state budget on February 8. Kumaraswamy said he currently was holding the department wise review ahead for the 2019-20 budget next month. He said he held discussions with farmers leaders from various districts and taken suggestions from them, mainly on electricity, irrigation, crop insurance, seeds, and marketing, among others, so that these could be implemented in the ...
Chinese President Xi Jinping 'most dangerous enemy' to free societies, says George Soros
Billionaire philanthropist George Soros has labelled Chinese President Xi Jinping the "most dangerous enemy" of open societies and urged the Trump administration to "focus" on the Communist giant instead of waging a trade war with the whole world. Launching a scathing attack on China and its president Xi at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Thursday during a private dinner event here in Switzerland, the 88-year-old investor and progressive political activist, also recommended a crackdown on Chinese tech companies. He said artificial intelligence and machine learning pose a grave threat when they are controlled by authoritarian states. He singled out the use of such technologies by the Chinese government as a "mortal danger." Soros warned that the Chinese government was developing a "social credit" system that would monitor people living in the world's most populous nation and urged the United States to aggressively counter the threat. The social credit system, if it became ...
Rahul calls Naveen 'autocratic', a 'Modi version' in Odisha
Congress President Rahul Gandhi Friday termed Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as a "version of Narendra Modi" in Odisha and branded both leaders as "autocratic" against whom his party was fighting. "We are fighting against Modi in the national level and a Modi-version in Odisha," he said at an interactive programme here. Gandhi drew a parallel between Modi and Patnaik and said the Gujarat model and the Odisha model of governance run on the same lines. "But I must say one thing with respect to Mr Naveen Patnaik -- he is autocratic, he has centralised power but he is yet to become like Narendra Modi," he said. Alleging that there is a connection between Modi and Patnaik, Gandhi said, "Mr Modi has leverage over Mr Patnaik. You know why - because of corruption cases." He said, "Mr Naveen Patnaik supports Mr Narendra Modi throughout, whether it is GST, note-bandi, or in Parliament in different bills." Asked about his targets, Gandhi said at the national level it is to give voice to ..
WB Guv greets people on R Day eve
West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi Friday greeted the people on the eve of the country's 70th Republic Day and said that it is the citizen's responsibility to see that democracy functions in a truly constitutional, legal and dignified manner. "This is the day when we should resolve to make every effort needed to secure the dreams of our founding fathers, he said in a statement released by the Raj Bhavan. Tripathi stressed that the citizens protect the integrity of the country and ensure that the countrys sovereignty was not encroached ipon. As responsible citizens our duty is to ensure by all means that no encroachment in our sovereignty is done and no harm to integrity of our country be allowed. As a largest democracy of the world we have consciously adopted Parliamentary form of government. It is the responsibility of all of us to see that democracy functions in a truly constitutional, legal and dignified manner, he added. The Governor also extended his best ...
CBI books Bhupinder Singh Hooda in fresh land acquisition case; ex-Haryana CM, Cong call it political vendetta
In more trouble for senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the CBI booked the former Haryana chief minister on cheating and corruption charges in connection with land acquisition in Gurgaon that favoured private builders and also conducted searches at 20 locations including his Rohtak residence. The Congress as well as Hooda,71 , hit out at the Centre over the raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI), calling it nothing but "political vendetta" to suppress his voice and defame him. The CBI also named in the FIR Additional Chief Secretary Haryana Trilok Chand Gupta, who was the then chief Administrator, HUDA, along with 15 builders including DLF, Emaar MGF, Buzz Hotels, Ansals whose official premises were searched during the operation in morning, officials said. The searches were carried out in Delhi and Gurgaon. It booked Hooda, Gupta and the builders for alleged criminal conspiracy and cheating under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection ...
Cong will win all 13 LS seats in Punjab: Amarinder
Terming Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into politics as a "masterstroke", Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday said it would change the political equations not only in Uttar Pradesh but the entire country. Launching the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee's Jan Sampark Abhiyan here, he assured Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of full support by the state party cadre to realise Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's dream of an inclusive India. The Punjab chief minister also asserted that the Congress president will be the the next prime minister of the country. Priyanka's entry marked the fulfilment of a long-pending demand of the Congress workers and all party members, across cadre, a party release quoting Amarinder Singh said. The Congress workers are with her and the Congress president in their campaign to rid the people of India of the corrupt and divisive government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the statement added. He alleged that the ill-conceived policies of the Centre had ...
CM makes veiled attack on Bedi, says people will not tolerate
In a veiled reference to the turf war between him and Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Friday said people would not tolerate for long "the obstacles and hindrances" their elected representatives 'face' in discharging democratic duties. In his message to the people on the eve of the 70th Republic Day, the chief minister said he wouldnot be cowed down by any obstacles in implementing welfare schemes. "I would dismantle all the obstacles in the larger interest of development of Puducherry and for welfare of the people on the basis of the rights conferred on me" by the Constitution in administering the union territory, he said. He said the privilege to unfurl the National Flag on the solemn occasion of Republic Day was not a revelation of the power and authority but availability of an opportunity to serve the people. "It is the duty of all to bear in mind that the Indian Constitution is the 'Veda' of the country and all should respect and ...
Priyanka joining Cong will help it fight 'fascist' forces better: Gehlot
With Priyanka Gandhi joining active politics, it would be easier for the Congress to fight "fascist powers" in the country, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Friday. Her decision to join politics would also strengthen party president Rahul Gandhi's hands, he added. In politics, it is necessary to take the right decision at right time. Rahul Gandhi has taken a right decision. Young people from from all over the country have welcomed it," said Gehlot here, addressing an election rally for the Ramgarh assembly constituency where a bypoll is due on January 28. "Priyanka Gandhi joining active will strengthen Rahul Gandhi's hands. The Congress will emerge stronger and it will be easy to fight fascist forces," he added. The election for the Ramgarh assembly constituency had been postponed due to BSP candidate Laxman singh's death. Gehlot also attacked the BJP for questioning the Congress' contribution to the development of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi indulges in ...
Opposition attacks govt after CBI books Hooda in fresh case
Opposition parties on Friday slammed the government after the CBI filed a fresh case against former chief minister of Haryana BS Hooda, terming it as vendetta politics.The CBI on Friday carried out raids at the residence of Hooda and other officials, in connection with alleged irregularities in the acquisition of land in Haryana."This is a result of political vendetta. I will fight this battle myself. I have complete faith in the judiciary. No one can silence my voice," Hooda said reacting to the raids. A fresh case has also been filed against him.Echoing similar sentiments, his son and MP Deepender said, "From last five year this government is working with a vendetta. They are targeting us. They are trying to suppress the voice of popular opposition leaders. They tried everything for the last five years but could not find anything. We are not worried and will continue to fight them strongly."Lambasting the BJP, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter, criticising ..
LS poll battle will be PM Modi, welfare vs opportunistic, power hungry leaders: BJP
The BJP on Friday said the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will be a battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-year tenure of poor, youth and women-centric welfare against opportunistic and power-hungry leaders.BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said, "The 2019 polls will be a battle where you have Modi ji and his five-year tenure of development for poor, women, SC/ST community and youth against a gathering of opportunistic, selfish and power-hungry leaders. I believe people of the country will support Modi ji once again".He further dubbed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political debut a mere "formality". "It is only a formality, she has made her entry into politics several times. She did full-fledged campaigning for Uttar Pradesh polls, she has campaigned on previous occasions as well. Priyanka ji is active in politics for several years, the entire country knows very well what she has and has not been able to do," Madhav said.Priyanka, who was officially appointed as AICC General ...
China charges Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun with espionage
China has charged detained Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun with espionage for "endangering" the country's national security and engaging in "criminal activities".China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying offered no further details about Yang at a daily news briefing in the capital.She said that Yang is being investigated by "the Beijing State Security Bureau in accordance with the law on suspicion of engaging in criminal activities that endanger China's national security. This case is still under investigation".She said all his legal rights have been fully guaranteed, adding that the Chinese side has officially notified the Australian Embassy in China."China and Australia have unimpeded channel for consular communication. China has provided necessary assistance for the Australian side to fulfill consular duties," Hua added.Australia is seeking more information from Beijing after Defence Minister Christopher Pyne raised Yang's detention with Chinese Defence General Wei ..
In R-Day message, Mayawati slams 'those who ruled for 70 years'
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Friday lashed out at the "political parties that were in power for the last 70 years" and blamed them for the unemployment, poverty, illiteracy and many other issues facing the country.
Modi fighting political battles through law enforcement agencies: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fighting his political battles through law enforcement agencies. Kejriwal also alleged the prime minister and BJP president Amit Shah have not spared any political opponent, be it Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, BSP supremo Mayawati, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). "Modi ji is fighting political battles thro enforcement agencies. From @yadavakhilesh & Mayawati in UP to @MamataOfficial in Bengal n AAP in Delhi Modi-Shah duo has spared no political opponent (sic)," he tweeted. The Aam Aadmi Party chief's accusation comes hours after the West Bengal chief minister launched an attack on the BJP-led central government, amid the CBI raids at senior Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's residence. "From @yadavakhilesh to Behen Mayawati Ji, nobody is spared. From north to south. From east to west. Political vendetta ..
K'taka JD(S) chief slams BJP over tour of drought-hit areas
The Karnataka JD(S) president H Vishwanath Friday took a dig at BJP over its tour of drought-hit areas in the state after "the toppling bid", saying they were worried about the "power drought" facing the party at the national level. Accusing the BJP of attempting to topple the JD(S)-Congress government in the state, he said they declared a 'ceasefire' and decided to tour drought affected areas. "You are hopping from one resort to another to topple a government formed within the framework of Constitution given to us by B R Ambedkar," he told party workers in Mysuru. "Now you have stopped your activities like a ceasefire and decided to go to see the drought. The fact, however, is that you are worried with the drought of powerthe power drought in the BJP headquarters," he added. Recently, two independent MLAs withdrew their support to the government amid alleged attempts by the BJP to topple it. The BJP has, however, rejected the charges. At the height of the political ...
France urges Maduro not to 'repress' opposition
Venezuela's disputed president Nicolas Maduro must refrain from cracking down on the opposition, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned Friday. "We firmly urge Mr Maduro to refrain from any form of repression against the opposition, any resort to violence against peaceful demonstrators," he told reporters. "We intend to fully back Venezuela's national assembly and its president as democratically-elected institutions which (...) must fully play (their) role," Le Drian said. Venezuela national assembly head and opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself acting president on Wednesday in a bid to oust Maduro. New presidential elections should be quickly organised, Le Drian added. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday voiced support for Venezuela's opposition, saying Europe favoured "the restoration of democracy" in the country after the "illegitimate" election of Maduro in May last year.
Trump associate Stone arrested, faces obstruction charge
Roger Stone, a confidant of President Donald Trump, was arrested Friday morning in the special counsel's Russia investigation and was charged with lying to Congress and obstructing the probe. The seven-count indictment against Stone, a self-proclaimed "dirty trickster," is the first criminal case in months from special counsel Robert Mueller and provides the most detail to date about how Trump campaign associates were aware in the summer of 2016 that emails had been stolen from the Hillary Clinton campaign and wanted them released. It alleges that unnamed senior Trump campaign officials contacted Stone to ask when the stolen emails might be disclosed. The indictment does not charge Stone with conspiring with WikiLeaks, the anti-secrecy website that published the emails, or with the Russian officers Mueller says hacked them. Instead, it accuses him of witness tampering, obstruction and false statements about his interactions related to WikiLeaks' release. Some of those false statements
Media, publishers coerced under Modi, free speech will be UPA's top priority: Tharoor
Publishers, writers, filmmakers and the media are facing coercion in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre and if the UPA was to swing back to power in the coming elections, upholding free speech and democratic rights would be its top priority, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said here on Friday.
Former MP Lovely Aband joins Congress
Former MP Lovely Anand joined the Congress here on Friday and is likely to contest the Lok Sabha polls as a party candidate.