Page 2189 - Politics
BJD govt neglecting tribals in Odisha: Jual Oram
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Sunday accused the ruling BJD government in Odisha of neglecting the tribals in the state. Oram said the state government "failed miserably" to resolve issues involving the tribals, and did not allot land to them, despite having promised to provide record of rights. He also alleged that tribals are being harassed while trying to obtain caste certificates, and that in the name of Special Development Council, the BJD has "snatched away" the power of elected representatives. The minister announced that a two-day national Schedule Tribe (ST) conference will be held here from February 2. BJP President Amit Shah and other top leaders are slated to attend a rally to be held on February 3 during the national meet, Oram told reporters here. While around 5,000 delegates, including tribal leaders from different parts of the country, are likely to attend the meet, nearly 1 lakh tribals are expected to take part in the rally, he said. Oram ..
Stalin proposes Rahul as PM candidate to defeat 'fascist' Modi
Putting an end to lingering speculation, DMK President M.K. Stalin on Sunday proposed the name of Congress President Rahul Gandhi for the post of Prime Minister and said he had the strength to defeat the "fascist" Narendra Modi.
Group of protesters try to disrupt Kejriwal's public meeting in Sonipat
A group of protesters carrying banners of "DTC Bachao Andolan" allegedly tried to disrupt a public meeting held by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here on Sunday. The protesters were seated with AAP workers in the public meeting when they started raising slogans. Kejriwal, who has made multiple visits to Haryana this year to boost party's prospects after it decided to contest next year's polls, was talking about alleged neglect shown to martyrs' families by successive governments, when the incident occurred. The police later whisked away the protesters from the site. The AAP supremo accused the BJP government in the state of being behind the incident. "We have gathered here to pay our respects to two martyrs (Yashvir and Anand Singh) from Haryana, we are here to talk about bad shape of schools and hospitals in Haryana, but the BJP is sending their supporters here to disrupt the meeting. This is nothing, but an insult to the martyrs," Kejriwal said. As the protesters tried to ...
Rahul Gandhi achieved good victory: Union minister Athawale
Against the backdrop of recent poll victory of the Congress in three Hindi heartland states, Union minister Ramdas Athawale Sunday indicated that party president Rahul Gandhi has evolved into a matured leader. He also said the electoral defeat of BJP in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh has nothing to do with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Rahul Gandhi has achieved a good victory in three states. He is no more a 'Pappu' now but has become a 'Pappa'", Athawale, whose party RPI(A) is a member of the NDA, told reporters in Kalyan in Thane district. Gandhi was often termed as a "Pappu" (greenhorn) by trolls on the social media. "The defeat in the polls is that of the BJP and not of Narendra Modi", Athawale said. The Dalit leader also advocated that Shiv Sena retain its alliance with the BJP. "It will be loss of the Sena if it doesn't continue with the alliance", he said responding to a query. "I appeal to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to fulfill dreams of Sena supremo
Internal security scenario has improved: Rajnath Singh
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the internal security scenario has "vastly improved" over the last four years.
In Chennai, Chandrababu Naidu accuses BJP of destroying federalism
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday came down heavily on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, accusing them of destroying state institutions and federalism in the country.Addressing a public rally after the inauguration of the statue of late Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M Karunanidhi, Naidu alleged that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is being misused and is meddled in corruption itself."People elected the BJP government, all institutions were destroyed. Federalism is destroyed. They are misusing CBI. It's a premier institution for corruption control and now it's meddled in corruption itself. They removed the CBI director, and the Reserve Bank of India Governor (Urjit Patel) resigned due to pressure," the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said.Training guns at the BJP, Naidu added, "Even ED (Enforcement Directorate) and IT (Income Tax) departments are being used to victimise politicians. You saw the Rafale
Sonia for strong mutual support between Cong, DMK
United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday expressed her desire for a strong mutual support between the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), as they get ready to "wage a battle against political forces that are determined to" destroy India.Speaking at a public rally, the UPA chairperson said: "It is my earnest desire that the mutual support of our parties to each other must remain strong and steadfast as when Dr Karunanidhi ji was guiding us, as we wage, all together, a battle against political forces that are determined to destroy our Constitutional values, our institutions, the idea of India as we know it."Sonia further said that the opposition forces are united with the common objective of ousting the BJP-led government at the Centre and protect the nation's constitutional values."As we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, let the message go to the people of Tamil Nadu, let the message go to the people of the country, that we are united and determined .
CRPF key to maintaining unity of nation: Vice President
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has played a key role in maintaining the unity and integrity of the nation."This force has a glorious past, praise-worthy present and a future filled with hope and service," he said at the passing out parade of the 50th batch of the Directly Appointed Gazetted Officers (DAGOs) of CRPF in the premises of CRPF Academy here. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal was also present on the occasion.Vice President Naidu said: "CRPF personnel have always won the faith and confidence of the people wherever they have been deployed. It has played a significant role right from the days of unification of the country to successfully tackling separatism in the north-east and terrorism in Punjab."He called upon the force personnel to upgrade their professional efficiency in view of the newer challenges arising out of cyber technology. He also called upon the government and the authorities to give attention to the ...
Chandrababu Naidu expected to attend swearing-in of Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath & Bhupesh Baghel
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is expected to attend Monday swearing-in of Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and Bhupesh Baghel as chief ministers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, respectively, sources said. Gehlot has written to Naidu inviting him for the ceremony to be held in Jaipur. Along with Gehlot, Congress leader Sachin Pilot will also take oath as deputy chief minister of Rajasthan. In a letter to Naidu, Gehlot said, "The recently concluded assembly election is not just a victory for the Congress party but is also a victory for progressive politics..." "Our parties have been partners in our joint struggle to defeat forces who have left no stone unturned to undermine our democracy," he added. According to the sources, Nath has telephoned and invited Naidu to be present in the swearing-in ceremony to be held in Bhopal Monday. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief has accepted the invitation of both the leaders, they said. The party sources claimed Naidu ...
Army Chief to visit Tanzania, Kenya
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat will visit Tanzania and Kenya between December 17 and 20.During the visit, the Army Chief accompanied by a delegation of officials will interact with senior military and political hierarchy of both countries with an aim to enhance and energise defence cooperation.The Army Chief will also visit National Defence College at Tanzania and key military establishments.General Rawat is scheduled to meet Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Tanzania's Chief of Defence Force General Venance Mabeyo, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Defence Raychelle Awour Omamo and Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces Samson MwathetheThe visit to the African countries aims to give impetus to the military-to-military relationship with Tanzania and Kenya which has been nurtured over the years.
UN bats for 'credible' probe into Khashoggi's killing
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for "credible" investigation in connection to the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Speaking at the Doha Forum conference here, Guterres was quoted by Al-Jazeera saying: "It is absolutely essential to have a credible investigation and to have the punishment of those that were guilty.The UN chief said that he has been following developments ever since the news of Khashoggi's murder was reported in the media.On October 2, Khashoggi was reported missing after he stepped into Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to collect paperwork that would allow him to get married to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz, who later said that he never appeared from the building.After days of denial, Saudi Arabia later confirmed its role in Khashoggi's killing after facing massive pressure from Turkey over their investigations on the issue. But their contradictory statements evoked international uproar led by Turkey's ...
HIGHLIGHTS AT 2115 HOURS
Following are the top stories at 2115 hours DEL39 LDALL PM Congress appears to be projecting Supreme Court as a 'liar': PM Rae Bareli, Allahabad (UP) In his first publicoutburst against the Congress after the Rafale deal verdict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday alleged the party was trying to project Supreme Court as a "liar" and was letting down the defence forces. MDS11 TN-SONIA Sonia bats for strong Cong-DMK ties to take on BJP in LS polls Chennai: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the BJP for being determined to destroy constitutional values, and sought "steadfast and strong ties" between her party and the DMK to trounce the saffron party in the next year's Lok Sabha elections. DEL38 DEF-ARMY CHIEF-VISIT Army chief begins four-day visit to Tanzania, Kenya on Monday New Delhi: Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat will begin a four-day visit to Tanzania and Kenya beginning Monday with an aim to explore new areas of military cooperation with the two ..
JNU admin accuses teachers association, students union of running misinformation campaign
The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on Sunday accused the teachers association and students union of running a misinformation campaign and making allegations "without credible evidence" against it. The administration urged the JNU community to refrain from believing "politically motivated statements". JNUTA has been violating the established rules and regulations of the university and issuing press releases with false information, said JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar. The teachers association and the administration have been at loggerheads as JNUTA members are not in agreement with implementation of compulsory attendance. JNUTA has claimed that teachers are being denied leaves. "Implementation of attendance rules is challenged by invoking emotions against the administration. Most of the leaves of faculty members are sanctioned by chairpersons and deans and only duty leave applications for foreign travel and leave applied by deans need the approval of the vice chancellor/rector,"
Is Gandhi family even above Supreme Court: V K Singh on Rafale deal
Union Minister Gen V K Singh (retd) Sunday said the debate surrounding Rafale deal has become pointless after the Supreme court dismissed the pleas challenging the fighter aircraft deal, and asked whether the Gandhi family was above the country's top court. In a relief to the Modi government, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making process" warranting setting aside of the contract. Accusing the Congress of not refraining from "spreading lies" on the issue, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs said by questioning constitutional institutions like the apex court, the Congress had made its intentions suspicious. "I want to ask one question. Is the Gandhi family even above the Supreme Court?" the former Army chief said at a press conference here. Asked whether as a former army chief and an expert on defence matters he thought .
Chhattisgarh advocate general JK Gilda resigns
Chhattisgarh Advocate General (AG) JK Gilda resigned Sunday following the change of government in the state in recent elections, results for which were declared on December 11. Gilda has forwarded his resignation to Governor Anandiben Patel. "I am tendering my resignation from the post of Advocate General, as chief minister (Raman Singh) had already tendered his resignation andthe new chief minister is being sworn-in tomorrow", he stated in his resignation letter. He said many advocate generals in various states have been following the convention to resign after the change of guard since Independence. "I am tendering the resignation from the post so as to pave the way for the new Chief Minister to make anappointment to the post of Advocate General", the letter said. Gilda, who was Additional Advocate General since 2006, was elevated as Advocate General in January 2014. A native of Amravati in Maharashtra, Gilda practiced as a lawyer for a long time in Nagpur. The Congress
Chhattisgarh guv invites CM-designate Bhupesh Baghel to take oath of office
The Governor of Chhattisgarh Anandiben Patel has invited Congress' chief minister-designate Bhupesh Baghel to take oath of office at 4.30 pm on Monday, Raj Bhavan sources said here. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at Science College Ground in Raipur. A delegation of newly-elected Congress MLAs led by Baghel visited the Raj Bhavan Sunday. Baghel, elected as leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) earlier in the day, handed over a letter staking claim to form government to Secretary of the Governor, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal. Jaiswal received the letter on behalf of the governor as she was not in the state. Patel, who is also the governor of Madhya Pradesh, has invited Baghel to take oath as CM at 4.30 PM Monday, a Raj Bhavan release said. Baghel was accompanied by Congress MLAs Ravindra Choubey, Amitesh Shukla, Rampukar Singh, Mohamad Akbar, Manoj Mandavi, Kawasi Lakhma, Shivkumar Dahariya, Amarjeet and others. Baghel, MLA from Patan constituency and state Congress chief, was
May condemns Tony Blair's new Brexit vote call
British Prime Minister Theresa May has attacked one of her predecessors, accusing Tony Blair of "undermining" the Brexit talks by calling for another referendum.
Joining a Cong-led alliance one of many options: Kushwaha
Rashtriya Lok Samata Party chief Upendra Kushwaha, who last week snapped his ties with the BJP-led NDA and resigned from the Union council of ministers, on Sunday said joining the Congress-led mahagathbandhan was "one of the many options" before him and a final decision was yet to be taken. Kushwaha was replying to reporters' queries on his Saturday meeting with senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Akhilesh Prasad Singh in New Delhi. "I agree that the meeting took place but I cannot divulge in public what we talked about ... joining the mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) is one of the many options before our party. We have not taken a final decision so far," said Kushwaha, who was here to address the first congregation of his party since his exit from the NDA. He declined to answer queries on all three of RLSP members in Bihar's bicameral legislature raising a banner of revolt, accusing him of pursuing his "personal interests" and declaring that they would remain in the NDA. At the .
On completion of 1 year as Cong chief, Rahul vouches to strengthen party
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who completed one year as the party president today, assured his cadre that he will be committed to building a stronger, and a more united and vibrant party."On the first anniversary of taking over as Congress President, I reiterate my commitment to building a strong, united and vibrant Congress party. I am overwhelmed by the greetings and messages I have received today and thank each and every one of you for your affection and support." he tweeted on Sunday.The first anniversary of Gandhi scion as party chief comes at a time when three of his party leaders are to be sworn-in as chief ministers.In a time when the political discourse is being dominated by the slogans of 'Congress Mukt Bharat', Gandhi's first-year story at the helm of party affairs was not only of survival but also of the revival of the party.It was last year on this day that he was elected unopposed as the party's president, succeeding his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.The ...
Netanyahu warns Hamas after deadly West Bank attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had issued a warning to Hamas after recent deadly attacks in the occupied West Bank, including two shootings claimed by the Islamist movement. Netanyahu referred to a controversial Gaza ceasefire in November that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war. "I conveyed a clear message to Hamas -- we won't accept a situation of a truce in Gaza and terror in Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting, using the biblical name for the West Bank, as is Israel's official policy. "We will exact a high price over them," he said of the attacks. Hamas runs the Gaza Strip but also has a presence in the West Bank. Netanyahu's comments came after two soldiers were shot dead at a central West Bank bus station near a settlement on Thursday. On the same day, a baby prematurely delivered after his mother was shot and wounded in a separate attack nearby on December 9 also died. Hamas claimed responsibility for ..