Page 2276 - Politics
Modi-Shah one of the most ideal and unique partnerships: BJP leader's book
A book authored by a BJP leader has described the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah as "one of the most ideal and unique partnerships", saying Modi was "lucky" to have such a capable strategist and able party chief who lets him totally concentrate on governance. The book, 'Narendra Modi: Creative Disruptor, The Maker of New India', has been penned by R Balashankar, the co-convener of the BJP's training and publication departments who has also served as editor of RSS-linked weekly Organiser. It will be released by Shah on Monday. In a chapter on "Modi-Shah team", Balashankar writes that if Modi's ascent heralded a new era in the BJP, Shah as party president completed the process and marked a clear generational shift in the party. "Modi has bestowed his total faith on Shah to galvanise the party for the big tasks ahead. Shah has created many records which no other party president has in the past 38 years," the book says, making a reference ..
Rahul writes to Congress CMs for passage of Women's Reservation Bill in winter session
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has written to Congress/alliance governments in the states to have a resolution passed in their respective assemblies seeking one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
Scindia to be in MP on counting day
Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia will be in the Madhya Pradesh capital on December 11, the day when counting of vote for the state Assembly elections will be held, the party said on Sunday.
BJP open for alliance with any party except Cong, AIMIM in Telangana: K Laxman
Telangana unit BJP chief Dr K Laxman on Sunday said that his party is open for alliance in the state with any party other than the Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi led AIMIM if the saffron party fails to win majority of seats in the recently-held state Assembly elections to form the government.Speaking to ANI, BJP's sitting MLA said, "We in the BJP have kept our options open. We will definitely be in power. If the public did not vote us to power, then a discussion will be held on forming an alliance with the other political parties except the Congress and AIMIM. The decision will be taken in consultation with the high command after the results are announced."Laxman further stated that "the BJP will surely be a part of the government" and added that "after looking at the mood of thousands of voters in public rallies, no other party than the BJP will sweep the state Assembly polls.However, Bhanu Prasad, spokesperson of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) said that they don't need any alliance .
Pass resolution in Assembly in support of Women's Reservation Bill: Rahul to Punjab CM
Congress party president Rahul Gandhi has asked Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to pass "a resolution calling for the reservation of one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies for women, in the next session."In a letter written to Chief Minister Singh, Rahul has stated, "In order to affirm our support to the passage of the (Women's Reservation) Bill, it would be expedient for the State Assembly to pass a resolution calling for the reservation of one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies for women, in the next session." The 3-day long Winter Session of Punjab Assembly will commence on December 13.In the letter dated December 6, Gandhi writes, "While Indian women have made rapid strides in all spheres, they continue to be severely underrepresented in our Parliament and State Assemblies. True empowerment entails that an adequate number of women are represented in our legislative bodies.""India ranks 148th out of 193 countries
Rahul hits back at Modi for 'gramophone' jibe with video of repeated references to Gandhis
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Sunday hit back at Narendra Modi for comparing him to a stuck gramophone, posting a video of the prime minister in which he is seen and heard making repeated references to members of the Gandhi family in a medley of his speeches. In a video interaction with BJP leaders in October, Modi had mocked Rahul Gandhi, saying he keeps repeating things like a stuck gramophone but people would not accept his "childish" claims and "lies" against the government as they make "fun" of such remarks. Posting the video of a medley of Modi's speeches with repeated references to the Gandhis, the Congress president tweeted: "This entertaining video has been presented by Mr. 36! I hope you enjoy seeing it! Please share it with your family and friends so that they can enjoy it too." The video starts with Modi's interaction with BJP workers; he says: "There used to be gramophone records earlier. At times, it would get stuck and play same words again and again. There are some ...
Congress threatening probe agency officers: BJP
A day after the Congress accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misusing investigating agencies, the BJP hit back saying the Congress was threatening probe officers and that there will be action against the corrupt, irrespective of which powerful family they belonged to.
BJD to demand special category status for Odisha in winter session of Parliament
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided to demand special category state status for Odisha in the winter session of Parliament beginning December 11, besides raising other issues.
Protesting in Delhi wont help restart mining in Goa: Minister
Two days ahead of a protest by Goa mining dependents in New Delhi, a state minister said such stirs would not help in finding a solution to the issue. Mining in Goa came to a standstill in March this year after the Supreme Court quashed 88 mining leases and banned the extraction of fresh ore. Goa Mining People's Front, an umbrella organisation of mining dependents, had in November announced that it would hold a protest between December 11-13 in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan and Jantar Mantar. Speaking on the issue Sunday, Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said, "A solution to the (mining) issue has to come through discussions at government to government level." He said Goa Chief Minister Parrikar was in touch with "certain people" in Delhi to ensure mining resumes in the state. "Being an MLA from the mining belt, I have sympathy for the mining dependents and their interests should be protected. I have said CM Manohar Parrikar and the state government will have to work out a ...
Regional crises cloud Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia hosts a summit of Arab Gulf leaders Sunday as crises brew over a bitter diplomatic dispute with Qatar, the war in Yemen and the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has been invited by Riyadh, which severed diplomatic ties with Doha in 2017 along with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, to the Gulf Cooperation Council talks. But it was unclear if the emir would attend the annual gathering of the GCC, whose others members -- Kuwait and Oman -- have stayed out of the worst political fallout between the energy-rich Gulf powers. Saudi Arabia and its allies accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and fostering close ties with their regional rival Iran. Doha -- which announced this month it was quitting the Saudi-dominated OPEC oil cartel -- denies the allegations, but the dispute has dragged on. "Qatar has burned all the bridges enabling it to take back" its place within the GCC, Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin ...
Shalindra Kumar to take charge as J&K CEO on Wednesday
Shalindra Kumar will take over as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday replacing the incumbent Shaleen Kabra, a day after the completion of the ongoing nine-phased panchayat polls in the state. Kabra (IAS-1992), after relinquishing his charge, will be the principal secretary to the government, industries and commerce department and will also hold the additional charge of principal secretary to the government, housing and urban development department to look after the work of smart cities and proposed new Jammu and Srinagar metropolitan regional development authorities, officials said. Amid ongoing panchayat polls, the Election Commission of India had Friday appointed Kumar, the 1995-batch IAS officer, as the CEO. After a gap of seven years, the panchayat elections in the state began on November 17 and will culminate on December 11. The panchayat elections followed four-phased Urban Local Bodies elections, held in the state after a gap of 13 years, in ...
CBI, ED leaves for UK for Mallya's extradition case
A joint team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) led by CBI Joint Director A Sai Manohar on Sunday left for the United Kingdom for court proceedings for liquor baron Vijay Mallya extradition case.London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, which is hearing the case on India's request seeking extradition of Mallya is expected to pronounce its judgment on Monday.On December 7, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the ED on a plea filed by Vijay Mallya seeking a stay on the proceedings initiated by the ED to declare him a fugitive economic offender and confiscate his assets.The former liquor baron, who is on bail on an extradition warrant after his arrest in April 2017 is also facing trouble from New Delhi after the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an attempt to get him extradited from the UK on charges of money laundering to the tune for Rs. 90 billion.Mallya has been residing in the UK from the past two years. His extradition
Rajapaksa bribed parliamentarians to prove majority: President Sirisena
President Maithripala Sirisena here on Saturday said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had tried to bribe politicians in order to show majority in the country's Parliament.In an interview with Daily Mirror, Sirisena revealed that Rajapaksa failed to gather 113 members of Parliament in his support and was, therefore, unable to show a clear majority in the no-confidence motion passed in the Sri Lankan Parliament earlier in November. Sirisena further said that the main reason for Rajapaksa's defeat was a hefty amount demanded by the Parliamentarians which the former failed to pay."I heard some bargained themselves for sums as high as Rs 500 million. Mahinda Rajapaksa could not gather the majority because of such high price tags quoted by the MPs, if not for that, he could have gotten the majority," the President said."If Mahinda Rajapaksa could show the majority of 113, this problem would not have been dragged for one and half months and there won't be any political crisis," he ...
China and Pak gave support to Mizo insurgency, says Zoramthanga in his autobiography
Once a dreaded militant and now a leading politician in North East, Zoramthanga has completed writing his autobiography, which, he terms, will be a very controversial book and is likely to be objected by both Pakistan and Chinese governments because of detail accounts of their "support" to the insurgency in Mizoram. The two-volume book, to be called 'MILARI' in Mizo language, is currently being translated into English and the Mizo National Front President Zoramthanga plans to make it into a Hollywood movie in future with the potential of being at par with the flicks on the life of legendary revolutionary Che Guevara. In an exclusive interview to PTI, the two-time Chief Minister of Mizoram expressed confidence of his party forming the next government in the state and said he will release the Mizo version of the book post the election results on December 11. "I have written my autobiography in two volumes. It will be really, let us say, a very controversial book. (It) may be objected by
Stalin holds talks with Sonia, Rahul ahead of opposition meet
Ahead of the crucial meeting of opposition parties in their bid to forge an anti-BJP front, DMK President M.K. Stalin met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday and discussed a range of issues.
Cong threatening probe agencies: BJP
The BJP Sunday accused the Congress of "threatening" investigation agencies following raids against people linked to Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and asserted that they will continue to act against those involved in corruption irrespective of their family background. BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fighting strongly against corruption and has fulfilled the promises he had made to people in this regard. He slammed the Congress for the reported remarks made by its leaders at a press conference that political season changes as they attacked the government over these raids. "The Congress and its leaders are heaping abuses on investigation agencies and threatening them. These agencies are acting against corruption. Congress leaders say season is changing but they should know that the country is changing. Action would be taken against those involved in corruption," Hussain said. He claimed that the ...
Scotland Yard prepares for pro and anti Brexit marches in UK
Scotland Yard is gearing up for a pro-Brexit march dubbed the Brexit Betrayal march through London on Sunday as a counter-protest is also set to take to the streets at the same time. The Metropolitan Police urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful but indicated it is taking no chances against the backdrop of some violent clashes during the "Yellow Vests" street protests in the neighbouring French city of Paris over the weekend. "The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption," said Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor. "Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term, he said, adding that the force would "adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and .
Congress is distressed, will create obstacles at time of counting asserts Shivraj Chouhan
While exuding confidence of coming back to power in the state, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday asserted that Congress is distressed and that is why it is creating a hue and cry over EVM malfunctioning and several other baseless issues.Speaking to media, Chouhan said, "The BJP is going to form the government. Congress is distressed and that's why they are speaking many unreasonable things. They first raised suspicion on EVMs and even doubted Election Commission. They will try to create obstacles at the time of counting too. Hence, State BJP chief Rakesh Singh has discussed this with district president, district in charges, assembly candidates and MPs."He further informed that all the party workers have been asked to stay peaceful but alert. "They have been asked to stay calm but be alert. Caution should be maintained during counting as Congress will create obstacles at every step," said Chouhan.He also said that the party workers are happy as they are ...
139 Indian pilgrims leave for Shree Katas Raj Dham in Pakistan
A group of Indian pilgrims, comprising 139 people on Sunday left for Shree Katas Raj Dham in Pakistan's Chakwal district.With the echoes of 'Jai Kara', the group left for Pakistan via Wagah border. Shiv Pratap Bajaj, the leader of the group stated that several people were denied visa during former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif government.Katas Raj, is considered as one of the holiest places for the Hindu community in Pakistan. The temples form a complex surrounding a pond named Katas -- which is regarded as sacred by the devotees.The six-day pilgrimage will also include religious congregation where Hindu families from across Pakistan will gather.The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued visas to the pilgrims to visit the temple from December 9-15.The Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines (1974) governs reciprocal visits by Indian and Pakistani pilgrims to designated shrines in Pakistan and India.Pakistan's High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood stated that the
Kerala first state to have 4 international airports
Kerala has become the first state in the country to have four international airports with the inauguration of the Kannur airport on Sunday. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan jointly flagged off the inaugural Air India Express flight, carrying 186 passengers to Abu Dhabi, at the airport near Mattannur town in the morning. With the commissioning of the airport, the state has become the first in the country to have four international airports, with Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode being the other three. The airport depicts not only cultural traditions of Malabar and Kannur, but also of Kodagu in neighbouring Karnataka. Virajpet in Kodagu is just only 58-km away from the airport, while district headquarters Madikeri is around 90-km away. Mural paintings depicting the heritage of Malabar and Indian dance forms, including Theyyam of north Kerala, Kathakali and Yakshagana, the traditional theatre art form of Karnataka, are among the art works ...