Page 2277 - Politics
I am Vadra sahab's chela: Jagdish Sharma to ED
Congress worker Jagdish Sharma, who was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) yesterday for interrogation, on Sunday said that he informed the investigating agency that he was businessman Robert Vadra's 'chela' (disciple).Sharma, who is believed to be a close aide of Vadra, was taken into ED custody for interrogation as part of an ongoing probe against Vadra for allegedly receiving money from defence suppliers. However, Sharma was release later in the evening.Speaking to ANI, Sharma said that ED and the central government are frustrated because they did not find anything against Vadra during its raids. "ED raided my family's locations at 7 in the morning. Raid continued for 24 hours, while I was taken for questioning for 10 hours. They had only one motive. They asked me how do you know Robert Vadra...what wrongdoings has he done. Quite straightforwardly, I answered them that I am Vadra sahab's 'chela'. I keep Congress party in my heart and can do anything for them," he ...
38pc voter turnout till noon in 2nd phase of Assam rural polls
An estimated 38 per cent voters exercised their franchise till noon on Sunday in the second phase of panchayat polls in 10 districts of Assam which was largely peaceful, state election commission officials said. Voters queued up in front of polling booths since 7am to cast their votes. However, a few cases of anomalies regarding names of voters and candidates, symbols and ballot papers have been reported so far, a spokesman of Assam State Election Commission said here. The problems were resolved locally and polling was continuing without a hitch, he said. The polling, which will end at 3pm, has so far been brisk and was expected to go up further during the day, he added. Polling is being held in Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj and Hojai to elect 169 zila parishad, 895 anchalik parishad, 895 gaon panchayats presidents and 8,950 gaon panchayat members from among a total of 35,056 contestants. The first phase of polling was ...
Naidu posing as national level leader, assembly results will backfire: TRS leader Kavitha
Andhdra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was posing as a national-level leader to hide his failures in the state and the results of assembly polls in Telangana will badly backfire on him and the Congress for any alliance at the Centre, says TRS leader K. Kavitha.
Indian, Russian air forces to kick start war game in Jodhpur Monday
The Indian and Russian air forces will begin a 12-day war game in Jodhpur on Monday with an aim to enhance their operational coordination. The exercise Aviaindra will be unique as the Russian Air Force will not bring its assets and will take part in the drill using Indian platforms, said an official of the Indian Air Force said. The first edition of the exercise was held in 2014. Most of the fighter jets being used by the Indian Air Force is of Russian origin, and already both the air forces have achieved significant levels of inter-operability, said the official. "In India, the pilots from the Russian Federation Aerospace Force will fly alongside their Indian counterparts in the IAF aircraft, which are common to both air forces," the defence ministry said in a statement. Russia has been a major partner of India in the defence sector and the cooperation has been steadily growing further. In October last year, India and Russia held a 10-day mega war game involving their armies, ...
DMK chief Stalin meets Sonia, Rahul
A day before a crucial opposition meeting in Delhi, DMK president M K Stalin met Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday and discussed a range of issues. Stalin and other senior DMK members met Sonia Gandhi and wished her on her birthday. "Shri Stalin and senior members of the DMK, visited Sonia Ji in Delhi today, to wish her on her birthday. We had a warm & cordial meeting & discussed a range of issues," Rahul Gandhi tweeted after the meeting. "I look forward to continuing our dialogue & to strengthening our alliance, that has stood the test of time," he said. A meeting of opposition parties to discuss a grand alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party for 2019 Lok Sabha election is scheduled tomorrow in the national capital.
Not part of any coalition or in alliance with any political party: AAP
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is maintaining its distance from the Congress while being aggressive in its anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stance, appears to have still not decided whether or not to do business with main opposition party in parliament in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
AAP asks Delhi LS seat incharges to improve strategy
Gearing up for the 2019 general election in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party has instructed its incharges on three Lok Sabha seats to improve their strategy for stronger voter connect. The party had named its incharges on all the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi. The incharge on West Delhi seat, Rajpal Solanki, has however stepped down. The incharges will be ultimately declared as official candidates of the party after a final review of their standing in respective constituencies, said a senior AAP leader. "So far, the performance of incharges with respect to organisational work and voter outreach reflects that improvements are needed in North West Delhi, Chandni Chowk and New Delhi seats," he said. The incharges on these seats have been suggested to change their strategies for better organisational strength and voter connect that will be crucial in the election, he said. On the remaining South, East and North East Delhi seats, the ongoing work by respective incharges have been found
Those in power should listen to people and fulfil Ram Temple demand: Bhaiyyaji Joshi
Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi on Sunday made a veiled attack on the BJP for not fulfilling its promise of constructing Ram Temple in Ayodhya and demanded the Union government to enact a legislation, if need be, for it. Speaking at a VHP rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, the RSS executive head said, "Those in power today had promised to construct Ram Temple. They should listen to people and fulfil the demand of temple in Ayodhya. They are aware of the sentiments." Without naming the BJP, Joshi added, "We are not begging for it. We are expressing our emotions. The country wants 'Ram rajya'." Thousands of people have gathered at Ramlila Maidan for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad rally, which comes ahead of Parliament's winter session commencing on Tuesday. The title suit of the Ayodhya land dispute case is pending before the Supreme Court. In January, the court is expected to announce a date for the beginning of the hearing. But as the dispute has remained unresolved for more than
Athawale to meet Fadnavis over attack, cries conspiracy
Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale, who was slapped by a man on Saturday, has said that someone furious and jealous of his growing popularity might have conspired against him.Athawale was slapped by worker of his party's youth wing Pravin Gosavi on Saturday night during an event in Ambarnath city here. Following the incident, Gosavi was thrashed by the public and later detained by the police.Union Minister will meet with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later today and sought an investigation into the matter. "I'm a popular leader, this might have been done at the behest of someone who is angry over something. Security arrangement there wasn't adequate. I'll meet Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) over this incident. It should be investigated," he told the media."I have no enmity with anyone. I am a popular leader and probably someone angry with me might have connived to get this done," he added.Athawale also expressed ...
Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit Afghanistan on Dec 15
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will visit Afghanistan on December 15 to hold talks with top Afghan leadership on "political reconciliation and durable peace" in the war-torn country. Qureshi announced his visit to Kabul after US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, seeking Pakistan's help with stuttering Afghan peace talks and support in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table to end the 17-year brutal war in the country. Addressing a ceremony in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said it was the robustness of Pakistan's foreign policy that the US requested for assistance in Afghan issue, Radio Pakistan reported. He said Pakistan was committed to Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. The foreign minister said he will visit Kabul on December 15 to hold talks with "Afghan leadership on political reconciliation and durable peace in Afghanistan." Trump's letter was followed by visit to Islamabad by US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay ..
PM Modi greets Sonia Gandhi on her birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairman and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her 72nd birthday."Best wishes to Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji on her birthday. I pray for her long and healthy life," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.To celebrate their leader's birthday, Congress workers have gathered outside her residence in the national capital.Many other politicians also extended greetings to the veteran.Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted, "My best wishes to Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji on your birthday. Your dignified presence and dedicated service to the nation and @INCIndia continue to inspire us. I pray for your long and healthy life!."The Youth Wing of Congress party extended birthday greetings to Gandhi and credited her "dedication and indomitable spirit" for the "great achievements" of the country. "Behind the great achievements of our country lies the dedication and indomitable spirit of Smt Sonia Gandhi who has been the .
Man who slapped RPI(A) chief Ramdas Athawale identified as his own party worker
The man, who allegedly slapped Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale, has been identified as a worker of RPI(A) youth wing.Pravin Gosavi was detained on Saturday night after he slapped Athawale during an event in Ambarnath city here. The accused had reportedly approached Athawale to get a picture clicked. Gosavi was later thrashed by the public for attacking Athawale.The police have registered a case against Gosavi under Section 353 (obstructing government servant) of the Indian Penal code (IPC) and initiated an investigation to find out the reason of the incident.On Saturday, scores of RPI(A) workers assembled outside Athawale's residence with party flags, protesting against the incident. Members of the RPI(A) have also called for a statewide bandh today (December 9) over the attack.
Mamata extends b'day wishes to Sonia, may meet her in Delhi
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday greeted former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her 72nd birthday and prayed for the senior Congress leaders long life and happiness. Trinamool Congress sources said Banerjee is likely to leave for New Delhi in the afternoon and meet Sonia Gandhi later in the day. My best wishes on your birthday Sonia Gandhi Ji. I pray for your long life and happiness in all you do, Banerjee tweeted. In the national capital, Banerjee is likely to meet leaders of political parties opposed to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for talks on the proposed joint front for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Assembly poll results to draw battle lines ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls (News Analysis)
The results of the assembly polls in five states are all set to draw the battle lines between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government and the opposition parties, which are trying to come under one umbrella ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Union minister Athawale pins slap attempt on inadequate cop
Union minister Ramdas Athawale Sunday blamed police for an incident in which a man tried to slap him at a public event in Maharashtra's Thane district claiming it had failed to provide him adequate security. The Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief was in Ambernath town to address a rally late Saturday when Pravin Gosavi (30) tried to slap him. In a statement issued Sunday morning, Athawale said, "Police did not provide sufficient protection, that helped the assailant to target me. My popularity is growing and it may have resulted in a jealous person charging against me. I am going to meet chief minister of Maharashtra regarding the same." Athawale had just got off the dais after delivering a speech on the Constitution when the incident happened at around 10.15 pm Saturday. The minister of state for social justice and empowerment was not harmed as the bystanders and police managed to foil Gosavi's attempt to assault him, an officer said. Athawale Sunday morning ...
Comey: FBI probe of Russia initially looked at 4 Americans
The FBI's counterintelligence investigation into potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia initially focused on four Americans and whether they were connected to Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, former FBI Director James Comey told lawmakers during hours of closed-door questioning. Comey did not identify the Americans but said President Donald Trump, then the Republican candidate, was not among them. He also told the House Judiciary Committee that, contrary to Trump's claims, he was "not friends in any social sense" with special counsel Robert Mueller, who is now leading the Russia investigation. Trump has repeatedly portrayed the men as exceptionally close as part of a long-running effort to undermine the investigation and paint the lead figures in the probe as united against him. "I admire the heck out of the man, but I don't know his phone number, I've never been to his house, I don't know his children's names," said Comey, who added that ..
Modi wishes Sonia on her birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings to former Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Armenia votes in snap polls to cement reform drive
Armenians on Sunday started voting in parliamentary elections triggered years ahead of schedule by reformist leader Nikol Pashinyan, who is aiming to cement his political authority in the post-Soviet country. The 43-year-old former journalist became prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian. However Pashinyan's reform drive was stalled for months by opposition from Sarkisian's ruling party which dominated parliament. After weeks of political manoeuvring by the prime minister and more street protests, the parliament was dissolved last month. Pashinyan's party is expected to get a majority in the new legislature, allowing him to push ahead with his campaign to reshape the South Caucasus nation's political landscape and spark an "economic revolution". "We will turn Armenia into an industrial, high-tech, export-oriented country," Pashinyan told supporters at a rally last week, pledging "the best elections .
Chief of Staff John Kelly to leave White House by year-end: President Trump
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will step down by the end of this year, US President Donald Trump has said, confirming that he will announce a replacement "over the next day or two". The 68-year-old retired Marine Corps general has been President Trump's Chief of Staff since July 31, 2017. In the first seven months of the Trump administration, Kelly was the secretary of Homeland Security. "John Kelly will be leaving I don't know if I can say 'retiring'. But, he's a great guy. John Kelly will be leaving at the end of the year," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday. "We will be announcing who will be taking John's place...I shall be announcing that over the next day or two. But, John will be leaving at the end of the year. He has been with me almost two years now," Trump said. Nick Ayers, the 36-year-old chief of staff to the vice-president Mike Pence, is Kelly's likely successor. There were reports that the relationship between Trump and Kelly had deteriorated to .
China: Canada's detention of Huawei exec 'vile in nature'
China summoned the Canadian ambassador to protest the detention of a top executive of leading Chinese tech giant Huawei, calling it "unreasonable, unconscionable, and vile in nature" and warning of "grave consequences" if she is not released. A report by the official Xinhua News Agency carried on the Foreign Ministry's website said that Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng called in Ambassador John McCallum on Saturday over the holding of Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, who is reportedly suspected of trying to evade US trade curbs on Iran. Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and has been the target of deepening US security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government. The US has pressured European countries and other allies to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information. Le told McCallum that Meng's detention at the request of the United States while ...