Page 2392 - Politics
Germany says Russian blockade of Kerch Strait 'unacceptable'
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Monday called a Russian blockade of access to the Sea of Azov "unacceptable" and urged an easing of tensions with Ukraine following a weekend flare-up. "The developments are troubling," he tweeted. "A Russian blockade of the passage to the Sea of Azov is unacceptable. It is important that the blockade be lifted. We call on both sides to deescalate." Tensions have been building over the Kerch Strait, where Russia has built a new bridge that gives it a land connection to Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. On Sunday, Russia boarded and seized three Ukrainian ships in the strait off Crimea, accusing them of illegally entering Russian waters in the Sea of Azov. Ukraine has demanded the release of its sailors and more sanctions against Moscow. German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said later that Berlin was following the reports with "great concern" and called for "restraint" to prevent further escalation. "We will closely monitor ...
PM Modi has downgraded level of political discourse: Gehlot
Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has downgraded the level of political discourse in the country like anything. "No Prime Minister in the past had ever indulged in so many loose comments about senior leaders of their own country," he said.Addressing an election rally here, Gehlot said, "Prime Minister Modi should tell us the level to which he has taken politics. Till to date, not even a single prime minister might have behaved the way Modi ji is doing. The way Modi ji has commented and given messages to the country is not in a good taste.""Forget what Prime Minister Modi himself says about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi. When it comes to talking about himself, Modi ji talks very emotionally about his own mother, society, and himself."On last Sunday, Congress leader Vilasrao Muttemwar had attacked Prime Minister Modi, saying that while everybody knew about Congress president .
At one point, India was deemed unfit for democracy: RS Prasad
On the occasion of Constitution Day on Monday, Union Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad said that at one point, India was not deemed to be fit for being a democracy, yet the trust of citizens stands vindictive today."There were people who said that India is not fit for democracy, maybe they had a point as there was a partition, millions were killed and displaced. Yet the trust in the people of India stands vindictive today after 70 years. The people of India know today who they are and what they owe to themselves," Prasad said while addressing the gathering at Vigyan Bhavan.Lauding the makers of the Constitution, Prasad noted that every bit of it was possible due to the statesmanship of India's leaders, who deliberately and consciously kept the people of India at the centre of their narrative. "Our leaders came with a constitutional ecosystem with a trusted ability of ordinary Indians to determine the destiny of India," he added.Highlighting the strength of the Indian ...
Kartarpur corridor dangerous move: Swamy
Dubbing the construction of Kartarpur corridor as a "dangerous move," senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday said that the people from Pakistan should not be allowed to come to India through this passage.Speaking to ANI, Swamy said that the Central government's decision can be misused as there is no proper checking procedure at the corridor and thus anyone can get a fake passport for Rs 250 in Chandni Chowk and come to India."Kartarpur corridor is a dangerous move. It can be misused as there is no proper checking procedure, just showing passport is not enough. You can get a passport in Chandni Chowk for Rs 250. People should register six months in advance, and we should not allow people from Pakistan to come here," he added.On Sunday also Swamy had backed Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's decision to decline the invitation to attend the foundation-laying ceremony of Kartarpur corridor on Pakistan side. "No Indian minister should go to the other ...
India attaches highest importance to its relationship with Maldives: Sushma Swaraj
India's relationship with the Maldives is of the utmost priority, stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release.The statement comes following the bilateral meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on Monday during his maiden four-day visit to the country."EAM reiterated that India attaches highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding and sensitivity. She said that in line with Government of India's Neighbourhood First policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of the Maldives in its socio-economic development," stated MEA press release.India welcomed and extended its support for Maldives' decision to rejoin Commonwealth. Swaraj also welcomed the Maldives into the Indian Ocean Rim Association as its newest member.Shahid reiterated Maldivian government's "India First" policy and asserted that the South Asian ...
Rahul, Chandrababu to share dais in Telangana rally
Congress President Rahul Gandhi and TDP leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will share dais at their first public meeting at Khammam on Wednesday to campaign for "grand alliance" candidates in Telangana's Assembly elections.
No one can separate Digvijay Singh from politics; he breathes, eats it: brother Lakshman
In the Madhya Pradesh assembly poll fray, Congress leader Lakshman Singh feels his elder brother and former chief minister Digvijay Singh is "inseparable" from politics as he breathes, drinks and sleeps it. Lakshman Singh, contesting the assembly polls as a Congress candidate from the adjacent Chachauda seat in Guna district here, said he himself never planned his political career but his brother is a "master" in politics. "He (Digvijay) had said he will not be the CM candidate (if Congress comes to power in Madhya Pradash). But, he is very active in politics and he will continue to be in politics. You can't separate Digvijay Singh from politics. Nobody can. He breathes, drinks, eats, sleeps politics. He is a master at it," Lakshman Singh told PTI in an interview. He asserted that Digvijay Singh was not only required in the state but also in the country and the party has made use of him and they will continue to do so after the Madhya Pradesh election results come in the favour of the
Will go to people's court against Assembly dissolution: Mehbooba
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Monday that she will go to people's court against the Governor's decision to dissolve the Assembly instead of fighting it out in a court of law.
Modi insulting people who built this nation: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleging that India made little or no progress during decades of Congress rule, saying this was an insult to the people who built the nation.
NC protests civilian killings, demands rollback of decision to treat J&K Bank as PSU
The National Conference (NC) took out a protest march here Monday demanding an end to civilian killings and rollback of the Governor administration's decision to treat the J&K Bank as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). The State Administrative Council (SAC) under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik approved last Thursday the proposal for treating the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited as a PSU. According to officials, the SAC approved that the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act, 2009 shall be applicable to the bank like other PSUs. Besides, the bank shall follow CVC guidelines. On Monday, led by party general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, NC workers and leaders carried out the protest march from the party headquarters Nawa-i-Subah and shouted slogans against the government to protest the killing of civilians and the move concerning the J&K bank. The protest culminated at the corporate headquarters of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank on M A Road ...
Campaigning ends in Mizoram, stage set for Nov 28 polls
Campaigning for elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly ended at 4 pm on Monday, setting the stage for polling on Wednesday when 7,70,395 people are expected to cast their votes in this northeastern state. The election machinery is fully prepared to conduct free and fair polls, the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashish Kundra said. Speaking to reporters here, Kundra said he was "perfectly satisfied" with the arrangements. Mizoram is the last bastion of the Congress in the northeast. The Congress has been in power in the state since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In 2013 assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the Mizo National Front (MNF) had five and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat. The Congress and the main Opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, is contesting in 35 seats. The Mizoram ..
Rahul 'won't allow conspiracy to annihilate Constitution'
In a veiled attack on the BJP-RSS, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday asserted that he and his party will never allow to succeed those who are conspiring to annihilate Indias Constitution.
Wickremesinghe's party says Sirisena should also be investigated in graft cases
Ousted Sri Lankan premier Ranil Wickremesinghe's party on Monday welcomed President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to set up a commission to investigate alleged cases of corruption that took place under the UNP-led government, insisting that he should also waive off his presidential immunity and subject himself to the probe. Addressing the Foreign Correspondents Association on Sunday, Sirisena claimed corruption by the Wickremesinghe government was a trigger to oust him as prime minister and replacing him with strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also said a committee would be formed to probe corruption and fraud committed from the time the Wickremesinghe government was appointed in January 2015 to October 2018. "The government that operated during this period (Jan 2015-Oct 2018) was in no way a 'Ranil Wickremesinghe' government. President Sirisena who headed the National Unity government was not only the Head of state but also the head of government," the United National Party (UNP) said
BJP inciting religious tension, PM remark on Ayodhya dispute unacceptable: Yechury
Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remark that the Congress had threatened the judges of the Ayodhya dispute case, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Monday said the BJP government in the country was "inciting religious tension" to secure vote bank. The saffron party was fuelling communal polarisation in the country by making "unacceptable statements", he said. On Sunday, Modi alleged that the Congress had threatened Supreme Court judges with impeachment when they tried to hear the Ayodhya dispute cases earlier this year. Without naming anyone, the PM claimed that the Congress party's Rajya Sabha members, who are also lawyers, had tried to scare away the apex court judges to ensure the hearing in the cases is delayed until after the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Addressing a press meet at Town Hall here Monday, Yechuri said, "The allegation that the opposition was interfering with court proceedings is completely unacceptable. Modi, through this statement, has given rise to
Congress ashamed of saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai': Amit Shah
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Monday said that the leaders of the Congress party feel ashamed of saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'."There is one Congress candidate in Bikaner, Rajasthan, who was going to file his nomination. There was one man standing next to him. As soon as he said, 'Bharat Mata Ki.' the leader put his hand on his mouth in between, and said something in his ear. Thereafter the Congress party worker started saying, 'Sonia Gandhi Ki Jai'. Do these people, who feel ashamed of saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', should be allowed to stay in politics? You feel ashamed in saying, 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," Amit Shah said while addressing a rally here.Shah further took a potshot at Congress leader Kamal Nath and said, "They keep asking us, 'What have you done?' Kamal Nath, it's not good for health to speak loudly at this age. You might fall ill. We are concerned about your health. Politics will keep on happening, please look after your health. He asks what Prime ...
President Kovind hails Ambedkar, calls Constitution modern scripture for independent India
President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday hailed the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution as a "modern scripture for an Independent India."Addressing a gathering in New Delhi on the occasion of Constitution Day, President Kovind said, "The Constitution is the modern scripture of an Independent India. To use a Latin expression it is our Suprema Lex. It is more than articles and clauses. For us Indians, it is an inspiration and living document and ideal of the society we are and even better society we are striving to be. This applies to many emerging nations including the BIMSTEC members states represented here."Also known as National Law Day, the Samvidhan Divas or Constitution Day is celebrated every year on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, and it came into effect on 26 January 1950.The President said the day is not only important for India but is also
SC refuses to hear petition challenging Article 370
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a petition challenging Article 370 of the constitution, which gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.The court further directed the petitioner to file an Impleadment Application (IA) in the matter.Earlier this month, the apex court had adjourned the hearing of a different plea challenging the validity of Article 370. The court will hear the plea in April next year.The top court passed the order after the Centre sought for the adjournment stating that the current situation in the state is very sensitive.Earlier in October, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDP) boycotted the municipal elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stance on Articles 35A.Article 370 of the Constitution gives autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. In April, the top court had said that Article 370 of the Constitution is not a temporary provision.
Cong fed terrorists with biryani, BJP govt shoots them down: Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a jibe at the Congress in poll-bound Rajasthan saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shoots down terrorists who were fed with biryani by the Congress."Congress has done divisive politics. As a result of that, terrorism was at its peak in the country (during Congress rule). Today, you can see that the terrorists who were fed with biryani by the Congress are now being gunned down by us," Adityanath said in reference to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist who was caught alive after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Kasab was later hanged to death in 2012 after serving a brief jail sentence.Continuing his tirade against the Congress, Adityanath said that after a major defeat in the last general election in 2014, Congress leaders started criticising soldiers while supporting Naxalites, separatists and terrorists in the country."Neither is democracy a descendant of any heritage nor is it a mafia raj. ...
Sabarimala to post-flood rehab: Ker Assembly session likely to be stormy
The Sabarimala temple row and post-flood rehabilitation measures in the state are among the issues expected to be raked up by the opposition UDF during the 13th session of the Kerala Assembly, beginning here Tuesday. The allegations of nepotism against the Local Administration minister K T Jaleel, the cancellation of the nod for new breweries and a distillery following corruption charges and sexual abuse complaint against ruling CPI(M) MLA, P K Sasi are also expected to make the 13-day long session stormy. The ongoing agitation against the Left government's decision to implement the Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala and the alleged police excesses against devotees is likely to dominate other issues. As the two-month-long pilgrim season is on and the police is facing criticism from various quarters against invoking prohibitory orders in and around Sabarimala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M)-led government .
Pak PM can't stop cross-border terrorism: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said on Monday that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan could not stop cross-border terrorism, which is sponsored by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistani Army."The government in Pakistan works under the Army. In Pakistan Army is power in itself. If you think Imran Khan can stop cross-border terrorism, then it is not going to happen," Chief Minister Amarinder while speaking to media persons at the foundation laying ceremony of Kartarpur corridor.In reply to a question, Singh said, "It is for General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Chief of Pakistan Army, to ensure that acts of terrorism do not happen at all. The Army doesn't fight innocent women and children. The army doesn't throw grenades on the peaceful assembly of people."To mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev next year, India last week decided to build Kartarpur corridor up to the international border between India and Pakistan. It will help Sikh pilgrims visit ...