Page 2470 - Politics
Kejriwal stopped from visiting govt dispensary; hits out at Khattar
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday said he was stopped by BJP activists from visiting a state-run dispensary at Karnal, and accused his counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar of "insulting" people of Haryana. "On an invitation of villagers of Bal Pabhana in Karnal district, I had come to visit a dispensary. But the Haryana Police told me that the workers of BJP have blocked all the ways leading to the dispensary," Kejriwal told reporters here. "The sub divisional magistrate said they were helpless in removing them (workers) and I should return. It is saddening to note that the administration in Haryana is helpless before BJP workers," he said. The AAP leader said by stopping him, the Khattar government had "insulted not him, but the people of Haryana". Kejriwal was stopped at the Panipat toll plaza by police and requested not to proceed towards his destination. The Delhi chief minister had recently written to Khattar, expressing his wish to inspect some government dispensaries of .
Poll campaigns in 5 states force BJP to reschedule WB 'rath yatra' again
The BJP has deferred its proposed "rath yatra" in West Bengal next month again owing to poll campaigns in other states, a party official said Saturday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state general secretary Sayantan Basu said party chief Amit Shah would now kick off the "yatra" on December 7 from Coochbehar district, instead of Birbhum district, as was planned earlier. Due to the ongoing poll campaigning in five states, the party decided to reschedule the dates for the "rath yatra" (chariot march) in West Bengal, Basu said. The fresh dates were -- December 7 from Coochbehar district in the north, December 9 from Gangasagar in the south and December 14 from the Tarapith temple in Birbhum district, he added. Shah is scheduled to attend the programmes on all three dates. Initially, the "rath yatra" was planned to begin on December 3, 5 and 7 from Birbhum, Coochbehar and Gangasagar respectively. But the dates were rescheduled in the last week of October to December 5, 7 and 9 ...
Raj Assembly polls: Raje files nomination papers
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje filed nomination papers from Jhalrapatan constituency on Saturday for the upcoming assembly elections, officials said. According to the election department, 673 candidates filed 854 nomination papers on Saturday. With this, as many as 1,228 candidates have so far filed 1,630 sets of nomination papers, it said. The last date of filing nomination papers is November 19 and the state will go to the polls on December 7.
PM Modi leaves for home after talks with Maldives' new Prez Solih
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for home on Saturday after wrapping up his visit to Maldives where he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the country's new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and held talks with him to strengthen bilateral ties with the strategic Indian Ocean nation. The two leaders, while noting the resilience of the relations between India and the Maldives, expressed confidence in the renewal of the close bonds of cooperation and friendship with the election of Solih as the President. India is looking forward to working closely with the new Maldivian President Solih to strengthen bilateral relations, Modi said. Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said that it was a "significant day-trip". "PM @narendramodi departs for Delhi after a brief but historic visit to #Maldives to attend the inauguration ceremony of President @ibusolih. Visit emphasized India's role as a reliable neighbour, supporting Maldives in its progress & security," Kumar said in a .
Hartal: CPIM leader's son,journalist daughter-in-law attacked
A CPI(M) leaders son and his journalist daughter-in law were attacked allegedly by protesters trying to enforce a shutdown near here Saturday, the police said. Julius Nikithas and wife Saniyo Manomi, working with a leading Malayalam news channel, were attacked at Kuttiady as they were going to a hospital in a car to visit a patient, they said. Nikithas, son of party district secretary P Mohanan, suffered head injuries, police said, adding that Manomi was also injured. The couple have been admitted to the government medical college hospital here. The CPI(M) alleged that they were attacked by activists belonging to the Sangh Parivar. A case has been registered against ten people allegedly involved in the attack, police said. Right-wing Hindu outfits observed a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Kerala Saturday in protest against the "preventive detention" of Hindu Aikya Vedi state president P Sasikala who was on a pilgrimage to the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple. State-owned and ...
African leaders applaud Ethiopia prime minister for reforms
Africa's leaders applauded Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for making substantial reforms in his country as they met to consider improvements to the continent-wide body at a summit that started Saturday. "Ethiopia is undergoing a profound renewal. In the past seven months, far-reaching reforms were made in response to various challenges," said Abiy, 42. "We have opened a new political space for dialogue, released thousands of prisoners, lifted bans placed upon political parties and media outlets and unblocked websites. We are now actively cracking down on corruption and reforming our judicial system in its entirety," said Abiy, winning enthusiastic applause from African leaders at the meeting. He stressed that his government must be accountable for its actions. He also highlighted that his administration has achieved peace with neighboring Eritrea and has appointed a Cabinet in which 50 percent of the members are women. Abiy spoke as African Union leaders, led by Rwanda's ...
UP CM, his cabinet colleagues participate in bike rally
With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday flagged off a bike rally from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi. Adityanath and his cabinet colleagues participated in the "Kamal Sandesh bike rally" organised by the BJP across the state. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was seen riding a motorcycle in Prayagraj. "Took part in the Kamal Sandesh bike rally in Prayagraj. The only message being disseminated by this rally is to ensure a comprehensive win for the BJP under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Maurya said in a tweet. Union minister Manoj Sinha participated in the bike rally from Ghazipur. "Despite efforts made by 'siddhaant-viheen rajnaitik dal' (political parties deprived of principles), they will not be able to reach a consensus on prime ministerial candidate," he said. In Lucknow, party workers from different polling booths gathered at Jhulelal Vatika for the bike ...
India looks forward to working with new Maldivian Prez Solih to strengthen bilateral ties: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India is looking forward to working closely with new Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to strengthen bilateral relations with the strategic Indian Ocean island nation. Prime Minister Modi held talks with Solih after attending his swearing-in ceremony. The two leaders, while noting the resilience of the relations between India and the Maldives, expressed confidence in the renewal of the close bonds of cooperation and friendship with the election of Solih as the President of the Maldives. During their meeting, both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean and being mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region. Solih, 54, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, had surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23. During the swearing-in ceremony of Solih, Modi was sitting beside former Maldivian ...
Kashmir records 64.5 pc polling in first phase of Panchayat elections
Over 64 per cent of electorate voted Saturday in the first phase of Panchayat elections in Kashmir while an impressive turnout of 79.5 per cent was recorded in Jammu region, officials said. The turnout in rural areas was significantly higher in Kashmir Valley unlike during the recent urban local bodies elections where barely four per cent of the electorate voted. Separatists who asked people to boycott the polls had called for a strike Saturday. Major regional parties the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party too had decided not to participate in the local bodies polls. As per officials, total polling percentage in Kashmir division was recorded 64.5 per cent as 1.05 lakh of 1.63 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the Valley, they said. Giving details, they said Srinagar district recorded 21.8 per cent followed by 30.14 per cent in Budgam, 70 per cent in Kupwara, 69.1 per cent in Baramulla, 56.2 per cent in Bandipora, 60 per cent in Leh and 77.7 per cent in ...
Surjewala writes to Home Minister seeking CISF security for Sidhu
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and sought the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security cover for Congress leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu citing 'growing threat perception to his life.'In the letter, Surjewala has claimed that the there has been a marked escalation in the threats to Sidhu since he left the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined the Congress."Now that Sidhu is a legislator and a senior Cabinet minister of the Congress party as also an outspoken critic of Modi government's policies, there seems to be a growing threat perception to his life. As the Congress party's campaigner, Sidhu is traveling extensively throughout the country during elections as also on other party programmes on a regular basis," a portion of the letter by Surjewala reads.The letter further outlines the fact that security provided to him by the Punjab government isn't extendable throughout the country. "While the state .
ECI curtails poll donation to Rs 10,000
Ahead of the Assembly polls in various Indian states, the Election commission of India (ECI) has revised threshold election donation from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10,000 to usher in more transparency.The new norm will be applied to the donations made through a single transaction as well as individual cash donations during the election. The instruction made by the ECI will be brought to effect in all the states immediately.In an order issued by the Election Commission last year, the maximum amount for incurring expenditure or donation in cash was Rs 20,000.
Your dada-dadis collaborated with British: Sibal to PM Modi
Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ancestors of collaborating with the British.Sibal also accused the ancestors of BJP of siding the British during the colonial rule while the entire nation was fighting for Independence."I want to ask the Prime Minister who built the Hirakud dam, Sardar Sarovar dam, Tehri dam, Bhakra dam? The dada- dadi of Prime Minister Modi or his party? Does he know anything about the history of India?. They (BJP's ancestors) were the ones who were collaborating with the British. In the 1942 Quit-India movement, they sided with the British. That was the conduct of their dada-dadis and nana-nanis. Unfortunately, he does not even know about his own dada-dadis, I wish he did," Sibal said.The Congress leader further credited former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for laying the foundation of modern industrial India and said that Prime Minister Modi does not even
RLSP chief bats for consensus seat-sharing with BJP
Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) president and Union Minister of State Upendra Kushwaha on Saturday asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to go for a consensus seat sharing agreement in Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.RLSP chief, while addressing a press conference after the state executive meeting of the party here, said that he would wait till November 30 for the decision on the seats. He said, "I will not initiate talks with any leader of the BJP except Prime Minister Narendra Modi."He said the party was dissatisfied with the number of seats being offered to him by the BJP. "The BJP may have to pay a heavy price if the consensus on seat sharing is not reached in the state," he said.Kushwaha also lashed out at JD-U chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his recent remarks about him. "The party will organize 'Upper Caste-Lower Caste Virodh Diwas' on November 28 across the state," he said. He said that his party would also launch a programme on November 28 to ...
Goa Minister slams Parrikar-led finance ministry's functioning
Goa Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte on Saturday joined the chorus of the Opposition and other cabinet colleagues, claiming that the state administration had come to a standstill in the absence of ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
BJP manifesto for MP polls is vision-less: Congress
Opposition Congress on Saturday termed the ruling BJP's manifesto for Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls as "Drishti-vihin Patra" (a visionless document). The BJP released its manifesto titled 'Samradh Madhya Pradesh Drishti Patra' for November 28 polls in the morning, promising 'proportionate bonus' to farmers and creation of ten lakh jobs every year, among other things. "BJP's 'Drishti Patra' (vision document) is not only 'Drishti-vihin (vision-less) Patra' but also a document full of 'Drishti-dosh' (defective vision). They are eyeing the resources of Madhya Pradesh," Congress' national spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged. "Congress has promised a loan waiver of Rs 94,000 crore which will benefit 81 lakh farmers, but the BJP is silent on this issue. Congress also promised a bonus on crops and vegetables. BJP's manifesto talks about Rs 7,000 bonus to 17 lakh marginal farmers," he said. The Congress has promised Rs 1,000 social security pension to farmers and Rs 51,000 for the ..
Looking forward to working with new Maldivian Prez Solih to strengthen bilateral ties: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he is looking forward to working with new Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to strengthen India's bilateral relations with the strategic Indian Ocean island nation. Prime Minister Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony of Solih, who surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in September. During the swearing-in ceremony of Solih, Modi was sitting beside former Maldivian presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga also attended the ceremony. Modi congratulated President Solih and also interacted with leaders from the Maldives and other parts of the world during the oath taking ceremony at the National Stadium. Congratulations to Mr. @ibusolih on taking oath as the President of the Maldives. Wishing him the very best for his tenure ahead. Looking forward to working with him to strengthen bilateral relations between our nations, Modi tweeted. Ministry of External ...
Jaitley flays Andhra, Bengal on CBI move
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday flayed the Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal governments for withdrawing "general consent" to the CBI for raids and investigations in their states, saying scams cannot be wiped off by such a decision and that it was against the countrys federal structure.
J-K govt directs DCs to handover land to security forces
The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the deputy commissioners of various districts to identify the state land that can be handed over to security forces as soon as possible, officials said Saturday. Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma convened a meeting with the deputy commissioners of Jammu division and security forces regarding identification of the land for police, the CRPF and the BSF, an official spokesman said. The meeting was attended by Jammu IGP S D S Jamwal, DIG CRPF (North Jammu) P C Jha, DIG CRPF (Jammu sector) M P Bahuguna, DIG BSF (Jammu) Indraj Singh, Jammu Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, Samba Deputy Commissioner Sushma Chouhan and senior functionaries of the Jammu Development Authority. All the deputy commissioners of Jammu Division also attended the meeting through video conferencing. Senior officers of security forces apprised the divisional commissioner of their requirement of land in various districts of Jammu division, he said. Verma asked the DCs to
Note-ban highly ethical move, not merely political: Jaitley
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday defended demonetisation, saying it was a "highly ethical" move and not merely a political one. His statement comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi engaged in a bitter war of words during their respective election rallies over the decision suddenly announced in November 2016 to junk a bulk of the currency in circulation. "It was a highly ethical move," Jaitley told reporters here in response to a query over demonetisation. "It was not merely a political move." Jaitley was speaking after releasing the BJP's manifesto here ahead of the November 28 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. Further backing the note-ban move, he said, "It was no secret that many in India were not tax-compliant, compelling them to put their undeclared money into the banks had an ethical rationale to it." The Modi government has taken a series of measures to boost revenue base of both the Centre and states, the Finance ...
CBI probing cases in West Bengal under court orders, no state govt can stop it: CPI(M)
The CPI(M) Saturday said the CBI was investigating cases in West Bengal under court orders and no state government could "obstruct" such probes. Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury asserted that the Left party was against the misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for political gains and expected the probe agency to favour neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "We are against the misuse of the CBI for political purposes. We are in favour of justice, not in favour of Modi or Mamata," he told reporters at the CPI(M) office here. The West Bengal government Friday withdrew the "general consent" accorded to the CBI to conduct raids or probes in the state. The decision came close on the heels of a similar step taken by the Andhra Pradesh government. Differentiating between the stand of his party and that of Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief, on CBI, Yechury said, "We are ...