Page 2499 - Politics
Madhav says Guv rule to continue in J&K, asks NC, PDP to clear stand on participating in state polls
Accusing the NC and the PDP of trying to scuttle the democratic process, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav has asked them to clear stand on whether they would participate in state assembly elections or boycott them, like they did during the local bodies polls. Asked about any proposal to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Madhav said the Governor's rule will continue till the middle of December and what happens next will be discussed then. "We are happy with it and that is why BJP has decided to continue the Governor rule for sometime," he said at a function here to felicitate the newly-elected BJP councillors late last night. Under the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, there is no provision for extension of Governor's rule. Sources have told PTI that the central government might recommend a spell of President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir when the Governor's rule expires on December 19. Without naming the NC or the PDP, Madhav said their hypocrisy stands exposed as they first ...
Trump praises 'incredible' role played by Indian-Americans in his admin
US President Donald Trump, who has appointed more than two dozen Indian-Americans to senior positions since he assumed office in 2017, has praised them for their "incredible" performance in his administration. Reflective of the recognition of the inherent talent that Indian- Americans have in various fields, Trump has entrusted members of this small ethnic community, comprising about one per cent of the total US population, with task of running some of the crucial departments of his administration. "I'm grateful to have numerous Americans of Indian and Southeast Asian heritage who fulfill critical roles across my administration. And they've done an incredible job," Trump said as he hosted Diwali celebrations in the historic Roosevelt Room on Tuesday. Except for the former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley some two dozen of his top Indian-American lieutenants were present at the celebrations. Haley, the first-Indian-American appointed to top Cabinet-level position, resigned last ...
India, Russia support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process: Deputy NSA
India and Russia support the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Saran said Wednesday. His remarks come days after India in a "non-official" capacity attended a meet in Moscow where Taliban representatives were also present. Delivering the keynote address at the second round of Indian Council of World Affairs-Russia International Affairs Council international conference, Saran said India and Russia consult each other on Afghanistan. "India had participated at an unofficial level in the Moscow format on Afghanistan. Both India and Russia support the Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process," he said. India had Friday attended in a "non-official" capacity the conference on bringing back peace in Afghanistan, which was hosted by Russia and participated by the Taliban as well as representatives from several ..
PM Modi, Pence discuss defence, trade and cooperation in Indo-Pacific
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President Mike Pence held talks on Wednesday on a wide range of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests including defence and trade cooperation, ways to counter terrorism and the need for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. The two leaders had "productive discussion on all aspects of global strategic partnership based on growing convergence of interests on regional and global issues" on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. "Spoke about our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific & reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen security and counterterrorism cooperation and coordination," Pence tweeted after his meeting with Modi. In a readout, Pence's office said he encouraged "free, fair, and reciprocal trade with India." Briefing the reporters, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale later said it was a "very good" meeting. "There was a sense of convergence both on ...
J&K: Ram Madhav tears into PDP, NCP for boycotting Panchayat polls
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ram Madhav fired fresh salvos at People's Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference Party (NCP) for boycotting the Panchayat polls in the state due to disagreement with the centre over Article 35 A.Questioning the boycott of Panchayat elections by the two major political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, Madhav, who is also BJP's in-charge for the state, asked them whether they will boycott Parliament and Assembly elections in the name of Article 35A."They have boycotted civic and panchayat polls in the name of Article 35A. Will, they also not take part in the upcoming Parliament and Assembly elections?" he questioned.In October, PDP and NC boycotted the civic polls accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of not taking a firm stand on the protection of Article 35(A) of the Constitution which had been challenged in the Supreme Court a few months back.Article 35(A) article of the Indian Constitution gives the State Legislature .
Making waves in West, China luring Pacific islands with Belt and Road
WELLINGTON/SYDNEY (Reuters) - President Xi Jinping will showcase China's Belt and Road initiative to Pacific leaders at a regional summit on Friday, diplomats say, with Western countries watching warily for signs of Beijing's growing clout.
Rajasthan BJP MLA Habibur Rahman joins Congress
In a setback to Rajasthan's ruling BJP ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections, the party's Nagaur MLA Habibur Rahman on Wednesday returned to the Congress after a decade. Rahman joined the Congress at the party's office in Jaipur in presence of Ajmer MP Raghu Sharma and other leaders, the same day BJP's Dausa MP Harish Chandra Meena joined the grand old party in New Delhi. Rahman was initially a member of the Congress and was a state minister between 2001 and 2003 during the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government. He joined the BJP in 2008 after he was denied a ticket by the Congress. He won the 2008 and the 2013 Assembly elections as BJP candidate. But when the BJP denied him poll ticket this time and gave nomination to Mohan Ram Choudhary from Nagaur, Rahman left the ruling party. "I have returned home today. There is no condition for joining the party," he said at a press conference. On whether he will contest the Assembly elections, Rahman rhetorically asked, "Who does not want .
Will file nomination from Sapotara assembly seat: Ramesh Meena
Rajasthan Congress MLA Ramesh Meena Wednesday said he will file his nomination papers as the party's candidate for Sapotara assembly seat in the state. The Congress is yet to announce its list of nominees for the Rajasthan elections due on December 7. I am quite confident that I will not be losing the seat so I will be filing the nomination papers as Congress candidate on November 16 to contest on Sapotara assembly seat, Meena, the sitting MLA from Sapotara, told PTI. Filing of nomination began Monday and the last date is November 19. Congress leaders Harish Chaudhary, who heads the party's manifesto committee in the state, and Hema Ram filed their nomination papers for Baytoo and Gudamalani Assembly constituencies, respectively on Tuesday. The BJP released its first list of 131 candidates on Sunday night.
Modi meets PMs of Singapore, Australia, Thailand
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Singapore, Australia and Thailand on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here.
SC reserves order on Rafale
The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on a batch of petitions seeking a probe into the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France.
Baloch activists observe 'Baloch Martyrs Day'
Baloch activists held rallies and seminars all over the world to observe the 'Baloch Martyrs Day' on Tuesday.In London, the Baloch National Movement organised a seminar to pay tributes to the activists killed by Pakistan's army and secret services agencies.In Busan city of South Korea, a protest rally was organized by the Baloch National Movement and Baloch Students Organisation, Azad, on the eve of the Baloch Martyrs Day.The protesters chanted slogans against Pakistan army's brutalities in Balochistan.The Baloch nation has been commemorating November 13 as 'National Remembrance Day - Baloch Martyrs Day' for past few years.This day's significance goes back to November 13, 1839, when the British forces attacked Balochistan and killed Baloch ruler Mir Mehrab Khan Baloch and his comrades.The British then occupied and divided Balochistan into three parts by drawing arbitrary Gold Smith and Durand Lines which the Baloch nation never accepted as international borders and continued their ...
Rajasthan Polls: Gehlot, Pilot to contest assembly elections
The Congress on Wednesday announced that former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and state party president Sachin Pilot will be contesting the upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections scheduled for December 7.While Gehlot may contest from his home turf Sardarpura constituency, the picture about Pilot's seat is still unclear. The Congress has not announced its chief ministerial candidate for the state as yet.The development assumes significance as the Congress has decided not to field any chief ministerial aspirant in the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, where the elections are scheduled for November 28, 2018. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh are not contesting the polls, while the party's another heavyweight Arun Yadav is taking on Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Budhni seat.In the backdrop of speculations that there are differences within the party over who would be the face of the Congress in the elections, Gehlot denied of any such difference. Addressing a ...
Pondy pays homage to Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy led the Union Territory in paying rich tributes to the first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru on his 129th birth anniversary Wednesday. Political leaders, ministers, MLAs and freedom fighters were among those who paid floral tributes at the statue of the leader here. PCC president and PWD Minister A Namassivayam was among those who paid floral tributes at the portrait of Nehru at a function held on the premises of the PCC earlier.
PM Modi meets premiers of Australia, Thailand in Singapore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday held bilateral meetings with the premiers of Australia and Thailand and discussed ways to further strengthen ties, including in areas of trade, defence and security. Prime Minister Modi began his two-day visit to Singapore Wednesday by delivering his keynote address at the prestigious Fintech Festival. He became the first head of government to address the world's largest event on financial technology. The prime minister held bilateral meetings with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison and Prime Minister of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here. "PM Narendra Modi met with PM of Australia Scott Morrison on the margins of East Asia Summit in Singapore. Both leaders had a good discussion on deepening ties in trade and investment, defence and security and other areas of bilateral cooperation," Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. "PM Narendra Modi met PM of Thailand General Prayut ..
Cong cannot look beyond one family: BJP
The BJP Wednesday said the Congress could not look beyond one family or recall the contribution of others to the country, hitting back at the opposition party after Shashi Tharoor credited institutional structures created by Jawaharlal Nehru for a "chaiwala" like Narendra Modi becoming the prime minister. "If democracy is thriving in India, it is because of the Constitution. It was the constituent assembly headed by Baba Sahab Ambedkar and having many other eminent people which laid the foundation of democracy," Union minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters. The Congress could not think beyond one family and this was underlined again, he said, without taking any name. Speaking at the re-launch of his book on Nehru, Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, had Tuesday said if the country had a "chaiwala" as its prime minister, it was because the first prime minister of independent India had made it possible to create the institutional structures through which any ..
Violence against Rohingyas inexcusable, Pence tells Suu Kyi
US Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday told Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi that the treatment of her country's stateless Rohingya Muslim population was inexcusable.
Congress 'treatment' keeps CPM, CPI apart in Telangana polls
Differences on how to "treat" the Congress in electoral politics has once again kept the two Left parties -- the CPI(M) and CPI -- apart in the December 7 Assembly polls in Telangana. The CPI is sailing with the Congress-led alliance, which also comprises the Telugu Desam Party, headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS). The CPI(M) is leading the Bahujan Left Front (BLF), comprising 28 social groups and political parties. The CPI(M) Telangana unit Secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram told PTI Wednesday that the BLF is mulling to field its candidates in all the 119 assembly segments. It has already announced 70 nominees. Veerabhadram, a former Lok Sabha member, termed CPI's move to have electoral pact with the Congress as "wrong". "We (CPI-M) have allied with the Congress and TDP since 30 years. Our experience was very bad. Our national party has already decided not to ally with the Congress at any cost", he said. Veerabhadram said ...
Pence takes Suu Kyi to task over Myanmar treatment of Rohingya
The violence which drove 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar into Bangladesh was "without excuse", US Vice President Mike Pence told Aung San Suu Kyi in stinging comments on a summit sidelines on Wednesday. Suu Kyi has seen her reputation as a rights defender destroyed by her refusal to speak up for the Rohingya, a stateless group reviled in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Pence added to the pressure on Suu Kyi, who this week has had an Amnesty International honour revoked and faced sharp words from Malaysia's premier at a usually tame meeting of Southeast nations in Singapore. Sitting next to Suu Kyi, Pence -- who has joined the summit for bilateral meetings -- condemned the "violence and persecution" against the Rohingya as "without excuse". Then in a front-on challenge to Myanmar's civilian leader, Pence said he was "anxious to hear about the progress" being made to hold the perpetrators accountable. A crackdown led by Myanmar's army last year sparked an exodus of the Muslim minority .
Rafale hearing: Vice Air Marshal appears in SC
Air Vice Marshal T Chalapathi of Indian Air Force appeared before the Supreme Court along with other senior officers on Wednesday, after the Chief Justice demanded the presence of seniors from Indian Air Force to answer queries on Rafale aircraft,Justice Gogoi asked them about the recent induction in the country's air defence system and also the latest aircraft being manufactured in India.Other senior officials, Air Marshal VR Chaudhari, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Khosla and certain others were also present in the Court.Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court that government had no role in selecting offset partners for Dassault for the Rafale deal. He added that the selection of Reliance as an offset partner was a commercial decision taken by the Dassault.The Court also asked about the change in offset guidelines in 2015, Additional Secretary of Defence Ministry explained the defence offset guideline to the court and said that the offset contract runs ...
No plans to grant MFN status to India: Pak govt
The Pakistan government has said it has "no immediate plans" to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India. Asked whether the government was considering granting MFN status to India and that Prime Minister Imran Khan was keen to hold peace talks with the Indian government, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Commerce, Textile, Industry and Investments, Abdul Razak Dawood said, "No such plans at the moment". "At present we have no immediate plans to grant MFN status to India," he said here at an event on Tuesday. However, he said Pakistan is working out free trade agreements with different countries, especially China, and hopes to complete the second FTA with China by June, 2019. Pakistan is yet to award the MFN status to India and it maintains a negative list of 1,209 items which are not permitted to be imported from India. As per a World Trade Organisation rule, every member of WTO is required to accord this status to other member countries. India has already granted this status .