Page 2529 - Politics
Karnataka celebrates Tipu Jayanti amid protests by BJP
Karnataka on Saturday celebrated the 269th birth anniversary (Jayanti) of erstwhile Mysore (Mysuru) ruler Tipu Sultan amid protests by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, an official said.
Congress, BJP attack Odisha government ahead of investor summit
The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday slammed the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government for failing to convert investment intents into projects in the state.
Congress stages protest rally against demonetisation
The Congress Saturday staged a protest rally against the failure of demonetisation and termed it as one of the "biggest scams" in the country. The West Bengal Congress unit today staged a protest outside the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the city against demonetisation that was announced two ago on November 8, 2016. "This year we are observing the second anniversary of the draconian decision of demonetisation. This was one of the biggest scams India has ever seen. This was nothing but an official money laundering scheme of the BJP government," WBPCC president Somen Mitra said at the protest programme. Congress workers also took out a candle light march carrying placards and posters against the state government.
JK Guv wants swift action against 'corrupt elements' in public institutions
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday advised the state vigilance commission to "effectively" deal with "corrupt elements" occupying senior posts in public institutions. The Governor gave the directions to chief vigilance commissioner P L Gupta who called on him at the Raj Bhavan here, an official spokesperson said. "The chief vigilance commissioner was advised to speed up the processes of the commission to see that the corrupt elements, particularly those occupying senior echelons, are effectively dealt with, if transparency is to be introduced in the functioning of the public institutions," the official said. Gupta briefed the Governor about the functioning of the commission, progress achieved in disposing off the enquiries pending before the commission and steps taken to enhance the accountability of the administrative system, the official added.
MNF's coalition claims in Mizoram tribal council false: Cong
The ruling Congress in poll-bound Mizoram on Saturday said it was no longer an ally of the BJP in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) and termed the allegations made against the party in this regard by opposition MNF as "false and baseless". Mizoram is set to go to polls on November 28. The tenure of the 40-member Assembly ends on 15 December 2018. Former chief minister and Mizo National Front (MNF) chief Zoramthanga claimed on Friday that the Congress and the BJP have continued to remain alliance partners in the CADC. CADC is an autonomous council for ethnic Chakma people, formed under the sixth schedule of the Constitution on April 29, 1972. The council exercises legislative, executive and judicial powers over allotted departments in its territory, which is spread over 1500 sqkm. Election to 20-member CADC on April 20 had thrown a fractured mandate. While the MNF bagged eight seats, the Congress won six, and the BJP five. Poll to one seat was stayed by the ...
'Tipu Jayanthi' celebrations: BJP stages protests; CM, DyCM skip event
Protests by BJP and right-wing outfits broke out in several parts of Karnataka on Saturday against 'Tipu Jayanthi' celebrations, which were held amid tight security, while Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his deputy skipped the main event here, drawing disapproval from ruling Congress lawmakers. The previous Congress government led by Siddaramaiah began celebrating the birth anniversary of controversial 18th century Mysore kingdom ruler Tipu Sultan on November 10 every year since 2015, amid stiff opposition from the BJP and several Hindu organisations and groups. When in the opposition, Kumaraswamy had questioned the need for such celebrations. The main event at Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat here, turned out to be lacklustre on Saturday, as Kumaraswamy, who is of JD(S), skipped it citing advice by doctors to take rest for three days till November 11. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, who is of Congress, was also not present as he was reportedly in Singapore to visit an ..
Congress only releases manifestos, never fulfills promises: Shivraj Chouhan
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took a dig at the Congress on Saturday saying that the party only releases its election manifesto but never delivers on the promises made.Addressing a rally here, Chouhan said that though late Congress leaders Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had promised to remove poverty in the country but failed to do so."The Congress today released its election manifesto; they only release manifestos but never fulfill them. Even Indira ji and Rajiv ji had promised to remove poverty but didn't do it. Their promise was fulfilled by Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi that is why Congress is angry," the chief minister said.Chouhan, who is the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh since 2003 and popularly known as 'mama' in the state, during a rally in Pushprajgarh earlier in the day alleged that the poor conditions of roads and erratic power and water supplies in the state were not taken care of during the previous Congress governments
18 sensitive seats to go to polls in first phase in C'garh
As many as 18 assembly seats in eight districts of Chhattisgarh's security-sensitive zone will go to polls on Monday. Chief Minister Raman Singh is hoping to continue his victory spree from Rajnandgaon seat for the third consecutive term.This time he is seeking re-election against Karuna Shukla of the Congress. Shukla is the niece of former Prime Minister and prominent BJP leader late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Shukla was a BJP Member of Parliament from Janjjir Lok Sabha constituency but she left the party in 2013 and joined the Congress in 2014. The same year during the General Elections while contesting on the Congress ticket from Bilaspur, she lost to the BJP candidate Lakhanlal Sahu. Since then, she has been actively engaged in the state politics, particularly in Rajnandgaon.At present, the Congress rules over 39 seats in the state, while the ruling BJP holds 49 seats in the region.In the previous assembly elections held in 2013, the BJP, although retained power in the state, lost its .
Congress is the main obstacle in building Ram Temple: Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a direct attack on the Congress accused the party of being the main obstacle in building the Ram Temple.In an attempt to connect with people's 'feelings', Adityanath told ANI: "People want the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. We respect their emotions. Whatever can be done under the ambit of the Constitution will be done."He further added that Ayodhya has a certain Vedic relevance as it is the birthplace of Lord Ram and development there is being done keeping that in mind.Touching on the issue of Naxalism, the chief minister said: "Congress promoted Naxalism in this region for their own selfish motives. BJP government is taking strict measures to combat it which has become a threat to the people in this region. Congress toyed with national security for their political benefits."Earlier in the day also while addressing a public rally in Chhattisgarh's Kawardha, he accused the Congress of being the "main obstacle" in building the Ram Temple. ...
Dushyant Chautala refuses to accept expulsion from INLD
Expelled from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) earlier this month, Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala said on Saturday that he has not received any expulsion order so far.
Trump asks if there's anything better than the end of a war
In Paris to mark the centennial of World War I, President Donald Trump asked Saturday if there is anything better than celebrating the end of a war. Trump travelled to France to join dozens of other world leaders in marking the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the first global conflict in which millions were killed. "Is there anything better to celebrate than the end of a war, in particular that one, which was one of the bloodiest and worst of all time?" the president asked in a tweet. Trump wasted no time taking a poke at his French host Friday as he arrived in Paris. Trump tweeted that French President Emmanuel Macron "has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the U.S. subsidizes greatly!" It was a clear sign that the "America first" president was ready to chart his own course yet again as world leaders gathered to ...
Mizoram polls: PRISM files counter affidavits against 28
The People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) on Saturday said the party has filed counter affidavits against 28 candidates, who have submitted nominations to contest the polls to the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly on November 28. A release issued by PRISM said that counter affidavits were filed against candidates belonging to the ruling Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM). Those against whom counter affidavits were filed include Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, ZPM chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma and MNF nominee C Lalramzauva, for allegedly trying to conceal facts, the release said.
Macron's office says Trump anger based on misunderstanding
France on Saturday attempted to defuse a row sparked by President Emmanuel Macron's comments about a European army which angered US President Donald Trump, suggesting his remarks had been misinterpreted. Trump arrived in Paris for World War 1 commemorations on Friday night blasting what he termed "very insulting" remarks from Macron who had mentioned the US alongside China, Russia as national security threats earlier this week. Macron's office on Saturday acknowledged that his remarks "could create confusion" but stressed: "He never said we need a European army against the United States." Many news organisations, including AFP, quoted from the following remarks from Macron during his interview with Europe 1 radio on Tuesday. "We are being hit by attempted break-ins in cyberspace and interventions elsewhere in our democratic lives," Macron said. "We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States. "When I see President Trump announce a few weeks ago ..
Cong govt will disband Vyapam: Party manifesto
The Congress on Saturday promised to disband the Vyapam and refund the examination fees of the lakhs of youth who had appeared for the recruitment tests conducted by the scam-hit board in the last 10 years. The Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, popularly known by the acronym Vyapam (Vyavasayik Pareeksha Mandal), is at the centre of a massive recruitment scandal, involving bribery and fudging of marks among others, that is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. In its 112-page manifesto released here, the opposition party said it would disband the board if it comes to power in the state and replace it with a "Rajya Karmachari Chayan Aayog" to ensure transparent recruitments and a corruption-free system. In MP, recruitment in government jobs and admission for professional courses in medicine, engineering and others are conducted by Vyapam. In the manifesto, titled "Vachan Patra" (document of promises), the Congress stated it would set up a board and enact a ...
BFI hopeful of resolving visa issue for 3-member Kosovo contingent
The Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh Saturday said he is hopeful that the lone boxer from Kosovo, a country that India does not recognise, will be able to compete in next week's women's world championships here. "The boxer concerned also has an Albanian passport and we have diplomatic ties with Albania, so that should work," Singh told PTI. "We have made some headway in the matter. I will be meeting officials at the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday and hopefully she will be granted a visa to compete here," he added. Kosovo, a partially recognised state in Eastern Europe, would be fielding just one boxer Donjeta Sadiku (60kg) along with two coaches, in the competition. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has since been granted recognition by 113 members of the United Nations. However, India has refused to do so, maintaining that it would respect the sovereignty of Serbia. Kosovo is one of nine debutants at the world championship, which starts on ...
BJP releases 'people's charge sheet' against TRS
Stepping up its attack on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi in Telangana ahead of the December seven Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party Saturday released a "peoples charge sheet," highlighting the alleged failures of the ruling party. BJP leader and Union Minister JP Nadda, in-charge of BJP affairs for the assembly elections in Telangana, and the partys state unit president K Laxman released the "charge sheet." "This charge sheet is against their (TRS) cheating, betrayal. Not just one section, all sections of people were made to believe (their promises) and then (they were) betrayed. BJP is releasing this charge sheet against that. Now, people have to give their final verdict in the people's court of elections," Laxman told reporters. The "charge sheet" mentions a slew of alleged failures and broken promises, including making a Dalit leader Chief Minister and providing three acres to Dalit families. Meanwhile, Nadda, who addressed a public meeting organised by
BJP chief seeks 70,000 victory margin for Raman Singh
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Saturday called upon the voters to ensure the victory Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh from Rajnandgaon seat with a lead of over 70,000 votes against his rival in the ensuing Assembly polls. Singh's victory margin from Rajnandgaon was over 35,000 votes in the last polls. Congress has fielded Karuna Shukla, niece of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee against Singh.Addressing an election rally here, Shah said: "If an MLA wins in some other constituency, he will remain an MLA. If Dr Raman Singh wins, he will become the chief minister. So to take full benefits from him, you will have to ensure that he wins by a huge margin. I give you a target to make him victorious by over 70,000 votes."He also urged the people to ensure the constituency witnesses a voter turnout of over 80 per cent on November 12. "When you go out to vote on November 12, you have to choose between a corruption, lies and scandal filled Congress party and .
Chhattisgarh polls: Campaign ends for first phase, polling on Monday
Campaigning for the first phase of state assembly elections concluded on Friday. Voting for 18 constituencies will be held on November 12.The first phase of elections comprises 18 seats and these are distributed in eight Naxal-affected districts. Of these, 12 are Scheduled Tribe seats while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat.The polling for remaining 72 seats will take place on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phased state polls.In its manifesto, released earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised several schemes and a "Naxal free" and "Naya Chhattisgarh" to woo the voters. While releasing the manifesto, party's national president Amit Shah asserted that the last 15 years rule of the BJP is a model of an ideal state.Prime Minister Narendra Modi too jumped into the bandwagon of campaigners on Friday and attacked the Congress heavily while addressing a rally in Jagdalpur.On ...
Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebrations surprise Javadekar
Coming down heavily on the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance government in Karnataka over Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebrations, Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said holding a state government event on the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, who persecuted Hindus and Christians in large numbers is "surprising."Speaking to ANI, Javadekar said: "To hold a state government event on Tipu Sultan Jayanti who is a symbol of hatred, is surprising. We want to ask the Congress how the one, who destroyed churches and temples and killed thousands of Christians and Hindus, is praised in a state government event."The Congress government-led Siddaramaiah had started celebrating Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary in 2015, saying that the 18th century ruler of Mysore was a "freedom fighter", who was killed in the fourth Anglo-Mysore war. On November 8, former chief minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yeddyurappa called the state government's ...
Congress MLA corners Karnataka CM for skipping Tipu Jayanti celebrations
Congress MLA Tanveer Sait on Saturday hit out at Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara for skipping Tipu Jayanti celebrations.Sait said that their decision to not attend the celebrations is an insult to the Muslim community. "I've information that Chief Minister couldn't attend because of health reasons. Deputy Chief Minister also couldn't attend. Somewhere it seems like it's an insult to the community. There's no doubt about that," Sait told reporters here.On Friday, the Karnataka Chief Minister's Office (CMO) issued a statement stating that Kumaraswamy would not take part in any official function for the next three days (November 9-11) as he has been advised by doctors to take rest due to health concerns."On the advice of doctors, the chief minister will take three days rest till November 11. He will spend time with family and there will be no official engagements on these days," the statement read.The birth anniversary of the 18th century Mysore ...