Page 2569 - Politics

Modi, Rahul greet people on Dhanteras

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday greeted people on the occasion of Dhanteras.

Darbar Move: J&K Secretariat opens in Jammu

Civil Secretariat, the seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government, opened here on Monday after a 10-day break as part of the bi-annual 'Darbar Move'. Besides the Civil Secretariat, the other move offices, including Raj Bhawan and police headquarters, also opened here after six months of functioning in Srinagar. Governor Satya Pal Malik inspected the traditional guard of honour at the Civil Secretariat. The 'Darbar Move' was started by the then Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872 to escape the extreme heat during summers in Jammu and biting cold of winters in Srinagar. The practice was continued by elected governments post-independence to provide governance benefits -- by turns -- to both Kashmir and Jammu regions of the state for six months. All necessary security and other arrangements have been made to ensure smooth functioning of the government from here, officials said. Addressing a press conference, Malik announced that the government will give compensation to the farmers who lost their ..

Graphic - Iranian oil: 40 years of revolution, war, sanctions and bans

LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly 40 years after the 1979 Islamic revolution saw the exit of Western oil companies from Iran, the Iranian oil sector faces yet another costly disruption after a series of interruptions from war, sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Cong troubled over Rafale as Vadra's aide wasn't made middleman: Union min

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Monday said the Congress was "troubled" over the Rafale deal as the BJP government at the Centre had "kicked out" middleman Sanjay Bhandari, a close aide of Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. Meghwal alleged that the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre was more concerned about Bhandari than the Indian Air Force (IAF). Despite the IAF's repeated requests for advanced fighter jets, the UPA regime kept dragging its feet on the important matter from 2006 till 2013. "With complete information and responsibility, I am saying that Congress is troubled as the Rafale aircraft deal did not have middleman Sanjay Bhandari," he said in a press conference here. "We kicked out the middleman and the deal was done between two countries," he added. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government proposed to purchase the fighter aircraft at a much lower price than what was fixed by

On Dhanteras, Shivraj files nomination from Budhni constituency

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday filed his nomination from his home constituency Budhni of Sehore district for the assembly elections scheduled on November 28.The Chief Minister chose the auspicious day of Dhanteras to file his nomination. He also visited his native village Jaitpur in the morning and performed a special pooja before plunging into the battle by filing nomination.The process for filing of nominations started on November 2 and will conclude on November 9.The strength of the Madhya Pradesh assembly is 230 and counting of votes for the assembly elections will be conducted on December 11.Election in the state is seen as a direct political battle between the BJP and the Congress. While Chouhan is attempting to secure a fourth consecutive term, the Congress will fight for regaining power after 2003.

Iran says it will defy 'economic war' as U.S. reimposes curbs

WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran said it would defy the reimposition of more U.S. sanctions on Monday, condemning as "economic war" Washington's attempt to curb Tehran's missile and nuclear programs and weaken its influence in the Middle East.

Cong against Ram temple and Ram Setu: Rai

BJP's Bihar unit chief Nityanand Rai Monday charged the Congress with hatching conspiracy to deny the existence of a Ram temple at Ayodhya and 'Ram Setu'. It is the wish of millions of people, not only within the country but across the world, that a Ram temple be constructed at Ayodhya. Nobody should have any objections to that, Rai said in a statement. "Congress should apologise to the nation for having conspired to deny the existence of a temple in Ayodhya, followed by a similar conspiracy years later in case of Ram Setu..on both occasions, Congress had used its position as the party in power at the Centre," Rai said. The BJP leader also said that the 'Sant Samiti' (conclave of holy men) that concluded in New Delhi Sunday was highly appreciative of the welfare measures taken by the Narendra Modi government. The Sants were echoing the sentiments of the common people and this gives a clear indication that Narendra Modis return to power is inevitable.

Delhi court acquits CM Kejriwal in criminal defamation case filed by former aide of Sheila Dikshit

A Delhi court on Monday acquitted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a criminal defamation case filed by a former aide of Congress leader Sheila Dikshit. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal granted relief to the AAP leader citing lack of evidence against him. The AAP chief was accused by Dikshit's then political secretary Pawan Khera alleging remarks against Dikshit during power tariff hike protests in October 2012.

Owaisi terms Cong-TDP alliance 'East India Company of 2018'

In the run-up to the assembly elections in Telangana, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMM) president Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack at the Congress-Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance, terming it as the 'East India Company of 2018'."Now will (Chandrababu) Naidu save Telangana's composite culture or will the Congress save it? This is not 'Mahakutami' (grand alliance); it is the East India Company of 2018," Owaisi said at an event in Sangareddy on Sunday.Furthermore, Owaisi asserted that the people of Telangana will decide the fate of the state, and not those living elsewhere."Now will Naidu who is in Vijayawada or the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which in Nagpur, or the Congress which is in Delhi, decide the fate Telangana and its people? The fate of Telangana will be decided by its people here in Sangareddy itself. This is your state and you will decide its fate and not somebody who is Vijayawada, Nagpur or Delhi. For this, it is necessary to send this modern

Mizoram: Ahead of polls, veteran Congress leader joins BJP

Within hours of resigning from the Congress party and as the Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Hiphei on Monday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Hiphei's switch over, just days ahead of the assembly polls in Mizoram, could be seen as a major jolt to the Congress party.A veteran politician, he was elected to the 40-member Assembly from the Palak constituency in 2013.A total of 40 seats will go to polls in Mizoram on November 28. Results will be declared on December 11.Mizoram is the only state in the North-East where the Congress party is currently in power.The BJP has been reiterating that they would make all efforts to remove Congress government from the state.

Indira Gandhi governed like Hitler: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Expressing shock over senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge equating Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Adolf Hitler, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday said that it was former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who governed the country like the Nazi leader and not Prime Minister Modi."Shocking that senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge ji equalled Modi ji with Hitler. I want to tell him it was Indira ji who governed like Hitler," Prasad said.He further said that Kharge cannot even move an inch without the permission of the family (Gandhis). "This is the same Kharge ji who can't even move an inch without the permission of the family," the law minister said.On Sunday, Kharge had said that Prime Minister Modi wants to do the same with India what Hitler did to Germany. "Efforts are being made to bring dictatorship in the country. What Adolf Hitler did to Germany, Prime Minister Modi wants to do the same in India," the Congress leader had said.He had accused the Rashtriya ..

BJP accuses Chidambaram of mocking Ram temple initiative, Patel

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of "mocking" the "Ram temple initiative" and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue, saying the former Union minister's comments were "highly irresponsible and very provocative". Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a case of "classic hypocrisy" that while Congress president Rahul Gandhi visits temples and portrays himself as a 'Shiv Bhakt', a senior leader of his party was making such comments. Prasad's attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram tweeted targeting the Modi government. "At the beginning of five years, the promise is for Development, Jobs and Money in every citizen's bank account. Nothing achieved, at the end of five years, the new promise is for grand Temples, giant Statues and Doles," the Congress leader had tweeted. Prasad said Chidambaram is obviously mocking the Ram temple initiative and the Patel's Statue of Liberty, the tallest in the world. "Please stop it. Don't play with sentiments," he said, ...

Tripura drops May Day from list of state holidays; Oppn vexed

The BJP-led Tripura government has dropped May Day or International Labour Day from its list of state's 'regular holidays' and scheduled it under 'restricted holidays', sparking criticism by the opposition CPI(M) in the state. A notification issued by Under-Secretary S K Debbarma on Saturday said the government employees would be allowed to avail four holidays in a year from the list of 12 'restricted holidays', including the May Day. Opposing the move, the CPI(M) demanded reinstatement of May Day in the list of the 'regular holidays'. The party, in a statement issued here on Sunday, said, the move would "adversely affect the interests of working people as May Day signifies labour rights, which were earned through struggle". Nripen Chakraborty, Tripura's first chief minister, included May Day in the list of 'government holidays' in 1978. Terming the decision "anti-working class", former labour minister Manik Dey told reporters here the BJP-IFPT government in state has no

Was doing my job, did not wish to hurt sentiments: Mizoram CEO

Amid growing demand for his ouster, Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank Monday said he had "no intention to hurt the sentiments" of the state's civil societies and apologised for rankling them in any way. Coordination Committee, an umbrella body of major civil societies and student organisations, had sought Shashank's exit from the state, shortly after the Election Commission (EC) removed a principal secretary-level state officer Lalnunmawia Chuaungo. A section of the media said Shashank had complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process. Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly is scheduled to be held on November 28. Addressing a press meet here, the CEO said he was just fulfilling his responsibilities in accordance with the instructions of the EC. "As the state chief electoral officer, it is my responsibility that I fulfil the mandate of the EC. I can only hope that the civil societies will understand my position. I am sorry if I have hurt .

Now Rihanna forbids Trump to use her songs at rallies

After Pharrell, Rihanna has objected to US President Donald Trump using her music at his campaign rallies ahead of the midterms. The singer took to Twitter to protest after she learnt that her hit track "Don't Stop the Music" was reportedly played at a campaign rally Sunday for Republican Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rihanna was tipped off by Washington Post White House bureau chief Philip Rucker. "(Neither) me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies. Thanks for the heads up Philip (sic)!" she tweeted her reply to Rucker. The development comes after Rihanna endorsed Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum on Instagram. Last week, Pharrell Williams sent a cease-and-desist notice to Trump after his popular track "Happy" was played at the US president's political rally, the same day of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Other artistes who have forbidden the POTUS to using their music include Neil Young, Adele, .

For TRS & BJP, Chandrababu Naidu a "whipping boy" in Telangana

If there is a common thread in campaign theme of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and the BJP in the December seven Assembly polls, it's certainly their unsparing attack on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu. The pre-poll pact of TDP, the ruling party of the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, and the Congress for election to the 119-member Telangana house, has also come under fire by the TRS and BJP, which have repeatedly dubbed it "unholy." Afterall, how can TDP, a party formed in 1982 by actor-turned-politician NTR on an anti-Congress plank and to uphold Telugu self-respect in 1982, join hands with the very outfit, they ask. TRS and BJP leaders allege that if the Congress-TDP alliance comes to power in Telangana, it would be Naidu who would be calling the shots from the Andhra Pradesh capital of Amaravati. Congress and TDP leaders strongly counter their arguments, saying they joined forces to fight the "divisive and destructive politics"

Number of youths joining militancy in J-K reduced drastically: Guv

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Monday that the number of youths joining militancy in the state has come down drastically. Speaking to mediapersons here, the governor outlined the achievements of the state administration. "In (the past) three months, only one boy has joined militancy. No other person has joined the militant ranks during this period," he said after the Guard of Honour at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, which reopened on Monday after a 10-day break owing to the bi-annual 'Darbar Move'. Till July 20, as many as 87 local youths had joined militancy in the state, according to Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir. "Eighty-seven youths have joined militancy in 2018 (till July 20) in the four districts of south Kashmir -- Anantnag (14), Pulwama (35), Shopian (23), Kulgam (15)," he had said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. A high number of 127 young men joined militancy in 2017, a record since 2010, officials said. In 2016, 88 Kashmiri youths joined ...

Dhanteras got more special, said PM Modi on INS Arihant completing nuclear triad

Dhanteras got more special, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while felicitating the crew of Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihantafter the submarine returned from its first deterrence patrol, completing the establishment of the country's survivable nuclear triad."Dhanteras gets even more special! India's pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history," Prime Minister tweeted.The Prime Minister outlined that this is a major achievement, adding that a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour."The success of INS Arihant enhances India's security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation. True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region. In an era such as this, a credible ...

Work afoot by party for bypolls to 20 assembly seats in TN:

The teams set up by the ruling AIADMK to prepare for byelections to 20 Tamil Nadu assembly constituencies have begun their work, party coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam Monday said. He also rejected reports that Chief Minister K Palaniswami had asked the party workers to focus on winning eight of the 20 seats, which have fallen vacant due to disqualification of 18 sitting MLAs and demise of two others. The Chief Minister had not spoken of winning "4 or 8 seats which is your guesswork," he told reporters here. The party has recently set up teams for overseeing the preparations for the byelections, expected to be notified anytime with the Madras High Court recently vacating its stay on notifying the 18 vacancies while upholding disqualification of as many MLAs loyal to ousted leader TTV Dhinakaran. Reports had said the AIADMK was keen on winning eight seats to ensure the stability of its government after the bypolls. Panneerselvam said Palaniswami at a ..

Chautala family feud out in open; INLD heading for split?

Haryana's main opposition party, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), could be heading for a split, with the fight within the family of its President Om Prakash Chautala coming out in the open on Monday.