Page 2654 - Politics
Granting autonomy is only solution to J-K's problems: Omar Abdullah
National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that granting autonomy is the only practical solution to the decades-old problems in Jammu and Kashmir.The NC leader further said that Jammu and Kashmir is a unique state and needs special dispensation to satisfy the needs of the state.Addressing a provincial meet of party functionaries at party headquarters, Abdullah observed that the situation in the Valley is turning grave day by day. "Every day we hear news about killings, encounters, crackdowns, CASO's across the state. South was already boiling but now even Srinagar is witnessing massive gunfights, crackdowns. It seems that the government has lost its writ over the situation in Kashmir," he said.He also maintained that autonomy affords a pragmatic way out. "It is high time for the government of India to implement the resolution of autonomy. It is the only pragmatic solution to the age-old problem. Jammu and Kashmir is a unique state and needs a special ...
Saurabh Kumar named India's next Ambassador to Myanmar
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that it has appointed Saurabh Kumar as the new Ambassador to Myanmar.The MEA, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the new Indian Ambassador to Myanmar will be assuming the assignment "shortly".Kumar, belonging to the 1989 Indian Foreign Service's (IFS) batch, is presently serving as the Ambassador of India to Iran.
Saudi Crown Prince condemns Khashoggi's death
Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad bin Salman publicly condemned journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death in an address on Wednesday at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh."The crime was really painful to all Saudis. And it is painful to every human in the world, heinous to every human in the world," the crown prince said while addressing a special plenary session of the "Davos in the Desert" conference.He further mentioned, "Today, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is carrying out all due legal processes to find out the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice."This is the first time that the crown prince has broken his silence to speak on a public platform post the confirmation of Khashoggi's death.Highlighting that "no obstacle is too great for Saudi Arabia," he further said, "We live among a great people. Once they have set a goal, the Saudi people will achieve it - no obstacle is too great. All giga projects are ongoing. Our war on religious extremism is ongoing. Our
CBI row: PM Modi should answer the nation, asserts Chandrababu Naidu
Following the Centre's decision to divest Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana of their duties, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is answerable to the nation on the developments witnessed pertaining to the case."The Centre is destroying all the institutions of the government and does not want them to function independently. It's a big threat to democracy and the Constitution. The Prime Minister is responsible for the developments in the CBI, and he should give a proper answer to the nation," Naidu said.The Chief Minister further opined that Alok Verma was removed to cover up investigation being done in the Rafale scam. "This development clearly establishes the Modi government's link to the Rafale scam," he added.Earlier, Naidu had claimed that institutions meant for protecting the citizens had been made powerless."An unfortunate scenario in the country where a deemed ...
Action taken against minister accused of harrassing woman officer: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said the matter relating to the exchange of objectionable messages from a minister to a senior woman officer in the state government has been taken very seriously and has been resolved to the officer's satisfaction."The matter was brought to my notice some weeks ago and I had asked the minister to apologise and sort it out with the lady officer. I understand he had done so to the satisfaction of the officer and thus the matter was resolved," said the Chief Minister while responding to the media reports regarding the incident.Some media reports were doing rounds that a senior woman officer was allegedly harassed by a Punjab cabinet minister.In the wake of these reports, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Women Wing had demanded the ousting of the cabinet minister.
CVC accuses CBI's Alok Verma of wilful obstruction in its functioning
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) accused CBI Director Alok Verma, who was divested of his charge on Wednesday, of non-cooperation in producing records and files sought by it on allegations against him and that his "wilful obstruction in the functioning of the Commission is established."
Minister's messages to woman officer; Amarinder says 'action taken'
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Wednesday that the matter relating to reported objectionable message of a minister to a woman officer had been "taken very seriously" and, to the best of his knowledge, resolved to the officer's satisfaction.
Group of prominent people appeal to PM to officially celebrate accession day
A group of prominent people have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik to officially celebrate the state's accession day on October 26 with enthusiasm to respect the sentiments of its people. Former commissioner-secretary to the J-K government and PSC member K B Jandial said the day carries great significance for the nationalist people as it was on this day when the then Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession to become part of the greatest democracy of the world. "Over fifty prominent citizens have jointly appealed to the prime minister and the governor of J-K to officially celebrate the day," he said. The signatories to the joint appeal include former chief justices of high courts, former judges of the J-K High Court, former chief secretary, former DGP, retired IAS, IPS, IFS and other civil servants, retired officers of defence services, professionals like doctors, engineers, advocates, media persons, writers, artists .
Act enacted in 1997 to regulate pvt clinics in force from Jun 1 this yr: TN govt
The Tamil Nadu government Wednesday informed the Madras High Court that an act, enacted over two decades ago to regulate private clinics, came into force from June 1 this year. The submission was made by Special Government pleader M Pappiah before Justice N Kirubakaran, who had raised several questions on non-enforcement of the Act following the death of a medical student after a hair transplant at a clinic in 2016. Pappiah submitted that the state government has notified the 'Tamil Nadu Private Clinic Establishments (Regulation) Act, 1997', which was notified in April 2018 and came into force from June 1. The court appreciated the government for giving effect to the act "at least after two decades" and posted the matter to November 8 for further hearing. ARHT Global Hair Services Pvt. Ltd had moved the court, seeking to de-seal their premises, locked by the authorities after the death of a final year MBBS student on May 17, 2016 following a hair transplant. The court had directed the
Maha delaying drought declaration as it lacked funds: Chavan
The Congress in Maharashtra Wednesday alleged that the BJP-led state government was delaying the declaration of drought due to lack of funds which was a result of a "fiscal mismanagement". State unit Congress president Ashok Chavan also demanded that the government declare drought without any delay and stop using terms such as "drought-like". "There is no legal definition of 'drought-like'. The government can either declare a drought or declare water scarcity," the former chief minister said while addressing a rally under "Jan Sangahrsh" Yatra of the Congress at Ausa in Latur district, around 485 kms from the state capital. "The government has delayed the announcement of drought due to lack of funds which was a fallout of financial mismanagement by the BJP-led government," he alleged. The third phase of the Yatra was kicked off from the temple town of Tuljapur in Osmanabd district. A Congress leader said the campaign was aimed at "exposing the false promises made by the ..
Rafale scam could be reason behind sending Alok Verma on leave: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the investigation on the Rafale fighter jets scam could be the reason behind the central government's decision to send Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) director Alok Kumar Verma on leave.Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said, "Media has reported that the CBI Director wanted to investigate Rafale Deal. I think that could be the only reason that the Director was transferred at 3 a.m."Furthermore, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the ruling government, claiming that all democratic institutions are being undermined."I have faith that the SC would give relief to the CBI director as its violation of section 4 of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. I want to know which section Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) will use to remove him. Why is the Prime Minister protecting a corrupt officer? All democratic institutions are being undermined," he noted.Meanwhile, Bharatiya .
Pakistan out of pressure thanks to aid from Saudi: Imran Khan
Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked Saudi Arabia for easing the pressure on Pakistan by extending financial help to the cash-strapped nation."My Pakistanis, today I am here with a good news for all of you. We were facing really hard times. We were highly pressurised into paying heavy debts. But thanks to Saudi Arab's extension of assistance, we are out of the pressure," he said during a public address on Wednesday.Mentioning that the nation was "at the brink of becoming defaulters" due to limited resources, Khan continued, "We had two options; either go to International Monetary Fund (IMF) or seek help from friendly countries. If we had gone to IMF directly, we'd have had to borrow more money and that would have meant stricter conditions which would crush our poor strata of society. But now we are in a better position."He further indicated that "more good news" is in store, as Pakistan is in talk with two more "friendly nations".Khan also stated that Pakistan will be acting as a ...
Congress releases list of 40 candidates for Mizoram Assembly polls
The Congress on Wednesday released names of candidates for 40 seats for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly Elections.Mizoram's incumbent Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla will contest from Champhai South seat and Assembly Speaker Hiphei will fight from Palak seat.Mizoram is the only state in the entire North-East where the Congress is in power presently. The BJP has been reiterating that they would make all efforts to remove the Congress from power.Single-phase Assembly polls in Mizoram will be held on November 28. Counting of votes will be done on December 11.
PIL filed in SC seeking CBI probe in Rafale deal
A fresh Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was on Wednesday filed in the Supreme Court in connection with the controversial Rafale deal by advocate Prashant Bhushan, and former Union Ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, seeking a court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the case.The plea states that an FIR was not registered in connection with their complaint as there is extreme pressure on the CBI. The petition seeks orders for non-transfer of CBI officials investigating the Rafale issue.The petitioners appealed to the apex court to direct the CBI to investigate the offences disclosed to them in the complaint in a time-bound manner and to submit periodic status reports to the court.The petition also sought a direction for the central government to cease and desist from influencing or intimidating in any way the officials that would investigate the offences disclosed in the complaint.It further sought direction for the CBI and the central government to not ...
CBI director removed because PM feared action in Rafale scam: Cong
CBI director Alok Verma was removed overnight without the approval of the selection committee because Prime Minister Narendra Modi feared that the top officer might take steps that could "hurt" him in the Rafale "scam", the Congress alleged Wednesday. Talking to reporters here, Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the prime minister's "desperate bid" to cover up the Rafale "scam" had pushed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into complete "disintegration". He claimed that the government "panicked" because Verma was likely to file an FIR in connection with the Rafale issue, based on complaints received by the probe agency. Surjewala also sought an "explanation" from the prime minister over the overnight removal of the CBI director. There was no immediate reaction from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on the allegations. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has, however, dismissed as "rubbish" the allegations that Verma was removed because he wanted to look into ..
Oppn demands sacking of Punjab minister over text to woman official, CM says matter 'resolved'
As opposition parties demanded the sacking of a Punjab minister for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a woman officer, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Wednesday said he believed the matter has been resolved to the victim's satisfaction. In a statement, Singh said he had taken up the matter very seriously and asked the minister to apologise. According to a media report, a Cabinet minister sent the text messages to the official and stopped for a while when she warned him against it. She reportedly complained against him after he messaged her again over a month ago. The matter was brought to my notice some weeks ago and I had asked the minister to apologise and sort it out with the lady officer, Singh, who is on an official trip to Israel, said. I understand he had done so to the satisfaction of the officer and thus the matter was resolved, his statement added. Singh reaction came after opposition parties attacked the Congress-led government, seeking action against the minister,
Verma moves SC challenging his removal as CBI director, cites tacit government interference
Hours after the government stripped him of his powers, CBI Director Alok Verma on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision and suggesting that the government may not be in agreement with the course of CBI probe into cases relating to some "high functionaries".
BJP to launch intensive membership drive in Bihar from Oct 27
Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP Wednesday announced that it will embark on an intensive membership drive in Bihar starting later this week during which it would enrol 50 workers for each polling booth area. Bihar BJP president and MP Nityanand Rai said in a statement that the membership drive will begin on October 27 and continue till October 31. "It will be ensured that among 50 members for each booth, 10 are women, an equal number from the Scheduled Castes and OBCs and 20 from other social groups," he said. Rai said BJP was in power in only five states in 2014, when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. Since then, the number of states ruled by the party has risen to 15. "But we are not going to rest on laurels. We believe in ideology and organization unlike our opponents who invoke caste", he said. "It is our resolve to ensure that the BJP wins more than 300 seats in the Lok Sabha polls and Narendra Modi gets another term as the Prime Minister", he added.
Modi govt's bid to avoid Rafale deal probe behind CBI 'drama': Sinha
Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha Wednesday alleged the Modi government's attempts to avoid an inquiry into the Rafale deal was behind the ongoing turmoil in the CBI. Charging that the Modi government had "destroyed" the credibility of the CBI, the former BJP leader said the Centre's decision to remove agency director Alok Verma was "illegal" and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had no authority to do so. Sinha also alleged that the government could go to any extent to "destroy" the country's institutions in order to protect itself from any inquiry. Verma and CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who were at loggerheads, were divested of their powers and sent on leave by the government. A late night order Tuesday from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent Verma and Asthana on leave. The government has strongly defended its decision, saying it was "absolutely essential" to maintain the CBI's institutional integrity. Finance Minister Arun ...
Bengal spars with Centre over UGC directive on Sardar Patel
The West Bengal government on Wednesday accused the Modi government of demeaning contribution of national leaders "by dragging them into politics" in the wake of a UGC directive for celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31.